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New York Knicks: Five reasons to end the search and hire Mike Budenholzer

By Maxwell Ogden

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Head coach Dave Joerger of the Sacramento Kings talks with Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks prior to the game on March 22, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Head coach Dave Joerger of the Sacramento Kings talks with Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks prior to the game on March 22, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks plays defense against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks plays defense against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Changing The (Dolan) Culture

As previously alluded to, the New York Knicks have a fractured culture. Since James Dolan took over as owner, the Knicks have abandoned the defensive mentality that led to resounding success in favor of a flashier approach that often leads to investing in offensive-minded stars.

If the Knicks are going to win at a home venue that always seems to bring the best out of star-caliber opponents, then defense must be the focus.

Mike Budenholzer has proven that his defensive philosophies translate well to the modern NBA. Atlanta ranked No. 14 in the NBA in defensive efficiency during Budenholzer’s first season at the helm—an impressive feat considering Al Horford missed 53 games.

From there, Atlanta ranked No. 7 in defensive efficiency in 2014-15, No. 2 in 2015-16, and No. 4 in 2016-17—the pre-tank seasons.

Having proven that he can design an elite team defense, the Knicks should be champing at the bit to see what Budenholzer can do with Kristaps Porzingis in the paint. He’s never had a rim protector like Porzingis, nor an on-ball or pick and roll defender like Frank Ntilikina.

Thus, when one evaluates the Knicks’ desperate need to improve on defense, it’s hard to look at Budenholzer as anything but an overqualified candidate.

Must Read: Prepare for a quiet offseason

The question is: Will the New York Knicks actually end the coaching search and hire the obvious choice?

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