The New York Knicks saw their season come to an unfortunate end at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. It was just the latest chapter in the storied rivalry between the two teams.
For the Knicks, it was their first trip back to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, when they lost to the Pacers. The Pacers went on to lose to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.
The Knicks shocked the NBA on Tuesday when they announced they were firing head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons. Many couldn't believe they would move off of Thibodeau after their most successful season in 25 years.
It will be interesting to see who the Knicks will bring in for interviews. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst delivered a significant claim regarding the vacancy.
"This is one of the more interesting jobs you're ever going to see because it is a desirable job," Windhorst said. "They have a very good roster. It is in New York City, and most importantly, it's in the Eastern Conference. In the Eastern Conference right now, the landscape is a lot more friendly than the Western Conference.
"But, then again, this is a flawed roster. The reason that they are no longer playing is because the flaws in the roster were exploited by the Indiana Pacers. While that roster can be changed, it won't be easy."
.@WindhorstESPN says the New York Knicks' vacant head coach position is "one of the more interesting jobs you're ever gonna see."
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 4, 2025
He also mentioned names like Mike Brown, Michael Malone, Taylor Jenkins, Jeff Van Gundy and Jay Wright as possible candidates pic.twitter.com/CtIJYvuMPv
Windhorst then listed some candidates he believes the Knicks will consider, including names like former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, Jeff Van Gundy and even Jay Wright.
Whoever takes that job can't be afraid of the bright lights of New York City. As Windhorst mentioned, it's the toughest and most critical media in the country. Fans around the league will continue to monitor what is likely the hottest open head coaching job in the league.
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