The New York Knicks have decided to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday, despite his leading New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
The move sent shockwaves through the NBA after Thibs led the Knicks to their most successful run in a quarter century, and was under contract through the 2027-28 season.
Instead, New York will head in another direction after five years, which seems like an eternity when it comes to Knicks coaches.
Thibodeau posted a record of 226-174 as Knicks coach from 2020-2025. He was 24-23 in the postseason. His .565 winning percentage is the third best by a Knicks coach over the last quarter century, with only Mike Woodson (.580) and Jeff Van Gundy (.590) slightly better.
Keep in mind, though, that the 400 games Thibodeau coached were the most by a Knicks coach since Van Gundy coached 420 games between 1996-2001.
Reports indicated Tuesday that Thibodeau's firing was the decision of President/GM Leon Rose, which leaves nothing but questions. Apparently, James Dolan, who was in on the end of season debrief with players, coaches and management gave his blessing on the call. It's hard to believe that Dolan didn't have a say.
This is a man notorious for interfering in basketball business. Under his ownership there were 12 different head coaches on this team, and until Thibodeau showed up on scene, the Knicks were a perennial cellar dweller that was 200 games under .500.
And that is being kind, considering the kind of disaster the Knicks have been for the better part of the last quarter century.
So to say Dolan had nothing to do with this is fishy to say the least.
Thibodeau may not have been the most popular coach on the planet. He had issues with his defensive scheme; he was stubborn on using the same six to seven man rotation, and didn't handle the use of his bench well in the postseason. All True.
But is it all his fault?
Shouldn't Leon Rose shoulder some of the blame considering he is the one shopping for the groceries. He is the one who wanted to bring in Karl Anthony Towns, and outside of a couple of games in the postseason, it generally didn't work out. Rose is also the one who traded years of draft compensation to the Nets for Mikal Bridges, a move that looks more ridiculous a year later.
Thibs brought respect and accountability back to the organization. He established a winning culture, and with Jalen Burnson stepping in as his top shooter, he made MSG a place to be once again. The Knicks were a story because Thibs coached this team into contender status. He deserves credit for what he did here.
But with Thibs gone, the pressure is now on Rose to get the next coach right. And that next coach is going to be expected to take the Knicks to greater heights, and win an NBA Title. No excuses.
Who will it be? Word is Jay Wright is not interested. Ime Ugonda is not leaving Houston. Jason Kidd? Maybe. Michael Malone? A good possibility. Johnnie Bryant, a former Knicks assistant under Thibodeau, seems like a hot candidate to watch for.
Whoever it will be will be under the microscope in a way Thibs never saw. Welcome to the crazy show that is the New York Knicks once again.
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