Knicks hire assistant coach Mark Bryant after Tom Thibodeau extension

On the same day the Knicks signed head coach Tom Thibodeau to an extension, they added to his staff by inking assistant Mark Bryant.

The 59-year-old New Jersey native has long been viewed as one of the best big man coaches in the NBA, which will be key since the Knicks have a lot of questions at that position.


New Knicks assistant coach Mark Bryant helps Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns warm up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks in 2022.
New Knicks assistant coach Mark Bryant helps Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns warm up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks in 2022. NBAE via Getty Images

The news was first reported by SNY and confirmed by The Post.

Despite the Knicks already having Othella Harrington on the staff as a big man coach, they went out and brought in Bryant — who has spent 35 years in the NBA as a player and assistant — to help with their frontcourt.

Center Mitchell Robinson is coming off ankle surgery, and has no proven backup with former starter Isaiah Hartenstein having left in free agency.

Bryant was raised in South Orange (NJ) and starred at Seton Hall, before a 15-year playing career.

He was an assistant in Oklahoma City where he overlapped with Mo Cheeks, whom the Knicks also added this summer to replace the departed Johnnie Bryant.

Then Mark Bryant spent from 2019-23 in Phoenix, while new Knick Mikal Bridges was a Sun. Most recently Bryant had been with the Detroit Pistons.


New Knicks assistant coach Mark Bryant talks to Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns before the game against the Pistons in 2022.
New Knicks assistant coach Mark Bryant talks to Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns before the game against the Pistons in 2022. NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks will host a preseason tilt against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Garden.

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