Pro: Experience In New York
If just any coach could be successful with the New York Knicks, one would be inclined to believe that Larry Brown, Mike D’Antoni, or Lenny Wilkens would’ve thrived at The Mecca. Yet, Brown and Wilkens lasted a combined 163 games, and D’Antoni resigned midseason in 2011-12.
Since Jeff Van Gundy stepped down in 2001, it’s been Mike Woodson—and only Mike Woodson—who has been able to lead the Knicks to meaningful success.
Woodson accumulated a record of 109-79 during the parts of three seasons that he coached the Knicks. That includes the unforgettable 2012-13 campaign, during which New York won 54 games, the Atlantic Division Title, and a postseason series.
It was New York’s first postseason series victory since 1999-2000, its highest win total since 1996-97, and its first division title since 1993-94.
What further supports the claim that Woodson’s experience in New York will help him is how brilliantly the team played at home under his leadership. Over the course of his three seasons at the helm, the Knicks went 61-33 (.649) at Madison Square Garden.
For perspective: New York has accumulated a home record of 66-98 (.402) in the four seasons since Woodson was relieved of his duties.