New York Knicks have to assume they have no shot at Giannis in coaching search
New York Knicks should chase pipe dreams with their coaching search
If the New York Knicks are entering their head-coaching hiring process with the expectation that they would be able to hire someone that would give them an upper hand in the competition for Giannis Antetokounmpo during the summer of 2021, they’re well on their way to another mistake that could set the franchise back another half-decade.
Perhaps they’re not, but when it was reported that hiring Jason Kidd as the team’s next head coach could help them land Giannis, I couldn’t help but feel like the Knicks were well on their way to overthinking this process all over again.
Just when it appeared that the Knicks were doing their due diligence in the way of an extensive coaching hiring process, even despite Tom Thibodeau being named as the prohibitive favorite to land the job, the pipe dream scenario veered its ugly head once again. As it has always had for the Knicks.
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Spoiler alert: It has always ended with heartbreak for the Knicks and its fans.
Nevertheless, here we are again.
Looking at it objectively, in defense, perhaps after all the interviews, Jason Kidd does emerge as the man for the job. Maybe he’s polished himself as a lead man after his last head-coaching stop with the Milwaukee Bucks.
There’s no denying that Kidd has connections all over the league. He’s a well-known name around the league and has been coaching ever since he retired. He did coach Giannis and perhaps he might have a great relationship with him. In fact, it was reported that Giannis was “devastated” after the Bucks fired Kidd.
Though, much has changed since the last time the two were together. Giannis has grown into a certified superstar and possibly the best player in the league. He’s also grown a special relationship with the organization and the city. He has stated that he wants to remain long-term in Milwaukee and that he wants to win a championship.
As we’ve seen time and time in the NBA, though, the ultimate test will come when it’s actually time for Giannis to put pen to paper. Even in the event that Giannis does test free agency, he would likely join a team that is ready to win a championship.
With all due respect to the Knicks’ young core, this isn’t a roster that is anywhere near close to championship contention, even by adding Giannis to the roster.
The Knicks should hire the best coach for this roster and the current vision – with the assumption that Giannis won’t be a part of the team’s future. If a shortcut presents itself along the way, the Knicks should jump all over it.
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One thing they shouldn’t do, however, is act like they already have one in their back pocket, or make a move that they believe will place them one step closer to said shortcut.