Carmelo Anthony against Mike D’Antoni next season?
It may happen, and in an ironic twist, they could be facing their former teams when it does.
The ex-Knicks coach has met with Denver about their coaching vacancy, according to multiple reports. D’Antoni and Anthony clashed when the two were together in New York before D’Antoni “quit” mid-season in 2012 and was replaced by assistant Mike Woodson. D’Antoni coached two seasons for the Lakers, but parted ways with the team after a disastrous 27-55 season in 2013-14.
Woodson also is a Nuggets candidate and could interview for the position, according to a Boston Globe report. After being let go by Knicks president Phil Jackson following last season, Woodson worked as an assistant on Doc Rivers’ staff for the Clippers.
Yahoo Sports reported D’Antoni met with Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly on Tuesday and his fast-paced running game appeals to Denver, which fired Brian Shaw last season. Former Kings coach Mike Malone also has interviewed, according to ESPN, and Yahoo reported the interim coach, Melvin Hunt, remains an option to land the full-time gig.
Anthony spent the first eight years of his career in Denver before he was traded to the Knicks in a blockbuster deal in 2011.