With the Detroit Pistons undergoing a coaching staff overhaul, changes among the assistant coaches were expected. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the New York Knicks are hiring Mark Bryant, who was recently on the Pistons’ coaching staff.
Bryant began his coaching career in 2004 as an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks after a lengthy playing career. He played for various teams, including the Blazers, Rockets, Suns, Bulls, Cavaliers, Mavs, Spurs, Sixers, Nuggets, and Celtics.
After his final playing season with the Celtics in 2003, Bryant transitioned into coaching. He started with the Dallas Mavericks and then joined the Orlando Magic in 2005. By 2007, he began a lengthy tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant coach.
In 2019, Bryant moved to the Phoenix Suns to work with Monty Williams, who was overseeing the team’s rebuild aimed at becoming championship contenders. Williams was dismissed in 2023 and later became the head coach of the Pistons, succeeding Dwane Casey.
Following Monty Williams’ move to Detroit, Bryant joined him there. During the 2023-2024 season, Bryant led the Pistons through a challenging year with only 14 wins. Although the team didn’t immediately make a coaching change, the new front office decided to part ways with Williams after just one season.
Detroit then hired former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. It’s uncertain whether Bickerstaff intended to retain Bryant, but Bryant is set to move to New York regardless.
Bryant will join a Knicks team that earned the second seed in the Eastern Conference last season. After defeating the Sixers in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, New York was eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Following significant adjustments to Tom Thibodeau’s roster, the Knicks are aiming for improved success in the postseason for 2025.
