Monday Quickies: Kenny Payne Edition

What a blow this would be for John Calipari and the entire UK basketball program.

By John Morgan Francis@MonJorgan Jul 27, 2020, 6:40am EDT

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On Saturday afternoon, former Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau accepted a five-year offer to become the new head coach of the New York Knicks. Per Kentucky Sports Radio, the Knicks have not yet officially contacted Payne but the franchise is considering the longtime Kentucky assistant as an option to join Thibodeau’s staff.

Kenny Payne being considered for Knicks Assistant’s jobhttps://t.co/uqKuiNNeMt
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 27, 2020

It’s no secret that Payne holds strong relationships not just with current recruits and players but former players as well. The Knicks ironically have two former Wildcats on their roster and are committed to both Julius Randle and Kevin Knox for at least the next three years.

Payne could also be a significant piece in attracting current NBA stars on other teams such as Anthony Davis, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns who could hit the market soon.

Losing Payne would be a devastating blow to the entire Kentucky basketball program. He’s viewed as one of the best assistant coaches in the country and head coach John Calipari clearly values Payne as a priceless asset.

In the world of COVID-19, a decision to make Payne an offer could take longer than usual (if the Knicks do at all). With New York being one of the teams left out of bubble play, they’ll have plenty of time to focus on their new staff.

Tweet of the Day

Josh Allen vs Aaron Rodgers
(Last 8 full games played in 2019)

Allen Rodgers
11/2 TD/INT 10/2
1,591 Pass Yds 1,678
6 Rush TD 0
57.5 Comp % 58.7%
90.6 Pass Rating 84.2

Where's the respect for Josh Allen?? pic.twitter.com/WdHXVVeF0N
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) July 27, 2020