The Knicks are likely to bring in veteran Brendan O’Connor as their new defensive coordinator for the assistant coaching team, according to sources confirmed on Thursday.
O’Connor recently departed from the Clippers, where he had worked since 2013. He gained valuable experience on Mike Brown’s coaching staff and also contributed during Larry Brown’s championship run in 2004, establishing a connection with Knicks executive William Wesley along the way.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are still searching for an associate head coach to oversee the offense. They previously sought to hire James Borrego, Jay Triano, and Pablo Prigiono, but faced either rejections or were denied permission to pursue them from their current teams.
A graduate of St. Anthelm College in Brooklyn, O’Connor’s coaching career includes time with the Clippers, Knicks, Hornets, Kings, and Nets, and he’s worked under Ty Lue and Doc Rivers.
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in defensive ratings and will be looking to improve, particularly with players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who have been considered below average defenders.
The Clippers finished fourth in defense last season, largely due to the efforts of Jeff Van Gundy and O’Connor.
O’Connor’s hiring marks another step in forming Brown’s coaching staff in New York. He has also brought in two lesser-known assistants from his previous role in Sacramento, Charles Allen and Riccardo Fore.
Several coaches from Tom Thibodeau’s staff, including Rick Branson, Mark Bryant, Darren Elman, Mo Cheeks, and Jordan Brink, are expected to remain, although some others will not be returning.
As reported earlier, Andy Greer, Daniel Brady, and Ocela Harrington are among those who have parted ways with the team.
Interestingly, Greer’s brother, Larry, who scouts for Thibodeau, is anticipated to stay.
Sources suggest that Gary St. Jean, currently with the Lakers, and Patrick Mutombo, who works with the Grizzlies, are also part of the ongoing discussions.
