New York Knicks: Mike Budenholzer is the obvious choice

The New York Knicks recently interviewed Mike Budenholzer. The fit is far too obvious for the Knicks to overlook his appeal as a head coach.

The New York Knicks have executed a coaching search that runs far and wide. From a journey to Europe to a dip in the G League talent pool to a focus on familiar faces, the Knicks have explored just about every avenue imaginable in the pursuit of the next head coach.

With all due respect to the other candidates—many of whom have their redeeming traits and would fit well—it’s Mike Budenholzer who’s the obvious choice.

The Knicks met with Budenholzer on Sunday, April 22 about the current vacancy at head coach. All but immediately following the interview, a report surfaced that Budenholzer has expressed serious interest in the position.

Unfortunately, there was a rational concern that the Knicks would have to offer compensation for a coach who was still under contract.

At the time of his meeting with the Knicks, Budenholzer was still employed as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta granted New York permission to interview their sideline general, but it was widely believed that the organization would request compensation.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Hawks have since parted ways with Budenholzer.

In other words: A path has been cleared for the Knicks to hire Budenholzer without having to offer compensation.

The compensation would have gone a long way towards determining if hiring Budenholzer was the right decision. Atlanta was seeking a draft-related return, which likely would have required New York to give up at least one second-round draft pick.

It was within the realm of possibility that the Hawks would ask for a first-round selection, but based on Wojnarowski’s report, it no longer matters.

The Knicks are now free to hire Budenholzer without having to give up a single asset other than money. Thus, the decision to hire or pass on Budenholzer comes down to whether or not he wants the job and if the Knicks believe he’s the best fit.

Per Wojnarowski, the Knicks still view Budenholzer as a viable candidate.

"The Hawks gave Budenholzer permission to speak with the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks for their coaching openings last week. Budenholzer interviewed with the Knicks on Sunday and remains a candidate for the job, league sources said."

Considering it’s been reported that the interest is mutual, this now comes down to the front office.

Budenholzer led the Atlanta Hawks to a record of 213-197 during his five seasons at the helm, including a 189-139 mark before the 2017-18 tank job. That includes the 2014-15 campaign that ranks amongst the greatest years in franchise history.

In 2014-15, Atlanta set a franchise record for wins (60), secured its first division title since 1993-94, and reached the Conference Finals for the first time since 1969-70.

Budenholzer even managed to overcome Al Horford’s departure by leading the Hawks back to the NBA Playoffs with a depleted roster in 2016-17.

Furthermore, Atlanta ranked in the top 10 in defensive efficiency in three of the past four seasons, including top-five rankings in 2015-16 and 2016-17. On the other end of the floor, Budenholzer is known to run an offense that’s based on teamwork, ball movement, and off-ball motion.

He helped Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, and Jeff Teague make the only All-Star Game appearances of their respective careers, and guided Horford to a new level of play.

Prior to his successful run in Atlanta, Budenholzer was Gregg Popovich’s most trusted assistant coach. He spent 17 years with the San Antonio Spurs, helping the organization win four of its five NBA championships.

Whether it’s NBA experience, offensive creativity, defensive accumen, postseason success, or building relationships with his players, Budenholzer checks every box.

Must Read: Pros and cons of hiring Mike Budenholzer

With all due respect to the other candidates, Mike Budenholzer is the obvious choice for the New York Knicks.