Mike D'Antoni Surprised by Amar'e Stoudemire's Comments

Did D'Antoni actually teach STAT defense?

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Amar'e Stoudemire's admission about never learning defense was a shock to a very, very small few. But other than the "you don't say" sarcasm it inspired, the comments could be taken as an unintentional (or was it?) shot at his former coach Mike D'Antoni. Well, at least D'Antoni took it that way. The Lakers coach responded to the comments and said he found them "mind-boggling."

D'Antoni said, "I mean, come on. He just threw Frank Johnson, myself, Alvin Gentry and actually Mike Woodson [under the bus]. Was [Woodson] saving the good stuff? Because he coached him eight months and he was the defensive coach. So it was like, 'You know, I won't tell him that, I'll save that until I really coach him.' It doesn't make any sense...Anyway, a lot of times players will say things just to say things. I have a good relationship with him. He's a good guy and I hope him the best. You know, if he's learning, great. He needs it. That would be super."

Pretty good defense, D'Antoni. Now if only if he had taught that skill to his players...

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[via ESPN]

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