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New Knicks assistant Johnnie Bryant praised before the release of Jazz

We will miss Johnnie Bryant in Utah.

Bryant’s announcement as the Knicks’ new associate manager will come next week, but he will continue alongside manager Quin Snyder as long as the Jazz remain alive in the Orlando bubble.

“Johnnie’s contributions have had an impact on many levels,” Snyder told the Post in a text message. “He assisted in game management, advanced scouting and individual player development. More than anything else, he supported me on a personal level. All of these contributions prepared him well and I’m sure it will have a positive impact on the Knicks program in the same way that Jazz does. ”

The Jazz drew 1-1 with Denver in a first-round streak. During Thursday’s Zoom call, Snyder said of Bryant’s upcoming release: “I’m happy for Johnnie and his family. It is an opportunity that has been earned and deserved. We are really excited for him.

“It was someone who has been with me since I arrived in Utah. Tactically, he learned [a lot] in the game and on the bench. He’s great on the pitch with the players and you see him develop guys. It is something we are proud of our program. Johnnie played an important part in this. ”

Johnnie Bryant
Johnnie BryantGetty Images

Donovan Mitchell, Paul Millsap and Gordon Hayward both cited Bryant’s guardianship. Mitchell in particular is a huge fan. Bryant’s presence in New York could be a lure if Mitchell, a Westchester product, wants to go home.

Bryant also mentored Portland superstar Damian Lillard, who called him “a big brother”. Both hail from Oakland, California.

Snyder took over as head Jazz coach in 2014-15. Bryant joined Jazz as a player development coach in 2013. Knicks president Leon Rose hired Kenny Payne, Bryant and will soon be adding Mike Woodson to Tom Thibodeau’s staff.

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