With the New York Knicks actively searching for a head coach to replace Tom Thibodeau, the names circulating have been bold. And now, a former Knicks player and NBA champion has tossed his hat into the ring.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, New York has shown interest in high-profile coaching candidates like Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka. Both are known for their ability to build championship-level teams. But there’s a catch: they’re not available. Udoka, fresh off leading the Houston Rockets to their first playoff berth in five years, is reportedly off-limits.
“One source with knowledge of the Rockets’ thinking told The Stein Line categorically that permission to speak with Udoka would be rejected if the Knicks requested it,” Stein reported.
Metta Makes His Coaching Pitch
In response to the buzz around Udoka, Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly known as Ron Artest) took to social media to campaign for the job. Less than a week after saying he’d “love” to coach the Phoenix Suns. He now says the Knicks are an even better fit.
Sandiford-Artest fired back at Jay Williams, who had called Udoka “the most amazing fit” for the Knicks during a June 4 episode of First Take.
“You are not familiar with New York,” Sandiford-Artest wrote on X. “I’ve always took on NYC head on. You guys are force feeding the fans options.”
The former Defensive Player of the Year, who played 29 games with the Knicks during the 2013–14 season, emphasized his New York roots and mental toughness.
“I’ve been going towards the pressure since 1999,” he added, referencing his time at St. John’s University. “I’m very battle-tested and ready to finally bring the city a title.”
NBA Coach A Long Shot?
While his passion is evident, Sandiford-Artest has never coached at the professional level. He also didn’t elaborate on what kind of system or culture. He’d bring to Madison Square Garden, unlike Udoka, who has already demonstrated player development chops in Boston and Houston.
Given that the Knicks are in a clear win-now mode. It’s unlikely that James Dolan and Leon Rose will gamble on an untested head coach with no sideline résumé.
Still, Sandiford-Artest’s open pitch adds a bold twist to a high-stakes coaching search. And reminds fans that in New York, confidence is never in short supply.
Read More: 10 Reasons the New York Knicks Will Win the 2025 Championship
