Knicks Receive Permission To Interview James Borrego In Coaching Search

The New York Knicks have received permission from the New Orleans Pelicans to interview associate head coach James Borrego for their head coaching vacancy, according to a report from The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III.

Borrego, 47, has spent the past two seasons as the top assistant under Willie Green in New Orleans. He previously served as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, compiling a 138-163 record. He also logged a brief stint as interim coach of the Orlando Magic in 2015, finishing 10-20.

He becomes the fourth known candidate to interview for the job since New York parted ways with Tom Thibodeau following the team’s loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Others in the mix include former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown, and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.

Borrego brings a reputation for player development — a trait the Knicks appear to be prioritizing, according to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy. New York is reportedly doing its due diligence, with Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn also mentioned as a possible name to monitor.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have had interest in Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, but Dallas reportedly denied New York’s request to speak with him. Kidd, per Edwards, remains a “long shot.”

So far, no clear frontrunner has emerged. But with Borrego’s name now officially in the mix, the Knicks’ coaching carousel continues to turn.

Borrego was considered a finalist for both the Cleveland Cavaliers’ and Detroit Pistons’ vacancies last season. He lost the Cleveland job to Kenny Atkinson and withdrew from the running in Detroit.