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New York Knicks: NBA personnel director on Mike Budenholzer’s appeal

By Maxwell Ogden

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 02: Coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 02: Coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in Mike Budenholzer. What exactly is it that makes him an appealing candidate?

The New York Knicks have interviewed 10 known candidates for the vacancy at head coach, but one could argue that the most attractive résumé belongs to Mike Budenholzer. The 48-year-old has a wealth of NBA experience and a proven ability to overachieve.

As Knicks fans ponder the possibility of hiring Budenholzer, however, one question has inevitably surfaced: What exactly does he offer?

Budenholzer spent 17 years as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, which is reason enough to grant him an interview. In addition to winning four championships in San Antonio, he’s also experienced success as a head coach.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, an NBA personnel director believes Budenholzer’s success is based on his well-rounded nature as a coach, teacher, and student of the game.

"“He’s an excellent coach and teacher,’’ another NBA personnel director said. “He’s really a student of the game and did a very good job developing young players. He’s a good combo of disciplinarian and players coach. Doc Rivers isn’t a bad comparison.”"

If the Knicks are looking for a coach who can both win and develop talent, then Budeholzer is one of the few who checks both boxes.

It’s easy to point to the fact that Budenholzer won four championships as an assistant and led Atlanta to its first 60-win season as a head coach. Those are impressive feats, but they don’t quite summarize what it is that makes Budenholzer special.

In both Atlanta and San Antonio, the growth of the players that he was coaching was as much of a story as the wins the teams accumulated.

For a franchise like New York, adding a coach who can both develop young talent and establish a winning culture should be viewed as it is: A rare opportunity.

Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, and Jeff Teague made the only All-Star Game appearances of their respective careers while playing for Budenholzer. Budenholzer also helped Tim Hardaway Jr. salvage his career, which may mean more to the Knicks than just about anything else.

Throw in the fact that the Hawks were winning games at a franchise-best rate while developing talent, and the appeal here becomes easy to see.

Must Read: Five reasons to end the search and hire Mike Budenholzer

The New York Knicks have other options to consider, but there may not be a better free agent coach in the NBA than Mike Budenholzer.

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