The New York Knicks, post-Tom Thibodeau, are exploring fresh faces, and a Miami Heat assistant is gaining traction.
A former NBA and overseas player, Chris Quinn has spent over a decade under Erik Spoelstra, honing his craft. He’s now surfacing in head-coaching searches, interviewing for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ job in 2024 and the Phoenix Suns’ role in 2025.
On Tuesday, The Athletic listed Quinn as a potential Thibs replacement:
“Quinn, a former player in the NBA and overseas, has been an assistant with the Miami Heat for more than a decade. Now, he is beginning to pop-up in coaching searches. He interviewed for the Cavaliers’ head-coach opening last summer, but the job eventually went to Kenny Atkinson. Earlier this spring, Quinn met with the Suns.” His time in Miami, a franchise known for discipline and development, has prepared him for a leap."
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Quinn’s lack of head-coaching experience is a risk, but his exposure to Miami’s “Heat Culture” suggests he could bring a winning formula to New York.
Working with stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Quinn learned to manage talent, a skill that might help him guide Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to the next level. Quinn's fresh perspective could shift the Knicks from Thibodeau’s grind-it-out style to a more modern, versatile approach.
While unproven as a lead coach, Quinn’s steady rise and deep roots in a winning organization make him intriguing to the Knicks and other teams facing head coach vacancies.
Could Quinn translate his assistant experience into head-coaching success in New York? Or, should the Knicks hire someone specifically possessing head coach experience?
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