The New York Knicks made a shocking move on Tuesday when they decided to let go of Tom Thibodeau.
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After five seasons at the helm, Thibodeau has officially relieved as head coach of the Knicks.
As the franchise begins its search for a replacement, former Knicks forward Metta Sandiford-Artest has thrown his own name into the mix, confidently suggesting he’s the right choice to lead the team moving forward.
Sandiford-Artest took to X to make his case in the third person.
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“Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the @nyknicks. Since 1999 this was suppose to happen. I’ve never ran from the city. When all the top players left NYC because it was hard , I went to @StJohnsBBall. I wanted to be drafted by the Knicks, I seemed to be the only one un-afraid of the city. I’m built to challenge the city. I’m the number one guy for the job. And I have 360 degree experience,” said Sandiford-Artest.
Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the @nyknicks . Since 1999 this was suppose to happen. I’ve never ran from the city. When all the top players left NYC because it was hard , I went to @StJohnsBBall . I wanted to be drafted by the Knicks, I seemed to be the only one…
— Coach Metta (@MettaWorld37) June 3, 2025
Sandiford-Artest didn’t stop there; he also shared why he would make a great head coach, posting his resume on X.
“I want every bit of the smoke in NYC. I’m 100% in and ready to HEAD COACH the great @nyknicks. Queens bred.Dominated my Highschool era. Three championship at the Rucker and never lost one at Rucker. 3 Championships at the real Gershwin when there was no security. Lots more on the NYC front. Had a Knick practice shirt and short on at the 1999 draft. NBA accolades speak for themselves. I basically locked up tons of hall of famers. Sorry. But light work. Metta is ready for the city. #thecityismine,” wrote Sandiford-Artest.
I want every bit of the smoke in NYC. I’m 100% in and ready to HEAD COACH the great @nyknicks .Queens bred. Dominated my Highschool era.Three championship at the Rucker and never lost one at Rucker. 3 Championships at the real Gershwin when there was no security.Lots more…
— Coach Metta (@MettaWorld37) June 3, 2025
Sandiford-Artest also posted this photo of himself in a Knicks jersey with the caption “COACH METTA.”
COACH METTA pic.twitter.com/1Bh4wiNgtx
— Coach Metta (@MettaWorld37) June 3, 2025
The New York native played one season of his 17 in the league with the Knicks.
Sandiford-Artest played in 29 games in New York during the 2013-14 season, averaging 4.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.8 steals while shooting 39.7 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from beyond the arc in 13.4 minutes of action.
The 45-year-old does have some coaching experience, having served as a player development coach for the South Bay Lakers during the 2017-18 season. It may not be much, but he has something under his belt.
As things stand, Sandiford-Artest does not have high odds of becoming the next head coach for the Knicks.
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