The NBA offseason opened with a number of compelling mysteries, with questions like how the Celtics would find a way to get under the luxury-tax second apron, where Kevin Durant would end up in a trade and whether the Lakers would find a new center sooner rather than later.
We've gotten some clarity on a lot of questions thus far, but one of the strangest mysteries in the league this spring and now summer remains as wide-open as ever: Who will be the coach of the Knicks, after the stunning firing of Tom Thibodeau this season?
Thibodeau brought the team to the Eastern Conference finals, but was dumped anyway, apparently without a Plan B in place for the Knicks. Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown, two recently fired retreads, are on the candidate list as is former head coach James Borrego and assistant Micah Nori.
Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Knicks only arrived at that list after requesting interviews with incumbent coaches like Ime Udoka in Houston. Chris Finch in Minnesota and Quin Snyder in Atlanta. And, of course, there was former Knicks guard Jason Kidd, now coaching the Mavericks.
Dallas declined the Knicks' request to interview Kidd, though some reports indicated that the situation could be revisited. But on Tuesday after the draft, the Mavericks new star, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, appeared to indicate that Kidd was planning on being his coach next season.
Flagg was asked directly about Kidd possibly leaving Dallas and said, "I haven't had those conversations yet at all. But I think talking with Coach Kidd, my workout and even after I got picked, I was on the phone with him for a minute, I think he's just excited. He has a good vision for me and what I can do and how I can impact the game."
For Kidd or any coach, the chance to latch onto Flagg as a star in the making would be tough to pass up. Kidd may want to stay in Dallas for that reason alone. Perhaps the Knicks will make another run at Kidd, but it sounds like Flagg would be surprised if he is not his coach with the Mavericks next season.