Jud Buechler is heading to the Big Apple.
The former Arizona Wildcat has left the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching staff to become an assistant with the New York Knicks, it was announced Thursday.
Buechler was on Luke Walton’s staff in Los Angeles for two years, and was known for his role in player development.
Here’s some insight from our friends at Silver Screen and Roll:
Buechler was mostly in charge of working with the young Lakers bigs (think Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant) during his time with the team. Yes, Zubac took a step back last season, but Bryant remains a source of incredible promise for the Lakers’ future at that position.
Buechler is joining a Knicks organization that made a head coaching change this offseason, replacing Jeff Hornacek with David Fizdale.
The Knicks, who went 29-53 this season, are searching for their first winning season since 2012-13.
It will be interesting to see who Walton hires to replace Buechler, since Walton has shown a penchant for hiring people with University of Arizona ties.