New York Knicks: Kenny Atkinson has growing support in organization

Are the New York Knicks moving toward Kenny Atkinson?

From almost the moment the New York Knicks moved on from David Fizdale as the team’s head coach, Tom Thibodeau was a name that was continuously connected to the job. Then, over the course of the last couple of months, it became real.

It was reported that Thibodeau was a “heavy favorite” for the job recently and while it’s not clear if that has changed or not, but the team, at the very least, is expected to interview a few other candidates.

One of those (in addition to current interim head coach Mike Miller) that is expected to get at least an interview is Kenny Atkinson, who was recently fired by the Brooklyn Nets days before the NBA fell into a hiatus.

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Interestingly, it doesn’t stop there. According to Ian Begley of SNY.TV, there’s some internal support for Atkinson.

"While there is no specific timetable known for the Knicks’ head-coaching search, there is legitimate internal support within the organization to name Kenny Atkinson as its next head coach, league sources tell SNY."

It’s difficult to gauge if this is just a small minority voice that wants or likes the idea of Atkinson being hired by the Knicks, or if there’s a growing contingent that would make this a substantial idea. In all likelihood, it’s probably still a safe bet to consider Tom Thibodeau as a favorite to win the job. Still, it appears that Atkinson should be viewed as a serious candidate.

And there’s plenty to like about his chances. Atkinson showed some promise during his time as the Nets coach, helping guide them to the postseason a year ago, and helped develop some of their young talents over the last couple of seasons.

Is there belief that he could do the same for the Knicks over the next couple of seasons? It would be insane not to think that. New York may not have a roster that is ready to compete, or even make the playoffs, but they do have some young, potentially promising talent.

It would be wise for the Knicks to, at the very least, seriously consider Kenny Atkinson. If Tom Thibodeau eventually becomes the man for the job, that’s perfectly fine. But it should come organically through a hiring process. That, more than anything, is what New York needs right now. A process.