The New York Knicks will not consider hiring David Blatt as head coach, according to columnist Peter Vecsey:
David Blatt isn’t being considered 4 Knicks opening. Never was, I’m told. Strictly a smokescreen, as is search by Jax. Rambis lone candidate
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) April 24, 2016
Previously, reports indicated Kurt Rambis and David Blatt were finalists for the job.
ESPN’s Ian Begley first reported the Knicks’ interest in Blatt on April 11th:
Rambis remains a strong candidate for the job, but, according to league sources, Jackson plans to do his due diligence in the search and consider other candidates who are available.
One name that the Knicks are considering, according to league sources, is former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt.
Jackson views Blatt favorably, according to sources. It’s also worth noting that Blatt played basketball with Knicks GM Steve Mills at Princeton.Blatt was fired by the Cavs in January and was replaced by Tyronn Lue.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Jackson considered other candidates outside of Blatt as well, though Rambis is still believed to be one of the top candidates.
Another ESPN scribe, Marc Stein, reported the Knicks’ focus was solely on Blatt and Rambis for head coach just one week later:
Sacramento just getting started; Lakers deliberating whether to keep Byron Scott; Knicks’ focus, for now, remains Kurt Rambis & David Blatt
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 20, 2016
While many speculated the Knicks may pursue Tom Thibodeau, Phil Jackson ultimately allowed him to pass. According to Peter Vecsey, Thibodeau had expressed interest in the Knicks’ head coaching gig before being turned away by Jackson:
FYI: Thibs’ agent reached out to the Knicks. Let them know how much he wanted the job. Jackson showed no interest…
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) April 24, 2016
Phil Jackson appears to have found his next head coach. Kurt Rambis, the Knicks’ interim coach this season, was promoted after the unexpected firing of Derek Fisher in February.
Over the next 28 games under Rambis, the Knicks went 9-19 (.321). Previously, New York went 23-31 under Derek Fisher (.426).
While Kurt Rambis is a Phil Jackson favorite, his relationships with players this past season have been shaky. Particularly, with soon-to-be free agent Arron Afflalo.
Phil Jackson and the Knicks have an important decision to make. With free agency looming, the Knicks must make its head coaching decision soon. It appears Kurt Rambis is now the front-runner for the position, something that will likely result in fans once again questioning the decision-making of the infamous Phil Jackson.
