In both groups is Rick Brunson. The father of the Knicks star who, curiously, arrived at the New York team a few weeks before his son in the 2022 free agency. Last season, Brunson was the second in command of Tom Thibodeau But it seems unlikely that he will continue to occupy that position among the head coach's assistants.

NBA insiders had frequently connected the Knicks to top New Orleans Pelicans assistant and former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego in recent days. Borrego's offensive expertise would have been a good fit alongside the defensive-minded Brown, but the Pelicans slammed the door on that possible future on Wednesday, July 9.

Jalen Brunson's father was the top assistant under the previous Knicks staff. He'll have a lesser role on Mike Brown's staff.