Now that the Knicks‘ season is officially over, the team is set to launch its search for a permanent head coach, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter links).
Wojnarowski reiterates a point we’ve heard multiple times within the last week or two: Tom Thibodeau will be the frontrunner out of the gate to land the job. However, former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson and current Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller are also expected to be interviewed.
As we detailed earlier today, Mike Woodson, who previously coached the Knicks from 2012-14 and interviewed for the job again in 2018, is among the candidates the team plans to interview too. Thibodeau, Atkinson, and Woodson have all been represented by Creative Artists Agency, giving them a connection to new Knicks president of basketball operations – and former CAA co-head – Leon Rose.
The Knicks are unlikely to be the only bottom-eight team to begin addressing offseason business – such as a head coaching search – now that their season is over. The Bulls, for instance, are one of the eight clubs that won’t be involved in the NBA’s restart, and there have been rumblings for weeks that Jim Boylen is very much on the hot seat.
No other head coaches on the league’s bottom eight teams are obvious candidates to be replaced this summer, but if any of those clubs want to make other changes to their coaching staffs or front offices, there’s no longer a reason to postpone that process.
Coach Cal
If Knicks are not able to sign two of VanVleet Harrell Morris, they will pick lotto again
Again and again
Which Morris?
Bam
Jack
Hal?
best mindgame pitcher
Yeah seriously, Morris and Harrell would lead them out of the lottery.
I’m starting to feel like Sillivan is a troll. You say the dumbest stuff. Going to stop responding, feel like I’m getting catfished.
Marcus Morris
It takes another 20 years for Knicks to win conference if relying on draft picks
It would take 5 years to do so if signing free agents
Yeah. Like Jerome James!
I’m guessing it’s pretty much a formality, but doesn’t the player’s association have to approve the plan before the Knicks’ season is officially over?
Technically, but even if the NBPA doesn’t immediately approve all the specifics of the proposed plan, I don’t think there’s a scenario where all 30 teams come back.
Woodson ???? Why would they even bring his name up. Must be a slow news day. Atkinson would be my first choice. Thibs is ok. I hope he’s learned to use whole team and young guys. Be nice to have a coach before draft.
100% Atkinson
I’ve been hearing it was Thibs job since January. Had heard him and Van Gundy as some sort of “co-coaches”. Haven’t heard much of that anymore but still hear it’s Thibs job.
Knicks lost Zion Davis Durant last year
Next two years Knicks can target Davis and Giannis
Get them for free, no need to offer any assets
And when Durant and Irving were free this year how did that turn out?
You are delusional if you think either Davis or Giannis would really sign with the Knicks
Never going to happen as long as Dolan still owner
Giannis is never leaving the bucks bro, why would you leave a year after year title contender for a dumpster fire
It’s called vision
not out there, in here
There is no loss, oh
Giannis is going West
I would be fine with Woodson or JVG, though not the preference. Really don’t want Thibs running Mitch and Barrett into the ground.
Hammond, Miller or Ewing if they want to go the first time coach root. Two year commitment to Atkinson knowing that he develops youth well is also not a bad play.
Out of left field candidate, Timmy D.
Wonder if Dolan would hire Oakley…haha
Ya and spike lee can be his assistant coach
Sillivan love your optimism but until a player like AD or Giannis are signed sealed and delivered I’m not getting my hopes up anymore. I just hope Knicks can make better decisions in the draft.
Star free agents will only join after the knicks have a decent young players to compliment. That continues to be a problem, as the knicks still don’t have anyone attractive to prospective agents.
This. I don’t understand the thought that the Knicks are going to be major players for Giannis or Davis. Why would they want to go to NY alone, play for an incompetent owner, with little core around them, and most likely (so it seems) for a coach who’ll run them into the ground? What’s the sell there? That “it’s NY”, or it’s the “basketball mecca” thing holds no weight anymore. That legacy has been stained worse than a 3 week worn baby diaper.