Just days removed from losing to the Pacers in six in the Eastern Conference Finals, Tom Thibodeau has reportedly been shown the door by Leon Rose and the New York Knicks.
On Tuesday, Shams Charania surprised the NBA world by dropping the bomb that Thibs had been fired. Posting to X: “The New York Knicks are relieving Tom Thibodeau of his duties as head coach, sources tell ESPN. Thibodeau led the Knicks to their first East Finals in 25 years, made playoffs in 4 of 5 years and led Knicks to consecutive 50+ win seasons for first time since the 1990s.”
One of the first to react to the news was Knicks star Josh Hart. Who had this to say about his coach being let go:
“Forever Grateful 🧡💙,” the Knicks guard exclaimed. “Thank You!”
Forever Grateful 🧡💙 Thank You! https://t.co/a81D5SST1d
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) June 3, 2025
Thibodeau’s firing also comes after he was defended by Jalen Brunson during Saturday’s postgame press conference; where the two-time All-NBA guard heavily pushed back on the idea that Thibs’ job security should be questioned.
“Is that a real question right now?” Brunson asked after New York’s Game 6 loss. “You just asked me if I believe he’s the right guy? Yes.”
Even Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged how much Thibodeau has changed things in the Big Apple.
“The Knicks were an unreal opponent,” Carlisle said. “Tough-minded, always coming at you. After the game, they showed great class with all the interactions I had with those guys. I mentioned the job that Thibs has done there. He’s turned the culture completely flipped from where it was.”
Coaches in the NBA are on some of the shortest leashes we’ve ever seen in recent years. Especially when you think about the departures of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, Suns HC Mike Budenholzer and Memphis Taylor Jenkins (one of whom is a likely candidate for this job).
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