Mike Brown will replace Tom Thibodeau as the New York Knicks head coach. And according to a notable team insider, he was viewed as the “best option” on the open market. Despite some impressive names being available this summer.
The Knicks have been searching high and low for their next head coach following Tom Thibodeau’s firing after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals and posting one of the best records in team history. After failing miserably to pry away Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka from the Mavericks and Rockets, they looked at the available market for his replacement.
On Wednesday, it was reported that after speaking with several candidates, the front office landed on former Cavaliers and Kings coach Mike Brown. The move got an eye roll from a segment of fans. Following the news, SNY Knicks insider Ian Begley wrote about why Brown got the job. And revealed an interesting nugget of inside intel.
“He wasn’t their first choice. But one high-ranking executive who knows Brown well said he was the best option available to the Knicks. Brown was the only candidate to have a second interview and met owner James Dolan formally on Tuesday. A little over 24 hours later, the Knicks were closing in on a contract for their next head coach. The decision was ultimately Rose’s to make. He had the support to make his own choice from key stakeholders in the organization. Rose landed on Brown.”
Ian Begley
It is an interesting opinion that he was the “best option” for New York. Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer, and Frank Vogel were all available in this hiring season. All of them have won championships in the NBA. And a proven veteran coach that could get the Knicks to the Finals was reportedly the priority in the search. Yet, all of them were a non-factor in the process.
However, while Brown’s hiring may be underwhelming for some fans, Begley explained why the 24-year coaching veteran still is a worthwhile hire for the team.
“Brown has an extensive coaching resume. Two-time NBA Coach of the Year. A career winning percentage of .599 over 754 regular season games. He’s won four NBA titles as an assistant coach in San Antonio (under Gregg Popovich) and Golden State (under Steve Kerr),” he wrote. “He led the Kings to their first playoff berth in 16 seasons in 2023.”
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos