The New York Knicks are inching closer toward their Tom Thibodeau successor.
Here is the latest via NBA Insider Marc Stein:
The Knicks' interest in hiring Mike Brown as their new coach has indeed intensified, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2025
One scenario that has emerged: New York installing James Borrego as top assistant if Brown is the ultimate choice.
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Whoever replaces Thibodeau will have the weight of the world on their shoulders, as back-to-back 50+ win seasons and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance were not enough to retain him.
New York’s next head coach will be expected to deliver them a championship. While that is probably unfair given the franchise has not won a title since 1973, this is a win-now core, in a weakened Eastern Conference, with no reasons not to surpass the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, or whoever else might contend for a Finals berth next season.
Onto Brown, who has grown synonymous with NBA coaching this century. Brown spent time as an assistant with the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and the Pacers (1997-05), and for the Golden State Warriors (2016-22).
He has also commanded the lead job for the Cavaliers (2005-10, 2013-14), the Los Angeles Lakers (2011-13), and, most recently, the Sacramento Kings (2022-25).
As a head coach, Brown has won Coach of the Year twice (2008-09, 2022-23) and has consistently garnered votes for the award.
Brown spent three years under the legendary Gregg Popovich, and there are still echoes of his coaching philosophy: defense, responsibility, and adaptability.
The Jason Kidd rumors persist, and until James Dolan stamps his approval, nothing will be set in stone for the Knicks.
But, time is also running out, and the longer they go without a head coach, the more work they will have to do at the beginning of 2025-26.