Jake Fischer: There’s a ton of skepticism around the league that Michael Malone—with a similar personality and coaching style to Tom Thibodeau—is going to ultimately be the man on New York’s sideline at the end of the day. I’d say there’s also plenty of skepticism that Mike Budenholzer would be that man as well. So I think we’re going to hear names that are potentially lower down on the totem pole in terms of proven veteran playoff success. I think we’re going to be hearing names like Mike Brown, the former head coach in Sacramento—his name’s already been linked to the job. Taylor Jenkins, the former Grizzlies head coach, might be the most respected coach available on the market right now. There are a ton of questions about whether or not New York will go back to their own well and try to bring Cavs assistant Johnny Bryant back to Madison Square Garden. That’s not something I’ve been able to confirm yet, but it’s definitely something people are wondering about, as he was a finalist for the head coaching job in Phoenix and, of course, was part of the Eastern Conference–leading Cleveland Cavaliers coaching staff this season.

More HoopsHype Rumors

June 12, 2025 | 1:21 am EDT Update

“They were aggressive. They were high on the pick-and-rolls, they really were, like the coach said, more aggressive, more forceful. It starts with me, but we gotta apply that pressure back.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discusses Pacers' Game 3 success and OKC's needed adjustments… pic.twitter.com/aME9kPhPVA

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 12, 2025

“Most of the time, the talking heads on the platforms… I couldn’t care less, honestly. Like, what do they really know about basketball… The commentary is what it is at this point. We’re in the NBA Finals, two wins way from an NBA Championship.”

Tyrese Haliburton on critics of… pic.twitter.com/2RXkWzKSlq

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025 | 12:19 am EDT Update

“What makes Giannis comfortable here? One thing that they have pitched him on is having the ball in his hands a lot more next season. He played with a guy like Damian—brother, he ain’t going nowhere. He’s a dog. Anytime I see him playing basketball, everybody’s smiling. He’s good vibes. I don’t think there’s going to be any surprise if Thanasis might be on this team again. But they’re telling Giannis: we’ll give you more control, more touches, more creation responsibility. They believe they can compete in the Eastern Conference. Whether that’s true or not, that’s what they’re selling him. You essentially take somewhat of a gap year, retool this team, and push again next year. From my understanding, Jon Horst and Doc Rivers genuinely believe this team can make a run, especially if Giannis fully buys in. Whether that’s enough to satisfy him—we’ll see. But that’s the Bucks’ pitch. Recommit anOd lead this team for one more run while the front office works around the edges.”