The New York Knicks shocked the NBA world on Tuesday as they fired head coach Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter century. The coaching vacancy immediately becomes the most high-profile opening in the league as they are a marquee franchise on the cusp of title contention.
While many expect New York to bring in a veteran coach with a proven pedigree, one reporter believes that they should target an active player for the role. Sam Quinn of CBS Sports suggested that the Knicks should hire future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Paul.
"I'm gonna throw out a wildcard name for the Knicks job: Chris Paul," CBS Sports' Sam Quinn tweeted Tuesday. "I doubt he'd take it. It seems like he wants to keep playing. But if he wants to coach, he's the clear candidate to make the next Kidd/Redick jump straight to a top job. Obviously Leon Rose knows him quite well."
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There are several issues with Quinn's suggestion. First of all, as he mentioned, Paul has shown no desire that he is ready to end his playing career. The 12-time All-Star just completed his 20th season in the league, playing in all 82 games for just the second time.
He averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 28.0 minutes per game while shooting 42.7% from the field, 37.7% from three-point range and 92.4% from the free-throw line. If Paul does intend to return for a 21st season, he will likely be able to carve out a role as a veteran leader somewhere.
The 11-time All-NBA guard could also look to chase a ring as that is the only accomplishment missing from his resume. Furthermore, it is unclear if Paul has any interest in coaching as he has earned over $400 million in his playing career.
While he could have desire to coach, it remains to be seen if he would look to do so immediately after retiring. Finally, the Knicks could be hesitant to turn to a first-time head coach with no coaching experience after reaching the Conference Finals for the first time since 1999-00.
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