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REPORT: Tom Thibodeau on top of list for Knicks’ head coach job; Kenny Atkinson will also interview

Intrigue!

Houston Rockets v LA Clippers Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

The New York Knicks officially announced their recent front office hires Wednesday, with Brock Aller (VP of basketball and strategic planning), Walt Perrin (assistant GM, colloege scouting) and Frank Zanin (assistant GM, pro scouting) coming aboard.

Now that the front office has been taken care of, president Leon Rose and his crew will turn to the search for a head coach. Shams Charania and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic reported that Tom Thibodeau remains the front-runner, though current head coach Mike Miller and former Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson will also get interviews.

The one caveat: If the Knicks are brought back to play out this season, Miller would remain the head coach until the season (or play-in tournament, or whatever) is finished.

The idea that Thibs is the front-runner isn’t exactly new — the rumor mill has connected the former Bulls and Timberwolves coach to the Knicks for a while. He’s a CAA client and supposedly close with Leon Rose. This is, however, the first time Atkinson has been linked to the Knicks. Personally, I tend to lean more toward Atkinson, though I’m in the minority at P&T Headquarters. Could he jump over Thibs with a good interview, or is this already a fait accompli? We’ll find out whenever this season finally ends.