Michael Malone tops Knicks coaching wish list as front office eyes bold pick

The New York Knicks are navigating a pivotal offseason, having moved on from Tom Thibodeau, despite his status as the franchise's most successful coach in over two decades, as they line up the Denver Nuggets' ex-head coach, Michael Malone.

Now in championship-or-bust mode, the Knicks are searching for a new leader who can turn a promising core into a title contender and they've landed on the man responsible for resting Nikola Jokic.

Malone presents an intriguing-but complicated-fit. He brings championship pedigree, having led the Nuggets to a title just two seasons ago, and boasts deep ties to the Knicks. Perfect on paper in that sense.

However, despite those connections, the 53-year-old's profile is strikingly similar to the coach the Knicks just let go: defensive-minded, methodical, and prefers stability over experimentation. Both coaches rarely tinker with lineups during the regular season.

Denver's offense under Malone relied heavily on the singular talents of Jokic and without a player of that caliber, it's unclear how transferable that system would be to New York. So could they turn to other candidates?

The surprise name linked to the Knicks job

The New York Knicks may also consider an unconventional but compelling wild card in the form of the veteran point guard Chris Paul, who is currently with the San Antonio Spurs at the age of 40.

Though Paul has never coached, he fits a growing trend of player-to-coach transitions and is widely respected as one of the most cerebral players of his generation, with leadership credentials bolstered by his long tenure as NBA Players Association president.

Could he now take his talents to making calls from the bench? Possibly. Also bolstering his case is the fact that he shares a strong personal connection with Knicks president Leon Rose, his former agent at Creative Artists Agency.

With New York's leadership known for valuing internal ties, Paul could be viewed as a potential high-reward gamble who brings fresh perspective, tactical IQ, and instant locker room credibility. But is it worth the risk of someone with zero hours on the head coach job?

Other notable names to rival Malone and Paul for the job could be Mike Budenholzer, a proven regular-season coach with system discipline, but playoff adaptability remains a concern, or Jeff Van Gundy, who is beloved former Knicks coach who impressed last season as a Los Angeles Clippers assistant, showing surprising tactical flexibility.

Other options could come through the form of Jay Wright, the retired Villanova legend with ties to Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. However he may need convincing to leave coaching retirement.

There is also Dan Hurley, the tactical college mind with rebounding and ball-movement credentials forged at the UConn Huskies, but his emotional volatility may not suit NBA pressure.

Finally comes Johnnie Bryant, who is a promising assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is known for creating strong player relationships but, like Paul, he also lacks head coaching experience.