Ex-NBA champion head coach immediately linked to Knicks

The New York Knicks have decided to move on from Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this year, and one theory is that they already have their next head coach lined up.

Thibodeau has been fired by the Knicks following five seasons with the franchise that featured four playoff appearances. Even after Thibodeau’s team exceeded expectations, the Knicks reportedly felt they were in need of a new voice.

Many people are convinced that former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone will be that voice.

Malone was linked to the Knicks immediately after the shocking news about Thibodeau surfaced. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins agreed that Malone seems like the obvious choice.

“It might have to be Michael Malone. I mean, when you talk about championship experience, what other coach is out there?” Perkins said. “He’s from the New York area, born and raised, went to high school right down the street from where Kyrie Irving grew up. …I don’t know who they are gonna hire. I think Michael Malone is probably the best fit if they’re trying to win now, because he is a championship-level coach.”