3 days ago
New York Knicks' coaching hunt hits snag as Houston Rockets refuse permission to speak with Ime Udoka
Ime Udoka. Image via: Michael Dwyer/ AP
The New York Knicks' search for a new head coach has already hit roadblocks as multiple teams have shut down their efforts to interview top-tier candidates. After surprisingly parting ways with Tom Thibodeau following their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks began exploring replacements.
But their list of desired names has been met with firm resistance, especially from the Houston Rockets, who reportedly rejected their formal request to speak with head coach Ime Udoka.
Houston Rockets reportedly shut down New York Knicks' approach for Ime Udoka
As the New York Knicks move swiftly through their search for a new leader on the sidelines, they set their sights on Ime Udoka. But the Houston Rockets wasted no time in denying them access. According to SNY's Ian Begley, "Knicks formally reached out to Rockets for permission to talk to head coach Ime Udoka and Rockets denied permission, per people familiar with Rockets' stance."
Begley also confirmed a similar response from the Minnesota Timberwolves when New York tried to connect with their head coach. '@MikeFrancesa said Knicks reached out to Minnesota and were denied permission to talk to Chris Finch,' Begley added. The Athletic's Kelly Iko previously noted that the Rockets had no interest in entertaining any Udoka-to-NY scenario.
This isn't the only coaching candidate the Knicks have eyed.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is also on their radar. While there's been no formal request made yet, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said, "There is mutual intrigue on both sides." Kidd, who ended his playing career in New York and previously coached the Brooklyn Nets, could be an ideal fit.
However, insiders believe Dallas will push back if an official request comes in. 'Dallas... can simply refuse to grant the Knicks permission to speak with Kidd once formally asked,' wrote Marc Stein in his newsletter.
James Edwards III echoed the sentiment in The Athletic, saying, 'When that time comes, per multiple league sources, the expectation is that the Mavericks will deny that request.'
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So far, the Knicks' top targets have either been unreachable or untouchable. With Houston and Minnesota standing firm, and Dallas unlikely to cooperate, the Knicks' coaching search may be entering difficult territory. Regardless, the hunt continues.
