A top NBA insider recently explained why the New York Knicks are so high on the idea of making Jason Kidd their next head coach. Including having the support of top star Jalen Brunson .
It has only been a week since the Knicks fired respected head coach Tom Thibodeau. However, when it comes to such a major franchise, the speculation about his potential replacement has been a notable topic around the league. And Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd appears to be the team's top choice. But why? Especially with championship-winning coaches like Mike Budenholzer and Michael Malone available.
Well, veteran NBA insider Marc Stein tried to shed new light on why the Knicks are so enamored with the one-time New Jersey Nets superstar. Firstly, owner James Dolan is familiar and comfortable with the Hall of Famer. After he played a key role on their 54-win team in 2012-13. But also Kidd interviewed for the Knicks' head coaching job in 2020 before they settled on Thibodeau.
The second reason Stein explained is an important one in today's game, where elite stars are given a surprising amount of influence on coaching hires. "Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson is widely presumed to be a strong Kidd advocate after they worked so well together for a season in Dallas," he wrote.
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Kidd's first year as head coach in Dallas (2021-22) was when Brunson had the breakout season that helped get the Mavericks to the West Finals and landed him a huge free agent deal from New York that summer.
Another key reason why the Knicks are interested in the 10-time All-Star is that he is one of the few former players who has put together a notable run as a head coach. The NBA insider claims that specific quality has a serious appeal to New York's front office.
Lastly, having played seven seasons during his career in the tri-state area and being used to the New York media also makes Jason Kidd such a strong head coach candidate for the organization.
"Kidd also has considerable familiarity in dealing with the glaring Gotham spotlight as well as the New York media from his time as both a Knick and a Nets player and coach," Stein wrote. "That's a hugely important aspect of the job. Given that Thibodeau was so often thrust into the role of team spokesman for a franchise whose executives are extremely media-avoidant."
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