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New York Knicks: Five coaching candidates for the 2020-21 season

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Kenny Atkinson speaks to media during Brooklyn Nets Media Day at HSS Training Center on September 27, 2019 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Kenny Atkinson speaks to media during Brooklyn Nets Media Day at HSS Training Center on September 27, 2019 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Mike Miller could be replaced as head coach of the New York Knicks (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Mike Miller

Why go looking for something new, when you already have someone doing the cooking at home?

The Knicks decided to keep Scott Perry as general manager for one more season, perhaps a nod to his relationship with new president Leon Rose, or a sign of continuity, or both. As Rose evaluates the organization he is now charged with turning into a winner, he might decide to stick with the coach who has made the best of every opportunity the Knicks have given him.

Taking over for a 4-18 team that many considered to have a “flawed” roster, Miller immediately got the team playing better basketball, and was 17-27 before the league was suspended due to the novel coronavirus.

The former college coach doesn’t have any other NBA experience, but during his time with the Knicks’ G-league affiliate in Westchester, he won Coach of the Year honors, and built relationships with many of the Knicks younger players, which he continued to foster from the lead seat along the bench at Madison Square Garden this season.

Stocked with young talent, Miller offers the team a coach who understands the importance of player development. However, it’s hard to believe the Knicks would give Miller a long-term contract, essentially making him a lame-duck if he returns next season. It could also become a distraction to the team if coaching rumors continue to follow them for another calendar year. That said, if Miller is the right man for the job, and proves it over a larger sample of games, why not sign him for the long run?

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