The New York Knicks had a hard time finding a replacement for head coach Tom Thibodeau after the franchise fired him earlier this summer following its first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in a quarter century.
Now, with Mike Brown hired to run the team in 2025-26, the Knicks have found more trouble while attempting to fill out his staff.
NBA insiders had frequently connected the Knicks to top New Orleans Pelicans assistant and former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego in recent days. Borrego's offensive expertise would have been a good fit alongside the defensive-minded Brown, but the Pelicans slammed the door on that possible future on Wednesday, July 9.
"Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego, a Knicks target for a lead spot on Mike Brown’s staff, will be staying in New Orleans, per league sources familiar with the matter," Ian Begley of SNYtv posted to X on Wednesday, July 9. "Knicks interviewed Borrego for their head coaching position and had interest in adding him to Brown’s staff. But he is highly valued by NOP and is currently under contract with Pelicans. So he won’t be an option for Brown’s staff."
Brown and New York will have to return to the drawing board. However, one thing that is certain is none of the top assistant roles will be going to Rick Brunson, the father of Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson, who is a holdover from Thibodeau's staff.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported Tuesday that Brown's arrival and staff reorganization is going to result in a "lesser role" for the elder Brunson moving forward.