Mike D’Antoni’s future as Knicks coach may well be tied to Donnie Walsh’s uncertain status as the team’s president/GM. But a day after clinching the Knicks’ first playoff bid in seven years, D’Antoni made it clear he wants to stay on beyond next season, when his contract is set to expire.
“Yeah, I love what I do,’’ D’Antoni said Monday when asked if he wanted to return. “I like my guys, so it’s all good. Again, I’m not focused on that per se. Hypothetically, I’d love to. But we need to make some noise right now, so that’s where we’re at.’’
D’Antoni’s agent, Warren LeGarie, was at Sunday night’s playoff-clinching win over Cleveland, and turned up at Monday’s practice as well. The California-based agent was seen talking to Walsh, but he does attend Knicks games occasionally throughout the season. D’Antoni stressed nothing should be read into LeGarie’s presence, and added that he’s not stressed over his contract situation.
“From an early age, you do the best you can do, and it usually works out some way. I’m 60 years old, so it’s not like I have to live and die by it,’’ D’Antoni said. “If I was 40, I’d be a little bit more worried. I’m at an age now where thank God I can live for today and try to get this team right.’’
When asked if team owner Jim Dolan said anything to him in the wake of the postseason-sealing victory, D’Antoni responded “Like everybody (else), just great job. Everybody was just really happy.’’
It should be noted that a potential lockout might give some teams pause in switching coaches. But with one year left on his deal, D’Antoni’s fate may not be resolved until that of Walsh, whose contract is running out. There is an option looming that must be picked up before April 30.


