The New York Knicks aren’t done interviewing candidates. Scott Perry and Steve Mills will reportedly interview Miami Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard.
New York Knicks fans may want the front office to hire a new coach, but Steve Mills and Scott Perry aren’t done compiling their list of candidates. Fresh off of a trip to Europe that included an interview with David Blatt and an opportunity to scout Luka Doncic, the Knicks are preparing for another meeting.
Next on the agenda is an interview with an individual who has gained a considerable measure of clout as both a player and coach: Juwan Howard.
New York has interviewed nine candidates for the vacancy that Jeff Hornacek left at head coach. Howard will bring that list to 10, which is all one needs to know about how thorough the organization has been in its search.
According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, Perry, Mills, and the Knicks could interview Howard as soon as this weekend.
Another name on the Knicks head-coaching interview list, per league sources: Heat assistant Juwan Howard. They may meet as soon as this weekend.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) April 28, 2018
Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the interview is expected to take place today.
The Knicks’ interview with Juwan Howard is expected to take place today, per sources. https://t.co/Upzwc71BuI
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 28, 2018
Howard may not be an expected candidate, but he has a wealth of experience as an assistant coach and an intriguing history as a player, as well.
Howard, 45, played 19 seasons in the NBA, earning praise for his leadership in the locker room during the Miami Heat’s championship runs in 2011-12 and 2012-13. He was also an All-NBA honoree early in his career and one of the leading members of The Fab Five in college.
Howard’s best NBA season may have been in 1995-96, when he averaged 22.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
Upon retiring in 2013, Howard immediately joined Erik Spoelstra’s staff as an assistant coach—a position he’s held ever since.
Howard is widely regarded as one of the best assistant coaches in the NBA at developing relationships with his players. That’s become a key focus for the Knicks, which are concerned that previous leaders have been unable to connect with modern athletes.
As a 19-year veteran who has won at a championship level and learned from one of the best-run organizations in sports, Howard certainly fits the bill.
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The New York Knicks will provide Juwan Howard with an opportunity to prove he belongs as a head coach.