Ranking the New York Knicks’ head coach candidates, and the pros and cons of each – NorthJersey.com

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The NBA have settled on a way to resume its season.

The New York Knicks won't be a part of the 22-team return.

While they won't get to play, it does mean that the front office begin its search for a new head coach.

Mike Miller took over after David Fizdale was fired and ledthe Knicks to a 17-27 record as the interim head coach. That followed the team's 4-18 start under Fizdale.

While Miller will be considered for the full-time job, Knicks president Leon Rose and general manager Scott Perry likely will be talking to several candidates.

According to multiple reports, Tom Thibodeau is a front-runner for the position, while Kenny Atkinson is slated for an interview.

The Daily News reported that Thibodeau is so confident that he'll land the job he's already started making calls gauging interest from potential assistants.

Who's the best choice?

That's what the Knicks' new-look front office will be deciding in the coming weeks.

Here's a ranking of the candidates and pros and cons for each:

The Knicks should look closely at Kenny Atkinson as their next coach. Atkinson proved he could win without superstars with Nets.(Photo: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Pros

Atkinson was shockingly fired from the Brooklyn Nets in March.

It was shocking because it would've been hard to do much better than Atkinson did.

Atkinson helped oversee the Nets' climb from doormat to contender, leading Brooklyn to the playoffs last season just two years after the Nets went 20-62.

Where Atkinson shines is player development. He helped D'Angelo Russell turn his career around and helped turn Spencer Dinwiddie and Joe Harrisdevelop into high-impact players.

Atkinson would have a new project with the Knicks, who have players like RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox who need to be developed. Not to mention the three players they'll be drafting in October.

Atkinson's especially known for his work with point guards, and if there's anything the Knicks need, it's a solid, consistent point guard.

If they draft one, Atkinson could be the perfect coach to have in place.

Cons

There aren't many.

The only real concern would be the way things ended in Brooklyn. Atksinon established his culture with the Nets, but the additions of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving changed everything especially Irving. For whatever reason, Atkinson couldn't maintain his culture.

The other criticism of Atkinson was his decision-making late in games. The Nets blew plenty of late leads, and many pointed to Atkinson's coaching late in games as a big reason why.

Tom Thibodeau.(Photo: Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports)

Pros

The former head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves has a strong track record, having led his teams to a combined six playoff appearances in eight seasons.

He's a defensive-minded coach and the Knicks' defense needs to be strengthened.

And Thibodeau previously spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Knicks, so he knows the landscape of the Garden and the organization.

This job wouldn't be too big for him. He'd be able to handle the spotlight and the scrutiny that comes with it.

Thibodeau would bring immediately credibility to the team.

Cons

Like with Atkinson, there aren't many.

The one significant criticism that's been cast on him is that he had a tendency to overwork players.

Thibodeau recently told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on an episode of The Woj Pod that he's learned a lot since he was fired as the coach and president of the Timberwolves.

The way everyones managing with load management and where your team is, sports scientists, so its different. And if your team is young and youre in a rebuild, youre probably practicing more than an older veteran team, Thibodeau told Wojnarowski. In some cases where the team is mixed, theres almost two practices going on in one, where your young guys are getting the work they need, and the older vets are in the weight room getting strength and conditioning.

Feb 29, 2020; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Miller coaches in front of guard Wayne Ellington (2) during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden.(Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Pros

Miller had spent the entirety of his coaching career at the small-college level and in the G-League (including a successful run coaching the Westchester Knicks) until David Fizdale added him to his coaching staff this past season.

Miller had quite a welcome to the NBA.

Less than two months into the season, Fizdale was fired and Miller was elevated to the interim role.

Overall, Miller did an solid job.

Miller's rotations were much more consistent. Players knew what their roles were.

The Knicks also did a better job of holding onto late-game leads under Miller, and their defense showed improvement.

Perhaps most impressive was Miller's ability to handle the spotlight. It wasn't an easy situation, and Miller was forced to be the team's spokesman for a variety of issues, from Kobe Bryant's death to the passing of David Stern to the firing of Steve Mills.

The job never seemed to big for him.

Cons

As good of a job he did, Miller still only has 44 games worth of experience as an NBA head coach.

He's also not a big name. If the Knicks want a coach that will bring attention and excite the fan base, Miller might not be the best choice.

But he does have plenty of support throughout a large segment of the fan base because of the job he did.

Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; ESPN NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 116-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

The last coach to have sustained success while coaching the Knicks, Van Gundy would immediately bring credibility and would energize fans.

He's an excellent coach who's well-respected around the league.

And while he hasn't coached in the NBA since 2007, he hasbeen coaching with USA Basketball.

Van Gundy reportedly is interested in being a head coach again and would be open to interviewing with the Knicks.

With his role at ESPN, Van Gundy is plenty familiar with players throughout the league.

It would be a smooth transition back into coaching.

Whether he gets an interview remains to be seen.

Cons

Even though Van Gundy has been coaching with USA Basketball, there are going to be people who believe the fact that Van Gundy hasn't coached in the NBA for so long is a drawback.

Dec 5, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson coaches against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter of a game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports(Photo: Brad Penner Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Pros

SNY reported Thursday that Woodson would interview for the job.

Woodson also interviewedin 2018 before the Knicks ultimately picked Fizdale.

The 62-year-old became interim head coach during the 2011-12 season when Mike D'Antoni stepped down, and then held the job for two more seasons.

Woodson led a 54-win Knicks team to the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2013,the last time the Knicks made the playoffsand the last time they had a winning record.

Woodson is another defensive-minded coach and his experience having already coached the Knicks once would help him handle the scrutiny.

Cons

Woodson hasn't coached in the NBA since the 2017-18 season as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Would Woodson be the best coach for a young, developing roster? That's a big question mark.

Chris Isemanis theKnicksbeat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to allKnicks analysis, news, trades and more, pleasesubscribe todayanddownload our app.

Email:iseman@northjersey.comTwitter:@chrisiseman

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Ranking the New York Knicks' head coach candidates, and the pros and cons of each - NorthJersey.com