The New York Knicks shocked the league on Tuesday with the sudden firing of coach Tom Thibodeau. The move came days after the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
With a vacant head coach position now at Madison Square Garden, several prospective coaches are reportedly vying for the spot. Metta Sandiford-Artest, in an exclusive interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda on Friday, reiterated his interest.
“I was a little bit surprised,” Sandiford-Artest said. “I was very surprised. I thought Thibs would be there next year. … I just want everybody to know that the Knicks organization that I one hundred percent want that head-coaching job.”
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He went further to share his goals as a coach.
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"But as far as working with representation as a coach, my goals are way different," Sandiford-Artest said. "So I can’t be with somebody that doesn’t have the same goals. My goal is to win an NBA title. I don’t have a Plan B."
Metta has ties to the city as a New York native and played for the Knicks. Although he lacks the experience required, he declared his interest in a message on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday.
"Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the @nyknicks,"he wrote. "Since 1999 this was suppose to happen. ... I’m the number one guy for the job. And I have 360degree experience.
New York is reportedly looking at Mike Malone, UConn's Dan Hurley and two-time Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer. Also in the rumour mill are Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd and Houston Rockets' Ime Udoka.
New York Knicks' firing of coach Tom Thibodeau was already in the works
On Thursday, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that New York's decision to fire Tom Thibodeau was already being discussed.
"The team simply wasn't maximizing its talent, despite having two All-NBA players in Brunson and Towns," Shelburne wrote. "And after meeting with the select group of players and coaches this week, sources said, it was clear to Rose that the organization needed a new voice."
New York Knicks president Leon Rose said that the firing was a result of a lack of a title. However, some reports mention Thibodeau's poor use of his rotation.
Whatever happens, New York will be looking for a coach who can bring a first league title to Madison Square Garden. A decision should be expected, but not anytime soon.
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