BREAKING DOWN THE FIELD
The Knicks have interviewed 11 candidates to become their next head coach. Here’s a look at the pros and cons (and competition for some) of each as David Blatt, Mike Budenholzer and David Fizdale have emerged as the favorites: DAVID BLATT
Pro: Should mesh with Steve Mills (they were teammates at Princeton), and he’s won everywhere he’s gone. He reached the NBA Finals in his only full season with the Cavaliers. Just the second coach to win the Euroleague, EuroBasket EuroCup and Olympic medals.
Con: He never connected with LeBron James, and he hasn’t coached in the NBA since getting fired in January 2016.
MIKE BUDENHOLZER
Pro: The 2014-15 NBA Coach of the Year may well be the most accomplished coach on the market. Well-regarded in terms of player development.
Con: Wasn’t interested in tanking in Atlanta, and likely wouldn’t have been in Phoenix, where he pulled his name from consideration. Likely would want to keep the rebuild to a minimum.
Competition: Bucks
DAVID FIZDALE
Pro: Other than Budenholzer, likely regarded as the best coach on the market. Had some success in Memphis and would likely excel at player development. Con: Got canned in Memphis after clashing with center Marc Gasol. Managing stars is a huge part of the NBA. Competition: Bucks and Suns Then rest of the field, listed alphabetically
JAMES BORREGO
Pro : Another branch off the highly successful Spurs tree. He’s got a rare blend of youth and experience, getting his first job under Gregg Popovich when he was just 26.
Con: Despite getting his first NBA job in 2003, at 40 he’s still never been a head coach. Competition: Suns
MIKE BROWN
Pro: Before he became a Golden State assistant, he had plenty of headcoaching experience with Cleveland and the Lakers. He went 11-0 with the Warriors in the 2017 playoffs while Steve Kerr was out with chronic pain.
Con: Known for his defensive schemes, his offenses left something to be desired.
JUWAN HOWARD
Pro: Has impressed during his time in Miami, first as a player from 2010-13 and now as an assistant coach. He handled the Heat’s NBA Summer League team last summer.
Con: Howard still needs more seasoning.
MARK JACKSON
Pro: Clearly a fan favorite, born and bred in Brooklyn, starring at St. John’s and playing point guard from the Knicks from 1987-92 and 2001-02.
Con: After his ouster in Golden State, questions remain about how he’d develop the Knicks younger players, and how he’d get along with ownership and the front office.
JAY LARRANAGA
Pro: He’s been molded by one of the best in Boston’s Brad Stevens, serving as the Celtics’ lead assistant. Con: He won’t have the wealth of talent to mold he did in Boston, or experience as an NBA coach to draw upon. Competition: Hornets
JERRY STACKHOUSE
Pro: Coaching Raptors 905 to a G-League championship and another berth in the finals, he’s shown the ability to develop younger players. Con: While he spent 18 years as an NBA player, his experience isn’t even on an NBA bench. Competition: Magic, Hornets
KENNY SMITH
Pro: He had a successful playing career from 1987-97 and has stayed current, working as an analyst for TNT.
Con: Smith has never coached in the NBA. Not as a head coach, lead assistant, nothing.
MIKE WOODSON
Pro: He’s a Clippers assistant, but is already proven in the job. His 54-28 Knicks squad in 2012-13 was their most recent playoff appearance, their best win total since 1996-97, and first Atlantic Division crown since 1993-94.
Con: His isolation-heavy ball-stopping offense is exactly the opposite of the way the league is going. —Brian Lewis