New York Knicks News Mix: Coaching Search
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Reports regarding the New York Knicks coaching search are swirling. The list contains big names, familiar faces, and a whole lot of intrigue.

The coaching search is on for the New York Knicks. Let’s run down the list of potential candidates that include two former Knicks coaches and a former Knicks player among a few other very intriguing candidates.

The two biggest names to emerge from the Knicks coaching search are Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Both have ties to the Knicks as Van Gundy is a former coach and Jackson a former player—not to mention a hometown guy who played his college ball at St. John’s. Another interesting dynamic between these candidates is the fact that they broadcast games together for ESPN.

Van Gundy is likely to make a majority of Knicks fans happy. He’s well-liked among fans and was the coach during one of the only good stretches of Knicks basketball in the last 25 years. He’s been out of coaching in the NBA for over 10 years, but fans would love to have him back on the sidelines.

Mark Jackson would be a godsend to many fans, yet a curse to others. Jackson was a beloved player for the organization and many would identify with the hometown guy, but he hasn’t received many calls about head coaching positions since he was replaced by Steve Kerr in Golden State.

While Van Gundy and Jackson are the biggest names, the organization has shown a significant interest in a number of different candidates. It was reported last week that the Knicks were interested in reaching out to Villanova head coach Jay Wright. I’ll put this one to bed now though because there is no way that is happening.

Some interesting—and more realistic—options include David Fizdale, Jerry Stackhouse, and David Blatt.

Fizdale, Stackhouse, and Blatt are all very intriguing candidates that could play out well for the Knicks if they are looking for a fresh face. Fizdale is widely regarded as one of the bright young coaches in the game and although this season went awry in Memphis, any team would be lucky to have him patrolling the sidelines.

Stackhouse is another interesting option considering his success With Toronto’s G League affiliate, the 905 Raptors. 905 beat the Westchester Knicks in the G League playoffs this season and Stackhouse looks to be destined for a head coaching job with the Knicks or elsewhere. The former G League Coach of the Year in 2017 is an up-and-coming name, but the Knicks may be hesitant to go with a first-time head coach.

David Blatt is a name that may surprise some fans, but it shouldn’t. Blatt played at Princeton with Steve Mills so there is a connection between the two already. Blatt was fired in the middle of the 2015-16 season in large part due to his strained relationship with LeBron James. It’s unclear how high he is on Mills and Perry’s list, but my guess is that Blatt will eventually get a second shot in the NBA. Whether or not that second chance comes with the Knicks remains to be seen.

Adrian Wojnarowski and Ian Begley of ESPN, are also reporting that the Knicks have reached out to the Los Angeles Clippers and received permission to talk with former coach Mike Woodson. Woodson is a familiar face who presided over the last Knicks team to make the playoffs, but my guess is that the fanbase will be interested in a bigger, sexier name than Mike Woodson.

For now, the coaching search is wide-ranging and could go anywhere.

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NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.