New York Knicks: Former Player Speculates Rick Brunson as the Next Head Coach

Former Knicks player Iman Shumpert revealed his thoughts on what’s next for the organization. According to Shumpert, he thinks Rick Brunson, the father of All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, will take over as the next head coach of the New York franchise.

“I’ve been wanting Mark Jackson to get back in coaching so bad, which I know it’s just me talking. But, I think it’s time they’re gonna put Rick Brunson in there, I think it’s time,” Shumpert said.

“Go ahead and let Rick do it. His son’s already playing point guard, head of the snake [Rick], head of the snake [Jalen], just the extension of the head of the snake.”

Brunson has been an assistant coach for the New York Knicks since 2022. He’s built a reputation in the locker room and within the organization. He’d get a chance to serve as the head coach for his son if the organization promotes him.

A league source details the New York Knicks’ reason for firing Thibs

Although Thibs brought success to the New York Knicks, the front office believes they are better off without him. In a recent report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, a league source gave the reason why the Knicks fired the 2008 champion from the position.

“He got outcoached,” a league source revealed. “The Game 1 collapse was insane. If they don’t have that collapse, who knows what happens.”

In the conference finals, the New York Knicks had multiple games where they had control of the game. However, the Pacers’ resilience was a problem for the Knicks, and the team was exposed by the high-octane offense from Indiana.

Despite the success Thibs brought to New York, it still wasn’t enough to secure his position as head coach.