The New York Knicks have big issues to focus on right now, and they need to act with haste.
Former NBA star Kevin Garnett rightly pointed out the New York Knicks are working to an unofficial deadline as they seek to land a new head coach.
The NBA Draft is just a couple of weeks away, directly followed by free agency, which is expected to be a hectic period.
It feels imperative that the Knicks get a new coach hired before these tentpole events, to put themselves in the best position to build out their roster for 2025-26.
It should really be a dual-pronged approach for the front office, who need to assist their incoming head coach by preparing for free agency.
Part of the reason Tom Thibodeau was fired was his refusal to use the New York Knicks bench at crucial times.
But there is also work to do to improve the depth of the roster for his successor. Cameron Payne is one player who may not return.
Former NBA star Jeff Teague has a couple of suggestions in mind for the Knicks this offseason.
Teague told The Rich Eisen Show: “Get some depth on the bench. Get a couple more players that can score off the bench.
“I think Jalen Brunson had a lot on his shoulders trying to score and command the offense, all that.”
Pointing to a player on each of the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, Teague made the following recommendation.
“I think you get a couple more players that can score on the bench, like a Jordan Clarkson or Anfernee Simons from Portland, just another two guard, combo guard, kind of guy that can come off the bench and score a bit for you guys.
“I think they still have a championship team. I mean, they was in the Eastern Conference Finals right there.”
Jordan Clarkson has one year remaining on his contract with the Utah Jazz, becoming a free agent in 2026. Anfernee Simons is in the same position in Portland.
The New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Teague says he would not have elected to sack Tom Thibodeau, and believes he actually needed more support.
He said: “I know that came from the higher ups, I would have liked Thibs to hire an offensive coordinator, and like somebody that can make subs for him, someone who can truly run the offense.”
