BREAKING NEWS: Houston Rockets Former coach Mike D’Antoniis now with Pelicans has sent a Shocking message to owner Tilman Fertitta and the Entire Rockets team concerning his..

Houston Rockets Former coach Mike D’Antoniis now with Pelicans has sent a Shocking message to owner Tilman Fertitta and the Entire Rockets team concerning his..

In a stunning turn of events that has sent ripples through the NBA community, former Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni — now serving in a senior advisory role with the New Orleans Pelicans — has issued a pointed and unexpected message to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and the entire Houston organization. The message, shared during a recent press conference in New Orleans and echoed in national media interviews, has reignited old tensions while simultaneously sparking curiosity about D’Antoni’s true intentions.*

D’Antoni, who coached the Rockets from 2016 to 2020 and led the team to multiple deep playoff runs, is widely credited with revolutionizing Houston’s offense through his high-tempo, three-point-heavy system. Though his tenure ended without a Finals appearance, his impact on the team — and the NBA at large — was undeniable.

Now, as a respected voice with the Pelicans, D’Antoni didn’t hold back when asked about his former team’s current rebuilding path. “Houston deserves better,” he said. “That city gave everything to the franchise — the fans, the community, the culture. And I think the organization has lost some of that identity, some of that hunger.”

He continued with a tone that surprised many: “Tilman Fertitta knows the business world better than most, but in basketball, it’s not just about assets and cap space. It’s about vision. It’s about trust in your people. And it’s about consistency — something I think the Rockets haven’t had since I left.”

According to sources close to D’Antoni, his frustration doesn’t stem from personal bitterness, but rather from a deep belief that the core identity he helped build — centered around offensive innovation, player empowerment, and championship aspirations — has been abandoned in favor of short-term experimentation and unclear direction.

“I’m not calling anyone out to start drama,” he clarified. “But I care about that team. I care about the players I coached, and I care about the city of Houston. Watching what’s happened since 2020 — the constant resets, the coaching carousel, the lack of leadership — it’s disappointing.”

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has yet to formally respond to D’Antoni’s remarks, but insiders suggest that the comments did not go unnoticed within the organization. A source familiar with the situation noted, “There’s always been respect between Tilman and Mike, but these words hit a nerve. The team’s aware of the criticism.”

D’Antoni also had a message for the current players and staff in Houston: “Don’t lose sight of the fire. Don’t get comfortable waiting on the ‘next big thing.’ You’ve got talent right now. Build on it. Push each other. Don’t let the front office or media decide your ceiling.”

Ironically, the Pelicans — D’Antoni’s new home — are trending upward with a roster filled with young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, alongside veteran leadership and improved consistency under new leadership. Many believe D’Antoni has played a quiet but pivotal role in shaping their offensive structure, especially with the emergence of fast-paced, free-flowing basketball in New Orleans.

In Houston, meanwhile, the Rockets are still seeking their next true identity. With a new crop of young players and the development efforts led by head coach Ime Udoka, the team has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to find consistent footing.

Whether D’Antoni’s message is received as a helpful warning or an unwelcome critique remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the coach who once helped redefine Houston basketball still has a voice—and he’s not afraid to use it when he feels something is off.

As the 2025 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Rockets respond—not just on the court, but within their leadership structure. For now, D’Antoni’s message serves as both a challenge and a call to action for an organization seeking its way back to greatness.