2 Former NBA Head Coaches ‘Linked’ to Knicks’ Vacancy

2 former NBA head coaches "linked" to Knicks' coaching vacancy

While making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years would be good enough for some, it wasn't for the Knicks' upper brass, as they decided to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons.

While many media members were outright shocked and baffled by the decision, some NBA executives expected the move to happen if the Knicks didn't win the series.

Now, speculation begins as to who the Knicks will look to bring into arguably the most vicious regional sports media cycle in the country.

However, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports that former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown and former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton are linked to the Knicks' coaching vacancy.

“Jason Kidd, another potential candidate, is also under contract with the Mavericks, but the possibility of him shaking loose is less clear at this point," said Bondy. "Two random names I heard recently for the Knicks job are Mike Brown (currently unemployed) and Luke Walton (lead assistant in Detroit).”

While those names stand out, neither coach has won an NBA Title as a head coach. It wouldn't be surprising if the Knicks include coaches such as Mike Budenholzer and Michael Malone, who have won NBA Championships.

It will be interesting to monitor how quickly the Knicks fill the position. Will they take their time and let it go into the NBA Draft and free agency process, or will they hire someone quickly to get a clear ideology in the building before crucial team-constructing periods?