The New York Knicks are back in their chase for Minnesota Timberwolves coaches, but this time, it is not Chris Finch. They are now set to interview assistant coach Micah Nori, who has been a well-known assistant since 2009.
However, Nori has done a great job at being the lead assistant to Finch since 2021. They have worked well and produced results, most notably being their two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori looks on in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau due to their loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks have been hard at work at finding his replacement. They even tried to contact Finch, Ime Udoka, and Jason Kidd to interview for the job.
The teams did not grant the Knicks permission, as Udoka even signed a contract extension with the Houston Rockets. Their latest target is Nori, who has been an excellent assistant across 16 years in the NBA.
Nori Is An Appealing Candidate For The Knicks
Whenever Finch has missed games for the Timberwolves, Nori has been the man to take charge of the team. This includes the 2024 Playoffs when Finch suffered a torn patellar tendon.
Nori has become well-respected around the league due to his multiple stints with teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and the Timberwolves.
He previously interviewed with the Phoenix Suns earlier in 2025, but he was not part of the finalists. Now, Nori is gunning for an even bigger job with the Knicks.
During his time with the Timberwolves, he has been featured in many tactical breakdowns and sideline interviews. He has become notorious for his unique metaphors and has been commended for communicating the Timberwolves' strategies well.
That could translate well to the Knicks job, especially with his experience of coaching All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
Losing Nori Would Be A Big Blow For The Timberwolves
Finch and Nori have formed a strong partnership since they joined the team in 2021. They have been the top two coaches on the team, and it is evident the players love Nori.
Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards has even called him an extension of Finch when Nori had to lead practice in Finch's absence.
"He’s an extended version of Finchy. They always together, they're always talking. So it’s pretty much the same. Finchy still here, still talkin', regulating s**t. So it’s no different," Edwards said back in May 2024.
With the connection they have built through the years, it would be a shame if the Timberwolves lose Nori to the Knicks. However, the team would be pleased to see him get a head coaching job.
It is not assured he will get the job though, as he has some stiff competition. He is the third coach they have interviewed, as former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and former two-time Coach of the Year winner Mike Brown are vying for the same position.