The New York Knicks made a surprising move on Tuesday that already shows new head coach Mike Brown has more say than his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau.
This week, the Knicks will officially hire two-time NBA Coach of the Year winner Mike Brown to be their new head coach. It was a move that took much longer than expected. And included nearly a half dozen failed attempts to lure away other teams’ head coaches.
Related: NBA reporter praises New York Knicks offseason, hiring of Mike Brown
Thibodeau’s firing surprised many around the NBA. He got them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, and he posted the fourth-most wins of any coach in team history. Yet, the fact that team president Leon Rose dismissed his long-time pal made it all the more unexpected. However, today brought surprising news about something Thibodeau’s replacement is getting that he didn’t.
New York Post NBA insider Stefan Bondy revealed that with Mike Brown coming on, “he is expected to hire a new associate head coach.” That is notable because it means Rick Brunson, the father of top star Jalen Brunson, is being removed from that role.
Brunson is reportedly staying with the staff, as of now, and is reportedly onboard with the change. “This is what’s best for the organization and the players,” a source told Bondy.
The Knicks opened themselves up to questions about conflict of interest when the veteran assistant coach was hired in the same offseason they signed his son. That only got worse when he was elevated to associate head coach before this past season. After his predecessor, Johnnie Bryant, left to join the Cleveland Cavaliers staff.
It always seemed like Brunson was forced on Thibodeau to sign and appease Brunson. However, Brown won’t have to further acquiesce to that desire and will be able to hire his own top assistant. But Thibodeau’s assistants Darren Erman, Mo Cheeks, and Mark Bryant are expected to remain on. So Brown won’t get the chance to build a new staff from scratch.
Related: New York Knicks rumor suggests plans to replace Mitchell Robinson with top center in NBA free agency
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos