Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily - "Can Mike Brown Make the Knicks Better?"
Introduction
In the July 4, 2025 episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni delve into the New York Knicks' recent coaching change, questioning whether the hiring of Mike Brown can elevate the team to new heights. Joined by NBA analyst James Edwards III, the discussion navigates through coaching philosophies, player dynamics, and the broader Eastern Conference landscape.
Hiring of Mike Brown
The episode kicks off with the Knicks' surprising decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau. James Edwards III expresses mixed feelings about this move, stating, "Am I sure he's better than Tibs? I'm not. And does he need to be better than Tibs or does he just need to be different from Tibs? That's kind of the thing... I think he just needs to be different" ([04:42]). Edwards acknowledges Mike Brown's extensive coaching résumé, highlighting his experience with NBA legends like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Steph Curry. Despite Brown's track record of relatively short tenures, Edwards maintains, "I don't think anybody would say he's not a good coach" ([04:42]).
Comparing Coaching Styles: Thibodeau vs. Brown
A significant portion of the discussion contrasts the coaching styles of Thibodeau and Brown. Edwards criticizes Thibodeau's lack of collaboration with his assistant coaches: "Tibbs never... would do his thing, sit down with the players, the coaches, the assistant coaches would do other things" ([07:25]). This approach, Edwards suggests, may be outdated in today's NBA landscape. In contrast, Mike Brown is praised for his collaborative nature, emphasizing teamwork and communication within the coaching staff: "Mike Brown, he obviously has collaborated as an assistant coach... and collaborated as a head coach" ([08:28]). This distinct difference is seen as a key factor in the Knicks' decision to hire Brown, aiming for a more integrated and cooperative coaching environment.
Player Reactions and Team Dynamics
Zena Keita shifts the conversation to how players might respond to Brown's coaching. Edwards notes that while there isn't substantial public feedback yet, Brown's reputation as a "player's coach" who is both intense and invested in player development could foster positive relationships within the team: "Mike Brown is very much into his guys practicing" ([11:11]). He further elaborates on the potential changes in practice habits and on-court interactions, suggesting that Brown's approach may lead to a more disciplined and cohesive team dynamic.
Free Agency Moves and Mikhail Bridges
The discussion moves to the Knicks' recent free agency signings, particularly focusing on Mikhail Bridges. Edwards highlights the uncertainty surrounding Bridges' future with the team: "He hasn't signed it... could be an extended trade" ([20:13]). The possibility of trading Bridges is considered, especially if the team seeks to add depth or pivot strategically. Edwards speculates on potential trade scenarios, including the whimsical idea of LeBron James joining the Knicks, though he dismisses it as highly unlikely: "I just can't see LeBron ending his career in New York" ([23:12]).
Speculation on LeBron James' Potential Move
A humorous segment unfolds as Dave Defore muses about LeBron James potentially joining the Knicks, despite historical loyalties and logistical challenges. Edwards firmly dismisses the notion, stating, "I just can't see LeBron ending his career in New York" ([23:12]). The hosts briefly entertain other hypothetical moves but agree that such scenarios remain purely speculative and not grounded in reality.
Knicks' Prospects and Team Improvement Under Brown
Turning back to the Knicks, Edwards analyzes how Brown's coaching might address last season's offensive struggles. He points out that although the Knicks finished with the fifth-best offensive rating overall, there was a significant decline from January onward, partly due to Jalen Brunson’s injury: "they ranked 16th from January 1st to the end of the regular season" ([12:56]). Brown is expected to implement a more dynamic and fluid offensive system to alleviate the burden on Brunson and facilitate better team play. Edwards suggests, "push Mikhail to be more aggressive going to the hole" ([15:36]), indicating a need for players like Mikhail Bridges to take on more assertive roles.
A critical area of focus is increasing three-point volume from Carl Anthony Towns: "the biggest thing is going to be how do you get that three point volume up from Carl Anthony Towns" ([14:38]). Edwards also commends the Knicks' strategic free-agent acquisitions, such as Jordan Clarkson and Gershon Yabuzeli, who enhance the team's depth and versatility: "they are deeper than they were last year" ([28:23]). The addition of Clarkson, in particular, is seen as a home run, providing both scoring and playmaking off the bench, essential for the team's overall performance.
Eastern Conference Landscape and Knicks' Position
Expanding the scope, the hosts discuss the evolving landscape of the Eastern Conference. Edwards notes that the conference has changed since last season, with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks emerging as unpredictable wildcards and the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic positioning themselves as intriguing contenders: "I feel like it's either Hawks or Orlando for me" ([31:49]). This shift suggests a more competitive and unpredictable environment, potentially benefiting the Knicks as they strive to climb the standings.
Final Thoughts and Fan Optimism
As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts reflect on the excitement and unpredictability of the current NBA season. Edwards expresses optimism about the league’s direction, emphasizing the emergence of young teams and entertaining gameplay: "Yeah, it's gonna be a lot of fun" ([31:58]). The conversation underscores a sense of anticipation around the Knicks' potential under Mike Brown's leadership, despite inherent challenges and uncertainties.
Conclusion
The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the New York Knicks' strategic move to hire Mike Brown, contrasting his collaborative coaching style with that of Tom Thibodeau. Through insightful discussions with James Edwards III, the hosts explore how Brown's approach could address the team's offensive shortcomings, enhance team dynamics, and leverage new free-agent acquisitions to bolster depth. Additionally, the broader context of the Eastern Conference’s competitive landscape provides a backdrop for the Knicks' aspirations. While uncertainties remain, the overall tone is one of cautious optimism regarding the Knicks' trajectory under Brown's guidance.
Notable Quotes
- James Edwards III: "Am I sure he's better than Tibs? I'm not... But I think he just needs to be different." ([04:42])
- James Edwards III: "Mike Brown, he obviously has collaborated as an assistant coach... and collaborated as a head coach." ([08:28])
- Dave Defore: "Is his bike going to be subject to congestion pricing when he rides to MSG?" ([09:20]) (Humorous commentary)
- James Edwards III: "They never... would do his thing, sit down with the players, the coaches, the assistant coaches would do other things." ([07:25])
- James Edwards III: "He hasn't signed it... could be an extended trade." ([20:13])
- James Edwards III: "I just can't see LeBron ending his career in New York." ([23:12])
- James Edwards III: "They ranked 16th from January 1st to the end of the regular season." ([12:56])
- James Edwards III: "Push Mikhail to be more aggressive going to the hole." ([15:36])
- James Edwards III: "They are deeper than they were last year." ([28:23])
- James Edwards III: "I feel like it's either Hawks or Orlando for me." ([31:49])
- James Edwards III: "Yeah, it's gonna be a lot of fun." ([31:58])
This episode serves as an insightful exploration of the New York Knicks' strategic moves and the potential impact of Mike Brown's coaching tenure on the team's aspiration to reach the NBA Finals. With expert analysis and engaging discussion, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the Knicks' prospects and the broader NBA landscape.