A native of New York City, the 72-year-old Pitino is no stranger to the Knicks. He was an assistant coach in New York from 1983-85 and led the Knicks from 1987-89. He left after two seasons with a 90-74 record and consecutive appearances in the NBA playoffs.

Rick Pitino, St. John’s University coach, dismisses rumors of joining the New York Knicks. He supports Tom Thibodeau, the former Knicks coach. Thibode

Rick Pitino Has Message For Tom Thibodeau Amid Knicks News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After a convincing run that saw New York beat the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers were too much for them to swallow and beat the Knicks in six games.