The New York Knicks, seeking a new head coach after Tom Thibodeau’s exit, could roll the dice on wild card hire.
Jay Wright, the former Villanova coach, who retired in 2022, won two NCAA titles and shaped stars like Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. Could his next stop be Madison Square Garden?
On Tuesday, The Athletic listed Wright as a potential Thibs replacement:
“The ultimate wild-card candidate. His credentials are unimpeachable. He won two national championships in 22 years at Villanova and was widely seen as one of the best college coaches before he abruptly retired three years ago. Oh, and by the way, have you heard that Wright coached Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart in college?”
“Wright has been persistently rumored as a candidate for the Knicks every time the job opened over the last decade but he hasn’t bitten yet. This time, he could walk into a title-contender stocked with players he already knows and coached. It’s almost a movie. There are some question marks, though. Wright has only coached in college, so he would be inexperienced on the NBA level — although he was an assistant with Team USA for the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2021 Olympics.”
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Wright’s ties to the Knicks’ core are a dream scenario, and a reunion with his former players would mean instant chemistry. His college success and player development skills are unquestioned.
On the other hand, Wright’s lack of NBA experience would present a gamble, despite his Team USA stint. A shift to the pros would test his adaptability in a faster, more complex game.
While this hire would be amazing for news outlets, it’s probably not a good fit for either side. Wright seems to be enjoying his life as an analyst, and the Knicks should pursue someone with something left to prove.
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