Many people were unhappy about the Los Angeles Lakers trading away Steve Blake, who was a fan favorite. The Lakers did receive two good young players in MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore, who helped the Lakers to a big win over the Boston Celtics tonight.
After the game, Brooks spoke to the media, and Lakers reporter Mike Trudell says that Brooks gained a little more confidence from his new coach:
MarShon Brooks on tonight: “D’Antoni gave me the confidence to go out and play my game.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 22, 2014
Mike D’Antoni has gotten a lot of flak from fans since he was named head coach instead of Phil Jackson, but quotes like these show he is capable of doing some things right.
It is a coach’s job to bring the best out of his players, and D’Antoni has clearly done that with Brooks so far.
In addition, Wesley Johnson, Xavier Henry, and Nick Young have all enjoyed career seasons this year, and it would be foolish to not give D’Antoni at least some credit for this. This comes off of the recently traded Blake lauding D’Antoni for the freedom he gave him while he was with the team.
D’Antoni may not do some things, as well as many, would like, but he clearly has the support of some players on this team.