Knicks coaching rumors just got dealt a huge surprise, as Steve Kerr spurned the Knicks on Wednesday night to become the next head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Here's where we think the Knicks will go from here, with our Top 3 Knicks Coaching Candidates As Of May 14th:
3. Kurt Rambis
If Phil Jackson is looking for a former compatriot familiar with the triangle offense, he may look no further than Kurt Rambis. Rambis seems to be falling out of the preliminary running for the Lakers' vacant head coaching job -- making him an intriguing candidate if Jackson is looking to completely extend his imprint onto the sidelines at Madison Square Garden.
2. Jim Cleamons
As an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleamons has been toiling away in obscurity with one of the NBA's least successful (and marketable) franchises. However, Cleamons was a member of Phil Jackson's coaching staffs in both Chicago and Los Angeles -- and has nine championship rings to show for his trouble. If Phil Jackson is serious about installing the triangle offense (Cleamons knows it as well as anyone) and Steve Kerr goes elsewhere, tab Jim Cleamons as an early favorite for the team's Plan B.
1. Mark Jackson
If negotiations with Steve Kerr somehow fall through, don't be surprised if Mark Jackson emerges as the primary contender in the Big Apple. His ties with the Knicks as a former player aside, Jackson's a players' coach through and through -- able to command respect and adoration from his players despite his perceived shortcomings as a game-planner. A Jackson hire could be great for the team as a potential free agent destination, along with perhaps giving them leverage in negotiations with superstar Carmelo Anthony.
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