Jason Kidd’s connection to Giannis Antetokounmpo is no secret in the NBA community. Even after Kidd was fired in 2018, Giannis had nothing but good things to say — and it seems the former Bucks coach may be on the radar of teams looking to acquire Giannis in free agency next summer.
Perhaps, more importantly, is the fact that the Knicks are the first ones, so far, to show significant interest in Kidd as their head coaching candidate.
The Knicks have requested and received permission to interview the Lakers' Jason Kidd for their head coaching vacancy, @NYTSports has learned
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2020
Kidd has been working as an assistant with the Lakers this season and up until very recently, there were no indications that the Knicks were interested in his services.
Praised as a developmental coach, Kidd would be good to help change the culture for the franchise. Clearly, however, it’s all about luring in the bigger prize: Giannis Antetokounmpo himself.
The Knicks haven’t had a star since Carmelo Anthony and if hiring Kidd increases their chances of signing Giannis even a little bit, you can bet that they’ll look into it. The Greek Freak would be a huge acquisition for the franchise and would likely put them back on the road to contention.
Regardless, it’s clear that the Knickerbockers have some big plans. It ha been some time since they’ve been good, but Kidd may actually be the key to finally turning things around. We’ll see soon enough.
