The New York Knicks reportedly interviewed Boston Celtics assistant coach Jay Larrañaga. Brad Stevens offered Larrañaga a ringing endorsement.
The New York Knicks have interviewed a seemingly endless list of candidates for the vacancy at head coach. A decision has yet to be reached, but the front office is doing its homework on a vast number of individuals who could turn the organization around.
As the Knicks’ search for a head coach continues, an intriguing name has surfaced as a potential option: Boston Celtics assistant coach Jay Larrañaga.
Larrañaga is the son of Miami Hurricanes head coach Jim Larrañaga, but he’s far more than just an individual with a family connection. He’s one of the most coveted young coaches in the NBA, displaying an ideal balance of youth, offensive creativity, and defensive prowess.
According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens offered high praise for Larrañaga as an assistant and potential head coach.
"“He’s super-smart. He works exceptionally hard. He always is looking proactively at projects,” Stevens said. “He’s great with individuals and helping individuals get better. His player development stuff is off the charts.“As I’ve said about our other guys in the past, I’m just really fortunate to be surrounded by so many people that a) are that capable and work like that, and then b) are totally humble and selfless in their approach. They don’t ask for anything more than to get an opportunity to do their job well.”"
Stevens is still somewhat new to the NBA himself, but at 41 years of age, he’s already built considerable clout in his five seasons.
Knicks fans may not adore the idea of hiring a member of the Celtics, but Boston has returned to its perch as a class organization. One of the primary reasons for that success has been the presence of Stevens and a selfless coaching staff.
Rather than taking an authoritarian view to leadership, Stevens has distributed power to his assistants and trusted their abilities to help create a winning culture.
Larrañaga has played an instrumental role in that process, as many regard him as Stevens’ most trusted assistant.
Larrañaga, 42, previously played and coached in Italy, where he developed an understanding of how to orchestrate a motion offense—a la Mike D’Antoni. He spent two years as a head coach in the G League, as well, where he led the Erie Bayhawks to back-to-back postseason appearances.
The hope in New York appears to be that Larrañaga’s understanding of modern offense, as well as his attention to detail on defense, will translate to an NBA sideline.
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Nothing is imminent, but with an endorsement from Brad Stevens, Jay Larrañaga is certainly looking like a more appealing option for the New York Knicks.