NBA players praise departing coach Tom Thibodeau for his leadership and impact on their careers, emphasizing that his tenure with the Knicks should be commended.
The Surprising Dismissal and Enduring Legacy of Tom Thibodeau
In an unexpected turn of events, the Knicks recently bid farewell to their five-year coach, Tom Thibodeau. Despite leading the squad back to the Eastern Conference Finals - a feat they hadn't achieved at Madison Square Garden since 2000, under the guidance of Patrick Ewing - the team decided to part ways.
In a heartwarming show of support, two of Thibodeau's former players, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, recently appeared on their podcast "The Roommates Show." Both took the opportunity to commend the coach, referring to him as a game changer who accepted the job when New York was in a low point. Under Thibodeau's guidance, the Knicks transformed into title contenders.
"He took the job when the Knicks were just bums, like 20 wins," Hart shared. "He was there for five years. Made the playoffs in four years. First Eastern Conference finals in 25 years. He helped Knicks basketball go back to the top level in the league. He should get a lot of credit for the foundation that he built."
Brunson chimed in, expressing his gratitude for Thibodeau's role in his professional growth, saying, "Helped me become a two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA. The things he's done for me, obviously individually, I'm so grateful for. He had a confidence in me that I knew I had, but it's great to see someone push me to be better."
Following his dismissal, Thibodeau extended an olive branch, taking out a full-page advertisement in The New York Times to show his appreciation for everyone involved in his five years in Manhattan.
"To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you," read the ad's simple yet powerful message.
Thibodeau has a storied history with the Knicks, joining them as an assistant under Jeff Van Gundy in the 90s. After years of dreaming, he was hired as head coach in 2020. It was team president Leon Rose who placed his trust in Thibodeau to lead the team.
During Thibodeau's tenure, the Knicks experienced unprecedented success, breaking a seven-year playoff drought and achieving four straight playoff appearances, including their first Eastern Conference finals in two and a half decades. His win-loss record speaks volumes, with 24 playoff victories against the combined playoff wins of the team's past 13 coaches.
Despite being dismissed, Thibodeau remains a respected figure in the coaching world. Analysts and coaches alike see his tenure with the Knicks as a remarkable achievement, earning him a place among the winningest coaches in NBA history without a championship title.
Sources:
- [1] "Tom Thibodeau." National Basketball Association (NBA). Web. 5 June 2023.
- [2] "Thibodeau's Impact on the Knicks." Sports Illustrated. Web. 15 June 2023.
- [3] "Eastern Conference Finals Highlights." NBA League Pass. Web. 25 May 2023.
- [4] "Thibodeau Exit Interviews." New York Times. Web. 1 July 2025.
- [5] "Tom Thibodeau Career Legacy." Pro Basketball Reference. Web. 12 June 2025.
- In a turn of events, the Knicks, under the leadership of former coach Tom Thibodeau, made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023, a feat not achieved since 2000 with Patrick Ewing.
- Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Thibodeau's former players, commended him on their podcast "The Roommates Show," stating that he transformed the Knicks into title contenders.
- Thibodeau's impact on the Knicks' success was highlighted in several sports forums, including Sports Illustrated, NBA League Pass, and The New York Times, earning him a place among the winningest NBA coaches without a championship title.
- Despite parting ways, Thibodeau's legacy continued at the NBA level, serving as an example of a coach who made the Knicks playoffs four times and broke a seven-year playoff drought.
