The New York Knicks have had a busy offseason since being knocked out of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers.
A few days after the loss, the organization reassured head coaching responsibility Tom Thibodeau.
Stephen A. Smith was not satisfied with the decision and requested team president Leon Rose to issue a public statement about what led to the decision.
Several names have been linked to New York Knicks’ work since the news of his firing, but the frontrunner has not yet appeared.
But NBA insider Brian Windhorst has given why the Knicks have a small advantage in bringing Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch to the Big Apple.
Finch has been coaching the Timberwolves for four years and under his leadership the franchise was able to compete in multiple Western Conference Finals.
He is a great leader of young Anthony Edwards and is respected by everyone in the organization.
However, Windhorst describes an interesting connection between Finch and the New York Knicks front office members.
“Please note that Chris Finch was hired in Minnesota in the middle of the season by Gerson Rosas, one of the top EUs at Leon Rose,” Windhorst said of the possibility of hiring a Knicks Finch.
Gelson Rosas was president of the basketball business in Minnesota when Finch was hired to become the team’s coach.
He has since moved to the Knicks and is Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations.
Several other names, like Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka, have also been involved in the Knicks coaching job, but Finch’s past relationship with Rosace remains a difficult employment due to his current contract with the Timberwolves, but could make him the most likely candidate.
Finch was crucial in the Timberwolves’ revival as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
They reached the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, including multiple conference final appearances.
Minnesota has linked Kevin Durant’s move in the offseason, which may help them get through the hump.
With Edwards already on the roster and a solid supporting cast, they aren’t too far from having a championship caliber roster.
Moving to the Knicks doesn’t increase the likelihood of winning the championship, as both New York and Minnesota are on similar levels in terms of roster strength.
The Knicks have the town of Karl Anthony, but Finch has coached in the past, but the Timberwolves’ depth and ability to add firepower could force a 55-year-old to stay on the team.