NEW YORK _ It felt cruel: on the same day the Knicks announced they're finally re-opening their practice facility after 2 { months, news leaked that the team's season is probably over.
And maybe it's better off this way.
The Knicks, after all, have a coaching search to conduct, and throwing a disastrous 2019-20 season in the garbage will be easy. Who wants to remember David Fizdale's stint, or Steve Mills' or James Dolan's issues with arena chants and Spike Lee?
Moving forward to the Leon Rose era can't begin in earnest until he hired his coach. To that end, sources say Tom Thibodeau is the heavy favorite to land the job. Mike Miller, the interim coach who acquitted himself well after taking over for Fizdale, will get a look. Kenny Atkinson will also be interviewed, according to The Athletic. Around the league, people have cautioned to never count out John Calipari, given the Kentucky coach's strong connection to Rose's associate, William Wesley.
But the belief is that this is Thibodeau's to lose, and a source said he's confident about getting the job _ to the point that Thibodeau has made calls to assemble a staff.
With that in mind, here's a quick look at the leading candidate:
