NBA

Return of speed-ball? Mike D’Antoni may be getting new job

DENVER — There’s a definite chance of speed-ball coming to the Rocky Mountains next season.

The Knicks visit the Nuggets Monday to begin a five-game Western swing and will face a squad fronted by new interim coach Melvin Hunt, who last week replaced fired Brian Shaw.

Though the Nuggets may not begin looking for a long-term candidate until after the season, ex-Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni is expected to be a front-runner despite his first Denver stint not ending rosily with owner Stan Kroenke.

However, according to a person familiar with his thinking, D’Antoni enjoyed living in Denver, where he coached during the 1999 lockout season, more than in Phoenix. He coached the Suns from 2003-2008 before joining the Knicks.

D’Antoni still has a place in Manhattan Beach, Calif., from his failed stint with the Lakers but flew Sunday to Milan, Italy, for a big honor.

On Friday, D’Antoni’s “8’’ jersey will be retired by his former Italian League team, Armani Milano. Coincidentally, Nuggets forward and ex-Knicks first-rounder Danilo Gallinari also wore “8’’ for that club.

D’Antoni’s speed-ball offense would seem to make a nice fit with the Nuggets, who excelled in George Karl’s run-and-gun system. Gallinari was arguably D’Antoni’s favorite player with the Knicks, and Denver still has Wilson Chandler. Avery Johnson and Alvin Gentry also have been mentioned as potential candidates.

Meanwhile, Shaw, a Phil Jackson disciple, reportedly has interest in the Orlando head job. If he’s not hired, Shaw possibly could join the Knicks coaching staff next season for his triangle expertise.


Knicks prospect Orlando Sanchez has left the D-League Westchester squad, according to a league source. Sanchez, who was at the Knicks training camp and played at St. John’s, is mulling an offer to play in Puerto Rico for the same squad Jackson once coached in the 1980s.

Sanchez has left Westchester for financial reasons, as he’s been told by brass he won’t be signed by the Knicks this season. The Knicks have one roster spot open.

Sanchez told The Post last month he was hoping to follow in his roommate Langston Galloway’s footsteps.