The Knicks believe that Brown is the player who can help them take the next step and truly contend for a championship next season. They'll also be in a prime position to take advantage of a weaker Eastern Conference, with the Boston Celtics missing Jayson Tatum and the Pacers missing Tyrese Haliburton.

During his first run as a head coach, Brown took the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2006-07, only to get swept by Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. Two seasons later, Brown guided the Cavs to a franchise-record 66 wins and a spot in the Eastern Conference finals, earning him his first Coach of the Year Award.

The New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown, turning to the two-time NBA Coach of the Year after firing Tom Thibodeau.