The New York Knicks decided to fire Tom Thibodeau after last season. That was despite the fact that he helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. He was let go after the Pacers eliminated the Knicks in six games.
They decided to hire Mike Brown to take his spot. Over the last few games, Brown has received heavy criticism for his late-game decisions against the Hawks. With the series knotted at two apiece, fans are angry with Brown for losing two games in heartbreaking fashion.
According to a recent report, Brown might not be back next season if the Knicks don’t make the NBA Finals.
GettyNew York Knicks head coach Mike Brown speaks to the media. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Mike Brown Could be Fired by the Knicks
According to a report from Sam Amick of The Athletic, New York might part ways with Brown, even if he makes the Finals.
“The noise surrounding the Knicks’ Mike Brown won’t die down unless they reach the NBA Finals, and even that might not be good enough for the first-year New York coach to be safe,” Amick wrote.
Amick made it clear that James Dolan said that this year was a Finals-or-bust type of season in interviews that he gave. Dolan really wants to make sure that his team improves on what they did last year. Right now, that looks pretty dicey with the current first-round series against the Hawks.
If the Knicks don’t make the Finals, more than the coaching staff could change. The roster is at a massive risk of going through an overhaul, as well. They have a very expensive team, as they are the second-most expensive team in the NBA. They are currently hard-capped at the second apron.
Brown is a well-respected coach across the NBA and has had several head coaching jobs with various organizations. Yet, being taken out in the first round would spell disaster for his future in New York. It’s unclear who New York would get to replace him.
GettyNew York Knicks head coach Mike Brown yells at his team. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
New York Could Have a Summer of Uncertainty Ahead
Anything short of winning a championship could indicate that major changes are coming to the Knicks. Dolan is one of the most unpredictable owners in the league. Brown could be gone, as could several members of the team, before next season begins.
Falling short of a title would likely mean that New York would pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade. Antetokounmpo is the biggest name available in a trade this offseason, as his time with the Bucks seems to be over. He has also indicated a fondness for New York several times.
This summer could see a great deal of turnover for the most popular team in New York. Of course, beating the Hawks and then going on a deep run would change all of the negativity that is surrounding the franchise at the moment.
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