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