NEW YORK – The New York Knicks have reached an agreement to name Chris Jent their associate head coach, ending a search that spanned months and multiple near-misses. The news, first reported by The Post’s Stefan Bondy, also represents a reunion with newly hired head coach Mike Brown, who worked with Jent in Cleveland from 2006 to 2010. For Jent, 55, the move carries a sense of homecoming. He grew up in New Jersey, graduated from Sparta High School, and even played briefly for the Knicks during the 1996–97 season. His path to this role, however, has been built almost entirely on the sidelines rather than on the court.
Knicks Finally Get Their Man In Chris Jent — But Who Is He?
A Long Coaching Journey Comes Full Circle
Jent’s basketball résumé spans nearly two decades as an NBA assistant, with stops in Cleveland, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Orlando, Sacramento, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. He even took on the challenge of interim head coach for the Magic in 2004–05, finishing 5–13. Before making a name for himself on the sidelines, he earned a championship ring as a player with Houston in 1994.
Chris Jent’s connection to the Knicks runs deeper than geography. Brown trusts him as a proven offensive mind — a coach capable of reshaping New York’s attack after it ranked just 26th in pace last season. While Brendan O’Connor will lead the defense, Jent will take the reins offensively, tasked with making the Knicks faster, sharper, and more unpredictable.
A Search That Took Several Detours
The Knicks’ pursuit of an associate head coach was far from straightforward. According to SNY, the team targeted Pacers assistant Mike Weinar, only for him to remain in Indiana. Earlier, they fell short in landing the Timberwolves’ Pablo Prigioni, the Mavericks’ Jay Triano, and the Pelicans’ James Borrego. Each miss added urgency to finding the right fit.
In that context, Chris Jent joining the Knicks feels like the payoff after weeks of frustration. His familiarity with Brown’s system, his deep experience, and his reputation for developing stars made him a logical choice.
Unlocking the Knicks’ Offensive Potential
The challenges ahead are clear. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns remain a dynamic pairing on paper but had mixed chemistry last season. Towns’ shooting, considered elite, was underutilized — his 4.7 three-point attempts were his lowest in six years. Brown’s past success with Domantas Sabonis offers hope that Jent can create similar growth in Towns’ role.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges too often drifted out of games. His 14.4 field-goal attempts were his fewest since 2022–23, and his free-throw rate tied his rookie-year low. If the Knicks want to justify the price paid to acquire him, Jent’s schemes must find ways to keep him engaged as a primary option.
The Stakes for Jent and the Knicks
Chris Jent is not just another assistant hire for the Knicks. His presence signals a clear shift in how the team will operate offensively. Brown has already declared his intention to push the tempo; Jent’s task is to make that vision functional, sustainable, and dangerous in the playoffs.
For a franchise hungry to maximize its star talent and prove it can contend in the East, Jent’s success could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
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