Though the Rockets’ championship fortunes also largely rest on James Harden and Russell Westbrook, general manager Daryl Morey sounded firm about [Mike] D’Antoni’s importance after coaching Houston to a 217-101 record in the past four seasons. So important that Morey did not mince words when assessing whether he considered it the team’s top priority to sign D’Antoni to a new deal after his contract expires at the end of this season.

"It’s probably No. 1 That’s a fair way to put it," Morey told USA TODAY Sports. "We have all our key players signed. I think Mike coming back is super important."

D’Antoni had talks with Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta about a possible extension last summer, but he had no interest in just taking a one-year deal. With D’Antoni popularizing an offense centered on 3-point shooting and positional versatility since coaching the Phoenix Suns more than a decade ago (2004-08), it would not be surprising if he attracted interest from other teams with head coach vacancies.

Source: Mark Medina of USA Today Sports

ANALYSIS: D'Antoni and the Rockets are perfect for each other. They have a plethora of long, versatile players who can defend and fire the ball from deep at the ready. James Harden has been the face of the franchise for the better part of the last decade, and he seems to have a great rapport with D'Antoni.

Houston came *this* close to defeating the juggernaut Golden State Warriors in the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Had Chris Paul not gotten injured in the series, we might be having a different conversation about this group. There's a clear-cut philosophy that the Rockets have been following under D'Antoni's eye, and the makeup of the team fits the mold.