Mike Brown new Knicks coach: a risky bet after Thibodeau’s firing

Mike Brown finalizes his contract with the New York Knicks to replace Tom Thibodeau. The veteran coach inherits a team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals but is still seeking its first title since 1973.

By@Sylvain Sultat

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Mike Brown new Knicks coach: a risky bet after Thibodeau’s firing

December 22, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown instructs against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Photo Credit : © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks have found their new coach. According to ESPN, Mike Brown is currently finalizing his contract to replace Tom Thibodeau, who was fired after the elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.

An experienced choice to restart the machine

Insider Chris Haynes reports that the Knicks made an official offer to Brown and that « both parties are working quickly to finalize the terms of the agreement. » The 54-year-old veteran brings an impressive resume with a 59.9% career winning percentage and two Coach of the Year awards.

Having worked with Cleveland, the Lakers, and Sacramento, Brown notably led the Kings to their first Playoff appearance since 2006. However, his mid-season firing last year after a difficult start (13-18) raises questions about his ability to handle New York pressure.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Knicks also hope to recruit James Borrego as Brown’s lead assistant, although the New Orleans Pelicans prefer to keep him on Willie Green’s staff.

Challenges ahead for Brown

President Leon Rose has clearly defined expectations: the franchise « focuses solely on winning a championship for our fans. » A significant challenge for Brown, who has only one NBA Finals appearance to his credit.

The 2024-2025 season for the Knicks had started well with 51 wins and 3rd place in the East. The successful integration of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns helped reach the conference finals for the first time in a long while, before falling to the Pacers.

Problems identified by The Athletic particularly point to defensive weaknesses in the Jalen Brunson–Karl-Anthony Towns duo, targeted by opponents in Playoffs. « On bad nights, the two All-Stars exacerbated their worst defensive traits, » analyze James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz.

Brown will also have to work with a bench weakened by successive trades, including departures of Quentin Grimes to Detroit and Obi Toppin to Indiana. However, the arrivals of Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson are positive signs for strengthening the rotation.

The summer will be decisive for Leon Rose and his staff, who must determine if the team simply needs adjustments or more drastic changes involving Towns, Bridges, or Anunoby.

Sylvain Sultat

Sylvain Sultat suit la NBA au quotidien, entre performances individuelles, dynamiques collectives et grandes histoires de la ligue. Sur BeBasket, il décrypte l’actualité américaine avec passion et régularité, toujours à l’affût des tendances qui font bouger le monde du basket.