The New York Knicks have entered a new chapter after firing head coach Tom Thibodeau, a decision that has immediately ignited speculation about his replacement.
At the forefront of that conversation is former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who is seen by many insiders as a logical and appealing candidate for the Knicks’ top job.
A report from NJ.com cites a source close to Malone who said the Knicks would be “a good landing spot” should Malone choose to return to coaching. “His children are grown and if he wants to coach again, it could be a good landing spot,” the source noted.
Malone’s sudden exit from Denver caught many by surprise, particularly given his success in leading the Nuggets to an NBA title in the 2022-23 season.
His coaching credentials-highlighted by a 904-510 career regular-season record-instantly placed him at the top of the available coaching pool.
Malone’s long-standing connection to the Knicks
Though best known for his time in Denver, Malone’s coaching journey began in New York. He started with the Knicks in 2001, working his way up from video coordinator to assistant coach.
Born in Queens, Malone also has deep family roots in the game-his father, Brendan Malone, was a long-time coach and spent time with several New York-area programs.
What further strengthens Malone’s candidacy is his connection to Knicks president Leon Rose. Malone is represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the same agency Rose led before joining the Knicks’ front office.
That relationship, coupled with Malone’s familiarity with the organization and city, makes him a natural fit.
Since his dismissal by the Nuggets, Malone has remained active in the NBA landscape, joining ESPN’s playoff coverage as a guest analyst. He even worked games involving his former team, where he watched his long-time assistant David Adelman take over the head coaching duties.
This wouldn’t be the first time a coach has gone from the studio back to the sidelines. Jeff Van Gundy, a former Knicks coach himself, returned to coaching after years as an analyst, eventually taking a role with the Clippers after his stint with ESPN ended in 2023.
Replacing Thibodeau means raising the ceiling
Thibodeau’s time in New York was not without success. In five seasons, he compiled a 226-174 regular season record, guided the Knicks to four playoff appearances, and won Coach of the Year in 2021.
His leadership helped stabilize the franchise and elevate expectations, culminating in an Eastern Conference Finals run this year-something the team hadn’t achieved since the Van Gundy era.
Still, the Knicks’ decision signals a belief that Thibodeau had reached his limit with the current roster.
The front office is now looking for someone who can push the team into true title contention, and Malone’s championship experience and deep knowledge of playoff basketball make him a compelling choice.
If the Knicks want to capitalize on their momentum and take the next step, hiring a proven winner like Malone may be the clearest path forward.
His blend of organizational ties, coaching success, and familiarity with New York could make him the ideal candidate to lead the franchise into its most ambitious phase in decades.
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