A pair of New York teams are being run by interim head coaches right now. However, a new head coach should take over after this season and hopefully get things going for both teams. Of the two teams, former head coach Stan Van Gundy feels that the Nets are the team who would be better to handle over the Knicks.
Speaking to the New York Post, the two-time NBA All-Star coach points out Brooklyn is having more success with better management backing them at the moment. Before the NBA went on pause, the Nets were at 7th spot with a 30-34 win-loss card in the Eastern Conference. At any rate, they seem primed to make the postseason wars if the league does resume the 2019-20 NBA season.
Sadly, the case of the Knicks is the exact opposite. They are at the 12th spot and already out of playoff contention. Though blessed with youth, the Knicks need a major overhaul once more to get things on track. As far as management, the teams is also unstable. SNY.tv reported that James Dolan was allegedly courting offers for the team last February, yet another controversial issue that has placed the team on shallow water.
Ironically, Stan Van Gundy's brother Jeff was linked to a possible return stint with the Knicks. However, it appears that Tim Thibodeau has become the favorite to land the head coaching role due to reportedly close ties with new Knicks team president Leon Rose.
As one can see, the Knicks have a long road ahead to get things back on track. It is a team that would give its next coach sleepless nights and possibly a longer time to cure. As for the Nets, most know how the team has been doing well even without the top two recruits from last season - Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Irving was able to play some games this season but was forced to end his season due to an injury. Durant is recovering from an ACL and is not expected until the 2020-21 NBA wars. On their end, the name of Tyronn Lue has been floated and Uncle Drew reportedly influenced it. Incidentally, Irving is the one being singled out behind the sudden exit of Kenny Atkinson.
Though the Nets have certified NBA stars and vast talent, it will take a proven coach to handle them. Lue has proven that in the past with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he has yet to coach Kevin Durant which is something critics will keep a close eye on.
