ESPN analysis of the Knicks selection of coaches: Ma Long became the most obvious candidate, and the two famous coaches in NCAA may be interested

On June 4, the Knicks officially announced the firing of Thibodeau, so who will take over his job? ESPN immediately analyzed the Knicks' selection range, believing that former Nuggets coach Michael Malone is the most obvious candidate.

ESPN pointed out that Malone led the Nuggets to win the 2022-2023 season, but was accidentally fired with three games left in April this year. Over the past eight seasons, Malone's Nuggets have led the Western Conference with 401 wins, 28 more games than the second-ranked Clippers, highlighting his stability as a coach. Malone cannot rely on Jokic in New York, but he has successfully coached an offensive star with defensive problems, which makes him a good fit for the Knicks' squad.

However, it must be noted that the demanding Malone is similar to Thibodeau's personality, which may be a disadvantage for him if the Knicks management wants to change directions. If Malone is not considered, Budenholzer and Vogel have also won championships in the past decade, and their coaching difficulties with the Suns should not be a factor in hindering them.

Ultimately, the Knicks may have a wide range of options, as the charm and reputation of the job may attract any candidates interested in Leon Ross to come for an interview.

For example, will Jay Wright, who won the NCAA championship with Hart, Brunson and Bridges at Villanova University, be persuaded to start his NBA coaching career? There are two more national champion Dan Hurley, who had contact with the Lakers coaching position last summer and then signed a new contract with the University of Connecticut. Is it possible for him?

For this most attractive NBA coaching position, all options are under consideration: an Eastern Conference Finals team with real stars, competing in a weaker division in the country's largest market.

So, what does the Knicks' next coach need to pay attention to? ESPN also interpreted it—

Perhaps this is obvious after watching the Eastern Conference Finals, that is, to find ways to make Brunson play more at the offensive front and bring Towns closer to the rim.

Neither of these two players are suitable for their respective tasks: Brunson is short on the defensive end, while Towns is not flexible enough and often makes stupid fouls, causing him to be sent off when he is not suitable.

Especially in the series against the Pacers, the Pacers forced the Knicks' defense to rotate continuously, leaving their defense in trouble. "You can stop one offense, but then the next one, and the next one," Hart said of the Pacers' game plan.

The Knicks strive to maintain defensive coherence. In many cases — especially the loss in Game 2 — Towns seemed a little overwhelmed in dealing with the Pacers’ fast-paced, space-opening offense. If this rotation lineup is still complete next season, the next coach will need to consider changing the starting lineup. Players like Mitchell Robinson could provide Towns with a Gobert-like defender. Or maybe another tall wing defender can be found to strengthen Bridges and Anunobi’s defenses and make up for the shortcomings of Towns and Brunson.

In any case, the improvements in defensively seem to be more challenging than the improvements in offense.