The New York Knicks entered the offseason riding high after their best campaign in decades.
Their 51-31 record delivered the franchise’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 1999, though that magical run came to an abrupt halt against the Indiana Pacers in six games.
Just 48 hours after their playoff elimination, team president Leon Rose made a stunning decision that sent shockwaves through the basketball world by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau.
What followed was a coaching search that quickly turned into a nightmare scenario for the organization.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks faced unprecedented resistance from potential candidates and their current teams.
“Teams would just hang up. Some would say no and then hang up. In other situations, there was profanity involved. You know some literal ‘F— no’ responses,” Charania said, per Legion Hoops.
REPORT: Teams were hanging up on the Knicks during their head coach search, per @ShamsCharania
“Teams would just hang up. Some would say no—and then hang up. In other situations, there was profanity involved. You know—some literal ‘F— no’ responses.”
(via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/Yh2aXHmY51
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 15, 2025
The rejection spree has been thorough and brutal.
Billy Donovan, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, Quin Snyder, and Jason Kidd all turned down opportunities to lead the franchise.
The string of denials left the front office scrambling for viable alternatives.
However, recent developments suggest the search may finally be gaining traction.
Former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and ex-Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown have emerged as serious contenders, with interviews scheduled for next week.
The incoming coach will inherit a talented roster built around Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby.
Towns delivered impressive numbers in his debut season, averaging 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field.
This coaching hire represents a crossroads moment for the franchise.
The right choice could elevate this core group to championship contention, while another misstep might waste their most promising window in years.
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