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William Wesley and Leon Rose, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks continued to explore their options in search of Tom Thibodeau’s replacement. Jason Kidd, Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown have all been named as potential favorites to take the hot seat.
However, according to Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints, the Knicks could potentially expand their coaching search by looking at the collegiate ranks.
“Typically, however, New York performs its organizational due diligence,” Pursiainen wrote. “Here, that means continuing to collect intelligence on top candidates from all over their list as they wait on Kidd and the Mavericks. Some of those coaches have experience at the NBA level, like Kidd himself and Jenkins. Sources familiar with the situation tell ClutchPoints the Knicks are also still looking into, and organizing thoughts on, candidates who coach at the collegiate level.”
The Knicks are wise not to rush into a new hire. Whoever takes the reins will be tasked with building on Thibodeau’s success. Coaching a Knicks team with championship aspirations is not an easy job. The front office must ensure they’re getting the right man for the job.
Furthermore, whoever takes control of the Knicks roster must be capable of getting the best out of the whole squad. Thibodeau became far too reliant on Jalen Brunson and, later, Karl-Anthony Towns.
Knicks Urged to Target Mike Malone
In a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back,” DeAndre Jordan pinpointed Mike Malone as the ideal replacement for Thibodeau.
“It would make sense,” Jordan said. “Being up there from the New York area and that swagger, that competitive nature that he has paired up with those guys could be a really good situation. I think he’s a breath of fresh air at times. And, I guess that’s what those guys need right now in the moment. He’s proven he can win a championship, especially with good players in the system…I think they could really do something. Especially with him being the best coach out there that they can actually hire.”
Malone was released by the Denver Nuggets toward the end of the 2024-25 season. He has championship experience and would bring his own style of play to the equation. Yet, for some reason, Malone is one of the few available coaches that is yet to be linked with the Knicks.
Mike Brown Would Also Make Sense for the Knicks
In a recent article by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, Mike Brown was floated as a strong coaching target.
“For me, it’s Mike Brown. He crafted some intricate and fun offenses over his time in Sacramento, and while personnel plays a part in that, I do think he’s learned enough along the way to adjust to a different roster with the Knicks. The most important thing New York should be looking for is someone who can maximize this offense. … Too often, this group was stagnant and predictable. There needs to be a little more juice offensively going forward,” the beat writer said. “Brown is the best candidate, in my opinion, to maximize this offense and help usher in different looks.”
Brown is a talented head coach. He’s experienced in working with elite talent and worked wonders with the Sacramento Kings. New York has multiple high-level options available. Still, it would be smart for them to continue doing their research, even if that means dipping into the collegiate talent pool to ensure they get the right coach for the job.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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