Sunday, June 29, 2025
Home Basketball Mike Brown and ex-Lakers coach emerge as early contenders to replace Tom...

Mike Brown and ex-Lakers coach emerge as early contenders to replace Tom Thibodeau in New York: Report

The New York Knicks shockingly fired coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday after leading the franchise to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000. A recent report suggests that the Knicks could be looking at Mike Brown and former LA Lakers coach Luke Walton as possible replacements.

Ad

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, the Knicks want Jason Kidd as their next head coach, but he’s still signed to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs are expected to reject any request from the Knicks, who were also linked to Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.

Brown and Walton were next on the list of potential candidates to replace Thibodeau on the Knicks’ sidelines. Brown is currently out of a job after getting fired by the Sacramento Kings in late December. Walton, on the other hand, is the lead assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons.

Ad

Ad

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Tom Thibodeau turned the New York Knicks into playoff contenders in his five years at the helm. Thibodeau had his flaws, but he did a fantastic job in New York until he got outcoached by Rick Carlisle in the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers.

Mike Brown is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009 and the Sacramento Kings in 2023. Brown has an overall record of 454-304 and is generally a well-liked and well-respected coach in the league.

Ad

On the other hand, Luke Walton has had two stints as a coach with the LA Lakers and in Sacramento. Walton has a losing record of 166-241, but has been a top assistant for teams like the Golden State Warriors.


Former Tom Thibodeau assistant could be next Knicks coach

Former Tom Thibodeau assistant could be next Knicks coach. (Photo: IMAGN)
Former Tom Thibodeau assistant could be next Knicks coach. (Photo: IMAGN)

Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Johnnie Bryant was one of the finalists for the Phoenix Suns head coaching vacancy. Bryant lost out to fellow Cavs assistant Jordan Ott, who will be the fourth Suns coach in four years.

Ad

As for Bryant, he's been linked to the New York Knicks. He was with the Knicks from 2020 to 2024 under coach Tom Thibodeau. He's familiar with the team and some of their players, including Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.

Before becoming an assistant in New York, Bryant was an assistant for the Utah Jazz from 2014 to 2020. At the age of 39, he'll be one of the youngest coaches in the NBA if he gets hired by the Knicks or a different team.

New York Knicks Fan? Check out the latest Knicks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Juan Paolo David
RELATED ARTICLES

OKC Thunder extend Nikola Jokic stopper on $28M deal to retain stellar big man depth 

The OKC Thunder have extended forward Jaylin Williams on a three-year, $24 million contract, Shams Charania reported Saturday. OKC declined Williams’ $2.1 million team option and negotiated a new contract with his agents, fairly compensating him for his part in the team's championship run. Ad He made 47 appearances for the Thunder in 2024-25, averaging

Ace Bailey’s girlfriend Mariyah melts over pet snap as Utah rookie makes bold first move amid Jazz drama

Former Rutgers forward Ace Bailey was selected by the Utah Jazz with the fifth pick of the 2025 NBA draft. Despite earlier reports that claimed Utah wasn't his "perfect destination," he arrived in Utah on Saturday, with the Jazz handle on Instagram showing glimpses of his arrival. Trending His girlfriend Mariyah reposted and commented on

“I’m gonna be a solid shooter”: 27.3% 3-point shooter Egor Demin vows to shut down haters after Nets move

Brooklyn Nets rookie Egor Demin has received flak for his less-than-average shooting from beyond the arc. The Russian shot 27.3% from the three-point line in 33 games for BYU. However, he showed faith in his abilities after being drafted by Brooklyn. Ad During his media availability on Saturday, Demin expressed his confidence in his ability

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

OKC Thunder extend Nikola Jokic stopper on $28M deal to retain stellar big man depth 

The OKC Thunder have extended forward Jaylin Williams on a three-year, $24 million contract, Shams Charania reported Saturday. OKC declined Williams’ $2.1 million team option and negotiated a new contract with his agents, fairly compensating him for his part in the team's championship run. Ad He made 47 appearances for the Thunder in 2024-25, averaging

Ace Bailey’s girlfriend Mariyah melts over pet snap as Utah rookie makes bold first move amid Jazz drama

Former Rutgers forward Ace Bailey was selected by the Utah Jazz with the fifth pick of the 2025 NBA draft. Despite earlier reports that claimed Utah wasn't his "perfect destination," he arrived in Utah on Saturday, with the Jazz handle on Instagram showing glimpses of his arrival. Trending His girlfriend Mariyah reposted and commented on

Martina Navratilova reacts in anger as Pedro Pascal shuts down J.K. Rowling to defend transgender rights

Martina Navratilova has come to the defence of JK Rowling, in the wake of the author's row with actor Pedro Pascal. Pascal had referred to Rowling as a bully in a recent Vanity Fair interview, referring to the Harry Potter creator's views on transgenderism. Rowling had shared several images of her celebrating the British Supreme

How did Roger Federer achieve elite billionaire status, joining Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan & LeBron James

Roger Federer is now a billionaire, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This makes the 43-year-old join the likes of Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the list of athletes with billionaire status. Ad The Swiss, one of tennis' most successful and popular players of all time, won 103 career singles titles during

Recent Comments