Pablo Prigioni has declined an opportunity to join Mike Brown’s coaching staff with the New York Knicks, according to a report by Ian Begley of SNY.
The Minnesota Timberwolves assistant cited family considerations in his decision to remain with the Western Conference finalists, where he has served since 2019.
New York had received permission to speak with Prigioni, a former Knicks guard, about a potential role under Brown, who was recently hired to lead the franchise.
Prigioni is held in high regard around the league and was one of several candidates targeted by New York as it looks to build out its bench.
The Knicks have faced setbacks in their search for a lead assistant coach, a position they hope to fill with someone capable of guiding the offense.
Earlier, the team was denied access to speak with Pelicans assistant James Borrego and Mavericks assistant Jay Triano, both reportedly on the team’s radar.
New York also made unsuccessful attempts to reach out to Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and was rumored to have some level of interest in Golden State’s Terry Stotts.
Begley reported that Clippers assistant Brendan O’Connor is now a name of interest in New York’s search. O’Connor, known for his defensive expertise, has spent time under Tyronn Lue and Doc Rivers in Los Angeles and could be a fit alongside Brown.
Even if O’Connor is brought on board to handle defensive responsibilities, the Knicks are still expected to pursue another coach to focus on offense.
