Knicks' Coaching Hire Draws Concerns From Ex-NBA All-Star
While it didn't end with a championship banner, the New York Knicks just enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent memory. They finished the regular season as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and took on the Detroit Pistons in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs. Some believed that the Knicks would roll right over the Pistons, as Detroit hadn't won a playoff game since 2008.
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But the Pistons proved to be a relatively tough out. They led toward the end of some of the games, and a play or two here or there might have gone differently; it's possible the series could have gone seven games. Instead, the Knicks prevailed in six. They entered the second round as significant underdogs against the defending champion Boston Celtics, but defeated them in seven.
New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns with Jalen Brunson in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Knicks' coaching hire draws concerns from ex-NBA All-Star
After defeating Boston, the Knicks were significant favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, but they were upset by the Indiana Pacers, who had knocked them out of the playoffs the previous year.
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It was the Knicks' first time back in the Conference Finals since 2000. While some would call that a success, the Knicks didn't come to the same conclusion, as they elected to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau. After a lengthy search, the Knicks landed on former Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown.
Former All-Star guard Jeff Teague gave his honest opinion on the hire.
'I ain't never really heard too many people like Mike Brown—I ain't saying they don't, I just never heard nobody sing high praises for Mike Brown," Teague said.
Brown is a two-time winner of the Coach of the Year award. His first came in 2009 when he helped lead the Cavs to the league's best record at 66-16. His second came in Sacramento in 2023 when he helped guide the Kings back to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
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The Knicks believe that Brown is the player who can help them take the next step and truly contend for a championship next season. They'll also be in a prime position to take advantage of a weaker Eastern Conference, with the Boston Celtics missing Jayson Tatum and the Pacers missing Tyrese Haliburton.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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