Prior to Wednesday's tip-off with the Washington Wizards, Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller addressed the recent remarks made by branding consultant Steve Stoute on ESPN's First Take.
During his appearance, Stout spoke about change coming to the Knicks in the near future, hinting at a coaching overhaul.
When asked about Stoute's comments, Miller said that while he was aware of them, his focus remains zeroed in to what the Knicks are doing on the court.
"I don't really have a reaction to it," said Miller. "I found out about it from someone else after the fact and didn't really have a reaction to it. I'm locked into doing what we do here. We're getting ready for Washington. My job right now is to get this team ready to play and my focus is on these players.
"I saw Steve at the charity event (Knicks Kicks and Cocktails) last night. We spoke over there and had a private conversation. There were a lot of people there. That was the first time that I met him."
Stoute was peppered with questions during his ESPN appearance Wednesday, and when asked about Steve Mills' recent firing, he responded by talking about more change coming within the organization.
"I had nothing to do with Steve Mills' departure. I want to clean that up. I want to be accountable for getting people more jobs, specifically women and African-Americans, not necessarily getting rid of folks. But there had to be a change. So there is a change," Stoute explained.
"That change will bring a new coach and new coaches that are going to help develop these younger players."
Just a few hours later, the Knicks released a team statement, explaining that Stoute does not have a say in basketball operations.
"While Steve Stoute is a valued contributor to the Knicks' marketing and branding efforts, he does not speak on behalf of the New York Knicks personnel and basketball operations. Any decisions regarding the operations of the team will be made by the new President of the New York Knicks," the team statement read.
Stoute issued his own statement as well, saying "In my excitement to defend the Knicks on live TV today, I inadvertently insinuated about Knicks personnel. I look forward to working with Knicks management to elevate the great Knicks brand moving forward."