The Knicks interviewed Jason Kidd in 2020 for his or her head coach job, when Kidd was a Los Angeles Lakers assistant for his or her title-winning workforce, in the end deciding to rent Thibodeau. He is since develop into the coach of the Dallas Mavericks, main the workforce to the NBA Finals in 2024. Kidd grew up in Oakland, California, starring at St. Joseph’s Excessive College in neighboring Alameda.
Kidd continues to be underneath contract as the top coach of the Mavericks, although they could be prepared to let him go. Circumstances have modified in Dallas after the workforce traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, then received the draft lottery for the prospect to pick super-prospect Cooper Flagg. If the Mavericks resolve to construct round Flagg, they could need to transfer on from a win-now, veteran-focused coach like Kidd, particularly since he was employed by earlier proprietor Mark Cuban.
In fact, the Mavericks may also deny permission, which might open the door for one more Oakland native, Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant. He was certainly one of two finalists for the Phoenix Suns head job that in the end went to fellow Cavs assistant Jordan Ott, however Bryant, an alumnus of Bishop O’Dowd Excessive College in Oakland, has robust Knicks ties.
For 4 years, Bryant was the Knicks lead assistant underneath Coach Thibs in New York. He left for a similar place underneath Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, reuniting with Donovan Mitchell, whom he helped flip into an All-Star in his time as a Utah Jazz assistant.
In the end, the transfer comes all the way down to Knicks proprietor James Dolan. Marc Stein reported that almost all league insiders imagine Dolan made the choice to fireplace Thibodeau, which suggests he’ll make the final word name on the workforce’s new coach. Bryant could be the widespread selection with followers and Knicks gamers, however Dolan might not need to hand over the keys to a rookie head coach.
The opposite most popular Knicks candidate is Ime Udoka, however the Houston Rockets are unlikely to let the Knicks discuss to their head coach. The selection might come down to 2 former level guards from Oakland. The town might not have an NBA workforce, however it will likely be in a position to declare an NBA head coach.
