Good news for NBA teams in the market for a head coach: The Golden State Warriors will allow their assistant coaches to interview for jobs while the team is in the playoffs.
The New York Post reports that the Warriors will allow assistants to interview for jobs as long as it’s during times that do not interfere with the team’s playoff run. That would mean it would likely have to be at home in Oakland and when the team has a few days off in the playoffs.
The matter came up because the New York Knicks are looking for a new coach and are believed to have Warriors assistant Luke Walton high on their wishlist. Walton played 10 seasons in the NBA, winning two championships with the Lakers under Phil Jackson. He transitioned into coaching and led the Warriors to a 39-4 record to start this season while Steve Kerr was recovering from multiple back surgeries during the offseason.
Walton is said to also be a strong candidate for the Phoenix Suns, and the Lakers are also said to have interest in him. It is uncertain whether Walton would even want to leave the Warriors for a head coaching job.
As for the Knicks, Jackson has said he is looking for a coach he is “simpatico” with. That likely means someone who knows and understands his coaching style and system, such as the triangle offense. Reports have said Jackson also wants to make Kurt Rambis the team’s head coach.
