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Knicks Rumors: Latest Updates on Coaching Search

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 21, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Magic defeated the Knicks 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Magic defeated the Knicks 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Carmelo Anthony Wants Tom Thibodeau

The next head coach of the New York Knicks will need to be on the same page as franchise player Carmelo Anthony. Not all will agree with that belief, but so long as Anthony is the go-to scoring option in both general and clutch moments, having what Phil Jackson described as, “Simpatico,” will be key.

According to Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, Anthony’s preferred choice to fill the coaching vacancy is former Chicago Bulls frontman Tom Thibodeau.

"For the second time in three days, Anthony said he’d like to have his voice heard this summer. For most players, that’s code for “hire the coach I want to play for.” A source close to Anthony insists that his preferred choice is Tom Thibodeau, a coach Jackson seems to have no interest in speaking to."

Anthony isn’t alone with that desire.

Thibodeau is the name most commonly mentioned by Knicks fans in regards to the coaching search. His track record speaks for itself, with accolades achieved as an assistant coach to Jeff Van Gundy and Doc Rivers, and as head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

That includes his being an assistant coach for the Knicks from 1996 to 2004—the last era during which New York was relevant in championship discussions.

As head coach of the Bulls, Thibodeau amassed a record of 255-139 over the course of five seasons—good for a win percentage of .647. He did so with Derrick Rose battling a laundry list of injuries, and the front office attempting to tank as Thibodeau motivated his players to win.

If Jackson and Thibodeau can find a common ground—in other words, if Thibs agrees to run the Triangle Offense—he could save the Knicks.

Next: Former Knicks Point Guard

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