After reaching the Japanese Convention Finals for the primary time in 25 years, the New York Knicks shocked the basketball world by parting methods with head coach Tom Thibodeau following 5 seasons on the helm.
The dismissal got here regardless of the workforce’s deepest playoff run in a long time, with All-NBA abilities Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities main a squad that fell simply two wins in need of the NBA Finals.
The timing of Thibodeau’s departure has left many questioning the entrance workplace’s decision-making course of.
With championship aspirations clearly inside attain, the group now turns its consideration to discovering the suitable chief to information this gifted roster over the end line.
“A listing of potential HC Candidates for the Knicks, in keeping with James L. Edwards III: • Michael Malone • Mike Brown • Taylor Jenkins • Darvin Ham • James Borrego,” SleeperKnicks shared.
A listing of potential HC Candidates for the Knicks, in keeping with @JLEdwardsIII:
• Michael Malone
• Mike Brown
• Taylor Jenkins
• Darvin Ham
• James Borrego pic.twitter.com/YXoQ4YaP5m— SleeperKnicks (@SleeperKnicks) June 9, 2025
Michael Malone emerges as maybe essentially the most intriguing choice. At 53, the championship-winning coach brings confirmed playoff expertise and a championship pedigree that would resonate with a Knicks workforce believing it’s able to contend.
His potential to maximise expertise whereas sustaining workforce chemistry makes him a horny candidate.
Mike Brown presents one other compelling alternative. Regardless of blended outcomes as a head coach, his tenure as Steve Kerr’s trusted assistant in the course of the Golden State Warriors dynasty showcases his offensive acumen.
Whereas his earlier stops in Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Sacramento drew criticism, his championship expertise can’t be ignored.
Taylor Jenkins represents the youthful teaching demographic.
Although his Memphis tenure ended poorly, he beforehand guided the Grizzlies to consecutive 50-win seasons earlier than inside points derailed the franchise. At 40, he might develop alongside this core.
Darvin Ham brings intensive teaching expertise courting again to 2008.
His latest Lakers stint confronted scrutiny, however his undefeated NBA Cup file with each Los Angeles and Milwaukee demonstrates his potential to arrange groups for giant moments.
James Borrego rounds out the checklist as a former Gregg Popovich protégé who confirmed promise throughout his Charlotte stint earlier than being changed.
Now with New Orleans, he could deserve one other alternative to show himself.
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