Following the firing of Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks are considering Ime Udoka, Jason Kidd, Jay Wright, Johnnie Bryant, Mike Brown, and Luke Walton as potential head coaching candidates, while assistant Rick Brunson's future remains uncertain.
The New York Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons. With Thibs' departure, the Knicks are already turning their attention to the future.
Free throws this season
New York Knicks
NBA
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Knicks are expected to show interest in Ime Udoka and Jason Kidd. Meanwhile, longtime Villanova coach Jay Wright and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant have quickly emerged as presumed candidates.
"When it comes to available coaches, longtime Villanova coach Jay Wright — who has long expressed a reluctance to make the leap to the NBA — and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant quickly emerged as presumed likely candidates," Stein reported on Substack.
"Two head coaches who are not currently available but said to interest the Knicks, according to league sources, are Dallas' Jason Kidd and Houston's Ime Udoka," Stein added.
However, early signs indicate their teams are unlikely to allow interview requests.
Credit AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter - Scanpix
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Mike Brown and Luke Walton have also been linked to the Knicks' head coaching job.
"Jason Kidd, another potential candidate, is also under contract with the Mavericks, but the possibility of him shaking loose is less clear at this point," Bondy wrote. "Two random names I heard recently for the Knicks job are Mike Brown (currently unemployed) and Luke Walton (lead assistant in Detroit)."
More changes could be on the way in New York beyond just the head coach.
According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, some Knicks players have been unhappy with assistant coach Rick Brunson, the father of star point guard Jalen Brunson.
While the exact nature of the concerns is unclear, Hoops Wire sources suggest Rick Brunson may have had too much influence within the organization.
His future with the team is uncertain following Thibodeau's exit, but given his close relationship with Jalen, many believe he will stay in some capacity.
Both Rick and Jalen Brunson were considered strong supporters of Thibodeau, with Jalen publicly backing his coach after the Indiana Pacers eliminated the Knicks in six games.
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