Knicks · The Rick Brunson conversation (page 1)

You have to think that any coaching candidate is going to want clarification on what Rick Brunson's role is and how much power he holds in the organization clarified. This could wind up being a road block for top coaching candidates. I just don't see Rick willingly conceding any power he has consolidated. It's likely just a matter of time before he becomes the story. Might also be why we are slow walking the search. We could be gauging reaction to coaching candidate Rick Brunson questions before moving on to candidates we are serious about. For instance, you know Johnnie Bryant isn't going to want to share leadership with your PG's dad. It's a bad look if you don't have history with Brunson like Thibs does. Johnnie Bryant doesn't have a list of assistants he brings along so politically not the best choice. If you are a former head coach you bring your own people into that conversation. If your name is Jason Kidd is a lot easier because you have a previous relationship with Jalen Brunson AND your own assistants in tow.

Make no mistakes here, the Rick Brunson conversation is going to shape the coaching search. Lets hope it doesn't get messy

Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

Knixkik wrote:Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

So you think if a new coach wants his own staff and fires Rick Brunson along with others that's the end of it - or - does it complicate the process if mgmt dictates that Rick is retained as lead assistant. To me, that is part of any conversation if I am going to agree to interview

Rookie wrote:

Knixkik wrote:Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

So you think if a new coach wants his own staff and fires Rick Brunson along with others that's the end of it - or - does it complicate the process if mgmt dictates that Rick is retained as lead assistant. To me, that is part of any conversation if I am going to agree to interview

why would he? Why would he fire Rick? Considering the relationship to your team captain... how is this an issue? He's not a head coach candidate or even a top assistant. He's a development guy. Seems like a new HC would really have to hate Rick and I would think Leon would do better than find a candidate who's first move was to dump Rick.

Not really concerned about Rick. Rick helped us get Jalen most likely. Rick isn't necessarily needed to retain Jalen. Rick worked with Thibs in stops well before the Knicks and well before Jalen was a player. Rick might work with Thibs on whatever he does next (if he decides to still Coach).

Next coach might want Rick- its not impossible!

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

Knixkik wrote:Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

So you think if a new coach wants his own staff and fires Rick Brunson along with others that's the end of it - or - does it complicate the process if mgmt dictates that Rick is retained as lead assistant. To me, that is part of any conversation if I am going to agree to interview

why would he? Why would he fire Rick? Considering the relationship to your team captain... how is this an issue? He's not a head coach candidate or even a top assistant. He's a development guy. Seems like a new HC would really have to hate Rick and I would think Leon would do better than find a candidate who's first move was to dump Rick.

Herb Williams says hold my beer. Seriously though, If I'm going to agree to put my reputation and future on the line, I'm going to want my own staff. I would want Brunson's role and status clarified. I want MY message to be the only message given to my players, I wouldn't want Rick in my primary ball handler and floor generals ear during game stoppages. I want Jalen in team huddles and not having his own side meeting with his dad during the game. As a developmental back row on the bench guy I have no issues. His role would have to be defined AND I would also want to know I can fire Rick if it is not working the way that I want it to work

*edit add* we don't know if Rick Brunson would be willing to go from lead Asst coach to developmental coach. Why would he take a demotion? You would think that he will be lead asst or not on the team at all.....so back to the original question - would a new coach accept Rick Brunson as his leas asst or would he want his bring in his own lead asst. Having two lead assistants would also not be a good situation when one of those assistants has ties to management and is the dad of your best player. It's just not a great situation for a new coach and coaching staff

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

Knixkik wrote:Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

So you think if a new coach wants his own staff and fires Rick Brunson along with others that's the end of it - or - does it complicate the process if mgmt dictates that Rick is retained as lead assistant. To me, that is part of any conversation if I am going to agree to interview

why would he? Why would he fire Rick? Considering the relationship to your team captain... how is this an issue? He's not a head coach candidate or even a top assistant. He's a development guy. Seems like a new HC would really have to hate Rick and I would think Leon would do better than find a candidate who's first move was to dump Rick.

Herb Williams says hold my beer. Seriously though, If I'm going to agree to put my reputation and future on the line, I'm going to want my own staff. I would want Brunson's role and status clarified. I want MY message to be the only message given to my players, I wouldn't want Rick in my primary ball handler and floor generals ear during game stoppages. I want Jalen in team huddles and not having his own side meeting with his dad during the game. As a developmental back row on the bench guy I have no issues. His role would have to be defined AND I would also want to know I can fire Rick if it is not working the way that I want it to work

*edit add* we don't know if Rick Brunson would be willing to go from lead Asst coach to developmental coach. Why would he take a demotion? You would think that he will be lead asst or not on the team at all.....so back to the original question - would a new coach accept Rick Brunson as his leas asst or would he want his bring in his own lead asst. Having two lead assistants would also not be a good situation when one of those assistants has ties to management and is the dad of your best player. It's just not a great situation for a new coach and coaching staff

Why would he want to stay on the bench and take less responsibility to be next to his son all year round?

We don't always have to take the worst look and run with it.

Rick knows he isn't going to be the head coach, why would he act up and ruin being on the bench with his son while taking a hefty paycheck with free room and board and travel on away games for the full season?

Cause that's what's on the line for him?

martin wrote:

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

Knixkik wrote:Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

So you think if a new coach wants his own staff and fires Rick Brunson along with others that's the end of it - or - does it complicate the process if mgmt dictates that Rick is retained as lead assistant. To me, that is part of any conversation if I am going to agree to interview

why would he? Why would he fire Rick? Considering the relationship to your team captain... how is this an issue? He's not a head coach candidate or even a top assistant. He's a development guy. Seems like a new HC would really have to hate Rick and I would think Leon would do better than find a candidate who's first move was to dump Rick.

Herb Williams says hold my beer. Seriously though, If I'm going to agree to put my reputation and future on the line, I'm going to want my own staff. I would want Brunson's role and status clarified. I want MY message to be the only message given to my players, I wouldn't want Rick in my primary ball handler and floor generals ear during game stoppages. I want Jalen in team huddles and not having his own side meeting with his dad during the game. As a developmental back row on the bench guy I have no issues. His role would have to be defined AND I would also want to know I can fire Rick if it is not working the way that I want it to work

*edit add* we don't know if Rick Brunson would be willing to go from lead Asst coach to developmental coach. Why would he take a demotion? You would think that he will be lead asst or not on the team at all.....so back to the original question - would a new coach accept Rick Brunson as his leas asst or would he want his bring in his own lead asst. Having two lead assistants would also not be a good situation when one of those assistants has ties to management and is the dad of your best player. It's just not a great situation for a new coach and coaching staff

Why would he want to stay on the bench and take less responsibility to be next to his son all year round?

We don't always have to take the worst look and run with it.

Rick knows he isn't going to be the head coach, why would he act up and ruin being on the bench with his son while taking a hefty paycheck with free room and board and travel on away games for the full season?

Cause that's what's on the line for him?

this is the human logic and I just don't know how you look past this. All these grownups can work together. Herb Williams is another example... "Knicks? Dream job. Gotta take Herb or Rick? Phuck no..." -said nobody ever

Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

martin wrote:

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

Knixkik wrote:Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

So you think if a new coach wants his own staff and fires Rick Brunson along with others that's the end of it - or - does it complicate the process if mgmt dictates that Rick is retained as lead assistant. To me, that is part of any conversation if I am going to agree to interview

why would he? Why would he fire Rick? Considering the relationship to your team captain... how is this an issue? He's not a head coach candidate or even a top assistant. He's a development guy. Seems like a new HC would really have to hate Rick and I would think Leon would do better than find a candidate who's first move was to dump Rick.

Herb Williams says hold my beer. Seriously though, If I'm going to agree to put my reputation and future on the line, I'm going to want my own staff. I would want Brunson's role and status clarified. I want MY message to be the only message given to my players, I wouldn't want Rick in my primary ball handler and floor generals ear during game stoppages. I want Jalen in team huddles and not having his own side meeting with his dad during the game. As a developmental back row on the bench guy I have no issues. His role would have to be defined AND I would also want to know I can fire Rick if it is not working the way that I want it to work

*edit add* we don't know if Rick Brunson would be willing to go from lead Asst coach to developmental coach. Why would he take a demotion? You would think that he will be lead asst or not on the team at all.....so back to the original question - would a new coach accept Rick Brunson as his leas asst or would he want his bring in his own lead asst. Having two lead assistants would also not be a good situation when one of those assistants has ties to management and is the dad of your best player. It's just not a great situation for a new coach and coaching staff

Why would he want to stay on the bench and take less responsibility to be next to his son all year round?

We don't always have to take the worst look and run with it.

Rick knows he isn't going to be the head coach, why would he act up and ruin being on the bench with his son while taking a hefty paycheck with free room and board and travel on away games for the full season?

Cause that's what's on the line for him?

This is what AI has to say

AI Overview
While Rick Brunson has the support of his son, Jalen Brunson, there are conflicting reports about his overall support within the New York Knicks organization. ESPN's Sam Amico reported that several Knicks players were unhappy with Rick Brunson's presence on the coaching staff. However, there's also speculation that he might remain with the team in some capacity due to his relationship with Jalen, who is a key player for the Knicks.

Here's a more detailed look:

Support from Jalen Brunson:
Jalen Brunson is known to have a strong relationship with his father and has expressed support for his role with the Knicks.

Potential Issues within the Organization:
Amico reports multiple Knicks players were unhappy with Rick Brunson's presence, suggesting potential issues related to his role.
Some reports indicate that Rick Brunson's influence within the organization was perceived as excessive, leading to friction.
The NY Post reported that some felt Rick Brunson had "too big of a say" in team matters.

Potential for Future Involvement:
Despite the potential issues, some believe Rick Brunson will likely remain with the Knicks, especially considering his relationship with Jalen.
His status as an assistant coach and his experience working with Tom Thibodeau, who was the head coach at the time, could also play a role in his future with the team.

In conclusion, while Jalen Brunson is a strong supporter of his father, Rick Brunson, there are conflicting reports about the overall support for Rick within the Knicks organization, potentially leading to a complex situation.

SergioNYK wrote:Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

This is every father's DREAM!?!?!?!

Come on man. Rick has coached and been around his son for his entire LIFE and it's obvious they have a great relationship and why do we even ask this?

Some of you must have shitty dad's cause that's the only perspective.

martin wrote:

SergioNYK wrote:Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

This is every father's DREAM!?!?!?!

Come on man. Rick has coached and been around his son for his entire LIFE and it's obvious they have a great relationship and why do we even ask this?

Did Memphis put Tee Morant of the coaching staff....Indy hire Haliburton's father?

SergioNYK wrote:Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

I'd do the same for my dad if he was still alive and I'm sure he'd do the same for me. I don't think it's embarrassing. But it's Leon's job to see if those agendas are feasible for our title prospects.

Rookie wrote:

martin wrote:

SergioNYK wrote:Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

This is every father's DREAM!?!?!?!

Come on man. Rick has coached and been around his son for his entire LIFE and it's obvious they have a great relationship and why do we even ask this?

Did Memphis put Tee Morant of the coaching staff....Indy hire Haliburton's father?

Why is that relevant? Were they players and assistant coaches?

martin wrote:Some of you must have shitty dad's cause that's the only perspective.

Guilty LOL but it is a little weird to me that a grown man still has his father around all the time but if they are happy with it, that's all that matters. However I do wonder if his teammates feel a little weird about it.

martin wrote:

Rookie wrote:

martin wrote:

SergioNYK wrote:Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

This is every father's DREAM!?!?!?!

Come on man. Rick has coached and been around his son for his entire LIFE and it's obvious they have a great relationship and why do we even ask this?

Did Memphis put Tee Morant of the coaching staff....Indy hire Haliburton's father?

Why is that relevant? Were they players and assistant coaches?

Haliburton's dad was. It's relevant because sometimes dad's just can't help crossing the line when it comes to sons. They have tunnel vision

SergioNYK wrote:Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

You are on a roll today

Don't think this is really a big deal, Rick has been a coach before Brunson was even in the league. Plenty of teams have guys who are holdovers that are staples in the organization. Herb Williams survived like 20 regimes. And Allan Houston has been a part of every FO we've had in the last 20 years.

No new coach is going to want to come in and fire Brunson's dad. I'm sure a new coach could work something out with Leon if they felt they didn't want someone so cozy with the FO on the sidelines, that wouldn't require them to fire Brunson's dad.

Rookie wrote:

martin wrote:

Rookie wrote:

martin wrote:

SergioNYK wrote:Is it just me or isn't it a little embarrassing as a grown man to have your father as your coach or as your co-worker?

This is every father's DREAM!?!?!?!

Come on man. Rick has coached and been around his son for his entire LIFE and it's obvious they have a great relationship and why do we even ask this?

Did Memphis put Tee Morant of the coaching staff....Indy hire Haliburton's father?

Why is that relevant? Were they players and assistant coaches?

Haliburton's dad was. It's relevant because sometimes dad's just can't help crossing the line when it comes to sons. They have tunnel vision

That's like saying you had 1 shitty gf and won't ever date again.

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

Knixkik wrote:Honest questions; is Rick brunson really a concern ? What has he done to become a concern? What power has he exhibited ? Seems like he helps his son and teammates in player development and advisement. He’s not a distraction. He was a valuable assistant to Thibs over the years dating back to Chicago. So he didn’t cause thibs to be fired given his loyalty. He’s close with Leon because Leon was his agent. But it’s not like he’s been directly credited with any Knicks decisions outside of his son coming here, which is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. I just don’t see what the issue is.

So you think if a new coach wants his own staff and fires Rick Brunson along with others that's the end of it - or - does it complicate the process if mgmt dictates that Rick is retained as lead assistant. To me, that is part of any conversation if I am going to agree to interview

why would he? Why would he fire Rick? Considering the relationship to your team captain... how is this an issue? He's not a head coach candidate or even a top assistant. He's a development guy. Seems like a new HC would really have to hate Rick and I would think Leon would do better than find a candidate who's first move was to dump Rick.

Yeah this is where I’m at with this. He is technically the lead assistant now but I’m sure he will be happy just being on the staff and doing what he’s doing. There’s never been any indication he has an issue with any players or going above anyone. He seems pretty drama free and just happy to help his kid and teammates. I don’t envision any sort of issue. A coach wants his own staff, great. Rick can just be added to that staff.