Stephen A's Take: Stephen A gives passionate and critical commentary on the New York Knicks' current coaching situation.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Analysis of the New York Knicks' Coaching Conundrum

Release Date: June 15, 2025

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the tumultuous state of the New York Knicks' search for a new head coach. Offering his trademark passionate and incisive commentary, Smith explores the franchise's recent decisions, the suitability of potential coaching candidates, and the underlying organizational challenges that have left Knicks fans concerned.

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1. Introduction to the Knicks' Coaching Dilemma

Stephen A. Smith kicks off the discussion by addressing the Knicks' recent decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau, despite the team reaching the Eastern Conference Finals under his leadership. He underscores the precariousness of the situation, emphasizing that the search for Thibodeau's successor is not progressing favorably.

"The situation looks disastrous for New York, who fired the head coach that led them to the Eastern Conference finals without a plan." [01:18]

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2. Failed Attempts to Recruit Top Coaching Talent

Smith highlights the Knicks' struggles in securing interviews with several high-profile coaching candidates. He reveals that multiple teams have denied the Knicks permission to engage in discussions, severely limiting their options.

• Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks): "They recently tried to speak to Jason Kidd, but the Mavericks denied permission." [01:50]

• Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves): "The Timberwolves did the same with Chris Finch." [02:00]

• Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets): "The Rockets did the same with Ime Udoka." [02:10]

• Billy Donovan (Chicago Bulls): "The Bulls did the same with Billy Donovan." [02:20]

• Quinn Snyder (Atlanta Hawks): "And the Hawks did the same with Quinn Snyder." [02:30]

Smith criticizes the Knicks for their apparent inability to attract these seasoned coaches, suggesting that the franchise's reputation may be a contributing factor.

"Why not even talk to this man, to not even interview this man, knowing that he brings championship credentials to the table. What's up with that?" [04:50]

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3. Critique of Potential Coaching Choices

Smith is particularly critical of the Knicks' consideration of Quinn Snyder as a successor to Thibodeau. He questions Snyder's achievements and suitability for leading a high-pressure franchise like the Knicks.

"What the hell are you doing calling Quinn Snyder? You let go of Tom Thibodeau and your answer to New Yorkers was going to be Quinn Snyder is the next head coach of this franchise." [02:15]

He extends his critique to other potential candidates, asserting that some may lack the necessary credentials or current relevance to effectively steer the team.

"Billy Donovan, two time national champion at Florida, respect the hell out of that man. But in Oklahoma City and then now in Chicago, he's not the answer for the New York Knicks at this particular moment in time." [03:30]

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4. Recommendations for Ideal Coaching Candidates

Contrary to his criticism of current prospects, Smith offers thoughtful recommendations for who the Knicks should consider:

a. Mike Malone (Denver Nuggets)

Smith expresses bewilderment over the Knicks' apparent disregard for Mike Malone, the former coach of the Denver Nuggets who secured an NBA Championship.

"Why haven't they at least interviewed Mike Malone, former coach with the Denver Nuggets who won a championship just a couple of years ago?" [04:10]

He emphasizes Malone's championship credentials as a significant asset that the Knicks are currently overlooking.

b. Mark Jackson

Smith passionately advocates for Mark Jackson, highlighting his extensive experience both as a player and a coach.

"I'm waiting for Mark Jackson to get the call. He's been an outstanding team member, called games on the NBA for ESPN and ABC, and guided Steph Curry and Klay Thompson through the early parts of their careers." [05:30]

He laments Jackson's prolonged absence from coaching roles despite his proven track record and connection to New York.

c. Sam Cassell

Another candidate Smith endorses is Sam Cassell, praising his leadership style and basketball acumen.

"Sam Cassell is a special basketball mind and incredibly relatable to players. He knows how to hold players accountable while maintaining strong relationships." [06:20]

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5. Organizational Challenges within the Knicks

Smith doesn't hold back in criticizing the Knicks' front office, particularly highlighting the roles of Leon Rose and James Dolan. He questions the decision-making processes that have led to the current coaching predicament.

"Why would Dolan have a heavy hand when it comes to Thibodeau? If the players had something to do with this, why did Leon Rose have to capitulate to them?" [06:50]

He suggests that internal mismanagement and a lack of a coherent strategy are primary reasons behind the Knicks' ongoing instability.

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6. The Impact on the Knicks' Reputation and Future

Concluding his analysis, Smith reflects on the broader implications of the Knicks' coaching saga. He draws parallels to the team's past reputation struggles, indicating that the recent turmoil may further tarnish their standing in the NBA.

"Just a couple of weeks after getting to the conference finals, they're being talked about like they were hot garbage. Chaos once again has reigned over the New York Knicks franchise." [07:15]

Despite the grim outlook, Smith maintains a cautious optimism, hoping that the Knicks will eventually make a prudent choice in selecting their next head coach.

"Hopefully they'll make the right decision with who their next coach is going to be. But we shall see." [07:30]

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Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith offers a comprehensive critique of the New York Knicks' current coaching search, highlighting the franchise's missteps and the resultant challenges in securing a capable leader. By advocating for seasoned coaches like Mike Malone and Mark Jackson, Smith underscores the necessity for the Knicks to prioritize experience and proven success to restore stability and competitiveness to the team. His analysis serves as both a critique and a roadmap for what needs to change within the Knicks' organizational structure to achieve future success.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Lester Holt]

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[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm Tom Rokoff.

[Lester Holt]

We hope to see you back here. 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 to the New York Knicks and their search for a new head coach, which doesn't appear to be going well, by the way. The Knicks, who fired Tom Thibodeau after advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, have been turned down by several teams seeking to speak to their head coach. According to multiple sources, the Mavericks denied the Knicks permission to interview Jason Kidd. The Timberwolves did the same with Chris Finch, the Rockets did the same with Ime Udoka, the Bulls did the same with Billy Donovan, and the Hawks did the same with Quinn Snyder. So the situation looks disastrous for New York, who fired the head coach that led them to the Eastern Conference finals without a plan. Here's my point. What the hell are you doing calling Quinn Snyder? You let go of Tom Thibodeau and your answer to New Yorkers was going to be Quinn Snyder is the next head coach of this franchise. Quinn Snyder, who by the way, knows basketball, who can coach. I'm not trying to disrespect him in any way. I'm just simply saying what has he accomplished that's going to make you say, okay, it's all right that Tibbs is going, we got this guy. Now we're going to. Because that's what you need to do. When you got a coach that guided you to back to back 50 plus win seasons or 50 win seasons and took you to within two games of an NBA finals, you're going to need to have somebody bona fide in order to replace him. Wouldn't you say? I'd say so. Billy Donovan, two time national champion at Florida, respect the hell out of that man. But in Oklahoma City and then now in Chicago, he's not the answer for the New York Knicks at this particular moment in time. He's just not. He's just not. So I can understand you reaching out to Ema Udoki. You had no chance to let that man out of that contract with two years left on this deal. He loves him. I understand you reaching out to other coaches. A Jason Kidd in Dallas Mavericks weren't letting him go. Anthony Davis is coming back. Kyrie Irving eventually coming back. We about to. They about to draft Cooper. Flag. Okay. No, no, no. They ain't. They ain't letting Jason Kidd go. Not happening. I'm still wondering why they haven't picked or at least interviewed Mike Malone, former coach with the Denver Nuggets who won a championship just a couple of years ago. What the hell is that about? To not even talk to this man, to not even interview this man, knowing that he brings championship credentials to the table. What's up with that? With all that being said, y' all know where I'm going. I'm waiting for Mark Jackson to get the call. Hand down. Man down that dude. I'm waiting for a guy that started Bishop Laughlin in Brooklyn, New York, that went to St. John's University and stood out. They got drafted by the New York Knicks and was rookie of the year. Talking about that Mark Jackson. I'm talking about Mark Jackson, who was last seen as an outstanding A team member of, you know, the A team, calling games on the NBA for ESPN and ABC with Jeff Van Gundy. I'm talking about that Mark Jackson. I'm talking about the Mark Jackson that guided Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green through the early parts of their career, that set the table for Steve Kerr to capitalize on and ultimately become a champion as a coach. How in God's name does this man, Mark Jackson, who's been out of coaching for a decade, not even get a job in over a decade, not even as a lead assistant? How does that happen? I'm really, really wondering about that. I really need to understand that. And so I say all of that to say to you, this guy, Mark Jackson, New York, would stand up and salute at such a decision without question. He would be embraced by New Yorkers everywhere because we all know he was a damn good coach. And we all know he deserves the opportunity. He doesn't deserve to be blackballed. Like it appears he's been blackballed. The other name that I would throw out there is Sam Cassell, lead assistant on the Boston Celtics. He's been an assistant coach in various places including Philadelphia and now Boston. He's been a bevy of places. He has paid his dues. By the way, he's a two time champion as a player. He knows the game of basketball. He's in your face. He's about holding you accountable. By the way, he also won a championship with Boston, if I remember correctly, with KG and the crew. Sam Cassell is special basketball mind and incredibly, incredibly relatable to players. Will get in their face, call them the hell out and still have them hugging them and saying, let's go out to dinner. That's how much love they got for them and respect they have for him. Sam Cassell has the credentials. Mark Jackson or Sam Cassell. Next head coach for the New York Knicks. Why not? Why not? Because clearly the Knicks don't know what the hell they're doing. Maybe it was Dolan that forced Leon Rose to get rid of him. Even rid of Tom Thibodeau. Even though he, he wasn't able to force Leon Rose to do anything else. He gave Leon Rose latitude with everything else. Why would he have a heavy hand when it comes to Thibodeau? And if the players had something to do with this, why did Leon Rose have to capitulate to them? Is he not the president of basketball operations? Where was Jalen Brunson going to go when you got his boy, Mikhail Bridges and you got Carl Anthony Towns, you got another one of his boys and Josh Hart there? Where was he going to go? I don't know what the hell is going on with the New York Knicks. I just know that the way they're being talked about now, just a couple of weeks after getting to the conference finals is tantamount to how they were being talked about when they were hot garbage. Which means that chaos once again has reigned over the New York Knicks franchise. Discombobulated all over the place, lacking maturity. It's got Dolan written all over it. Hopefully they'll make the right decision with who their next coach is going to be. But we shall see. We shall see.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Stephen A. Smith]

This is an iHeart podcast.