John Calipari (L) and Kenny Payne watch Kentucky warm up on December 18, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Credit: Getty Images/Ethan Miller
Kentucky coach John Calipari cautioned that rebuilding the Knicks will be a long-term project for new head coach Tom Thibodeau, but he added the hiring of Kenny Payne as an assistant should pay immediate dividends if only because of the relationship he enjoys with forwards Julius Randle and Kevin Knox, who were recruited by Payne.
During a video news conference on Wednesday, Calipari praised the work Payne did at Kentucky as lead recruiter and top developmental coach and said his ability to build relationships with players will be critical.