Even if he asked for Phil, how is that "D'Antoni's fault?" For getting hired? If you're saying the organization bungled the coaching hire, eh, they already shoulder enough blame. Nobody is getting absolved here, this was just a massive failure of all involved parties combined with shitty luck.

As for the decision, Houston is working for the dude on many levels, period.

He comes off corny talking about "leaving $30 million" as if he is the only one to do it, but that's OK. He sounded, uh, awkward saying he was a "winner" at the pro level for lasting nine seasons and making it against long odds. uh, no, that's not a "winner" by NBA champion standards. kind of funny that "Kobe's words were twisted." I hate that people can say that and not be questioned. There was no shortage of softballing going on here.