How quickly things change in the NBA! Just one year ago the New York Knicks were confident they had finally turned a corner.
The franchise was headed toward its first postseason appearance since the Carmelo Anthony era (with homecourt advantage in the first round no less). Julius Randle was an All-Star and future Most Improved Player of the Year. And the team’s young core was developing well.
It appeared that the Knicks had finally found a solution to the coaching carrousel that saw 15 different head coaches represent New York since the turn of the decade. That amount of coaches in 22 years is unreasonable. Yet, it appears the hope of stability will have to wait.
Fast forward to 2022, and all of the long-overdue momentum has dissipated. Not only did the Knicks fail to earn a second playoff berth outright, but the 37-win squad even failed to miss the play-in tournament.
Kenny Atkinson should be the next head coach of the New York Knicks.
This epic collapse has caused coach Tom Thibodeau to fall from franchise savior to resident on the hot seat. If this is indeed the end, Thibodeau did exactly what many thought he would.
For a season, he transformed the defense and instilled a winning expectation in New York. Yet, like many other stops along the way, he failed to develop younger talent, rubbed players the wrong way, and eventually saw his tenure peter out.
As the Knicks consider the future at their head coaching position, I would like to firmly submit one name for serious consideration: Kenny Atkinson. In fact, I recommend parting ways with Thibodeau in favor of this former NYC star for the following three reasons…
1: The developmental pedigree
In many ways, Atkinson has the opposite reputation of Thibodeau. While Thibodeau’s known for his fierce personality and his tendency to rely heavily on veteran talent, the former Nets coach built a name for himself through his ability to develop and lead a young roster to success.
Many may have already forgotten that before Brooklyn reshaped their franchise by adding Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they were led by D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen, and (you guessed it) Atkinson.
This 2018 version of the Nets was able to build the respect and young core to pull off such a massive, superstar-laden overhaul. The movement began when the franchise shocked the basketball world by finishing above .500 and cracking the postseason field.
Imagine this type of leader heading up New York’s current roster. What could an elite developmental coach do to help RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, and Obi Toppin?
Could he help former top pick Barrett reach All-Star heights the same way he did for Russell? Could he turn Quickley into a fringe star like Dinwiddie? If Mitchell Robinson is retained, could he make the leap from defensive anchor to star big the same way Allen has?
Similarities in each of these comparisons are easy to spot. Perhaps, Atkinson could finally unlock the potential that faithful Knicks fans have sensed lies beneath the surface.
Don’t let the NY tabloid headlines full you. The biggest need the Knicks have is not the acquisition of a superstar. This endeavor has proved hollow each offseason dating back to the original LeBron James “Decision.”
More than anything, New York needs to develop the treasure trove of lottery talent that currently resides on their roster!
2: The NYC success
Coaching in the NBA is incredibly difficult. Having staying power in New York City is an even harder challenge. Look at Thibodeau after all. In just one season, he has completely spent all of the capital he earned during his inaugural campaign.
Atkinson, unlike many potential coaching options, has a history of success at both levels. Despite a 118-190 overall win-loss record as a head coach, he’s universally given credit for overachieving during his stint in Brooklyn.
He also has extensive experience in the NYC spotlight. The intensity of the media, the spotlight of the city, and the expectations of the fans will be no surprise for Atkinson.
In addition to his four years as coach of the Nets, the NBA lifer also spent four years as an assistant coach for the Knicks from 2008-2012. During this time, he and head coach Mike D’Antoni led New York to multiple postseason appearances.
3: The availability
Surprisingly, Atkinson has yet to land another head coaching job since his unceremonious dismissal in Brooklyn. After spending one season as an assistant to Tyronn Lue with the Los Angeles Clippers, Atkinson now serves as an assistant under Steve Kerr (subscription required) and the Golden State Warriors.
It stands to reason that the former Nets coach would be interested in another opportunity to lead an NBA franchise. And his current position would seem to indicate that his services could be had for a respectable offer and contract.
It’s also worth noting that the already successful coach has now gained experience working under two championship-winning leaders in the past two seasons.
Lue led the Cavaliers to a title in 2015, while Kerr has captained the dynastic Warriors to three NBA championships from 2014 to 2019. This can only have caused Atkinson’s coaching stock to rise.
Conclusion
The benefit of hindsight has made one thing clear: the Knicks, unfortunately, whiffed during their last hiring cycle when they passed on Atkinson in favor of Thibodeau. Now, the franchise has something that’s truly rare in the sports world – a second chance.
Not only is the ideal candidate still available, but he’s even more experienced than he was two years ago.
New York’s front office must take advantage of this opportunity before another franchise closes in. Now that the regular season is over, the Knicks should make their pursuit of Atkinson their top priority as they begin this pivotal offseason.
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