Despite leading the New York Knicks to their most successful season since 2000, Tom Thibodeau was let go. The team had high hopes for a championship run, and although they fell short, they had recently made a significant move by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns just before the season began.
So, what led to Thibodeau’s dismissal? Several factors may have played a role.
“A couple of players felt like Thibodeau played the starters too many minutes and felt he had an inability to adjust, sources said, and another player said he didn’t feel like he could play for Thibodeau if the coach returned next season.”
— Vincent Goodwill, Yahoo
These concerns are troubling. However, they likely stem from the disappointment of a season that ended poorly.
Moreover, the criticism about Thibodeau’s tendency to overexert his starters is not new; it’s been a characteristic of his coaching style since his tenure with the Chicago Bulls. Nevertheless, his ability to keep teams competitive for playoff berths is well-documented.
Ultimately, organizations are well aware of what to expect from Thibodeau at this juncture. He is known for pushing players to their limits, which often results in friction, but he typically maximizes the potential of his rosters. Still, the Knicks determined this was insufficient.
Image Source: SNY @ YouTube
