Is front-runner emerging in Knicks' head coach search?

Although Brown was let go by the Kings just last year after a slow start to the season, the immediate reaction around the league was that that dismissal had more to do with the overall state of disarray within the Kings organization than any shortcoming of Brown. 

Brown had led the Kings to their most successful season in almost two decades during the first season of his tenure. During the 2022-23 season, the Kings emerged almost out of nowhere to secure the third-seed in the West, and Brown was ultimately recognized for his contributions by being voted as the league’s first-ever unanimous Coach of the Year.

It remains to be seen whether the Knicks will look to bring in additional coaches for a second interview as well, but if Brown is indeed the eventual choice to lead the Knicks, the veteran coach should be up to the task. 

At 55 years of age, and with 11 years of NBA head coaching experience, Brown is one of the more seasoned and tested coaches amongst the Knicks' potential candidates. And for a ready made team like the Knicks, full of veteran players like Jalen Brunson (28 years old), Karl Anthony-Towns (29 years old), Mikal Bridges (28 years old) and OG Anunoby (27 years old), a well established voice like Brown could go a long way towards pushing this team towards its ultimate goal of a championship. 

A second interview guarantees nothing, and the Knicks could certainly still pivot in a different direction. However, given the overall lack of clarity that has clouded their head coaching search thus far, the fact that Brown made a strong enough impression during his first interview to be invited back for a second feels somewhat substantial. With the NBA Draft in the rearview mirror, NBA free agency well underway and NBA Summer League rapidly approaching, it feels like a head coaching decision for New York has to be just around the bend.