Kerr endorses D'Antoni for Coach of the Year

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is passing the baton down to Mike D'Antoni.

Kerr, the reigning Coach of the Year, endorsed D'Antoni for the award, citing how flawlessly his high-tempo style has fit the Houston Rockets' roster.

"I think the fit with the roster and Mike's philosophy has been perfect," Kerr told ESPN after his Warriors downed the Rockets 113-106 on Tuesday.

"What he's so good at is really giving his players confidence and belief. They're obviously having an amazing year. My guess is that he'll get the trophy. He's earned it."

Kerr and D'Antoni trace their history back to the Phoenix Suns, where D'Antoni first made his reputation as one of the game's brightest minds. They shared one year together before D'Antoni left for the New York Knicks in 2008. Kerr, serving as Suns' general manger, replaced him with Terry Porter, which produced disastrous results.

D'Antoni was also worse for wear after leaving Phoenix. He stumbled through subsequent stops in New York and Los Angeles before finally finding a home with the Rockets. First and foremost, there was a star in James Harden willing to play D'Antoni's style - something the Lakers' and Knicks' stars refused. The Rockets also surrounded him with a wealth of shooters and playmakers, thus allowing D'Antoni's famed playbook to come to life.

The results have been fantastic. The Rockets are on pace for 56 wins and the third seed come the playoffs after barely qualifying for the postseason last year with a 41-41 record.