Something’s going on in Utah and it may not be good for the Knicks.
Quinn Snyder, one of the most successful and respected coaches in the league, retired after eight years of experience and a 372-264 record with Jazz.
The mood around the league is combo guard Donovan Mitchell is somehow involved in the shake-up, although ESPN reports that Mitchell is “disappointed” and “restless”. The franchise is at a crossroads after a knockout in the first round against Dallas in the playoffs.
Jazz is considering breaking the Mitchell-Rudy Robert tandem, who was a solid participant in the playoffs but was not strong enough to reach the Western Conference finals.
The Knicks – and several other teams – are monitoring Mitchell’s situation to see if he wants an exchange. Snyder said in a statement that jazz needed a “new voice.”
Donovan Mitchell Getty Images Queen SnyderAP
According to a source, Knicks assistant coach Johnny Bryant, a former jazz assistant and friend of Mitchell, is likely to be interviewed. Utah President Danny Eing doesn’t know Bryant, but if he’s well thought out, then it’s a sign that Mitchell is influencing things, even though he’s disappointed.
According to sources, former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stots is the early favorite, and the recently fired Lakers coach Frank Vogel could also look. Celtics assistant Will Hardy will also be interviewed.
Mitchell is a client of the Creative Artists Agency, so Knicks President Leon Rose, a former CAA basketball chief, may have information on Mitchell’s head.
Mitchell, who is from Westchester, was non-committal after the elimination of Jazz in the playoffs. Sources in the league believe that Mitchell will eventually ask for an exchange, but this could happen until next summer.
If Bryant leaves for Utah, it would mean that all three senior executive assistants William Wesley, hired for Tom Thibodeau’s team, will be hired as head coach. Mike Woodson (University of Indiana) and Kenny Payne (Louisville) are gone.
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