The New York Knicks, in their ongoing effort to reshape their organizational landscape and forge a new identity under recently appointed head coach Mike Brown, have reportedly turned their attention to a familiar face from their recent playoff encounter: Indiana Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar. This pursuit comes as the Knicks, having parted ways with former head coach Tom Thibodeau in early June after a disappointing exit from the Eastern Conference Finals at the hands of those very Pacers, aim to construct a coaching staff that aligns with Brown’s vision for the team’s future. The move to consider Weinar is particularly intriguing given the context of the series, where the Pacers’ up-tempo, free-flowing offense, a hallmark of their success, frequently challenged the Knicks’ more deliberate, grind-it-out style.
Weinar brings a significant depth of experience to the table, having spent over a decade in the NBA coaching ranks. His journey began with the Dallas Mavericks in 2008, where he ascended through various roles, ultimately serving as an assistant coach. During his extensive tenure with the Mavericks, which spanned 13 seasons, he gained invaluable insights, contributing to their 2011 NBA championship run. His responsibilities in Dallas included roles such as offensive coordinator and game strategy specialist, indicating a strong understanding of complex offensive systems and an analytical approach to the game. This background in developing and implementing effective offensive schemes is particularly appealing to the Knicks, who, under Thibodeau, were often criticized for a stagnant offense and a reluctance to fully utilize their bench.
His connection to Rick Carlisle, the current head coach of the Indiana Pacers, is a significant thread in Weinar’s coaching tapestry. Weinar worked under Carlisle in Dallas and then followed him to Indiana in 2021, reinforcing a shared coaching philosophy and a proven working relationship. Carlisle’s Pacers are renowned for their pace-and-space offense, a stark contrast to the Knicks’ recent approach. This stylistic difference, and the Pacers’ success with it, undoubtedly caught the attention of the Knicks’ front office as they sought to revitalize their own offensive attack. The notion is that Weinar could be instrumental in importing elements of that successful Pacers’ philosophy to New York, particularly in fostering a more dynamic and unpredictable offensive flow.
The reported conversations between the Knicks and Weinar suggest a mutual interest, though no official agreement has been announced. The Knicks have been busy in the offseason, not only in restructuring their coaching staff but also in reshaping their roster. The additions of veteran players like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, along with draft-night acquisition Mohamed Diawara, signal a clear intent to enhance scoring capabilities and overall bench depth. Weinar’s expertise in optimizing offensive production and his familiarity with modern NBA offensive trends could be a crucial component in integrating these new pieces and maximizing the potential of existing stars like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.
However, Weinar is not the only candidate the Knicks are considering for top assistant roles. Reports suggest Chris Jent, an assistant coach with the Charlotte Hornets and a recent NBA Summer League champion coach, has also emerged as a strong contender for an offensive coordinator position. This indicates that the Knicks are conducting a thorough search, aiming to assemble the most complementary and impactful coaching staff possible under Mike Brown. The competition for these roles underscores the significance the Knicks place on their new coaching appointments, as they look to leave behind the recent past and embark on a more promising future.
Beyond the offensive coordinator role, the Knicks are also looking to solidify their defensive leadership. Brendan O’Connor, a Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach with strong ties to Knicks executive William Wesley, is reportedly a leading candidate for the defensive coordinator position. The meticulous nature of these coaching staff decisions highlights a comprehensive strategy to address both ends of the floor and build a well-rounded team that can compete at the highest level. The Knicks’ ambition extends beyond simply replacing a coach; they are seeking to instigate a cultural shift, a strategic pivot towards a more modern and adaptable style of play.
Weinar’s coaching philosophy, as gleaned from various interviews and insights, emphasizes adaptability and efficiency. He advocates for a “hierarchy of shots,” prioritizing high-percentage attempts at the rim (what he terms the “gold medal” shot), followed by catch-and-shoot threes (“silver medal”), and finally, mid-range shots (“bronze medal”) when necessary. This approach aligns with the analytical trends of the modern NBA, which heavily favor efficient scoring. Furthermore, Weinar stresses the importance of understanding and “attacking the advantage” on the court, both in the immediate play and in the broader context of the opponent and one’s own roster. He encourages players to make reads and exploit defensive weaknesses, emphasizing improvisation within a structured framework rather than rigid play-calling. This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the often predictable sets seen under the previous regime, suggesting a move towards a more fluid and intelligent offensive system.
His experience also extends to player development, with an emphasis on tailored repetitions in practice that mirror game situations. He believes in empowering players to make decisions and learn from their mistakes, rather than constantly dictating their actions – a concept he refers to as “don’t steal their reps.” This player-centric approach to coaching could be particularly beneficial for the Knicks’ developing talent and for maximizing the potential of their established stars. The ability to foster an environment where players can grow and express their skills naturally is often a key ingredient in sustained success.
The Knicks’ pursuit of Weinar is not merely about adding another assistant coach; it signifies a strategic move to incorporate the principles of a successful, modern NBA offense into their own system. The Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals in the recent past, characterized by their high-octane offense and ability to exploit mismatches, has clearly left a lasting impression. By bringing in someone who has been intimately involved in that success, the Knicks are signaling their intention to evolve their offensive identity, move away from a perceived stagnation, and embrace a more dynamic, pace-and-space approach that has proven effective in today’s league. The challenge, of course, will be in seamlessly integrating these new philosophies and personnel, but the underlying ambition to transform the Knicks into a more formidable and exciting team is undeniable. This pivot towards an analytical, adaptable, and player-empowering coaching philosophy, as embodied by Mike Weinar’s reported candidacy, represents a critical step in the Knicks’ post-Thibodeau era.
