New York Knicks set second interview with Mike Brown: Report
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The Knicks have cast a wide net to replace Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed after the Knicks lost 4-2 to the Indiana Pacers.
PHOTO: AFP
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NEW YORK – The New York Knicks reportedly have reached the latter stages in their search for the coach.
The Athletic reported that the National Basketball Association (NBA) team have scheduled a second interview with Mike Brown, set for July 1.
In addition, James Borrego and Micah Nori also could get second interviews, according to the July 1 report.
The Knicks have cast a wide net to replace Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed after the Knicks lost 4-2 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
They attempted to speak to current coaches – including Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets – but were denied permission by those teams.
They also interviewed former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, as well as University of South Carolina championship-winning coach Dawn Staley for the opening.
Brown, 55, was fired by the Sacramento Kings midway through the 2024-25 season. He previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers and has a career record of 454-304. He is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year.
Borrego, 47, coached the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022 to a 138-163 record. He currently is on the coaching staff of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Nori, 51, has no head coaching experience. He currently works under Finch with the Timberwolves and previously was an assistant with the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, Kings and Toronto Raptors.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are signing free agent big man Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, US$12 million (S$15.3 million) contract, ESPN reported on July 1.
The deal also includes a player option for the 29-year-old Frenchman, who returned to the NBA last season and averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 70 games (43 starts) for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Drafted 16th overall by Boston in 2016, Yabusele played parts of two seasons (2017 to 2019) with the Celtics before competing in the NBA G League, China, France and Spain.
The 2.03m, 120kg player has career averages of 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 144 games (48 starts) with the Celtics and Sixers.
The Knicks’ chances of acquiring two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo have reportedly received a boost after his Milwaukee Bucks waived nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard and signed free agent centre Myles Turner, ESPN reported on July 1.
The decision did not sit well with Antetokounmpo, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes.
The Greek forward has been mentioned as a trade candidate this off-season with the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors reportedly interested.
Meanwhile, Duncan Robinson is joining the Pistons on a three-year, US$48 million deal as part of a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat, according to multiple reports on July 1.
The Pistons are sending guard Simone Fontecchio to Miami as part of the transaction.
Robinson spent seven seasons with the Heat and is the franchise’s all-time leader with 1,202 career three-pointers.
He set up the move by declining his US$19.9 million early termination option over the weekend.
The 31-year-old forward will seek more playing time with the Pistons after averaging 24.1 minutes per outing in 74 games with Miami last season. REUTERS
