The New York Knicks obliterated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Conference semi-finals. It was a dominating performance from start to finish that saw Jalen Brunson score 35 points. New York is the clear favorite to win the East.
Now that the Celtics are gone, it would be a disappointment if the Knicks didn’t make the NBA Finals. If they don’t, the blame will likely be laid at the feet of Mike Brown. Brown has already received criticism throughout the playoffs for some questionable lineup decisions.
If they do blame Brown and end up firing him, the Knicks could reportedly go after the hottest coach on the market.
GettyChicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan looks on during a game. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks Could Pursue Billy Donovan if They Fire Mike Brown
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Knicks could go after Billy Donovan. Donovan stepped away from the Chicago Bulls after the season ended. He is the hottest coach on the market, and several teams are pursuing him to coach their rosters.
New York fired Tom Thibodeau after making the Eastern Conference Finals last season and hired Brown to replace him. James Dolan made it very clear before the season began that he fully expects this team to make the NBA Finals. Anything less will be deemed a failure.
That puts an enormous amount of pressure on Brown to perform this postseason. So far, he has answered the bell. After starting the first round off down 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks have won four straight games. He seems to be pulling the right strings.
In the playoffs, the Knicks have the second-best offense of any team in the playoffs. Whatever he is doing seems to be working so far, but there are a lot of games left in this series. New York will have to beat the winner of Cleveland/Detroit to fully save Brown’s job, as well.
GettyNew York Knicks head coach Mike Brown talks to the media. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
New York Should not Pursue Billy Donovan
Donovan is a good coach, but it would be a mistake for the Knicks to go after him. Keeping Brown is the best move for the franchise moving forward. Firing coaches in back-to-back seasons would signal to free agents and possible trade targets that the organization is dysfunctional.
New York is already dealing with accusations of that being the case after Dolan was accused of trying to get fans arrested for making comments on social media about his teams. Bringing more distractions to the court would be a major issue for a team that is talented.
Donovan is better suited to coach a different team. It would be smart to keep Brown for at least one more year, although a massive collapse in the semifinals could change the conversation. Donovan will likely coach a team that doesn’t quite have as lofty expectations set by the owner.
Of course, anything is possible with Dolan in charge.
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