Excitement Brews as Knicks Narrow Down Coaching Candidates

The New York Knicks are inching closer to settling their head coach dilemma, and it looks like Mike Brown is firmly in the spotlight! After a whirlwind of interviews over the past two weeks, the team has officially invited Brown back for a much-anticipated second round on Tuesday, multiple league sources reveal.

But it doesn’t stop there—rumors are swirling that former Hornets head coach James Borrego and assistant Micah Nori could also be returning for their own second interviews. The Knicks are leaving no stone unturned!

Dawn Staley Out of the Running

In an interesting twist, the Knicks had approached South Carolina’s powerhouse women’s coach Dawn Staley during their search. However, despite a strong interview, sources indicate she will not be moving forward as a finalist for the position.

A Rollercoaster Search for a New Leader

This coaching search comes on the heels of Tom Thibodeau's departure shortly after the Knicks’ playoff run. New York is the only team conducting a coaching search in the league, and their quest has been anything but straightforward. Earlier attempts to speak with prominent coaches like Ime Udoka and Jason Kidd were met with outright refusals by their respective teams.

Mike Brown: A Strong Contender

Mike Brown, who has a storied history in the league, appears to be the frontrunner for the job. After being let go by the Sacramento Kings last season, Brown previously achieved back-to-back 40-plus-win seasons with them—their first since the mid-2000s! He also led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007 and has served as an invaluable assistant under Steve Kerr at Golden State.

Meet the Other Candidates

James Borrego, who helmed the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, is known for his offensive acumen and analytical approach, even following up a successful final season with the Hornets (43 wins) before taking a break. Micah Nori, on the other hand, is the dark horse in this race. Although he lacks head coaching experience, he’s considered a rising star among assistants and has a creative offensive mindset.

Knicks Set for Free Agency Moves

The Knicks are not only focused on their coaching future; they are also gearing up for free agency! Despite some financial constraints, insiders suggest they are targeting veteran scorer Jordan Clarkson, who is expected to sign after clearing waivers this week post-buyout from the Utah Jazz.

Stay tuned as the Knicks continue their search for a new coach amidst the excitement of the upcoming NBA free agency!