Bob MacKinnon hired as D-Fenders head coach

The D-Fenders on Wednesday officially named Bob MacKinnon head coach.

“We are excited to announce Bob MacKinnon as the next head coach of the D-Fenders,” said D-Fenders President and Chief Executive Joey Buss. “Bob brings a successful coaching background to our franchise, winning at multiple levels and developing countless players at different stages of their careers. Most importantly, Bob shares our vision of cultivating prospects who can deliver quality minutes for the Lakers and the NBA while also contending for an NBA Development League championship.”

The D-Fenders, serving as the Lakers’ NBA D-League affiliate, bring in MacKinnon as the sixth head coach in franchise history.

MacKinnon previously coached the D-League’s Springfield Armor, Idaho Stampede and Colorado 14ers.

“Having coached numerous NBA-caliber players, Bob is an excellent fit for our team as we strive to develop talent for the Lakers and the NBA,” said D-Fenders General Manager Glenn Carraro. “In four seasons in the NBA D-League, Bob has proven to have an understanding of the balance necessary to prepare players for the next level and win games. Our developmental system will benefit from having Bob work closely with our prospects.”

Mark Madsen was briefly hired to coach the D-Fenders but the Lakers added him to Coach Mike D’Antoni’s staff as a player development coach.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.