Recently, the New York Knicks made the decision to dismiss head coach Tom Thibodeau. A recent report has shed light on the internal dynamics within the Knicks’ front office that led to his termination.
The move to fire Thibodeau was not abrupt but the culmination of several months of growing dissatisfaction, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports.
Additionally, Thibodeau’s coaching style, especially in relation to handling player Jalen Brunson during the 2024-25 season, came under intense scrutiny.
Shelburne noted that “Brunson’s heavy usage during the season, the highest in his career under Thibodeau, sparked concerns within the organization.”
It was perceived that Thibodeau over-relied on Brunson, particularly in crucial late-game situations, which did not sit well with the team’s management.
Shelburne further elaborated:
Initially, the combination of Brunson and Towns was highly effective, with their pick-and-roll play ranking second in efficiency in the NBA before February, averaging 1.22 points per play. However, this efficiency dropped to 0.88 points post-February as teams adjusted their defense, often leading to Thibodeau depending heavily on Brunson to resolve difficult situations without devising an effective strategic response.
This over-reliance was particularly evident during the playoffs when the Knicks, despite reaching the conference finals for the first time in 25 years, were unable to sustain their performance, losing out to the Indiana Pacers due to apparent fatigue and inability to match the opponent’s vigor.
Concerns over Brunson’s durability also played a role, particularly after he missed several games due to injuries. Shelburne referenced the past situation with Derrick Rose, whose career was marred by injuries under Thibodeau’s intense playing style with the Chicago Bulls.
To protect their key player’s long-term health, the Knicks decided it was in the best interest of both Brunson and the team to make a coaching change. Now, the focus shifts to how the Knicks will structure their team around Brunson and who they will appoint to lead them to further playoff success.
More NBA Coverage on Sports Illustrated
feed
Similar posts:
- Knicks Eye Mavericks’ Jason Kidd for Head Coach Role – Insider Scoop!
- Shocking Revelation: Jalen Brunson and Mark Cuban’s Explosive Free Agency Clash!
- Knicks’ Championship Dreams Rely on Stepping Up Their Defense Game
- Karl-Anthony Towns Benefits from Past with Knicks’ Coach Thibodeau: A Head Start!
- Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Injured: Exits Game 4 Against Pistons with Ankle Issue!
Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.