Although several big-name coaches are believed to be on the Knicks‘ radar, Marc Berman of The New York Post suggests that interim Mike Miller has done enough to be considered for the job on a permanent basis. Berman points out that Miller has a .386 winning percentage in 44 games since taking over for David Fizdale, a record that would have New York in ninth place in the East and just four games out of a playoff spot.
Miller has brought stability to the sidelines, Berman adds, and has more of a low-maintenance personality than Fizdale did. Since Miller took the reins, the Knicks have improved from 30th in the league in field goal percentage to 19th and jumped from 28th to second in points in the paint (per 100 possessions).
Miller has the support of Jeff Van Gundy, who still has influence in the Knicks’ organization, after serving as Van Gundy’s assistant in the World Cup qualifier in 2018. Berman also suggests that budget considerations due to the hiatus may not make this the right time to bring in an entirely new coaching staff.
There’s more from New York:
- The addition of Leon Rose as president of basketball operations may solidify Frank Ntilikina‘s future with the Knicks, Berman writes in the same piece. Rose served as Ntilikina’s agent when he entered the league and developed a strong bond with the French guard and his family. Berman notes that general manager Scott Perry bypassed Ntilikina in the draft when he worked for the Kings and frequently shopped him after joining the Knicks.
- The Knicks are confident that good prospects will be available with the pick they got from the Clippers, which currently sits at No. 27, Berman adds. He also notes that financial insecurities might prompt some teams to trade down in exchange for money. Berman mentions Alabama point guard Kira Lewis as a potential target if New York tries to move up, along with Villanova’s Saddiq Bey, French guard Theo Maledon, Vanderbilt’s Aaron Nesmith and Florida State’s Devin Vassell.
- Although the NBA will permit teams to reopen their facilities starting May 1, some Knicks are concerned about traveling to New York while coronavirus numbers in the area are still high, Berman states in a separate story. The state remains under a lockdown until at least May 15, although commissioner Adam Silver could seek a waiver for the Knicks and Nets.
Are the Knicks going to practice while practicing social distancing of six Feet apart? Governor Cuomo just stated on his Sunday press conference that if any establishments participate in opening up must follow social distancing guidelines no matter what
Knicks have a long drive in store to get to a shootaround.
That if Silver seeks a waiver for the Knicks and Nets players to be able to use their facilities earlier than May 15…. wow. Does he know something we’re not privy to… or is he putting basketball before health/safety?
There’s Businesses that have asked and we’re shot down . What do they think this is Florida? And Linda McMahon is going to come in with $18.5 million of CPAC money for the reelection and contributed to the Republicans of Florida to influence for the approval of WWE to return to work ? F -NO!
JVG is not someone you want to listen to. He’s not a players coach. No one cares how friendly Rose is with Nttilikinas family. This is business. Frank doesn’t seem like NY is a place for him. Probably do better in smaller markets. He has showed improvement under Miller. But that’s just playing time. Best to show him n move him. Payton is solid backup PG. Halliburton should be our first pick. Can eventually be the starter for years to come.
BTW Berman’s favorites should be gone by #27. Are they favs, or does he simply prefer a “value” pick?– a player who was supposed to be taken higher.