Knicks name Woodson assistant coach

New York, NY – The New York Knicks have named Mike Woodson as an assistant coach.

Woodson, who played his rookie NBA season of 1980-81 with the Knicks, joins Mike D'Antoni's staff after serving six years as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2004-10. He compiled a record of 206-286 during his tenure in Atlanta, leading the Hawks to the playoffs in each of his three final seasons.

"I consider Mike D'Antoni to be one of the top coaches in our game and I am thankful for this opportunity," said Woodson. "I'm excited to rejoin this great franchise where my professional career started and will work to build off of the success they had here last season."

Woodson was selected by the Knicks with the 12th overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft and went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA for New York, New Jersey, the Kings, Clippers, Houston and Cleveland. He averaged 14.0 points in 786 career games.

"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."

Before taking over in Atlanta, Woodson served as an assistant in Milwaukee, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Detroit.