Hoops Habit
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At risk in the NBA bubble: Coaches on the hot seat

ByCorey Rausch|
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Brett Brown head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 07, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Brett Brown head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 07, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2. Mike D’Antoni

The Houston Rockets and Mike D’Antoni were working on an extension last summer for the coach who has helped them be one of the most consistent contenders since D’Antoni landed in Texas. The 2019-2020 season was the last in his deal and no one wants to be a lame-duck coach. Talks fell apart and D’Antoni made it clear he was not happy with what was going on.

Rumors have abounded all season that even a title may not be enough for the penny-pinching Tilman Fertitta to give a major contract for his coach. He has been looking for ways to cut costs since last offseason when he was pushing Daryl Morey to move on from key role players to avoid the luxury tax.

All D’Antoni has done since coming to the Rockets has won. In four seasons in Houston, he has sported a winning percentage of 68.2 percent. The Rockets have finished first, second, second and sixth in offensive rating. The only issue for the Rockets has been hitting their stride in the same generation as the Golden State Warriors.

D’Antoni should be allowed to coach this team as long as he sees fit. He has continuously adapted his team that currently looks like one of the best teams in the playoffs. Unfortunately, this may be out of his hands.