Sports Radio Interviews

Mike D’Antoni: “We’re not gonna strike out”

Last year, the Knicks were one of the worst teams in the NBA.  However, that was to be expected.  More so than any other team in the NBA, New York has completely focused their attention on the free agent class of 2010 and because of that, they have sacrificed wins and a quality product.  Their goal for the last couple of years has been to clear cap space and have enough financial flexibility to lure two big name free agents to play at Madison Square Garden.  They have completed step one of their process.  They have the financial flexibility that they were looking for.  On top of that, New York is the mecca of basketball and they have a coach that is well respected around the NBA.  It remains to be seen whether or not part two of their plan will come to fruition, but Mike D’Antoni seems pretty confident about it and the Knicks have gone all in on the “Summer of LeBron.”

Mike D’Antoni joined ESPN 1050 in New York with Jody McDonald and Brandon Tierney to talk about the upcoming free agency in the NBA, what he is going to pitch to free agents, and the NBA Draft tonight.

On what New York can offer free agents:

“Well, we’re gonna show them what we have and what New York has to offer.  How we’re gonna try and build a championship team and convince them this is the place they want to be.”

On what message he is going to send the free agents

“You mean after I get off my knees and quit begging?  We have a unique opportunity.  When Donnie (Walsh) came on, that’s what he laid out two years ago.  We would go through tough sledding, get it to the other side, and have enough space to at least get one max player, if not two.  We kinda lucked out twice and now we have the opportunity to get two max players.  That’s all you can do.  With relationships, with the way things have gone, and show them how are we going to win a championship?  I think the free agents will listen to it and if they believe you have a good plan, hopefully they will sign on.”

On what he is doing right now in anticipation for free agency:

“Well the biggest thing that we’re doing right now is developing the few guys that we have.  I’m really enthused about Billy Walker, Toney Douglas, Wilson Chandler, Danilo (Gallinari), Eddy Curry, all these guys have bought in to what we’re trying to do.  We spent a good month and a half with them and now we will go out and get a better team. We have the ability to make a big jump.  That’s what we wanted to do and hopefully it will work out.”

On whether or not he would regret his decision to coach the Knicks if they strike out in free agency:

“No.  This is a unique challenge and a unique place and we have an opportunity.  We’re not gonna strike out.  That’s not gonna happen.  We might hit a single or double.  We’re going for the home run, but we’re gonna get the bat on the ball, I guarantee you.”

On their draft preparations:

“Right now the scouts are going through and rating the players and putting them in some type of order. There are some guys that I do like. I don’t know if they will be there at 38 or 39, but if you notice my contract is two more years so I’m mostly in the free agent group. The second rounder, if you find me something nice then great, I will develop them. If I don’t get it done July 1st, they might be developing for another coach. We’ve gotta get this thing done another way. I’ll be interested, put my two cents in with these players, and hopefully we can come up with someone that got overlooked or we can fix the hole in his game.”

Listen to Mike D’Antoni on ESPN Radio in new York here (Audio begins 24:15 into the podcast)

Tags: 2010 NBA Draft, 2010 NBA Free Agency, Mike D'Antoni, NBA, New York Knicks