The New York Knicks surprised the basketball community by dismissing head coach Tom Thibodeau, merely days after their exit from the Eastern Conference Finals. Reports indicate that the Knicks initially explored the possibility of hiring current head coaches from other franchises but met with failure. Ultimately, they reached an agreement with Mike Brown, who will now step in as the new head coach.
Derrick Rose, a former star for the Knicks, has a long-standing connection with Thibodeau, dating back to their time together with the Chicago Bulls. Rose addressed this topic while attending the NASCAR In-Season Challenge in Chicago.
“He’s good. I think you can’t be mad when you’re walking away with $30 million. You can’t be too sorry for him. But he’s in good spirits. That’s my guy; we’re like that ’till the end. He’s good. Jalen’s still in New York; he’s gonna be ballin’. Everybody wins, I feel like,” remarked Rose.
Former NBA MVP and #NASCARChicago grand marshal Derrick Rose was asked today about his reaction to the Knicks firing Tom Thibodeau. The two had a long relationship and Rose played on his Knicks teams at the end of his career.
Says Thibs is in good spirits and “you can’t be mad… pic.twitter.com/vhnTuuMytb
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) July 6, 2025
Thibodeau’s dismissal came just three days following the Indiana Pacers’ defeat of the Knicks in the Conference Finals. Despite leading New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter-century, the Knicks boldly opted for a change in leadership.
Isaiah Hartenstein Reflects on Tom Thibodeau’s Impact
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who played for Thibodeau from 2022 to 2024, also expressed his views on the Knicks’ recent decision. In a video appearance, Hartenstein commended the coach for reshaping the franchise’s culture and guiding the team toward playoff achievements.
“He changed the culture. Going to the ECF for the first time in a long time… He did a great job there. I don’t know, at the end of the day the Knicks had to do what’s best for them. For me, Thibs was a great coach,” he shared.
Both Hartenstein and Rose, having firsthand experience with Thibodeau’s leadership style, acknowledged the significance of his player-centric approach. Despite the transition, they underscored that Thibodeau departs New York with profound respect and a lasting legacy.
Image Source: Derrick Rose @ Instagram
