The coaching search for the New York Knicks hasn’t even started properly and unusual names like Mike Woodson are cited as potential candidates for the 2020 season and beyond.
Insiders such as Ian Begley and Stefan Bondy have mentioned some even more unusual names, such as Kentucky coach John Calipari, who has a 330-77 record in Lexington, and Vanderbilt coach Jerry Stackhouse have both been named as potential Knicks job applicants.
Calipari, like other college legends Rick Pitino and Jerry Tarkanian, failed to sizzle in the NBA, as the most memorable thing he did during his tenure as head coach of the New Jersey Nets was the draft by Kerry Kittles on Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Peja Stojakovic and Jermaine O’Neal. He made the playoffs once, but failed to win a game and was fired after starting 3-17 in 1998-99.
Calipari has no incentive to try professionals again, as he has just signed a life contract in Lexington. One of his former players, a current Knick, also has doubts about the adaptation. Former Wildcat star Kevin Knox does not think Calipari will leave Kentucky as he “manages this state”.