Originally Posted by pr0phecy718
it's official, woodson is our defensive coach
[h1]Knicks Name Mike Woodson Assistant Coach[/h1]
NBA Coaching Veteran Joins Mike D'Antoni's Staff
NEW YORK, August 29, 2011 - The New York Knickerbockers announced today that Mike Woodson has joined Head Coach Mike D'Antoni's staff as an assistant coach. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"I was extremely encouraged after meeting with Mike that he would be a great addition to our coaching staff and we are pleased to welcome him back to New York," D'Antoni said. "Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team and we are confident that he will help us as we continue towards our goal of building a championship team."
Woodson joins the Knickerbockers after serving as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks for six seasons from 2004-2010, where he guided the Hawks to the playoffs in each of his last three seasons. In six seasons in Atlanta, Woodson amassed a 209-286 (.419) coaching record in 492 games while posting an 11-18 record in 29 playoff games. Prior to joining the Hawks, Woodson served as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks (1996-99), Cleveland Cavaliers (1999-2001), Philadelphia 76ers (2001-03) and the 2003-04 NBA Champion Detroit Pistons.
"I consider Mike D'Antoni to be one of the top coaches in our game and I am thankful for this opportunity," Woodson said. "I'm excited to re-join this great franchise where my professional career started and will work to build off of the success they had here last season."
Woodson was drafted by New York with the 12th overall selection in the 1980 NBA Draft out of Indiana University and averaged 14.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 786 career games over 11 NBA seasons with New York, New Jersey, Kansas City-Sacramento, L.A. Clippers, Houston and Cleveland. In his rookie season with New York, Woodson averaged 4.7 points in 81 games under the legendary Red Holzman.