Miami Heat rookie Tyler Herro hailed new Knicks assistant manager Kenny Payne as key to his development in Kentucky and admitted “motivation” after dropping to number 13 in the NBA draft.
The Knicks have hired Payne on their staff due to his work with potential clients such as Herro and two other finalists, Miami big Bam Abedayo and Lakers superstar Anthony Davis.
“He’s amazing for [Payne] and his coaching career,” Herro told Zoom on the eve of the finals. “KP was like a father figure to me as far as I was concerned only when I was in Kentucky, and we still talk today, most days. He is a great leader in his own way.
“He’s been around with a lot of amazing players, talented players who went to Kentucky who are now obviously in the league. It will stick hard on you. He is a tough coach and will train you. He will try to bring out the best in you. I’m really happy for him and happy that he got that job. ”