New York Knicks: Kenny Smith makes his case for head coaching job

The New York Knicks reportedly interviewed Inside the NBA analyst Kenny Smith for the vacancy at head coach. He made a public case for the job.

One could take it quite literally if they were to hear someone say that the New York Knicks are exploring every possibility for the next head coach. The front office has interviewed candidates from all over the coaching world, including a well-known television analyst.

While the connection between Kenny Smith and the Knicks may be vague, the Inside the NBA analyst believes his experience on television has prepared him for this opportunity.

Smith, 53, was an All-American as a point guard for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He went on to play 10 years in the NBA before joining Turner Sports in 1998 as a studio analyst for both regular season and postseason games.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Smith is of the belief that his vast experience in basketball and television will help him make a smooth transition to coaching.

"“The 18 years on TNT has prepared me for a lot of opportunities, and coaching is one of them,’’ Smith said Tuesday on SiriusXM Radio.“I know that in terms of basketball, I’m ready because of 18 years of what went on in this game, having relationships and GMs calling you for opinion off the record,’’ Smith said. “All those kind of things prepare you for those moments.”"

Smith may be the most outside the box candidate on the current list, but he believes that he can utilize his experience in the studio to silence his critics on the sidelines.

It’s worth noting that Smith provided commentary on the MSG Network between 2005 and 2008. It may also be of significance that his brother, Vincent Smith, is one of the most revered coaches and trainers on the high school level.

That family connection may provide Smith with a sense of perspective that will be required to take over as head coach of an NBA franchise.

Smith himself has had the luxury of learning from some of the most accomplished coaches in the history of the sport, including Bill Russell, Dean Smith, and Rudy Tomjanovich.

The hurdle that Smith would inevitably have to overcome is that he’s never actually been a coach in the NBA. We’ve seen others without experience make a transition to coaching, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that it’s going to work out.

Smith appears to be optimistic about his chances, however, and certainly has the wealth of basketball experience to at least throw his hat in the ring.

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The question is: Will Kenny Smith receive the opportunity to return to the city he grew up in and lead the New York Knicks?