The New York Knicks are actively searching for their next head coach following the surprising dismissal of Tom Thibodeau on June 3. Thibodeau, who led the team to significant improvements over the past few seasons, was let go just days after the Knicks’ playoff run came to an end, marking their best postseason performance in 25 years.
So far, the Knicks have encountered some challenges in their search. They initially sought to interview current coaches from other NBA teams but faced rejections from five teams, including prominent names like Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Consequently, they have shifted their focus to former NBA coaches, meeting with ex-Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and ex-Kings coach Mike Brown, as well as Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.
Thibodeau’s tenure was marked by a notable turnaround for the Knicks, including back-to-back 50-win seasons—a feat not achieved by the team since the early ’90s. He earned respect in the coaching community, winning NBA Coach of the Year honors in his first season with the Knicks. Despite his successes, he faced the challenge of leading the team past the Eastern Conference finals, a goal now handed off to his successor.
As the Knicks consider their options, names like Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer, and Jeff Van Gundy have emerged as potential candidates. Malone was recently fired after coaching the Nuggets to their first championship, while Budenholzer boasts an impressive resume, including a championship with the Bucks. Van Gundy, who last coached the Knicks to the NBA Finals, currently serves as an assistant coach.
Despite the initial setbacks in their coaching search, the Knicks have a variety of experienced candidates to consider as they strive to build on Thibodeau’s legacy and aim for their first NBA championship since 1973. The upcoming weeks could bring further developments to this important process, with the hope of finding a coach who can elevate the team to new heights.
The Knicks’ pursuit demonstrates a commitment to continuing their trajectory of improvement, and fans can remain hopeful for a successful outcome in their quest for a new head coach.