Unless they decide to take the interim label off of Kurt Rambis before conducting interviews, the New York Knicks will begin their offseason by searching for a head coach. Carmelo Anthony reportedly has one name in mind, but it doesn’t sound like that person is in consideration for the job.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Anthony’s “preferred choice” is former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau. Unfortunately for ‘Melo, Phil Jackson has no interest in speaking to Thibodeau, who is more of a defensive-minded coach and likely would not be a good fit to coach the triangle offense.
Anthony recently said that he wants to have input when the Knicks choose their next coach. While he was complimentary of Rambis, he made it seem like he would prefer if the team considers other candidates.
Jackson reportedly wants Rambis to stay right where he is, which makes sense because Rambis is a Jackson product who is familiar with the triangle offense and has no problem letting Phil help coach the team from a distance. However, Anthony has a no-trade clause and could make life difficult for the Knicks if he doesn’t get his way. He would also make a $10 million bonus if New York traded him after July 1.
We have already heard a number of names associated with the Knicks head coaching job. At the end of the day, Knicks owner James Dolan is paying Jackson a ton of money to make these decisions. Will Anthony have some influence? He could, but Jackson is not going to be pushed around.
