Knicks Fire Tom Thibodeau As Head Coach

[RealGM Wiretap]

The New York Knicks have fired Tom Thibodeau as head coach. Leon Rose made the decision with the support of James Dolan.

Thibodeau's job security was under question entering the playoffs, but the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals where they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.

Thibodeau was head coach of the Knicks for five seasons after he was hired ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Via RealGM Staff Report

[btipton]

This is the most Knicks move ever.

[dubbmotta]

Mike Malone next coach? He's from Queens, NY personality and plays his bench unlike Tibs...who else is a good candite?

[Jason_Todd]

Mike Malone next coach? He's from Queens, NY personality and plays his bench unlike Tibs...who else is a good candite?

Rick Brunson

[dirkdiggler4177]

Good. He plays players too many minutes. This Knick team is signed too long to the Knicks to play with their health. They don't have any picks and can't afford to gamble with their future. Also, this Knicks team is better than the Pacers, but still lost in 6 games.

[scrabbarista]

Regarding the report they didn't like KAT's defense:

Hey Knicks, here's an idea, DON'T PLAY HIM AT CENTER BECAUSE HE'S NOT A CENTER.

Regarding this firing, it's a bit like the Malone thing in that Thibs is probably an above average coach, but he has flaws that put a ceiling on your team and he's not top tier.

And the thing playing the starters every second of the RS is probably a bigger deal in 2025 than it would've been at at any point before.

Hire the right replacement, and this could be amazing for New York.

PS Van Lathan was right.

[fuller4379]

Knicks want to stay the laughingstock of the NBA.

[beefymajesto]

I don't think it's a negative on thibs, sometimes you just need a shake up and this is the easiest way. Get a new voice that will see things from a different angle, hopefully take that next step.

[Alex_84]

What an idiotic move. F1 2022 Ferrari level, but for basketball.

[nysb]

This is dumb.

[Chi Dynasty12]

Great news for all the Knicks' starters' knees. Coming from a Bulls fan.

[Barcs]

The problem is Leon Rose. You don't drastically change the team when good things happen, you build on them. You can't go into every season with 3 new starters and a mostly new bench.

[Barcs]

Regarding the report they didn't like KAT's defense:

Hey Knicks, here's an idea, DON'T PLAY HIM AT CENTER BECAUSE HE'S NOT A CENTER.

Regarding this firing, it's a bit like the Malone thing in that Thibs is probably an above average coach, but he has flaws that put a ceiling on your team and he's not top tier.

And the thing playing the starters every second of the RS is probably a bigger deal in 2025 than it would've been at at any point before.

Hire the right replacement, and this could be amazing for New York.

PS Van Lathan was right.

To be fair, they didn't have anybody else to play at center. Mitch was out basically until the playoffs and Precious isn't really a center either. Not being able to retain Hartenstein killed them and forced them to pull that desperation move for KAT IMO.

[Barcs]

Knicks want to stay the laughingstock of the NBA.

Yep, best season in 25 years and you still blow up the team, even knowing before the season that you weren't better than Boston.

[fuller4379]

Knicks want to stay the laughingstock of the NBA.

Yep, best season in 25 years and you still blow up the team, even knowing before the season that you weren't better than Boston.

It seems to be a trend in sports. Milwaukee blew up their championship team two years removed from the championship. The Mavericks traded Luka less than one season after making the finals. Zero patience anymore.

[beefman]

as a non-knicks fan, i love this. i love how they take one step forward and then take 2 steps back. keep it up. signed, raps fan

[pushfloater]

Good move. He reached his peak with this team, but he brought them to another level and did a solid job. Time to bring in a coach that can use the bench and get Brunson off the ball a little.

[Itzmotto]

Knicks want to stay the laughingstock of the NBA.

Yep, best season in 25 years and you still blow up the team, even knowing before the season that you weren't better than Boston.

It seems to be a trend in sports. Milwaukee blew up their championship team two years removed from the championship. The Mavericks traded Luka less than one season after making the finals. Zero patience anymore.

Wouldnt say a coaching change after 5 years blowing up the team. Thibbs issue everywhere he has coached is running his starters into the ground and was evident until game 3 down 0-2 to Pacers.Now game 1 tragedy i dont put all the blame on him but we shouldn't have lost that game.

[Speedlot]

feels bad

[MegaJ]

Knicks fans and NBA fans with a clue know this was a necessary move to optimize Brunson’s window.