The Knicks have received permission to speak with Minnesota assistant coach Pablo Prigioni for openings on Mike Brown’s staff, league sources tell SNY.
Prigioni, a former Knick, has been focused on the Timberwolves offense under head coach Chris Finch.
The Knicks are looking to add at least one assistant coach to Brown’s staff. Several members of Tom Thibodeau’s coaching staff – including Maurice Cheeks, Mark Bryant, Rick Brunson, and Darren Erman – will remain on staff under Brown.
A move to New York would presumably be a promotion for Prigioni. The 48-year-old has also coached as an assistant in Brooklyn and Minnesota. Prigioni’s NBA career started with the Knicks in 2012-2013. At 35, he was the oldest rookie in NBA history. He also made a huge impact on that Knicks team. Priogini began the season as a backup point guard and was inserted into the starting lineup due to injury. New York finished the regular season with 17 wins in its final 19 games.
Prigioni also started for the Knicks in the playoffs, helping them defeat the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Because the Timberwolves granted the Knicks permission to speak to Prigioni, It’s logical to assume there is mutual interest between the coach and the organization.
The Knicks reportedly also had interest in adding Jay Triano (DAL) and Darvin Ham (MIL) to the staff but both coaches are expected to remain with their current teams.
I don’t know if Terry Stotts was a candidate for the Knicks opening, but he will also be remaining with his current team (GSW) next season, per league sources familiar with the matter.
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