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Knicks Rumors: New York interviewed Jay Larrañaga for head coach

By Maxwell Ogden

CHICAGO, IL - January 7: Acting Boston Celtics head coach Jay Larranaga is seen against the Chicago Bulls on January 7, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - January 7: Acting Boston Celtics head coach Jay Larranaga is seen against the Chicago Bulls on January 7, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks continue to expand their list of candidates for the vacancy at head coach. The latest coach to receive an interview: Jay Larrañaga.

When the New York Knicks ultimately decide who to hire as their next head coach, there may not be an individual who wasn’t contacted. New York is leaving no stone unturned as it searches for the coach who could lead it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

With a candidate pool that’s constantly expanding, it should come as no surprise that the Knicks have contacted a coach who’s currently a member of the Boston Celtics.

New York and Boston may have a bitter rivalry, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Celtics are one of the best-run organizations in professional sports. Thus, as the Knicks search for ways to join the ranks of the contenders, it’s only rational to evaluate what’s working for them.

According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, the Knicks have done exactly that by meeting with Celtics assistant coach Jay Larrañaga.

"The Knicks’ list of candidates for their coaching vacancy continues to grow. They’ve interviewed Celtics’ lead assistant coach Jay Larranaga, according to a league source.They received permission to speak to Larranaga and met with Brad Stevens’ top aide last week, the source said."

Based on how successful Brad Stevens has been during the early seasons of his NBA career, meeting with his top assistant certainly sounds like a wise decision.

Larrañaga, 42, is the son of current Miami Hurricanes and former George Mason Patriots head coach Jim Larrañaga. More important than the family connection, however, is the fact that he’s an impressive basketball mind in his own right.

Larrañaga spent 12 years as a player along the European circuit, gaining invaluable experience in a team-oriented environment.

Larrañaga went on to enter the coaching world, receiving his first NBA opportunity with the Erie BayHawks of the G League in 2010.

Larrañaga led the Bayhawks to back-to-back postseason appearances, thus earning an opportunity in the NBA. He’s been with the Boston Celtics since 2012, honing his craft as an assistant to both Stevens and NBA champion Doc Rivers.

A firm believer in the need to trust ball and player movement as the foundation for offensive execution, and a hard-nosed defensive coach, Larrañaga is an appealing option.

Must Read: Pros and cons of hiring Frank Vogel

Jay Larrañaga may not be a household name just yet, but it’s only a matter of time before he’s an NBA head coach. The question is: Will the New York Knicks give him that opportunity?

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