Knicks HC Search Reportedly Met with 'Amusement' and 'Anger' amid Denial Rumors
The New York Knicks have reportedly irked some NBA teams with the manner in which they have conducted their head coaching search thus far.
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the Knicks have left some in the league "shaking their heads in amusement," while others have expressed "anger" over New York reportedly making multiple requests to interview current head coaches.
Bontemps and Windhorst added that the Knicks were denied interviews with Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder and Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.
ESPN's Shams Charania also reported Friday on the Rich Eisen Show that New York's "unorthodox" head coaching search has angered some teams.
Last week, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, ending his five-year tenure with the organization.
Thibodeau posted a 226-174 record with four playoff appearances during his time with the Knicks, including a 51-31 mark this season, which was their best record since 2012-13.
He also led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals berth since 2000, although they fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
Rather than attempting to hire assistant coaches, free-agent coaches or coaches from the college ranks, the Knicks have thus far focused their attention on attempting to poach an already entrenched head coach from another NBA team.
That strategy has not worked thus far, as they have reportedly been unable to secure even a single interview through that tactic.
The Knicks should be an attractive landing spot to prospective head coaches since they fell just two wins short of the NBA Finals and are set to return their entire core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.
It is unclear who they may target after reportedly having several interview requests rejected, but a few names have popped up in rumors.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post named former Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown and former Lakers and Kings head coach Luke Walton as options.
Meanwhile, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic listed former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego as possible candidates.
