It’s still the 2019-2020 season, but the New York Knicks are already be focused on next year. After another lost season, the team has shifted its focus towards offseason tasks. These include the draft, free agency, and finding a new head coach.
After being promoted from the G-league following the firing of David Fizdale, current head coach Mike Miller has battled with a depleted roster. While it may be unfair for him to lose his job, the writing seems to be on the wall that the Knicks will make a coaching change next season.
There seem to be four names circulating around the league as the lead candidates: Tom Thibodeau, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and recently fired Nets coach Kenny Atkinson. There’s one, not as talked about name that may pick up a lot of steam this offseason: Jason Kidd.
Jason Kidd checks a lot of boxes for the Knicks:
Kidd has head coaching experience. He coached the Nets right out of retirement to a 44-38 record before losing in the second round of the playoffs. He then coached the Milwaukee Bucks for four seasons with limited success. Currently, he is an assistant coach for the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.
One of the greatest point guards of all time, Kidd’s experience could do wonders for some of the Knicks’ young players. The Knicks offense has been a mess all season, and having Kidd there to constantly pass down offensive wisdom could prove to be valuable.
Kidd has also forged many great relationships around the league, most notably with his former player, Giannis Antentokounmpo. With Giannis set to be a free agent in 2021, this could be something the Knicks take into consideration.
After mixed results in his first few years of coaching, you know Jason Kidd is itching to prove that he’s learned from his mistakes. The Lakers will be a favorite to win the NBA finals this year. If they can get there, expect Jason Kidd to receive a lot of head coaching interest around the league. Don’t be surprised if the Knicks reach out.