Tom Thibodeau, former New York Knicks assistant coach from 1996 to 2004, emerged as the favorite to become the team’s next manager. On Thursday he had the opportunity to officially present his case while formally interviewing the work, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Thibodeau has not coached since he was fired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in January 2019, after the team failed to make substantial progress during his two and more seasons as a manager and general manager. However, his championship actions remained relatively high, thanks in large part to his reputation as an excellent defensive mind. In addition to the Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets are also reportedly interested in Thibodeau.
Thibodeau isn’t the only candidate on the Knicks’ radar. Kenny Atkinson, who was fired from the nets in March, is expected to get an interview, according to Shams Charania and Mike Vorkunov. Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller, who took over after the David FIzdale fire in December, is also expected to receive an interview. Former Milwaukee Bucks manager Jason Kidd is also a potential target thanks in part to his strong relationship with the upcoming 2021 free agent Giannis Antetokounmpo, which the Knicks are sure to target.
Anyone who eventually gets the job will be in charge of shaping a young list that includes RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox and which in turn will lead the Knicks to perpetual contention in the Eastern Conference. Reportedly, the Knicks would like to make a decision about their next manager in the coming weeks. Anyone who does the job will also have a higher lottery pick to work with. The Knicks are currently slated to have the sixth best odds in the NBA Draft lottery.
In February, the Knicks separated from Steve Mills after seven years as president of the organization. At the time, Scott Perry took over basketball operations for New York City on a temporary basis. So, in early March, former CAA agent Leon Rose was officially named the new Knicks president. After accepting the job, Rose asked Knicks fans for patience as she tried to help the team return to the contest.
“Our team has young talents, important future resources [including seven first-round picks over the next four years] and great financial flexibility in the coming years, “said Rose.” Everyone from property to athletes to staff and in particular to our fans want this team to be a winner. We will have all the resources necessary to create a large organization that supports our efforts to build a winning culture and offers the Knicks fans and the city of New York the team you deserve. ”
When it comes to coaches, the Knicks haven’t had much luck recently. Since 2012, they have mixed seven different coaches and only have one win in the playoff series to show for this. With Rose now calling the shots, the organization will try to turn luck in that department with their next rental.
