IT’S DONE: Knicks Lose Another Key Personnel to Rival Team
The New York Knicks have lost another significant member of their staff following the departure of associate head coach Johnnie Bryant.
Makhtar Ndiaye, the Knicks’ Director of International and Pro Scouting, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he is joining the Dallas Mavericks.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Knicks organization for an incredible nine years,” Ndiaye tweeted on August 18. “I’m proud to have played a role in improving the team. Best of luck to the Knicks and their dedicated fans!
I’m excited for the future. Moving to Dallas feels like the right step as I become a Maverick. I’m ready for a new team, new goals, and new challenges. Let’s get to work!”
Mahktar Ndiaye’s ‘Pivotal Role’ With Knicks
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Makhtar Ndiaye recently played a crucial role behind the scenes in acquiring OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo for the New York Knicks.
Ndiaye, the first Senegalese player in the NBA, had a brief stint with the Vancouver Grizzlies (now Memphis Grizzlies) in 1998 after going undrafted. He spent most of his playing career in Europe before transitioning to an NBA agent with Wasserman Group.
Ndiaye joined the Knicks in 2017 as an international scout and was promoted to Director of International and Pro Scouting in 2021. Now with the Mavericks, the 50-year-old Ndiaye will serve as the Director of Pro Personnel and International.
He is the second key figure to leave the Knicks this offseason, following Johnnie Bryant, who joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as associate head coach under Kenny Atkinson.
The Knicks and Mavericks have become fierce rivals, particularly after Jalen Brunson left Dallas for New York during the 2022 free agency. Their rivalry further intensified following the blockbuster trade in 2019 involving Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks’ former lottery pick.
Knicks Add Veteran Coaches to Tom Thibodeau’s Staff
Before Johnnie Bryant left for Cleveland to reunite with his close friend and former Utah Jazz mentee Donovan Mitchell, the Knicks quietly brought in veteran coach Mo Cheeks. Following Bryant’s departure, the Knicks further strengthened their coaching staff by adding veteran big man coach Mark Bryant.
The 67-year-old Mo Cheeks, a close friend of Tom Thibodeau, brings a wealth of experience to the Knicks’ coaching staff. Cheeks has previously served as head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons. Now, he is the most seasoned coach on Thibodeau’s team, which also includes assistants Rick Brunson, Darren Erman, Andy Greer, Othella Harrington, and Mark Bryant.
Thibodeau and Cheeks have a history together, having worked as assistant coaches for the 76ers from 1994 to 1996. A former four-time NBA All-Star, Cheeks also played for the Knicks for two seasons from 1990 to 1991 after being traded for Rod Strickland.
Mark Bryant, 59, joins the Knicks after a long NBA career, having been drafted 21st overall in 1998. Following his retirement in 2003, he began his coaching career as an assistant with the Mavericks. Most recently, he was a trusted assistant to Monty Williams in Phoenix and Detroit. After Williams’ departure, the Knicks capitalized on the opportunity to add Bryant to Thibodeau’s staff.
Bryant is expected to play a crucial role this season, particularly with the Knicks’ limited depth at center. He will work closely with Knicks big men Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, rookie Ariel Hukporti, and Othella Harrington.