NBCA President Rick Carlisle Breaks Silence on Knicks’ HC Hiring Approach as Surprising Candidate Emerges

Since the abrupt firing of Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have looked like a team without a plan. In search for Thibs’ replacement, they approached multiple teams for permission to speak with their existing head coach, but were denied by all. The list includes Mavs’ Jason Kidd, Hawks’ Quin Snyder, Rockets’ Ime Udoka, Wolves’ Chris Finch, and Bulls’ Billy Donovan. It’s clear that teams do not want their head coaches being poached. But what is NBCA President Rick Carlisle’s stance on the Knicks’ unusual hiring tactic?

Amid his ongoing pursuit for the Larry O’Brien trophy, the Pacers head coach addressed the Knicks situation during a presser, “I mean, why would there be an issue about having interest in great coaches? The names of guys that the permission is being asked to speak to these guys… I mean these guys are all great coaches. I mean I don’t have any problem with it.”

Yes, Carlisle has no issue with Knicks approaching head coaches currently under contract with a different franchise, hoping to find the right candidate to lead their team. While he made his stance clear, Rick clarified that he was not speaking on behalf of the National Basketball Coaches Association, “I’m just giving you my opinion. I’m not speaking for the Coaches Association, but to me, above all, it speaks to the value of great coaching. So, I don’t see an issue with it, but I’m not authorized to speak on behalf of the Coaches Association. I’m only giving you, my opinion.”

(Developing Story)

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