Timberwolves Veteran Assistant Coach Makes Major Life Decision

Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Pablo Prigioni has decided to remain with the team, declining interest from the New York Knicks. According to SNY's Ian Begley, Prigioni cited family reasons for staying despite the Knicks receiving permission to interview him.

This follows another Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nori, interviewing for the Knicks' head coaching vacancy. Though Nori impressed during the interview process, the Knicks ultimately hired two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown instead.

Prigioni has significant history with the Knicks, having begun his NBA career as the league's oldest rookie (age 35) during the 2012-13 season. After retiring, he coached in the Euroleague before joining the Brooklyn Nets in 2018 and later moving to Minnesota. At 48, he's highly regarded within the Timberwolves organization and currently works closely with guard Rob Dillingham.

Prigioni becomes the latest candidate—joining James Borrego and Jay Triano—to reject the Knicks' attempts to bolster Mike Brown's coaching staff. However, Minnesota's offseason challenges extend beyond retaining staff; they narrowly missed acquiring star guard Damian Lillard. ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Timberwolves were among Lillard's top two choices before he ultimately chose elsewhere.