Potential coaching candidate Rick Pitino shows love for the Knicks

There’s a major head coaching opening in the NBA. Following their elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks chose to part ways with coach Tom Thibodeau.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long before Rick Pitino’s name made its way online. He coached the Knicks in the late 80s and won 52 games in his second season there before going back to college to coach the University of Kentucky.

The St. John’s coach was quick to congratulate the Knicks on social media after their season ended, and it didn’t do much to help with the speculation linking him to the team.

Rick Pitino sends message to Knicks after elimination

“Major congrats to the entire New York Knicks organization,” Pitino tweeted. “The players and coaches were awesome. Lot of fun watching young men give every ounce they have in them. Next year we go further!”

The Knicks’ decision to part ways with Coach Thibodeau was surprising, and it shows that the front office might be entering desperation territory with this core of players.

All things considered, even though there are obvious ties and he should draw some consideration, it’s tough to envision Coach Pitino getting the nod in the Big Apple.