Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer has a genuine interest in the Knicks’ coaching vacancy, Marc Berman of The New York Post reports.
“New York’s his top choice,’’ the NBA source tells Berman. “If they offered him the job, he’d say yes. He wants to live in New York.’’
Atlanta appears to be heading toward a Process-like rebuild, something Budenholzer isn’t pleased with.
“Phoenix and the Knicks are trying to win every game,’’ said the NBA source who has spoken to Budenholzer recently. “There’s a good chance Atlanta is not looking to win games the next two years. This wasn’t Mike’s decision. He didn’t expect it. He doesn’t want to lose games.’’
Budenholzer has two years and $13MM remaining on his deal, though the Hawks seem open to letting him coach elsewhere next season, as they’ve already allowed him to interview with the Suns and Knicks. Budenholzer withdrew his name from the Phoenix job last week.
Atlanta could be looking for compensation in return for its coach. However, Berman hears that finances may be the franchise’s top priority, meaning they could ultimately end up receiving cash considerations rather than draft picks from a team looking to bring Budenholzer aboard.
“Ownership has quite a bit of money on the line,’’ an NBA executive said. “They may be thinking why pay him $6 million a year if they’re not a playoff contender? Why not pay someone $2 million a year for the next two years?’’
Budenholzer previously coached the Knicks’ highest-paid player, Tim Hardaway Jr., while the shooting guard was in Atlanta and he helped the Michigan product develop into a serviceable option. That, along with his excellent reputation, could give him a leg up for the job in New York.
“He’s an excellent coach and teacher,’’ another NBA personnel director tells Berman. “He’s really a student of the game and did a very good job developing young players. He’s a good combo of disciplinarian and players coach. Doc Rivers isn’t a bad comparison.”
That’d be the best thing to happen to the Knicks since Phil leaving
Hawks fans will help him pack. He’s a decent coach but his best work here is behind him. He and the Hawks both need a fresh start. Hawks need a coach made of brains and iron. #LongHaulVision
If it only costs the Knicks cash considerations, I wouldn’t mind. I still prefer Stackhouse.
You can’t throw a first-time coach into that situation. Need a veteran. Mike B is a great choice.
Yes please on Bud. Maybe Stack as lead assistant.
Hiring Bud would make too much sense.
If he couldn’t take Atlanta anywhere why would he take a Knick team that will likely be without KP for most of next season anywhere? Mark Jackson is the coach for the Knicks.
dilly, dilly!
It’s NY. Seems he’s interested in the city just as much as the team.
wait a minute, bud stated he didn’t want to rebuild in atlanta? isn’t that what we are doing here in new york! bud is not the coach for NYC! we will be looking for another coach in 2/3 years again!
Process-like rebuild. That means tanking. Losing as many games as possible. Different than a rebuild. Bc a rebuild will include free agents.
Bud comes from the school of Popovich. Those students are in high demand.
Coach isn’t the sexy pick but he is the right pick. Hardaway blossomed under his coaching.
I want Coach Bud. I would be okay with Fizdale. Absolutely no to M. Jackson. Woodson and Stackhouse would make great assistants but not Head Coach.
I don’t see the Hawks just giving him away for cash considerations! Unless we are talking about a lot of cash!
Seems like what they need, i.e., a somewhat tested younger coach who could grow with the team. But the guy hasn’t won anything yet, and his team finished behind the Knicks last year. We’re rebuilding too. So, NO DRAFT PICKS for a coach. Maybe this is why it fell through in Phoenix.