Updates on the Knicks Head Coach Search
The New York Knicks’ search for a new head coach is still underway, and some names have emerged as strong candidates. As previously reported, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown interviewed with New York for the vacancy last week. Sources tell Knicks Fan TV that both will return for another round of interviews this week.
Former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego has entered the ring as a new candidate for the job, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Borrego was a finalist for the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach position last summer before the team chose Kenny Atkinson.
Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori also interviewed for the position last week. Minnesota’s front office previously denied New York’s request to speak with head coach Chris Finch, but Nori is another intriguing candidate who has a relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks’ Senior VP Gersson Rosas.
An even more surprising candidate for Knicks head coach has emerged this week as well.
Sources tell Knicks Fan TV that South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley was interviewed for the job. Staley is one of the NCAA’s best coaches, with three national titles and two WNBA #1 picks (A'ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston) under her tutelage. She previously coached for Temple University, hence her close relationship with Rick (‘95) and Jalen Brunson.
Knicks Acquire Two New Draft Prospects
It wouldn’t be an NBA Draft without some movement by the Knicks. Entering Thursday’s second round, the Knicks held the #50 pick, but they made a trade, sending #50 to the LA Clippers for #51 and the NBA rights to 32-year-old Serbian forward Luka Mitrović.
With the #51 pick, the New York Knicks selected Mohamed Diawara, a French 6’9 forward with raw offensive skill and high defensive upside. He also possesses a 7’4 wingspan and a 9’2 standing reach.
While he wasn’t on many experts’ radar as a Knicks target, he has a perspective on his potential that should get fans a little excited. Plus, he’s good friends with last year’s first-round selection, Pacome Dadiet.
Yesterday, the Knicks also signed undrafted free agent wing Dink Pate from the G League’s Mexico City Capitanes. Just 18 years old, he was inefficient in his G League time but showed flashes of promise that his athleticism and ball-handling ability could spark growth at the next level. Our very own Chris Lebron wrote about him as a Knicks Draft Target.
Per SNY’s Ian Begley, both Diawara and Pate will play in Las Vegas for the Knicks’ Summer League team.
Offseason Primer with Keith Smith:
CP The Fanchise is joined by NBA expert Keith Smith to discuss the impact of the second apron, Mikal Bridges’ extension dilemma, veteran and trade targets for the Knicks, and more.
