The New York Knicks have expanded the search for assistant coaches to the Western Conference. The new target: Oklahoma City Thunder assistant Royal Ivey.
The New York Knicks have hired head coach David Fizdale to lead the long-term rebuild. It’s a tall task, but the franchise has burdened Fizdale with developing the stars of the future and building a system that will highlight their strengths while gradually addressing their flaws.
In order to successfully do so, Fizdale has made it a priority to target some of the better assistant coaches around the NBA as his supporting cast.
New York is expected to add Keith Smart to Fizdale’s coaching staff, but the process won’t end there. The Knicks have reportedly recruited a cast of coaches who specialize in helping up-and-coming talent develop on both ends of the floor.
According to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, one of the candidates to join Fizdale’s coaching staff is Oklahoma City Thunder assistant Royal Ivey.
Royal Ivey is a candidate to join David Fizdale's staff as assistant coach with the New York Knicks, league sources told The Athletic. He's been an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder and previously spent 10 seasons in the NBA.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 23, 2018
Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Knicks have already met with Ivey about potentially joining Fizdale’s staff.
"New York City native and Oklahoma City assistant Royal Ivey interviewed with the Knicks recently for an assistant position on David Fizdale’s staff, per sources."
Nothing is guaranteed, but the wheels are certainly in motion.
Ivey was born in Harlem and began his high school basketball career in Queens. He eventually transferred to Blair Academy in New Jersey, but the link to the New York area remains strong and potentially noteworthy.
Ivey also played for David Fizdale during his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, which creates a second influential link in this process.
Thus, while the possibility exists that the two sides will pursue a different route, the odds are in favor of Ivey coming to New York.
Ivey has spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Thunder, and held the same position for the Oklahoma City Blue from 2014 to 2016. During that time, he’s earned the reputation of an individual who can connect with the modern generation of players.
In New York, Ivey could facilitate the vision that Fizdale has for helping the guards on the roster realize their untapped potential.
Must Read: What should Scott Perry do about the logjam at guard?
The question is: Will the New York Knicks cash in on the opportunity to bring Royal Ivey back to the city he was born and raised in?