The New York Knicks are building the staff of new head coach Tom Thibodeau and have announced their first formal addition with the hiring on Kentucky associate head coach Kenny Payne, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Payne, who has been an assistant with Kentucky head coach John Calipari for a decade, will be the Knicks new assistant coach, per the team announcement.
“I’m thrilled that Kenny has joined my staff as an assistant coach. He has an outstanding ability to forge relationships with players and improve their skills,” Thibodeau said in a statement. “He knows what it takes to win and has learned from one of the best coaches there is in John Calipari. Kenny will be a tremendous addition to our organization.”
“I want to thank John Calipari, Eli Capilouto (University of Kentucky president), Mitch Barnhart (athletic director) and the University of Kentucky for allowing me to be a part of a special program for the last 10 years that truly epitomizes winning basketball. I am a better coach and leader of young men today because of my time in Lexington under the legendary Coach Cal,” Payne said.
