The New York Knicks have added Kentucky assistant Kenny Payne to Tom Thibodeau’s coaching staff.
Kenny Payne, who many have credited for having a huge impact on the success of the University of Kentucky basketball program, has made the decision to jump to the NBA to join the New York Knicks coaching staff as an assistant under Tom Thibodeau.
After several weeks of speculation, the hire was made official on Tuesday. Payne has a long-time relationship with Knicks president Leon Rose and vice president William Wesley.
In a statement released jointly with the team, Thibodeau sounded excited about the hire.
"“I’m thrilled that Kenny has joined my staff as an assistant coach,” Thibodeau said. “He has an outstanding ability to forge relationships with players and improve their skills.”"
The Kentucky assistant has built a strong reputation developing players who have turned into stars in the NBA—from Devin Booker to Karl-Anthony Towns to Anthony Davis.
Lot of mixed emotions for us today as we bid farewell to associate head coach Kenny Payne, who has accepted an assistant coach position with the @nyknicks. We're absolutely thrilled for Kenny but sad to see him go. We wish you nothing but the best, KP!
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) August 11, 2020
➡ https://t.co/i4vlQjJCzb pic.twitter.com/pAw9P2eCdu
Payne worked closely with Knicks lottery pick Kevin Knox at Kentucky. This could be a great opportunity for Knox to develop his game with a familiar coach after a tepid start to his professional career.
The 53-year-old assistant played in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers from 1989-1993. He cut his teeth in coaching at Oregon from 2004-2009, before joining John Calipari’s staff at Kentucky in 2010, where he has remained an integral part of the program until accepting this recent offer.
"“This is a bittersweet day for us at Kentucky,” UK head coach John Calipari said (via the University of Kentucky). “Kenny has been an extremely important part of our success here. His relationship with our players is second to none. He coaches them and challenges them as hard as anyone, but they respect him, they listen to him and they learn from him because they know he cares. As a basketball coach and a teacher, he could run any program in the country. Simply, he’s as good as they get.”"
Payne’s addition to Thibodeau’s staff is welcoming news for Knicks fans desparate for any sign of hope that the organization is finally ready to compete at a high level again. While many will focus on the former Kentucky assistant’s connection with star players, let’s examine four reasons why he is an important hire from a basketball standpoint.