Overview

• The Knicks are finalizing a deal to bring Clippers assistant Brendan O’Connor in as defensive coordinator on Mike Brown’s staff.
• O’Connor spent 12 seasons with the Clippers, was part of Detroit’s 2004 title run under Larry Brown and has longstanding ties to executive William Wesley.
• Mike Brown also added former Sacramento Kings assistants Charles Allen and Riccardo Fois as part of an overhaul aimed at boosting player development and defensive acumen.
• New York’s defense fell five spots to 13th in the league last season and O’Connor is tasked with improving a unit anchored by below-average defenders Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
• The search continues for an associate head coach to run the offense after unsuccessful pursuits of James Borrego, Jay Triano and Pablo Prigioni.