The New York Knicks are set to hire Mike Brown as their head coach. Brown is a two-time Coach of the Year with the Sacramento Kings and the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, more importantly for the Minnesota Timberwolves, it means that top assistant coach Micah Nori is set to return.
Sources: Knicks expected to hire Mike Brown as next head coach - via ESPN https://t.co/Gjrz7QnXcy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025
Nori interviewed for the Knicks job. Many people thought Nori would get the job due to his connection with Knicks’ senior vice president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, who worked for the Wolves when Nori was hired back in 2021. Furthermore, Nori has a known connection with Karl-Anthony Towns from his Minnesota days. Nevertheless, Wolves fans can rest assured that Nori will return to Minnesota.
Nori has been an NBA assistant since 2009 and has been a lead assistant with the Wolves since 2021. He is widely regarded as one of the league’s top assistant coaches. Notably, Nori also interviewed for the Phoenix Suns' open head coaching position this offseason. Additionally, last offseason, he interviewed for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Lakers openings. Nori feels primed to land a head coaching gig, but the Wolves should be delighted that he’ll return for at least another season.
Nori is a key part of the Wolves' success
In the 2024 playoffs, Nori rose to fame. When Chris Finch went down with an injury, Nori took over the sideline duties and helped lead Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals. This proved Nori was capable of leading a team as a head coach. However, Nori’s impact goes beyond the 2024 playoffs.
Nori is a creative offensive mind who has helped develop several notable players, including Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels. He does so while still focusing on physicality and versatility on defense. With young players Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark primed for bigger roles, Nori’s presence will undoubtedly benefit them.
Multiple Wolves players have openly praised Nori, including Edwards, who called him a genius. Based on his experience, creative schemes, and the respect that players have for him, Nori is an elite assistant who is poised to become a head coach one day.
Finch is one of the best head coaches in basketball. However, every head coach needs a great assistant staff, and Nori is a crucial part of the Wolves' staff. It’s a bit surprising Nori didn’t land a job during another head coaching cycle. Regardless, the Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Memphis Grizzlies all promoted interim head coaches. Overall, the Timberwolves and their fans should be thrilled to have Nori back in the mix for another year.