Knicks’ Bid for Borrego Falls Short as Pelicans Retain Coach

In a recent development that has caught the attention of basketball fans and analysts alike, the New York Knicks will not be adding James Borrego to their coaching staff, as the New Orleans Pelicans have confirmed that he will remain with the team. This news, initially reported by CBS Sports, brings to light the Knicks’ interest in Borrego, who was a strong candidate for the assistant coaching role under newly appointed head coach Mike Brown.

Borrego, who has spent the last two seasons as the associate head coach for the Pelicans under Willie Green, was also a finalist for the head coach position that ultimately went to Brown. The Knicks’ interest in Borrego suggested a desire to create a dynamic coaching duo, which would have paired Brown’s recent success in Sacramento with Borrego’s innovative offensive strategies.

According to sources cited by CBS Sports, Borrego’s coaching philosophy aligns well with Brown’s emphasis on offensive efficiency. During his time with the Charlotte Hornets in the 2021-22 season, Borrego orchestrated a fast-paced, pass-heavy offense that ranked as the sixth-best in the league, showcasing his ability to maximize player potential and adapt to modern NBA strategies.

However, Borrego remains under contract with the Pelicans, making his departure less straightforward. Prior to the Knicks’ pursuit, the Denver Nuggets had expressed interest in bringing Borrego on board as an assistant to David Adelman, but the Pelicans denied permission for that interview, viewing it as a lateral move. This highlights the Pelicans’ commitment to retaining Borrego, who has garnered recognition for his contributions to the team’s development and competitive edge.

Interestingly, there were past discussions within the Pelicans organization regarding Borrego’s potential ascension to the head coach role. A year prior, former executive David Griffin reportedly considered firing Green to promote Borrego. However, owner Gayle Benson ultimately opted against the change, emphasizing the stability Green brings to the franchise.

The Knicks’ pursuit of Borrego reflects a broader trend in the league where teams are increasingly looking to build strong coaching staffs to complement their head coaches. With the Pelicans opting to keep Borrego, the Knicks will need to redirect their search for an associate head coach who can match Brown’s vision and enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.

As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will now be on finding a suitable candidate who can bring a similar level of innovation and effectiveness as Borrego would have. The challenge ahead will be to identify a coach who not only understands Brown’s approach but can also foster a culture of offensive efficiency that the franchise desperately seeks.

Overall, while the Knicks may have missed out on a potentially transformative coaching addition, they remain committed to building a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. With the right hires and strategies, New York could still make significant strides as they look to return to playoff contention.