Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Ime Udoka will interview for the New York Knicks open head-coaching position, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Udoka is in his first season as the lead assistant under for Brett Brown after serving under Gregg Popovich on the San Antonio Spurs bench from 2012-19.

Udoka, 42, could also be a target for the Chicago Bulls if they move on from head Jim Boylen.

The Knicks’ coaching search is the first under the revamped front office led by former CAA agent Leon Rose, who was hired in March. Rose is also reportedly considering Tom Thibodeau, Becky Hammon, Chris Fleming, Pat Delany, and Kenny Atkinson for the position, along with Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Miller (current interim) and Mike Woodson—each of whom has experience leading the Knicks.

Thibodeau seems to be the favorite to get the gig, but hiring Udoka—who is clearly deserving of an opportunity at this point—would be a shrewd move by first-time executive Rose.

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First of all, despite nearly a decade of experience as an assistant, Udoka is still a relatively young former player. In other words, he should be able to connect with current players in a way that Thibodeau hasn’t always done, especially with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Udoka played seven seasons in the NBA (including eight games with New York is 2005-06) and has been on the frontlines of the game ever since, and is well-versed in the modern developments of the sport. Thibodeau, on the other hand, is often accused of bringing an antiquated approach to load management, schemes, and three-point shooting.

The Knicks have a particularly youthful roster, and as someone who has played wing in the NBA relatively recently, Ime Udoka could make an ideal mentor for R.J. Barrett. The fact that Udoka is clearly sought after around the league—including by the highly regarded new Bulls VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas—is only a good sign.

Rose hasn’t made any major personnel decisions yet (unless you count some front office subordinates), and we’ll see if the Knicks' DNA of puzzling decision-making rubs off on him.

New York went 21-45 in 2019-20 under a combination of David Fizdale (4-18) and Miller (17-27).