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Knicks: 3 under-the-radar front office hires who will change the culture

By Brad Dressler

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: A 'we love New York' is displayed on a billboard outside the Madison Square Garden as the city continues Phase 4 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on August 29, 2020 in New York City. The fourth phase allows outdoor arts and entertainment, sporting events without fans and media production. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: A 'we love New York' is displayed on a billboard outside the Madison Square Garden as the city continues Phase 4 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on August 29, 2020 in New York City. The fourth phase allows outdoor arts and entertainment, sporting events without fans and media production. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 11: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles with the ball in the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings during their preseason game at Moda Center on December 11, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Johnnie Bryant – Associate Head Coach

Last, but most certainly not least, is another Utah Jazz transplant in Johnnie Bryant, who excels at player development. After going undrafted in the 2007 NBA draft, Bryant started coaching at his namesake’s Bryant Sports Academy where he privately helped the development of Damian Lillard. Additionally, he played a huge role in developing the likes of Gordon Hayward and Donovan Mitchell, while also turning former 2nd round pick Paul Millsap into a 4x All-Star.

Bryant is widely recognized as a tough, hard-nosed, yet supportive coach who routinely pushes his personnel well past their physical, but more importantly mental limitations. At an average age of 24 years old, this Knicks team can certainly benefit from someone of Bryant’s coaching skillset and acumen. With guys like Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, and Dennis Smith Jr. all not yet fulfilling their potential so far, someone who can challenge them to become the best version of themselves will only help shape the composition of this roster as we progress towards a post-season ready unit.

The players I see stepping up the most under Bryant are the guards and wings, most notably RJ Barrett and Dennis Smith Jr. Til this day, Johnnie Bryant still holds the record for the University of Utah’s career three-point percentage at 44 percent, so we know where his allegiance lays on the offensive side of the ball. He would also help both play better, more physical on-ball defense.

Next. 3 Mitchell Robinson trade ideas. dark

I’ll always remain an optimistic New York Knicks fan, no matter what moves they make at any level of the organization. I’ve survived all the lows I could handle up until this point in my life, but with these three men at the helm, I feel confident that for the first time in a long time that things are finally being done the right way and our beloved Blue and Orange are on the up and up!

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