The New York Knicks appear to have their man in five-time NBA champion Steve Kerr. The rumors have run rampant over the last few weeks about the Knicks searching for a replacement for head coach Mike Woodson, but no candidate has gotten more buzz or consideration from the team than Kerr.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Kerr could be hired by the team this week:
The one-horse Knicks coaching derby should come to its conclusion this week.
Steve Kerr is scheduled to broadcast Game 1 of the second-round NBA playoff series between the Thunder and the Clippers in Oklahoma City on Monday night with longtime TNT partner Marv Albert. That could be Kerr’s last telecast, with a league source saying matters with the Knicks should progress this week.
After taking over as president of the Knicks recently, Phil Jackson was determined to change the culture in New York. Firing Woodson was the first move and finding a formidable coach to replace him will be the next.
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Choosing Kerr, a former player of Jackson’s with the Chicago Bulls, is an interesting choice considering the fact that he’s got no coaching experience whatsoever. Kerr has been a GM with the Phoenix Suns and an analyst for TNT, but never a leader on the sidelines at any level.
Many believe Jackson will simply coach through Kerr once he’s hired. Kerr played under Jackson with the Bulls and won three titles while running the point in Chicago alongside Michael Jordan.
Kerr has played for two of the most successful head coaches in the league in Jackson and Greg Popovich. The former point guard won two titles with the San Antonio Spurs after his stint in Chicago. The championship experience under these two coaching legends will definitely prove useful if ultimately given the job in New York.
The Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to be interested in Kerr along with the Golden State Warriors if they part ways with Marc Jackson, but the Knicks hiring him seems to be a foregone conclusion at this point.
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