The New York Knicks have experienced another significant departure following the loss of associate head coach Johnnie Bryant. Makhtar Ndiaye, the team’s Director of International and Pro Scouting, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he is heading to the Dallas Mavericks.
In a tweet on August 18, Ndiaye expressed his deep appreciation for the Knicks organization after a rewarding nine years. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Knicks for an amazing nine years,” Ndiaye wrote. “As I move on, I’m proud to have contributed to the team’s progress. Best of luck to the Knicks and their fantastic fans!”
“I’m thrilled about the future. Being in the Dallas area feels perfect now that I’m with the Mavericks. It’s time for a new team, new goals, and new challenges! Let’s get started!”
Makhtar Ndiaye’s ‘Pivotal Role’ with Knicks
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Makhtar Ndiaye played a crucial role behind the scenes in securing the acquisitions of OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo for the Knicks. Ndiaye, who was the first Senegalese player in the NBA, briefly played for the Vancouver Grizzlies (now Memphis Grizzlies) in 1998 before spending most of his career in Europe. He later became an NBA agent with Wasserman Group.
Joining the Knicks in 2017 as an international scout, Ndiaye was promoted in 2021 and significantly contributed to the team’s strategic moves. Now, at 50 years old, Ndiaye will assume the role of Director of Pro Personnel and International with the Dallas Mavericks.
Ndiaye’s departure marks the second significant loss for the Knicks this offseason, following associate head coach Johnnie Bryant’s move to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bryant, who joined the Cavaliers as an associate head coach on Kenny Atkinson’s staff, had also been a key figure in the Knicks’ coaching setup.
The rivalry between the Knicks and Mavericks intensified when Jalen Brunson left Dallas for New York in the 2022 free agency. This was preceded by a major trade in 2019 involving Kristaps Porzingis, a former Knicks lottery pick.
In response to these departures, the Knicks have bolstered their coaching staff. They added veteran coach Mo Cheeks, who joins as an assistant coach under Tom Thibodeau. Cheeks, a former head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons, is now the most experienced member of Thibodeau’s staff, which also includes Rick Brunson, Darren Erman, Andy Greer, Othella Harrington, and Mark Bryant.
Cheeks and Thibodeau previously worked together as assistant coaches with the Sixers from 1994 to 1996. Cheeks, a four-time NBA All-Star, also played for the Knicks during the 1990-91 season.
Mark Bryant, who joins the Knicks as an assistant coach, brings a wealth of experience. A former NBA player drafted 21st overall in 1998, Bryant began his coaching career with the Mavericks in 2004. He has since served as a trusted assistant in Phoenix and Detroit under Monty Williams. Now, at 59 years old, Bryant is expected to enhance the Knicks’ frontcourt, focusing on improving the performance of Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, and rookie Ariel Hukporti.
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