NBA: Warriors' top assistant not interested in Knicks head coaching job
The New York Knicks ended their regular season with a flurry of rumors and intrigue within the organization. Right after enduring another losing season, superstar Carmelo Anthony made it known that he wanted former Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau to become the team's next head coach. But while Thibodeau is busy talking with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Knicks decision-maker Phil Jackson apparently was looking at someone else – Golden State Warriors top assistant Luke Walton.
Several sources confirmed a couple of days ago that Walton and Jackson already talked about the head coaching job, although the former eventually told the latter that he isn't interested as of the moment. The talk was reportedly done over the phone and that Walton may actually be interested in remaining with the Warriors rather than trying to play the role of a savior in New York.
The rumors are somehow surprising and unexpected, especially for Knicks fans since Jackson openly admitted that he wanted current interim coach Kurth Rambis to stay. But that statement was not the one fans, even Knicks players are hoping for. It could have been quite an excitement if Walton kept himself open with the idea of coaching Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. In reality, stealing him from Steve Kerr's staff is easier said than done, especially with the kind of success the Warriors are having right now.
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But it's no surprise if Walton gets more invitations once the playoffs are over; as a matter of fact, Kerr and the team's front office have given him permission to talk to other teams about a head coaching job opening. It's a manifestation that they already are preparing for life without the top assistant coach.
Walton made headlines early in the season when he led the Warriors to a 39-4 record while Kerr was recovering from an offseason back surgery. During that span, he showed he now can handle a team and win games as if he's already a veteran of the job.
