The New York Knicks are in the process of assembling the coaching staff that will surround new head coach Mike Brown. A key target for a prominent assistant role, specifically lead assistant or associate head coach, was reportedly James Borrego, a coach with a strong track record and a recent finalist for the very head coaching position Brown ultimately secured.
Borrego, who has spent the last two seasons as an associate head coach with the New Orleans Pelicans under Willie Green, was seen as a valuable addition. His previous tenure as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, particularly the 2021-22 season, showcased an ability to orchestrate an effective, fast-paced, and somewhat unconventional offense. That Hornets squad, while lacking a top-tier offensive superstar like Jalen Brunson, managed to rank sixth in non-garbage time offensive efficiency. The thinking was that Borrego`s offensive creativity could perfectly complement Brown`s strengths and help maximize the Knicks` existing talent, potentially alleviating some pressure on their primary scorers.
However, despite the mutual interest and the logical fit, Borrego will not be joining the Knicks staff. The reason is quite straightforward, though perhaps frustratingly common in the coaching carousel: he remains under contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans, it appears, have no intention of letting him walk, even for a lateral move. This isn`t the first time they`ve played hardball; they reportedly denied the Denver Nuggets permission to interview Borrego for a lead assistant role earlier in the coaching cycle.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the situation, reports from last season indicated some internal friction within the Pelicans organization regarding Borrego`s future. It was suggested that then-executive David Griffin favored promoting Borrego to head coach over retaining Willie Green, a move reportedly vetoed by owner Gayle Benson. Despite this historical context, the Pelicans leadership clearly values Borrego enough to keep him tied to his current deal.
For the Knicks, this means the search for a key associate head coach continues. Borrego was a clear preference, identified for specific schematic contributions. The reality of coaching contracts, sometimes a frustrating barrier, has redirected their efforts. While details of Brown`s full staff are still emerging, it`s been reported that Rick Brunson, father of star guard Jalen Brunson and a prominent assistant under former coach Tom Thibodeau, is expected to return to the staff, though likely in a modified capacity. The quest to fill out Mike Brown`s crucial support system is ongoing, with Borrego now officially off the board.
Jasper Hawthorne