NBA · 6 months ago

Top 5 Candidates for the Knicks Head Coaching Vacancy

John Canady

Host · Writer

6) HM: Jay Wright
Jay Wright may not be considered a realistic candidate for this open head coaching vacancy following his retirement from Villanova in 2022. The longtime head coach has made it clear that a return to basketball isn't exactly on his mind, but it's worth mentioning that in an interview in the past, he listed the Knicks as the team he'd most like to coach in the NBA, citing Madison Square Garden as the driving reason. Not to mention multiple of his former Villanova players could be another enticing reason to take the call from the Knicks if New York is interested.

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Top 5 Candidates for the Knicks Head Coaching Vacancy
The New York Knicks fell short of the NBA Finals by two games after ending their 25-year Eastern Conference Finals drought. Despite the Knicks arguably exceeding expectations this season, the team opted to make a move at head coach, which made headlines on Tuesday after opting to relieve Tom Thibodeau of his duties. Thibodeau spent the last five seasons leading the Knicks, finishing with a record of 226-174. Although fans will forever be grateful for Thibs changing the culture in New York and returning them to their winning ways, all eyes turn towards the future with a new head coach set to be hired this offseason. Here's a look at the top candidates for the vacancy.

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1) Michael Malone
Michael Malone is arguably the top head coach on the market after being relieved of his duties weeks before the postseason began. Malone is one of the best basketball minds in the league, and he proved that by leading the Denver Nuggets to an NBA Championship in 2023. Not to mention, Malone has kept the Nuggets in contention in the Western Conference for much of the last decade, posting a 471-327 record in ten seasons with Denver. If the Knicks are indeed searching for a new voice to get them over the hump, perhaps a coach of Malone's stature with championship experience could make sense.
2) Taylor Jenkins
Taylor Jenkins is another head coach who was shockingly fired in the middle of the season. The former Memphis Grizzlies head coach seemed to be a long-term fit for the organization, especially after becoming the winningest coach in franchise history within his first six seasons. The change for the Grizzlies was unexpected for both parties. Still, Jenkins becoming available could prove to be another example of the old saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." If the Knicks were to roll with Jenkins, he'd be an interesting fit with the talent on New York's roster.
3) Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell is one of the top assistant coaches in the league, and sooner or later, he's bound to get his own head coaching gig. Cassell has served as the top assistant for Doc Rivers and Joe Mazzulla throughout the last several years, and his leadership and expertise were a significant part of the Boston Celtics' success last season in winning their 18th NBA Championship. The former NBA player has great reviews as a player's coach, and when he's given his first opportunity, many expect him to step up to the challenge and thrive immediately. A roster like the Knicks would allow him to do that.
4) Mike Brown
Mike Brown was the first of multiple head coach firings this season, and while the reports seemed to be a bit split, it's hard to overlook what he did to change the culture in Sacramento, leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 16 years during the 2022 season. Brown is undoubtedly a unique coach, and learning under multiple top head coaches in the league, including Gregg Popovich, Steve Kerr, and Rick Carlisle, benefits him during this hiring process.
5) Rick Brunson
Rick Brunson may be viewed as a dark horse candidate to earn this position, especially considering he's part of Tom Thibodeau's coaching staff, the staff that undoubtedly failed to get the team over the hump. However, as the father of Knicks' star Jalen Brunson, he would have an advantage in the locker room, especially regarding the top players buying in. Brunson has been a long-time assistant coach in the NBA. The experience is there, and although many remarks may be made about hiring Brunson to lead the Knicks, you have to wonder if this is a realistic option for Leon Rose.
6) HM: Jay Wright
Jay Wright may not be considered a realistic candidate for this open head coaching vacancy following his retirement from Villanova in 2022. The longtime head coach has made it clear that a return to basketball isn't exactly on his mind, but it's worth mentioning that in an interview in the past, he listed the Knicks as the team he'd most like to coach in the NBA, citing Madison Square Garden as the driving reason. Not to mention multiple of his former Villanova players could be another enticing reason to take the call from the Knicks if New York is interested.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Top 5 Candidates for the Knicks Head Coaching Vacancy
The New York Knicks fell short of the NBA Finals by two games after ending their 25-year Eastern Conference Finals drought. Despite the Knicks arguably exceeding expectations this season, the team opted to make a move at head coach, which made headlines on Tuesday after opting to relieve Tom Thibodeau of his duties. Thibodeau spent the last five seasons leading the Knicks, finishing with a record of 226-174. Although fans will forever be grateful for Thibs changing the culture in New York and returning them to their winning ways, all eyes turn towards the future with a new head coach set to be hired this offseason. Here's a look at the top candidates for the vacancy.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

Top 5 Candidates for the Knicks Head Coaching Vacancy

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