New York Knicks Coaching Search
As the NBA Draft and free agency loom just around the corner, the New York Knicks find themselves in a pivotal moment, still on the lookout for a new head coach. Nearly three weeks have passed since the franchise parted ways with Tom Thibodeau, and they are diligently searching for his successor amidst the currently vacant coaching landscape in the league.
Recent Interviews
Last week, the Knicks took a significant step in their hiring process by interviewing former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and former Sacramento Kings leader Mike Brown, both of whom left a positive impression during their discussions, according to insiders. Jenkins, who was let go by the Grizzlies shortly before the playoffs, left a record of 250 wins against 214 losses over his six seasons at the helm.
Meanwhile, Brown’s stint with the Kings ended early in the season; he has previously coached in notable positions with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, and also served on the coaching staff under Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors.
Fringe Candidates and Considerations
As it stands now, Jenkins and Brown are considered the frontrunners for the Knicks’ job. However, reports suggest that James Borrego might also be in the mix. Borrego, a CAA client, has garnered attention for his innovative offensive strategies and data-driven approach. He spent the past season as an assistant in New Orleans under head coach Willie Green and was previously the head coach for the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, where he achieved a respectable 43-win season in his final year—a notable feat for a Hornets franchise that has achieved such success only four times since 2005.
Additionally, the Knicks have expressed some interest in Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. However, landing Kidd would be challenging, as he is under contract for two more seasons with the Mavericks, who have shown no intent of facilitating his departure. Unlike other coaches the Knicks initially considered—such as Ime Udoka and Billy Donovan, both of whom have recently secured extensions—Kidd has yet to finalize a new deal in Dallas.
Furthermore, altercations involving his assistant coaches could add complexity to the situation, with reports indicating that prominent assistants like Sean Sweeney, Jared Dudley, and God Shammgod are attracting interest from other teams.
Future Prospects
Although it would certainly be advantageous for the Knicks to designate a head coach by the time free agency negotiations commence, it is not an absolute necessity for the upcoming NBA Draft, in which they possess the 50th overall pick. The current delay in appointing a new coach leaves open the possibility that the Knicks may opt to retain much of their core roster going forward, offering the team more flexibility as they navigate their search for Tom Thibodeau’s replacement, enabling them to take their time in finding the right fit.
