NEWS: The Knicks removed the interim tag from Mike Woodson on Friday and announced that they have given the head coach a multiyear contract extension. After replacing Mike D’Antoni on March 14, Woodson led the Knicks to an 18-6 record and their first playoff victory in 11 years. The Knicks lost 4-1 to the Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
TRUTH: Although there were rumors that the Knicks would pursue Phil Jackson or wait for him to initiate a call to them regarding his interest in the head coaching position, general manager Glen Grunwald confirmed that Woodson was the best and only option available.
“I think Woody earned the right to be the first person we talked to and turned out to be the only person we talked to because our discussions with him after the season really reflected why he was so successful during the season,” general manager Glen Grunwald said.
Besides Woodson’s stellar track record as a coach that includes guiding the Atlanta Hawks to the NBA playoffs in each of his last three seasons with the team, Carmelo’s Anthony’s support of Woodson also appears to have played a role as well.
“Just to see what he’s brought to our team, the confidence that he’s instilled into everybody, the belief that he has in everybody, “ said Anthony to the New York Post. “Just his coaching style and the way he coached. Kind of a hard-nosed coach. Hold everybody accountable. I’ve been saying that. Everybody is responsible for their own actions. I would love to see him around here.”
Mymood says:
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