Knicks News: Tom Thibodeau top candidate for head coach

Former New York Knicks assistant Tom Thibodeau is the top candidate as the team’s next head coach.

A somewhat polarizing head coaching candidate, former New York Knicks assistant Tom Thibodeau is the top candidate for the Knicks’ head coaching position, according to The Athletic.

While it is unclear if the Knicks will resume the 2019-20 season, a decision on their next head coach is expected in the next few weeks, according to the report. Former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson is also expected to be interviewed.

The New York Post has previously reported that Thibodeau would be on president Leon Rose’s short list for the job, and would likely benefit in interviewing him before other interested teams get a chance since the Knicks are unlikely to qualify for the playoffs—although that could change based on how the NBA decides to return to play this season.

Frank Isola of The Athletic reported in early March that if the Knicks replace Mike Miller, Thibodeau would be among the favorites.

New York Knicks interim coach Mike Miller could stay with the team.

According to the most recent Athletic report, Miller would remain head coach for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, if the Knicks are asked to return to play by the NBA. He would also receive an interview for the full-time job, and if he doesn’t get it, he would likely be offered a chance to return to the organization in a different role, according to The Athletic.

The 62-year-old Thibodeau appeared on Adrian Wojnarowski’s podcast last week, which is usually a sign of a former coach trying to set his own narrative in making it clear he is ready to coach again. Thibodeau acknowledged on the podcast that the game has evolved since he began coaching in the league, and that “load management” is something to consider depending on whether the roster is filled with veterans or young players.

Obviously, the Knicks are currently built as a young team, led by Mitchell Robinson, RJ Barrett, and several former lottery picks who are yet to blossom. The Knicks will also pick in the upcoming NBA lottery.

Thibodeau was head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 2010-2015, before being hired as president and head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016. After clashing with star player Jimmy Butler, he was fired in 2019.

The Knicks made several front office hires official on Wednesday. They picked up general manager Scott Perry’s option for the 2020-21 season. They also officially hired Brock Aller, Walt Perrin and Frank Zanin to significant front office roles.