Former Finals MVP Named Knicks Gaming Assistant Coach

NBA 2K League Team: Knicks Gaming, the official NBA 2K League team of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., announced today that Nate Kahl has been named as the team’s new assistant coach.

Kahl was drafted ninth in the second round by Knicks Gaming in the inaugural 2018 NBA 2K League Draft. He assisted the team in winning its first-ever championship, and was named the Finals MVP in 2018. Kahl went on to play with NetsGC and Pacers Gaming before returning to Knicks Gaming for a second stint in 2021. The Milwaukee native says coming back to the Mecca was destiny. 

“A part of me always thought I would give coaching a swing, because I thought I would be good at it,” Kahl said. “If you told me five years ago that I would be coaching the same team that I won a championship with as a player, I wouldn’t believe you. I’m excited for the opportunity and up for the challenge.”

Knicks Gaming head coach and team manager Kyle Rudy believes Kahl’s return is one of the missing pieces for the team to win its second championship in franchise history.

“The process of bringing Nate back was easy,” Rudy explained. “He was our first-ever finals MVP. He stands for everything we believe in with values, work ethic, knowledge of the game and leadership. All of those qualities carry over well as a coach.”

In his role as assistant coach of Knicks gaming, Kahl will assist Coach Rudy with rounding out this year’s roster by selecting the final Knicks Gaming player with the 42^nd pick in the draft on January 26. Throughout the season, Kahl will focus on team strategy and operations, player development and scouting.