Stephen A. Smith and Metta World Peace give instant verdict on New York Knicks hiring Mike Brown

Stephen A. Smith wanted a more high-profile name as coach of the Knicks

ESPN analyst and a known Knicks fan Stephen A. Smith was not too pleased with the firing of Thibodeau just days after the loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.

He also expressed disappointment with the Knicks’ handling of the coaching hunt.

Once it was announced the Knicks were appointing Brown, he called in to ESPN and shared his thoughts on the appointment.

Smith said: “Well I respect the hell out of Mike Brown, but I will honestly tell you it lacks sizzle, but certainly not credentials.

“He’s a four-time champion as an assistant coach. He achieved those rings while working under two of the greatest coaches the game has seen in Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr.

“On top of all of that he’s a two-time coach of the year, 2009 in Cleveland and couple of years back in Sacramento.

“He’s coached a team to the NBA Finals, which is what he did with the Cleveland Cavaliers and then when you combine all of that, he’s won 60% of his games and he got the Sacramento Kings to their first playoff berth after a 16 year absence which was an NBA record at that time, you can’t sit up there and question the credentials of this hire.

“Mike Brown is qualified as a head coach in the NBA circles, he deserves this opportunity. It’s just that when you came two games within an NBA Finals and you decide to let go of your coach that is Tom Thibodeau, you’re expecting a bigger name.”

Metta World Peace expressed disappointment on failing to get the Knicks job

Among the few candidates that were interested in the Knicks job, one of them was former NBA player Metta World Peace.

As soon as Thibs’ firing was announced, the former champion expressed his interest in the role and even went on podcasts to explain why he deserved to be named as the head coach.

However, when it was announced Brown would be given the role, World Peace congratulated him with a tweet, although he was disappointed at not getting the role.

His tweet read: “Welcome to the @Knicks coach Brown. Great pick. Now I can go back on vacation. Go Knicks, Go Pacers – The East is Back.”

Brown certainly has big shoes to fill, as Thibodeau did a wonderful job in his five years as a coach.

He certainly has a good reputation, but the role is difficult as the Knicks job has a lot of pressure that comes with it.

Brown has a good roster to coach, and now with some more time left, could add a few more players to his team next season.