Former NBA All-Star Metta Sandiford-Artest is publicly campaigning to become the next head coach of the New York Knicks following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau.
Speaking with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Queens native expressed surprise at Thibodeau’s firing but made it clear he wants the job.
“I love Thibbs. I thought he did a great job,” Sandiford-Artest said. “I didn’t see it coming.”
The Knicks parted ways with Thibodeau after a 51–31 regular season and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, their deepest playoff run in over two decades.
While Sandiford-Artest acknowledged he’s never coached in the NBA, he cited his experience as a player, consultant, and coach at various levels.
He currently coaches in Division II women’s basketball, where he’s led early-morning practices for years without institutional support.
In a post on social media, he wrote: “Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the @nyknicks… I’m built to challenge the city.”
The 45-year-old also highlighted his lifelong ties to New York hoops, from youth leagues in Queens to starring at St. John’s and eventually returning to the Knicks late in his career.
“I’m from New York. I have championships all around New York City,” he said, naming tournaments from Rucker Park to Elmcor.
Sandiford-Artest was nearly drafted by the Knicks in 1999 and attended the draft wearing Knicks gear in anticipation.
Though he never led an NBA sideline, he has coached in the BIG3 and held a player development role with the Lakers.
He emphasized his understanding of the modern game and said players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns would benefit from his leadership.
“People are saying, ‘How are these old school players gonna coach?’ Well, these players came up under us,” he said.
He praised Pacers coach Rick Carlisle and compared Tyrese Haliburton’s developmental path to John Stockton’s in terms of impact.
Sandiford-Artest said he has not yet spoken with Knicks president Leon Rose or executive William “WorldWide Wes” Wesley, but spoke respectfully of both.
Asked about other possible coaching destinations, he listed the Lakers, Pacers, St. John’s, and several California programs, but made it clear the Knicks are a priority.
“The Knicks are probably the top two of all of ‘em,” he said.
