The New York Knicks‘ playoff run was epic, but it fell short against a fundamentally brilliant Indiana Pacers team. Despite the Knicks not reaching the NBA Finals, there was a lot to like for fans. Aside from the memories of this specific postseason run, the franchise looked set up for future success. The front office didn’t see it that way, though, firing head coach Tom Thibodeau immediately after the playoff exit.
Thibodeau’s departure sent shockwaves through the NBA world. It’s very difficult to find a basketball analyst or former player who agrees with the decision. Several reporters, celebrities and players with close ties to the Knicks are still shellshocked by the move. The front office has already identified some top targets to replace Thibodeau. They will likely play it safe, but a former Knicks player believes they should take a big swing and hire him instead.
Ron Artest believes he should be the next head coach of the New York Knicks
The controversial former player formerly known as Ron Artest and Metta World Peace – now legally named Metta Sandiford-Artest – has thrown his hat in the ring following the Thibodeau news. He has even changed his username on X to account for being a “Coach” candidate.
Artest played with the Knicks during the 2013-14 season, but he only appeared in 29 games and was waived by the team before the end of the season. It sounds like there are no hard feelings from that chapter, as he’s willing to let bygones be bygones in order to help a franchise he cares about deeply.
The problem is that Artest has no real coaching experience at all, not even as an assistant at any level except a short stint for the South Bay Lakers as player development coach in 2017-18. Despite Artest appearing sincere with his volunteering to be the Knicks’ next head coach, no one is expected to take him seriously. He has legally changed his name more times than he has years of coaching experience.
Read the full article here
