Knicks Fire Coach Thibodeau After Eastern Finals, Metta World Peace Seeks Job

Following the New York Knicks’ surprising decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau after leading the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, former NBA champion Metta Sandiford-Artest, also known as Metta World Peace, has publicly expressed strong interest in taking over the role. Metta, a New York native with experience coaching in the G-League, high school, and college women's basketball, emphasized his deep connection to the city and his preparation for coaching, pitching himself as the ideal candidate despite limited head coaching experience. The firing shocked many, including former Knicks player J.R. Smith, who criticized the move given Thibodeau's success. Meanwhile, the Knicks are expected to conduct a thorough search, with potential candidates including Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori and other respected NBA assistants and former head coaches. The Lakers, who recently acquired Luka Doncic, are anticipated to be aggressive in reshaping their roster this offseason. Metta's campaign for the Knicks role highlights a notable mix of loyalty, local roots, and a desire to lead, though the franchise's championship ambitions suggest a broad and competitive coaching search is underway.