Carmelo Anthony Wants Tom Thibodeau As Next New York Knicks Coach

The New York Knicks may simply remove the interim label from Kurt Rambis in lieu of an actual search for a new head coach, so any input from players may be rendered moot soon. But for what it’s worth, Carmelo Anthony has apparently weighed in, with Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reporting that Tom Thibodeau would be the star forward’s “preferred choice” to be the Knicks’ head coach.

Anthony has expressed commitment to the Knicks recently, saying he wants to have input into who becomes the team’s next head coach as well as in personnel decisions. Phil Jackson holds all the cards in both areas as team president, so it’s at best uncertain if Anthony’s input will be asked for or is even wanted.

Some notable names have already been attached to the Knicks’ head coaching job, even with little pointing toward a wide-ranging search led by Jackson. But there are some indications Jackson has no interest in even talking to Thibodeau, who is a defensive-minded coach and may not commit to running a triangle offense. So Anthony and Jackson seem to be on opposite pages in regard to who should be the next Knicks’ coach, but that could quickly be alleviated if Anthony changes course and waives his no-trade clause this summer.

I don’t think Rambis should be a legitimate candidate to keep the Knicks’ job on a full-time basis, but it’s easy to see it happening with Jackson in favor of keeping him around in some capacity. Anthony clearly agrees with me on that front, with his being complimentary of Rambis in a fairly cursory way, so at the very least it’s sure to be an interesting offseason for the Knicks.