Stephen A's Take: Stephen A discusses coaching options for the Knicks and breaks down great New York point guards of all-time.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Analysis of Knicks' Coaching Carousel and New York’s All-Time Great Point Guards

Release Date: June 6, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, hosted by Stephen A. Smith in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts, the focus centers on the recent significant developments within the New York Knicks organization. The discussion delves into the unexpected firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau, analyzes potential coaching replacements, and celebrates some of the greatest point guards in New York's basketball history. The episode offers a blend of insightful commentary, expert opinions, and passionate debate suitable for both avid basketball fans and casual listeners interested in the dynamics of professional sports management.

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Firing of Tom Thibodeau

Timestamp: [01:18]

Stephen A. Smith opens the discussion by addressing the stonking news of Tom Thibodeau's dismissal from his role as head coach of the New York Knicks. This decision came abruptly, just days after Thibodeau led the Knicks to their deepest playoff run in 25 years, achieving back-to-back 50-win seasons—the first time since 1995. Notably, Thibodeau now ranks fourth all-time in coaching victories for the franchise, highlighting the magnitude of his departure.

"This move came just a few days after the Knicks made their deepest playoff run in 25 years. Tibbs...leaves ranking fourth all time on a franchise list in coaching victories." – Stephen A. Smith [01:18]

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Potential Coaching Replacements

Timestamp: [02:02] - [14:00]

Stephen A. Smith meticulously outlines a list of potential head coaching candidates for the Knicks, emphasizing the need for strategic selection to harness the talents of current players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The primary candidates discussed include:

1. Ime Udoka

   • Prospects: Praised for his success with the Boston Celtics and his current role with the Houston Rockets.
   • Challenges: Udoka is under a two-year contract with the Rockets, making a transition to the Knicks complex.

   "Eme Udoka is under contract for the next two years. He can't leave unless Tillman Fertitta granted him the freedom to do so. And I'm here to tell you that shit ain't happening." – Stephen A. Smith [04:38]

2. Mark Jackson

   • Prospects: A former Knicks player and head coach with a rich history in the NBA, including mentoring the Golden State Warriors.
   • Challenges: Despite his qualifications, Mark Jackson has been "blackballed" from obtaining another head coaching position in the league.

   "Can somebody explain to me why this man is still blackballed from the NBA." – Stephen A. Smith [10:38]

3. Mike Malone

   • Prospects: The Denver Nuggets' head coach, known for winning an NBA championship and possessing a "great basketball mind."
   • Challenges: Malone departed Denver under tense circumstances, limiting his immediate availability.

   "Mike Malone is a champion and a damn great basketball mind who has proven he can coach." – Stephen A. Smith [09:27]

4. Rick Brunson

   • Prospects: Jalen Brunson's father and an experienced coach with NBA playing history.
   • Challenges: Primarily serves as a bench coach, requiring a step up to a head coaching role.

   "I like Rick Brunson. I think he's somebody that we should keep our eyes on for future opportunities in the NBA." – Stephen A. Smith [09:23]

5. Jay Wright

   • Prospects: Former Villanova head coach with multiple national championships.
   • Challenges: Focused on collegiate basketball, making the transition to the NBA a significant shift.

   "Jay Wright, former head coach at Villanova, two time national champion, four trips to the final four." – Stephen A. Smith [08:49]

Honorable Mentions:

• Sam Cassell: Assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, deserving of head coaching opportunities.
• Danny Hurley: Connecticut's head coach, recognized for his institutional legacy.

"Sam Cassell deserves a head coaching opportunity at some point, if not already." – Stephen A. Smith [14:00]

Discussion Highlights:

• Eme Udoka's Viability: Despite his excellence, contractual obligations and loyalty to owner Tillman Fertitta hinder Udoka's immediate move to the Knicks. Smith emphasizes Udoka's fit for the Knicks' culture and his understanding of both Eastern and Western Conference dynamics.

  "Eme Udoka is a hell of a coach...he epitomizes who the New York Knicks are as a franchise." – Jay Williams [03:07], Affirmed by Stephen A. Smith [04:05]

• Mark Jackson's Stagnation: Smith expresses frustration over Jackson's exclusion from coaching opportunities despite his expertise and previous success, questioning the NBA's decision-making process.

  "Can somebody explain to me why this man is still blackballed from the NBA." – Stephen A. Smith [10:38]

• Mike Malone's Championship Experience: Highlighting Malone's championship pedigree, Smith considers him a strong candidate capable of leading the Knicks to further success.

  "Mike Malone is a champion and a damn great basketball mind who has proven he can coach." – Stephen A. Smith [09:27]

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Stephen A. Smith's Analysis and Insights

Throughout the episode, Stephen A. Smith provides in-depth analysis and personal insights:

• Contractual Constraints: Emphasizes the difficulty in acquiring coaches under existing contracts, particularly highlighting Udoka's situation with the Rockets.

  "He ain't going nowhere if Tillman Fertitta has anything to say about it." – Stephen A. Smith [04:38]

• Consistency in Coaching Philosophy: Advocates for a coaching style that evolves with the changing landscape of the NBA, referencing a conversation with Jay Williams about adapting from "1990s basketball."

  "You can't win in 2025 playing 1990s basketball. You have to change up your style." – Jay Williams [03:07]

• Celebration of New York's Basketball Legacy: Shifts focus to honoring the rich history of point guards in New York, mentioning legends like Stephon Marbury, Rod Strickland, and others.

  "Stephon Marbury might be the greatest point guard in the history of New York." – Jalen Rose [12:14]

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Celebrating New York’s All-Time Great Point Guards

Timestamp: [12:06] - [13:56]

In addition to coaching discussions, the episode takes a nostalgic turn, celebrating some of the greatest point guards to have donned a New York jersey:

• Stephon Marbury: Recognized for his exceptional playmaking and leadership.

  "Stephon Marbury might be the greatest point guard in the history of New York." – Stephen A. Smith [12:17]

• Nate "Tiny" Archibald: Honored for his versatile skills and pioneering impact on the game.

• Rod Strickland: Applauded for his agility and court vision.

• Dwayne "Pearl" Washington: Celebrated for his collegiate success and brief professional stint.

• Kenny "Jet" Smith and Kareem Reed: Acknowledged for their contributions to New York's basketball scene.

  "Let's not forget him. With all of that being said, still gotta mention Mark Jackson." – Stephen A. Smith [12:56]

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Concluding Thoughts

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of strategic coaching choices for the Knicks' future success. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the right coach with the team's vision and player dynamics, while also paying homage to New York's storied basketball history.

"Ty Lue, both under contract. Teams ain't letting them out their deals... Mark Jackson... Mike Malone... Rick Brunson." – Stephen A. Smith [13:56]

Smith's passionate discussion underscores the complex interplay between team management, coaching talent, and player development, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future prospects of the New York Knicks.

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Final Notes

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the New York Knicks' recent coaching changes, potential replacements, and the rich legacy of point guards in New York basketball. Stephen A. Smith, along with guest Jalen Rose, provides thoughtful analysis and engages in spirited debate, making it a must-listen for fans interested in the strategic and historical aspects of the game.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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[Lester Holt]

NBC Nightly News legacy isn't handed down or NBC News.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm Tom Rokoff.

[Jalen Rose]

We hope to see you back here.

[Lester Holt]

I'm Lester Holt. It's carried forward. Tom Yamaz is there for us. Firefighters are still working around the clock. As the world changes, we look for what endures. We are coming on the air with breaking news right now. We look for a constant and from one era to the next, trust is the anchor. For NBC Nightly News, I'm Tom Yamas. A new chapter begins NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas evenings on NBC.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let's get started in the NBA and a story that made headlines throughout the league yesterday, the firing of Tom Thibodeau by the New York Knicks. The move came just a few days after the Knicks made their deepest playoff run in 25 years. Tibbs, who led the Knicks to back to back 50 win seasons for the first time since 1995, leaves ranking fourth all time on a franchise list in coaching victories. Now the focus shifts to potential head coaching replacements to lead the team currently built around Jalen Brunson and Carl Anthony Towns. Let me say this before I get into it, I want to tell you this. There are a bunch of names that need to come up in a few seconds. I'm going to give you about five of them. I'm going to give you about five of them because you need to know, you need to know, you need to.

[Jalen Rose]

Hear the people that's on my list, all right? And I got some honorable mentions as well.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And I'll explain why because I'm going.

[Jalen Rose]

All down the line.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All right?

[Jalen Rose]

I'm going all down the line just.

[Stephen A. Smith]

To tip off my producers, Sam Cassell, Ime Udoka.

[Jalen Rose]

I mean you talk about coaches under.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Contract, mind you, okay?

[Jalen Rose]

The Ty lose of the world and the Mike Malone's and everybody else, Rick Brunson's, even all of them.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm coming with a second. But let me say before I even get into it, let me play a clip for you that was very, very interesting during my day job on First Take number one morning show for the last 13 years and counting. Thanks to y' all. By the way, thank you so much continuing to support your brother. I was on a first take this morning on ESPN with my man Jay Williams and I can't take credit for this. I got to give him credit for this because my man Jay Williams came.

[Jalen Rose]

Up with an idea that absolutely, positively blew me away because I didn't think about it. Why would not think about it? I don't know why. I think I know why.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But I'm going to tell you in a minute. But not before I play this clip with me and Jay Williams talking.

[Jalen Rose]

Check this out.

[Jay Williams]

You can't win in 2025 playing 1990s basketball. You have to change up your style. And I do think there is a coach out there that is currently coaching the Houston Rockets that will be the most amazing fit in New York City. And that's Eme Udoka, a guy that understands Boston Celtics and how they built with Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge and what their personnel looks like, has an understanding of that and has a similar but updated culture in Houston with some young dogs where he's built a pretty incredible foundation over a quick period of time and understanding how the Western Conference is loaded and look, the Knicks have money to spend. I think Eme Udoka is the choice. I think he's the person you run towards and I think you find any way to pry him away from the Houston Rockets organization and bring him to the New York Knicks because I think he epitomizes who the New York Knicks are as a franchise.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Now what you didn't see there was me go O. I didn't think of that.

[Jalen Rose]

It's a great idea.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But here's why I didn't think about that. I know a few people in Houston, including owner Tillman Fertitta, and I'm telling y' all, ain't no way in hell New York Knicks getting email Udoka Forget H Town being H Town. Cause it's pretty fly.

[Jalen Rose]

Forget it being in a state with.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No state income taxes. That's cool too. IME Udoka is under contract for the next two years. He can't leave unless Tillman fatigue granted him the freedom to do so. And I'm here to tell you that shit ain't happening. Ain't happening. IME Udoka ain't going nowhere if Tillman Fertitta has anything to say about it. He loves that man. His staff loves that man. His employees love that man.

[Jalen Rose]

Eme Udoka this day Boston, where you sat there and railroaded him out of town. And I ain't gonna bring up why. All I'm gonna say is that, damn it, he wasn't the first and he ain't the last. But somehow his personal business, which could have been an HR issue, became public consumption. I ain't gonna get in the fact there's a whole bunch of white boys that were guilty of. Of such proclivities for decades and we ain't hear nothing. I know at least three dudes that lost their job in the last couple of years, all white.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And landed at another NBA team. Nobody said nothing.

[Jalen Rose]

We knew we ain't reported because the.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Team didn't confirm, because the team didn't.

[Jalen Rose]

Want it out there like that. They let the people go on about their business, but. But IME Udoka, they threw under the bus and tried to ruin his career. And Tillman Fatita and the Houston Rockets said, damn that we trying to win. He's one of the greatest coaches in.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The game, easily top five coach in basketball.

[Jalen Rose]

That brother's special. A hell of a coach who would have coached Boston to the championship, but that ended up being Joy Missoula. Daddy made you doka out of. Oh, my Lord. Everything I said about the Knicks yesterday, that raked my damn nerves. Even their weak ass statement by president Leon Rose. I would have forgave that if they.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Came and said, yo, man, email you do. Because the new head coach of the New York Knicks, all would have been forgiven. All would have been forgiven because that.

[Jalen Rose]

Man, not.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Leon Rose, Imei Udoka is a hell of a coach. And that brother right there, if they could get him, fine. But he's got two years left on his deal in Houston. And I called the source within the.

[Jalen Rose]

Organization five minutes ago and they said.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You couldn't pay us enough. He ain't going nowhere. I know it's a double negative. He ain't going nowhere, but he ain't going nowhere. Grammatically incorrect and all. He ain't going nowhere. He made you doka staying in Houston. But let me give you a list of names you might want to consider. I want to throw out Sam Cassell, assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, because he should be a head coach in this game and he deserves an honorable mention. It just may not necessarily need to be in New York because, you know, you was in Boston last year. You don't want to contaminate us. You know what I'm saying? You know, he's Boston, it's New York. I don't know about that, but Sam Cassell deserves to be head coach in the NBA. So we got to throw his name for consideration. All right, I'm gonna throw out these names for you. You ready? I'm gonna throw out Jay Wright, former head coach at Villanova, two time national champion, four trips to the final four. You're gonna say, why, Jalen Brunson is the star of the team. Josh Hart and Mikhail Bridges are on the team for the foreseeable future. They ain't going nowhere. And on top of it all, not only are they not going anywhere, even though Mikhail Bridges might end up being moved because he'll be looking for a contract extension in the year, the bottom line is all three play the Villanova. Jay Wright is a consideration. I'm gonna throw out another name for you.

[Jalen Rose]

Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson's daddy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Who'S been on the bench last couple years, last two, three years, who I can tell you knows his basketball. You start Temple. Played in the NBA. Rough and rugged. No punk in him at all. You gonna be tough playing for him. You gonna be accountable playing for him. I like Rick Brunson. I think he's somebody that we should keep our eyes on for future opportunities in the NBA. Personally, I'm letting you know that right now, I'm just throwing him on my list.

[Jalen Rose]

Number three on the list, Mike Malone.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Former coach in Denver. Won an NBA championship a couple of years ago. Just worked with me during the Western Conference finals. I would have no problem if the New York Knicks picked him as the next head coach of the franchise. No problem whatsoever. I know he departed under tense terms because players kind of needed to hear a new voice. He. He was big on player accountability. Uh, he didn't have the greatest relationship, reportedly, anyway, with the gm, Calvin Booth, and so both of them ended up getting booted out of there by the cronkies who own the team. But Mike Malone is a champion and a damn. A damn great basketball mind who has proven he can coach. We ain't sleeping on that. So he would definitely be on my list. Wouldn't put him top two, though. I put Mark Jackson at number two. Remember the Mark Jackson used to coach Golden State? Remember Mark Jackson, the start of St. John's remember the mark Jackson that was rookie of the year in the NBA for the New York Knicks? Remember the Mark Jackson that played for the Indiana Pacers? Remember that Mark Jackson that ultimately coached the Golden State warriors and groomed the Splash brothers for Steve Kerr to capitalize off of?

[Jalen Rose]

Remember that. That Mark Jackson?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Can somebody explain to me why this man is still blackballed from the NBA. Not even an assistant coach. As good of a job as he has done, as knowledgeable as he is about the game of basketball. Me, personally, him, Van Gundy, I slashed them together. I'd love them being on the same coaching staff because I miss them calling the games. Love the job JJ Redick did calling games. Love the job that Richard Jefferson with Doris Burke and Mike Breen do. Calling the games. Love the job that Tim Legler does.

[Jalen Rose]

Love my man Ryan Ruko, the whole bit. No shade on nobody.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm proud to call these folks colleagues.

[Jalen Rose]

They're great.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But I'm not gonna lie and tell.

[Jalen Rose]

You that I don't miss.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, who by the way, Jeff and Gundy is a lead assistant on the Los Angeles Clippers bench. I think if Mark Jackson would have get a head coaching job, Jeff Van Gundy should be his top assistant. I think if Jeff Van Gundy gets a head coaching job, Mark Jackson should be his stop assistant. That's how I'm flowing with it.

[Jalen Rose]

That's how I'm flowing with it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And not only that, when you consider New York and the sizzle that you need since players, since people like Leon Rose don't want to talk to the media, you know, it helps to see a guy like Mark Jackson talking because he's one of our own in New York, you understand? We Love Bishop Lachlan, St. John's next.

[Jalen Rose]

Is Mark Jackson, one of the greatest.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Point guards in New York history, by the way.

[Jalen Rose]

And you talking to a brother that grew up, the great Kenny Anson. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't better.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Than these dudes, but he was in that ballpark because he was sensational.

[Jalen Rose]

Ross Strickland just saw him the other.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Day at the, at the Knicks game.

[Jalen Rose]

Stephon Marbury might be the greatest point guard in the history of New York. Let's not sleep on that, brother, okay?

[Stephen A. Smith]

You got the Nate Tiny Archibalds, the.

[Jalen Rose]

Stephon Marbury's, the Rod Stricklands, the late, great Dwayne Pearl, Washington. The greatest show in the history of college basketball. You think I'm lying? Go back and watch the tape. Go back and watch the tape. It's Dwayne Pearl, Washington. It went to Syracuse. We had some great point guards. Kenny the Jet Smith. Let's not forget him. Kareem Reed out of St. Raymond's. Let's not forget him. God. Sham. God Wells, one of the greatest handles in history. Let's not forget him. With all of that being said, still.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Gotta mention Mark Jackson. Still gotta mention Mark Jackson. He's one of us in New York City with him as the head coach. Worth consideration. Just can't put him number one at the list against another dude who's under contract. And I put IME Udoka in the same category. Slash him. Number one with the great Ty Lue for the Los Angeles Clippers. A champion. Some man. Somebody who continuously overachieves who makes in game adjustments. Who is if. If James Harden was short for a game seven, who knows how far he would have want he would have gone. I'm just sorry. I love James Harden, but damn. I'm just saying these are things to consider. So I got Ty L E Udoka, both under contract. Teams ain't letting them out their deals. We understand that. I got Mark Jackson, who everybody should have on their list to be a head coach in the NBA. I got Mike Malone, who everybody should have on their list to be a coach in the NBA. He's a champion. Okay, I got Rick Brunson and I.

[Jalen Rose]

Got Jay Wright with an honorable mention for my man Sam Cassell in Boston.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Who deserves a head coaching opportunity at some point, if not already. That's just me. That's just me. A producer in my ear brought up Danny Hurley. Really? Really. You know, he's at Connecticut. Yeah. UConn. You know what I'm saying? I mean, you know, he could coach Danny Hurley. I mean, I'm not. I'm not gonna poo poo that. The Hurleys are the Hurleys. They're an institution. So we. We. I was getting ready to get on my producer about that, but he's actually right. And since he's right, I'm gonna leave it at that.

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[Stephen A. Smith]

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