The New York Knicks’ Coaching Search
The New York Knicks continue their search for a new head coach and are set to meet with James Borrego, a former head coach of the Charlotte Hornets and currently an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans. This development was first reported by James Edwards III from The Athletic and has since been corroborated by several other Knicks reporters.
James Borrego’s Coaching Background
Borrego, known for his innovative offensive strategies and reliance on analytics, represents a shift in approach from the outgoing coach, Tom Thibodeau.
Although Borrego’s record in Charlotte stands at 138-163 over four seasons, many believe this figure fails to accurately reflect his impact on a franchise undergoing rebuilding. The Hornets showed marked improvement under his leadership, peaking with a 43-win season in his final year, which nevertheless did not secure a playoff berth.
Notably, Borrego’s connection to the Knicks is reinforced by his representation through CAA, the agency that counts Knicks president Leon Rose among its former executives.
Other Coaching Candidates
The Knicks have already considered a number of coaching candidates, including former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown, who has coached the Cavaliers, Lakers, and Kings, as well as Mikah Nori, the lead assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, Jason Kidd, currently the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, will not be joining the interview lineup despite initial speculation.
The Knicks had sought permission to talk to Kidd, but the Mavericks declined this request. After the Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick, Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison dispelled any rumors regarding Kidd aspiring to take the Knicks’ job, stating emphatically, “Yes, he will be the coach next year. Can we move on now?”
Future Direction of the Knicks
With three days remaining until free agency kicks off, Borrego emerges as the front-runner to succeed Thibodeau, though no official favorite has yet been declared. Replacing Thibodeau, who led the Knicks to the playoffs four times during his tenure and took them to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, will be no small task.
Some factions within Knicks management believe that Thibodeau’s voice may no longer resonate within the team and that a fresh perspective is necessary for the franchise to compete for a championship. Despite this, the timing of Thibodeau’s dismissal has left the Knicks wrestling with their future direction as they navigate the coaching search amidst an impending free agency period.
