When the New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, it was a complete shock to the basketball world.
New York was coming off their best season in almost a quarter-century, making the Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. It was the first time the Thibodeau-led Knicks had made it out of the second round in his five-year tenure.
Regardless, President of Basketball Operations Leon Rose decided it was time for a change in New York, and Thibs was dismissed, which came as a surprise to his players, including superstar Jalen Brunson.
Jalen Brunson Opens up on Knicks Firing Tom Thibodeau
During the Knicks’ media day, Brunson was asked what it was like losing the head coach who helped develop him into the star he is today.
“Yeah, I think obviously it’s sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time part ways with this organization, but he’s meant a lot to me. I’ve expressed that to him publicly and personally, but yeah, he’s meant a lot to my career up to this point,” Brunson explained.
Thibodeau and Brunson’s ties are deep, thanks to family connections. Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father, played for Thibodeau during his playing days in the NBA.
While Thibs had a successful run with the Knicks, going 226-174 over 400 games and 24-23 in the postseason, his inability to make adjustments was the driving factor which led to his firing.
Former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown arrives on the scene in New York, and Rose and company are hoping he’ll be able to take this Knicks squad to the next level.
