Sloan a Candidate to Replace D'Antoni in NYC (Rumor)

[huzy]

According to SI.com:

While retired Lakers and Bulls coach Phil Jackson has frequently been named as a possible successor to D'Antoni, sources close to retired Utah coach Jerry Sloan say he would be interested in the position. Sloan retired abruptly in February 2011, and was pursued by a number of teams during the summer before resisting the recruiting efforts. In an interview with SI.com in early January, he said he was considering a return. SI.com

My first thought is "Wow! This would be interesting!" Mr. Anthony and company should be careful what they wish for. Based on Chris Broussard's report, it seems the Knicks are over the "nice guy" routine with D'Antoni.

"The players like Mike as a person," one source said. "They think he's a good guy. But he doesn't have the respect of the team anymore."

Sloan would certainly bring a different approach.

For what it's worth, I think Lin and A'mare / Chandler would really flourish in Sloan's pick and roll offense. But, again the problem of Melo needing the ball comes into play. I don't necessarily think he fits Sloan's philosophy either.

The Knicks have hit a really interesting place. Sustainably successful franchises typically target players that fit into the coaching philosophy (Popovich, Jackson, Rivers, etc.) The Knicks are trying to find a coach that can fit with their blend of players...seems a little backwards to me. Look at the challenges Mike Brown has had in LA.

...at the very least, Sloan in NYC would be must see TV. At the end of the day, that's what James "Cablevision" Dolan is really all about.

[Marcus13]

From Salt Lake City to New York City?

That would be a hell of a transition - Idk that Sloan is up for it at his age

[OnyxCashew]

dude is like 70 years old...hard to believe hed want to step into that mess. he thought deron williams was hard to coach and now hes gonna coach melo?

[More Banners]

Melo is an incredibly tradable player, though, so even if he really doesn't fit and the unlikely Sloan hiring happens, he can easily be swapped for just about anyone in the league, or perhaps an even better package that would give them the depth they need.

Bring back Wilson Chandler and David Lee?

[huzy]

Melo is an incredibly tradable player, though, so even if he really doesn't fit and the unlikely Sloan hiring happens, he can easily be swapped for just about anyone in the league, or perhaps an even better package that would give them the depth they need.

Bring back Wilson Chandler and David Lee?

I'm cool with the idea of trading Melo, but Lee and Chandler is selling low. Lee is a poor man's A'mare, no need for him to come back to NYC. I actually think the Knicks could get a nice haul for Melo.

How about this?

Memphis receives: Carmelo Anthony

New York receives: Rudy Gay, Tony Allen.

Works in the trade machine. I like it for both teams.

[KY Celts fan]

Jerry Sloan is exactly what NYC needs. Someone to kick all of those players in the butt (especially Melo) and have them play both sides of the court.

As a basketball fan, I'd love to see this happen. As a Celtics fan, I hope NYC is still stupid enough to pass it over.

[pearljammer10]

After this season I am convinced the Knicks troubles are DAntoni. They have some decent talent, now they just need a better system to run with. DAntoni's run and gun, no defense isn't going to work for the players they have.

[Who]

I don't see Sloan handling the media in NY well.

They should go after Jeff Van Gundy. He is the best candidate for the job.

[guava_wrench]

Jerry Sloan is exactly what NYC needs. Someone to kick all of those players in the butt (especially Melo) and have them play both sides of the court.

As a basketball fan, I'd love to see this happen. As a Celtics fan, I hope NYC is still stupid enough to pass it over.

Maybe Sloan can get through to Melo. He has more credibility.