Mike Budenholzer has now become the New York Knicks' top choice to wound up as their future head coach, after the former agreed to part ways with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, given the rebuilding direction the team was heading into.
New York, though another rebuilding team, isn't expected to take a similar Trust-The-Process-style rebuild as the Hawks are inclined to use — which could entice the 46-year-old to reunite with his former shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. in The Big Apple.
“If they offered him the job, he’d say yes,’’ a source told Marc Berman of The New York Post. “He wants to live in New York.’’
The Knicks already had Budenholzer in their crosshairs, but now that they won't be forced to offer extra money or a draft-pick compensation for him to leave his post with the Hawks, it opens up an avenue for a renewed interest.
The franchise has zero ties to Budenholzer, which makes it a tough sell in itself, but the interest is believed to be mutual, regardless.
“He’s the best coach on the market,” said the source.
In five seasons with the Hawks, Budenholzer compiled a record of 213-197 (.520) during the regular season and 17-22 (.436) during the playoffs.
He falls off a great line of Gregg Popovich mentees, which could help greatly, given the Knicks' defensive struggles in past seasons.
The Knicks had eight official candidates for their coaching vacancy. Recently that list grew to nine when Newsday reported the organization met with Boston Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga last week.
The franchise has already interviewed Jerry Stackhouse, Mike Woodson, Mark Jackson, David Fizdale, Kenny Smith, and Budenholzer. Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego will speak to the Knicks in the coming days, as the front office is staying true to their promise of being diligent in their coaching search.
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