Mike D’Antoni once recommended against the idea of drafting Brandon Jennings. Jennings heard him say as much, and appears to have made a personal vow to never forgot that he did. Following the Bucks loss to the Knicks in New York on Monday, Jennings made mention of how much better these Knicks are now too now that D’Antoni’s gone. A comment, that while true, was also undeniably a shot at the guy who didn’t want to draft him.
This quote according to the New York Post on Wednesday:
Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings took his own little jab at former coach Mike D’Antoni after the loss. Jennings has feasted on the Knicks ever since D’Antoni recommended not drafting him in 2009. Jennings sees a difference in Woodson’s defensive-oriented club which is 7-1 since he took over.
“They did play a lot more aggressively than they’ve played since I have been in the NBA,’’ Jennings said. “They just played harder.” Under Woodson, the Knicks have allowed more than 90 or more points twice in eight games.
What’s ironic to me about this little spat is that it would seem these two guys would actually work well together if they ever were able to bury the hatchet. D’Antoni doesn’t have much time for defense, and Jennings doesn’t either. Jennings is a prolific offensive talent, and those are the type of guys who seem to flourish in a Mike D’Antoni system. The issue may lye in the fact that Jennings isn’t only a shoot first point guard though, but a shoot only point guard, and maybe Mike’s looking for a little more Nashing from his lead facilitator.
You can score one for Jennings in this little feud regardless however, and don’t expect Mike to fire back anytime soon.
