Inside the Knicks’ Offseason Plan: Coaching, Free Agency, & Championship Hopes (Audio Podcast)

Inside the Knicks’ Offseason Plan: Coaching, Free Agency, & Championship Hopes (Audio Podcast)

So, when it comes to the Knicks, we got to have our guy CP the franchise on. He is the founder of Knicks Fan TV. You can hear him on SiriusXM NBA radio and he’s nice enough to join us here on ESPN New York. CP, appreciate your time, my friend. How are you,
Jake? Doing great, man. Glad to hear you on the K show as usual, man. Keep doing your thing. But, uh, orange and blue skies here in New York.
Nicks need a coach, CP. You’ve been reporting on this a lot. You’ve you’ve been beating the insiders with some of the info you’ve been putting out there. So I I I ask you this simple question. What is the latest with the Knicks coaching search?
Yeah. So as we’re hearing it today, Jake, you know, barring any, you know, blockbuster turn of events, it seems like Mike Brown is currently in the driver’s seat to become the next head coach of the New York Knicks. As was reported today by multiple sources, he’s in for his uh second interview. Uh we had reported that from Saturday that he was going to be headed in for a second interview. And this interview will be with the Knicks owner, James Dolan. So, what I’m hearing is that, you know, he’s currently in the driver’s seat. He’s coming highly recommended uh by sources around the league as a guy who and can maximize the talent, especially the top end talent, Brunson Towns, Macau Bridges. This is where the Knicks key investments are. And this is where their championship hopes lie. And so the hope is is that Mike Brown can come in here and get the best out of that big three to take this team to a championship.
From what you’ve heard about Brown, what is it that they the Knicks look at and they feel like he’s the guy that could do exactly what you’re just talking about with those three players?
Yeah. Well, as you look at it, he he has the most experience over anybody that they’re looking at right now. And I think especially in this situation where this next Nick Knicks head coach is going to be into the f into the fire right away because they they just fell two two games short of the NBA finals. And so picking up the mantle from Tom Tibido is not an easy task. And so I believe that the experience factor is one thing that’s that’s putting uh Mike Brown in there in the driver’s seat. The Knicks also want someone who is going to come in here and lead the way in terms of player development. And when you look at Mike Brown and yes, things did fall apart there in Sacramento, but you look at some of the guys that had career seasons under him and De’Aran Fox and Sabonis, Malik Monk becoming the NBA’s sixman of the year with Mike Brown in his first year with the Sacramento Kings. That Kings offense being number one in the NBA in in that first year on under Mike Brown. And so, you know, there are some some key spots. He was also a key member of the Golden State Warriors championship run under under Steve Kerr as an assistant coach. So, he has significant experience. Yes, he has his warts that, you know, will draw questions in terms of his hiring. But, I’m also being told that that the Knicks are going to look to fortify him with a strong staff, a staff that he can collaborate with, a staff that will also be specializing in player development. One of the the the members that uh Ian Begley had reported was potentially James Berago being being brought onto this staff. And Barago is a guy who with the Charlotte Hornets uh boasted a fairly impressive offense given the talent that they had and someone who is known for his offensive schemes as well. So, he could potentially be someone of interest to to add to Mike Brown staff should Mike Brown be the head coach of the Knicks.
CP the franchise with us here with the latest of the Knicks coaching search. Plus, let’s get into now some of the moves the Knicks have made in free agency. What was your reaction to Jordan Clarkson reportedly signing on with the Knicks for the Vets minimum?
Yeah, good for the value, Jake. I think what a lot of people have to understand for for a lot of people who may not be in the weeds in terms of understanding the Knicks salary cap situation and where they stand, the Knicks don’t have a lot of finances, a lot of money to dole out there for contracts. And so as you’re seeing free agents get these big deals with different teams and you’re wondering, well, why aren’t the Knicks in on on a guy like this, it’s because they they just don’t have the wiggle room. So for a guy like a Jordan Clarkson, he was bought out of the final year of his deal by the Utah Jazz and he becomes available. The Knicks were able to get him on a veterans minimum contract. That is where they’re going to do most of their bidding for free agents. And so for a guy like that, a 16 points per game scorer when the Knicks need much well the Knicks much needed offense for that Knicks bench, especially as an individual shot creator. They really didn’t have that on the bench last year. And so Jordan Clarkson is going to bring that. Yes, he’s a he’s a erratic player. His defense is not that great, but some nights he will be lighting up the garden. And so for the value of the contract on the vet minimum, it’s a good pickup for the Knicks. From what you understand about this as we talk with CP the franchise here on the Michael K show all things Nick Knicks Jake Amin in for Michael today from what you understand the Knicks what like what is their pitch to a guy like Clarkson? What is their pitch to really any free agent when they don’t have the coach yet? Do you think they’ve articulated to these players, hey here’s who we think it’s going to be or hey like behind the scenes like the these players already know who the coach is going to be. Just what are your thoughts on that dynamic? cuz I can’t remember an NBA team going into free agency without their head coach in place already.
Yeah, you’re absolutely right. Right. It is kind of unprecedented, but I have to think that that has been their pitch to these free agents and they just signed Gershon Yabiselli today as well. So, they’ve got two free agents in tow. I’d have to think that they are letting them know their plans as it relates to the head coach so that that player can understand what they are getting themselves into. And conversely, on the other side, I’d have to think that any potential coach that the Knicks are bringing in here, the Knicks are giving them a list of guys, potential bench guys that that they’re going to be looking at to add to the rotation to get that coach comfortable in in terms of uh in terms of the guys that they are bringing in. And so, you know, one of the things we spoke to a great guy for people to follow, Keith Smith. He’s an NBA capologist and we had a great free agency preview show with Keith and and he mentioned that, you know, based on people he speaks to when when free agents are coming in for that vet minimum range, the three things that they are evaluating is um in terms of the teams that they’re going to choose is is that team a contender? Is there a role? Is there minutes to be had here? And what city is it? And so for the Knicks, they can offer all three. It is New York. This is a team that’s going to be competing for an NBA championship. And for the Knicks, Knicks head coach, they’re going to be looking for a guy that’s opposite of Tom Tibido in terms of allowing guys to develop a role off the bench, utilizing these guys off the bench for a good amount of minutes. And for guys coming in on that vet minimum who are going to be looking for longer term deals, it’s an ideal situation. As far as the other signing that you just referenced there, the Knicks adding a center today, Gershon Yabisella on a two-year deal. What’s his role on the team, CP? I I spoke with someone that covers the Sixers. You said the Knicks fans are going to love this guy, that he’s a perfect fit next to Robinson or next to Carl Anthony Towns. Can you expand on that? What type of player did the Knicks get there?
Yeah, Gersham Yabiselli, 68, 260 pounds, comes in from the Philadelphia 76ers. Last year, he averaged 11 points per game, 5.6 six rebounds per game. Shot 50% from the field, Jake, and 38% from three and quite a few of those threes were above the break three-point shots where the the non-c corners rather where the Knicks were kind of weak last year. So for Yabis, he’s going to play he’s going to be able to play the power forward or the center position. He brings some physicality. He brings a dog mentality to the Knicks and a guy that can shoot. You cannot leave him open. And I think he’s going to take Precious Aua spot. Look, Precious gave the Knicks a couple solid years as a good competitor, but they needed to get much more efficient offensively, and that’s what Yabiselli is going to bring. He’s going to need to work on his defense along with Clarkson. So, the next Knicks head coach is going to have his work cut out for him, but Yabiselli came over from France. He was actually a draft pick from the Boston Celtics. And he played uh two years with the Celtics from 2017 and 2019. left, went back to France for about four or five years, and then came back and had a good season with the uh with the Philadelphia 76ers.
When you look at this Knicks team, what’s the starting five and like who were the first couple guys off the bench? Cuz it’s interesting. You can make a case about keeping the same, you know, two starting setters out there with Robinson and Cat. You can make a case, hey, maybe you bring uh Mitchell Robinson off the bench and you could start Deuce McBride now in the lineup. I I’m already thinking about the different combinations the Knicks have with the starters and they don’t even have a head coach CP. So, break that down for us.
Yeah, it’s it’s going to be interesting to see where the next Knicks head coach is going to want to go in terms of the starting five. Does he keep it as is status quo with Josh Hart in that rotation at the starting two? You can potentially go with Miles McBride there at the starting two alongside Jaylen Brunson where you will be much more efficient offensively. It guarantees you that five out spacing with Carl Anthony Towns at the five, but you’re you’re going to have weaknesses in terms of your size there and also rebounding potential. Does he go with the double big lineup that Tom Tibido showed later on in the season and in the playoffs with Mitchell Robinson and Carl Anthony Towns? I think that’s also an option for the new Knicks head coach. Personally, I like that option, the the double big option. I don’t believe that the Knicks will be a successful team long term with Carl Anthony Towns at the five, especially defensively. Some of his best seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves came with playing alongside Rudy Goar and I’d like to see that again with with Mitchell Robinson there. I I think from a rebounding standpoint uh defensively as well, the Knicks can be a very strong team, but again, that’s going to be left up to the next Knicks head coach and how he wants to best deploy this roster. If you look at the betting odds, CP, the Knicks, as of right now, are the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference. So, despite not having a coach, obviously the roster is incredibly talented. Is that more so just about the Knicks talent, or is it more so about, hey, look what’s happened in the East with some of the injuries and even some of the moves we’ve seen like a guy like Miles Turner leaving Indiana to go to Milwaukee. Your thoughts just on the Knicks being the favorites to actually win the East right now?
Yeah, it’s both. I think when you when you look at it and and history being a recent bar just with the Knicks being two games short of the Eastern Conference Finals, you have to put that respect there. I mean, they came into the season last season as one of the favorites as well. And so, they’re going to shoot up there given the fact that the Celtics seem to be dismantling some pieces. So, the Celtics are going to be coming back maybe to the middle of the pack or so. the Indiana Pacers without Tyrese Hallebertton who will be rehabbing from the Achilles injury and Miles Turner making a monumental shift from the Pacers to their conference rival the Milwaukee Bucks. That certainly changes things. Teams have gotten them better in in terms of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Atlanta Hawks are making their move, but make no mistake, the the New York Knicks should be a an NBA Finals contender and a lot of things have to go right. Yeah, still have to go through an 82 game season and a grind of the playoffs, but coming into the season, they’re right where they need to be. Now, it’s just a matter of earning it and who the head coach is going to be that’s going to take them there.
The final couple questions for you, CP. Did you buy any of the LeBron Nicks rumblings? What were your thoughts on that? And then we’ll get to Giannis as well.
I was nauseous. That was my reaction to it. I mean, Jake, I I had nightmares from 18 years ago, the night before the the decision when I couldn’t sleep, and all I could do is just keep keep refreshing Twitter to see what LeBron was going to do. And it was the news broke that he was going to Miami, our dreaded rivals, a dreaded New York rival. So, I didn’t want to relive that again. Look, LeBron James, he’s had a sensational career, but he’s 40 years old, Jake, at $50 million. I I think that is a pipe dream that that we just need to leave alone. That Knicks fans need to leave alone. He’s not worth it. Not just for the Knicks, but many teams around the league. You know, maybe Cleveland patted and Dan Gilbert looks for a three in terms of a a reunion, but look, LeBron James has done his days. He can probably give a team one or two more years of greatness, but this is not the situation that the Knicks want to jump in. Uh not not at the expense of multiple pieces of their roster. And then finally, what do you make of the mixed reporting on Giannis? On one hand, you they get Miles Turner and I I I saw Brian Winhor on ESPN say he’s a big fan of that move and then I was reading Chris Haynes tweets where he basically said that Giannis has told Milwaukee he’s not happy with what they did releasing Lillard to make room for uh Turner. So I I What do you make of just what’s going on in Milwaukee and whether or not Giannis is actually going to request a trade or not?
Yeah, it it’s hard it’s hard to decipher at this moment. I would have to think without, you know, any knowledge of Giannis’s decision, I would have to think the decisions that their front office has made this summer, the stretch provision for Damen Lillard, stretching that contract, $113 million over 5 years, that is a sizable investment to free up the money to get uh Miles Turner in there. You know, they resigned Tory and Prince. They have Kyle Coosma, Kevin Porter Jr. coming back. I have to think that that they are consulting with Giannis here on these moves. Now, will it work? Time will tell. But I, you know, for right now, I think Giannis would be staying, but where the Knicks are concerned, what from what I’ve always heard is that if and when Giannis, you know, makes that decision in terms of his future. The Knicks will certainly try to get involved, but they understand that they would be up against it in terms of what they could actually offer because you’d have to think there’s probably 28 other teams in the NBA that can offer a better package to the Milwaukee Bucks in the terms in terms of ready now players, uh, young upstart players as well as draft picks. But look, the Knicks will certainly look to get involved. Just I just it would have to take, uh, high leverage from from Giannis to to get that deal done to get to New York. So stay tuned. You just never know.
CP, keep breaking news, man. Doing a great job. Love following your coverage, man. Love seeing what you’ve done with your career. Appreciate you hopping on, giving us some time today. Yes, sir. Jay, keep up the great work, man. I’m always tuned in.

🔥 Knicks Coaching Search HEATS UP! Mike Brown Emerging as Favorite + Knicks Free Agency Breakdown | CP The Fanchise on ESPN NY 🔥

In this exclusive interview, CP “The Fanchise,” founder of Knicks Fan TV and host on SiriusXM NBA Radio, joins ESPN New York to break down all the latest around the New York Knicks:

🏀 Coaching Search Update:
• Mike Brown is reportedly the frontrunner to become the next Knicks head coach, with a second interview scheduled with James Dolan.
• What makes Mike Brown the preferred candidate? CP explains his experience, player development chops, and potential staff additions like James Borrego.

💸 Free Agency Moves:
• Reaction to the Knicks signing Jordan Clarkson on a veteran minimum contract—why it’s a perfect fit to bolster bench scoring.
• Inside scoop on Gershon Yabusele’s arrival from Philly and how he fits next to Karl-Anthony Towns or Mitchell Robinson.

📈 Starting Five & Rotation Debates:
• Should the Knicks go with a double-big lineup or more offensive spacing? CP breaks down every scenario.
• Why the Knicks are early betting favorites in the East despite not having a head coach yet.

💬 Rumors & Big Names:
• CP shares his unfiltered thoughts on the LeBron James buzz and why Giannis-to-New York remains a long shot.

If you love deep-dive Knicks analysis, rumors, and insider insight, this is a must-watch!

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