Nate Robinson should get plenty of 3-point opportunities in Mike D'Antoni's offensive scheme.

Mike D’Antoni – New York Knicks

During his tenure as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, Mike D’Antoni earned a reputation for being offensive minded, much in the way Andre the Giant earned a reputation for being big—it was patently obvious.  D’Antoni’s Suns made two appearances in the Western Conference finals during an exciting and very successful run.  While his Steve Nash led squads were hailed for their offensive prowess, critics pointed at D’Antoni’s apparent dislike of fundamental defense.  It was his perceived laissez faire attitude toward defense that eventually led to D’Antoni’s firing, just as much as it was his perceived offensive genius that led to his swift hire by a Knicks franchise in desperate need of a franchise make-over.

D’Antoni employs an up tempo-style offense for which certain Knicks holdovers should prove adept.  Look for Jamal Crawford and Quentin Richardson to reap particular benefit from a score-at-will offensive mindset.  Along with the rest of the Knicks, diminutive guard, Nate Robinson (who never met a shot he didn’t like) should get plenty of 3-point opportunities.  Similarly, forward David Lee’s game is well suited for running the floor and grabbing plentiful rebounds as his teammates stop and pop from the perimeter.  Two-dimensional statues like Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph may have a difficult time getting acclimated to an offense focused on movement, passing, and athleticism as neither player has ever demonstrated even a hint of any such traits.

It remains to be seen what kind of influence Mike D’Antoni will have on the Knicks winning percentage.  It’s almost a foregone conclusion that he (and his offense) will have a palpable effect upon the fantasy value of certain Knicks.  While their percentages aren’t likely to get a big boost, look for an increase in offensive output from the Richardsons, Crawfords, and Robinsons of the world, and look for Lee’s athleticism to gain him more minutes and more value.  And, not that seasoned fantasy owners needed to be warned, but feel free to drop Curry and Randolph down from their already low pre-draft rankings, if you haven’t done so already.

Scott Skiles – Milwaukee Bucks:

The Bucks made many a change following a hugely disappointing ’07-08 campaign.  They traded Chinese import Yi Jianlan to the New Jersey Nets, ostensibly for proficient scorer Richard Jefferson.  Perhaps the team’s biggest move, at least in terms of overall team impact, will prove to be the signing of Bulls coaching cast-off, Scott Skiles.  Skiles has a reputation for being something of a Napoleonic figure on the sidelines, and is to team defense what Mike D’Antoni is to offense.  And, yes, one will often come at the expense of the other. 

At first glance, the Bucks personnel seem ill suited for their coach’s defense-first philosophy.  Holdovers Michael Redd (SG) and Charlie Villanueva (F) immediately come to mind as players who may have a difficult time adjusting to their new coach’s style.  Rest assured, should anyone struggle with uptake on the defensive end of the court, Skiles will not hesitate to reduce their playing time in favor of more team-oriented personnel. Their primary starters, Jefferson, Redd, Villanueva, and center Andrew Bogut will be given ample opportunity to mesh, but Skiles’ hard-nosed (and hard-headed) reputation may have negative and far-reaching fantasy repercussions.  

The Bucks PG situation is largely unsettled, with late-season starter Ramon Sessions the incumbent and Seattle import Luke Ridnour vying for the majority of the minutes.  Sessions may be the better physical talent, but Ridnour is cut from the same cloth as his new coach and he may be leaned on heavily.  Feel free to look at Ridnour as a late round sleeper type.  Redd and Jefferson will likely carry the bulk of the offensive load, as you might expect, so their value remains strong, but do be aware of Skiles’ potential impact.  Similarly, Villanueva is a prime candidate for a role reduction as his defensive liabilities may cost him significant minutes.  Bogut too may have to take a back seat in scoring and this could turn him into a two-category (rebounds/blocks) player.