Knicks reportedly add former Mike Brown assistant to coaching staff

The New York Knicks took weeks to find their new coach, but they’re wasting no time making additions to Mike Brown’s staff.

After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks became one of the most intriguing teams in the league, with the franchise firing Tom Thibodeau. A lengthy coaching search followed, and the Knicks eventually settled on Brown after striking out on a number of sitting head coaches.

Brown has already brought a new energy to the Knicks and could be the difference for the Knicks as they pursue an NBA title next season. While he already has a contending roster to coach, adding some respected voices on the bench can also be helpful.

Although the Knicks have been denied permission to speak to some assistants around the league, they have at least landed on one of the coaches who will be on Brown’s staff. On Sunday, The Athletic’s Fred Katz reported that former Sacramento Kings assistant coach Riccardo Fois is joining the Knicks.

Fois spent last season with the Kings, with Brown adding him to the staff before his firing in Sacramento midseason. Before going to the Kings, Fois had spent the previous three years as an assistant at Arizona and was a player development coach for the Phoenix Suns from 2019-21. Fois is also an assistant for the Italian men’s national basketball team. 

With Fois joining Brown’s staff, the Knicks are one step closer to having a complete squad for next season. It might not seem like a big move, but if Fois can be a positive for the Knicks, he might be able to push the right buttons and get New York over the hump.