The New York Knicks have made a big splash in the coaching world, adding Mark Bryant to their sideline as an assistant coach. The news of Bryant’s arrival in New York was first reported by SNY, much to the excitement of Knicks fans everywhere. Known for his expertise in working with big men, Bryant brings a wealth of experience to the team.
At 59 years old, Bryant has established himself as one of the premier big-man coaches in the NBA during his long tenure as an assistant. A Seton Hall graduate, Bryant enjoyed a successful 15-year playing career in the league from 1988-89 to 2002-03 before transitioning to coaching in 2004-05. He has since worked with five different teams before landing with the Knicks, making them his sixth NBA coaching stop.
With the Knicks still looking to solidify their frontcourt, Bryant’s addition could prove to be a game-changer. Mitchell Robinson, the 26-year-old promising big man, has shown flashes of brilliance on the defensive end and as an offensive rebounder. However, his struggles with injuries have hindered his ability to stay on the court consistently. Robinson has only averaged about 53 games per season in his first six years and played just 31 games in the most recent season.
On the other hand, Jericho Sims, the 25-year-old forward, has yet to carve out a significant role in the Knicks’ rotation despite receiving some spot starts. The team has been linked to the potential return of free agent Precious Achiuwa, a versatile six-foot-eight player who excelled in the middle for New York last season.
Bryant’s coaching journey began in 2004-05 with the Dallas Mavericks, followed by stints with the Orlando Magic and a lengthy tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. He spent 11 seasons on the Thunder’s bench after the team relocated to Oklahoma City. Most recently, Bryant served as an assistant under head coach Monty Williams with the Phoenix Suns for five seasons before joining the Detroit Pistons coaching staff last season.
With Bryant’s extensive experience and proven track record as a big-man coach, the Knicks are hoping that his presence on the sidelines will help elevate the team’s frontcourt play and contribute to their overall success on the court. Fans are eagerly anticipating the impact Bryant will have on the team as they gear up for the upcoming season.
