With which team did 2026 Hall of Fame inductee Mike D’Antoni begin his NBA playing career?

Mike D’Antoni began his NBA playing career with the Kansas City–Omaha Kings.

The Kings selected D’Antoni in the second round of the 1973 NBA draft with the 20th overall pick. He played three seasons for the franchise before brief stops with the ABA’s Spirits of St. Louis and the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.

D’Antoni then moved to Italy, where he became a star for Olimpia Milano. He spent 13 seasons with the club, won five Italian League titles, and captured two European Champions Cups, now known as EuroLeague titles. His European success eventually became a major part of his basketball legacy.

After retiring as a player, D’Antoni moved into coaching. His later NBA work with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and other teams made him especially associated with fast-paced offensive basketball.