The New York Knicks have brought Micah Nori, an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves, into their head coaching search as their third candidate for the position.
Nori Joins the Candidate Pool
A source close to the situation told The Post that Micah Nori sat for an interview with the Knicks this week, joining former head coaches Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown in the discussion rounds. The 51-year-old assistant, who’s been working with Minnesota since 2021, caught the organization’s attention according to ESPN’s initial reporting.
NBA Experience Spans Multiple Organizations
Nori’s resume includes stints with several NBA franchises – he’s worked on coaching staffs for the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. This extensive background across different organizations gives him a broad perspective that could appeal to the Knicks’ front office.
Coaching Change Following Playoff Success
The coaching search began after the Knicks moved on from Tom Thibodeau, despite the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The franchise has been methodically working through their options, though they’ve encountered obstacles along the way.
Limited Options Among Active Head Coaches
The Knicks’ attempts to interview sitting head coaches hit roadblocks across the board. Their requests to speak with Dallas’ Jason Kidd, Houston’s Ime Udoka, Minnesota’s Chris Finch, Atlanta’s Quin Snyder, and Chicago’s Billy Donovan were all turned down. Being the league’s sole franchise with a head coaching opening has narrowed their candidate pool considerably.
Rose Takes Measured Approach to Selection Process
Knicks president Leon Rose seems committed to finding the right match rather than rushing into a decision. The interviews with Jenkins and Brown last week – both recently dismissed by Memphis and Sacramento – suggest the organization is casting a wide net while maintaining their standards for the position.
