Instead of looking back at the team’s frustrating exits at the Eastern Conference Finals, the big topic for the New York Knicks is uncertainty about their head coach.
The New York Knicks acted decisively following a 4-2 series loss to the Indiana Pacers, firing head coach Tom Thibodeau a few days after the team’s exit.
What followed was far more indecisive. The Knicks approached their rival team and requested permission to speak to five different coaches, which was quickly denied.
Two available coaches have been interviewed. Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins of ESPN Reports will begin the “first phase of the formal interview.”
One man who has faded from the race is Johnny Bryant, a eagerly leaning candidate at the start of the process.
Johnny Bryant appeared on the list of six top candidates for the New York Knicks job a week ago.
Si.com had been leaning Bryant as Tom Thibodeau’s heir after the Knicks fired.
Bryant interviewed for the Phoenix Suns work and lost to his chosen successor, Jordan Ott.
And for now, it appears he’s not running for the New York Knicks Post as he’s preparing to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Johnny Bryant of Hoopsype Report is expected to resume his associate head coach positions with the Cavaliers, who are part of the Kenny Atkinson staff.
Johnny Bryant worked with the New York Knicks between 2020 and 2024 as an assistant to Tom Thibodeau’s staff.
He’s familiar with the Knicks system, and many of their star players and their limits. Similarly, Knicks’ brass recognizes his strengths.
However, as the Knicks are doing an interview, the front office appears to be keen to move in a different direction as Bryant hasn’t made the call yet.
This stance is subject to change, but it makes sense for the Knicks if you don’t want to talk to Bryant.
If they go ahead from their Tom Thibodeau days and try to hire one of his predecessor assistants, the risk is considered to have not changed enough.