Report: Carmelo prefers Thibodeau to coach Knicks

Former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has reportedly made it abundantly clear that the New York Knicks' head coaching vacancy is the gig he desires.

His chances of making his way to The Big Apple should only be helped by a ringing endorsement from All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, who reportedly prefers Thibodeau over the idea of a returning Kurt Rambis, a source told The New York Daily News' Frank Isola.

The problem, though, is that team president Phil Jackson isn't exactly thrilled about the idea of bringing Thibodeau on board after reportedly meeting with John and Jim Paxson in Chicago.

Jackson also has a fondness for Rambis, who will continue to run the former championship coach's patented triangle offense. Their relationship is also much stronger than the one Jackson had with Derek Fisher during his short stint with the franchise.

During his exit interview Thursday afternoon, Anthony indicated that he'd be open to expanding the coaching search beyond just Thibodeau, which, in a way, indicates how he feels about having Rambis run the show in 2016-17.

Other names linked to the position are Mark Jackson, former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt, and former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks.

With winning his top priority, it's understandable why the nine-time All-Star would be wary of playing under a coach with a career record of 65-164, who also took the Knicks to a 9-19 finish following Fisher's dismissal.

New York ended the season with a 32-50 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the third year in a row.