After the New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, they tried to interview Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. While this was a clear pipe dream and the Wolves declined New York's request, the Knicks are moving on to a more realistic candidate, Wolves assistant Micah Nori. This is a logical move for the Knicks as Nori is one of the league's most respected assistants.
Nori has been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2009 and has been with the Wolves since 2021 as the lead assistant. In addition to Nori's work with the Wolves, he has been an assistant with the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. In recent years, Nori has interviewed for head coach openings with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns.
The New York Knicks are interviewing Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for the team's head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. Now three candidates – Nori and two former head coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins – have done formal interviews for the Knicks' vacancy.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025
Nori is a logical candidate for the Knicks job
The Knicks' interest in Nori is clear as they have only interviewed him, Mike Brown, and Taylor Jenkins so far. As of now, Nori is a clear frontrunner. While it would be a smart move for the Knicks and Nori deserves a head coaching opportunity, it would be unfortunate for the Wolves to lose their top assistant.
There are some connections between these two franchises going beyond the famous Julius Randle-Karl-Anthony Towns trade. Thibodeau's last job before New York was as the Wolves' head coach. Furthermore, current Knicks vice president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas worked in the Wolves' front office from 2019 to 2021. Rosas was there when the Wolves hired Finch and Nori. Given this connection to Nori, it's possible he eventually gets the Knicks job.
During the 2024 playoffs, Nori rose to prominence after Finch went down with an injury. Nori took over sideline duties and helped guide the Wolves to the Western Conference Finals. He has been credited for elite schemes on both ends of the floor. Additionally, Nori is highly respected by Wolves players.
While the head coach is obviously the most important part of a coaching staff, having an experienced assistant coaching staff is crucial. As a result, losing one of the best assistants in Nori would be diffcult for the Timberwolves.
However, the Wolves have other experienced coaches on the staff, including Elston Turner, who has been an NBA assistant since 1996, and Corliss Williamson, who has been an NBA assistant since 2013. This would benefit the Wolves if they end up losing Nori. Regardless, it would be a tough loss for Minnesota. Ultimately, the Knicks' pursuit of Micah Nori will be worth monitoring for Wolves fans.