-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has taken plenty of criticism from the basketball world over the years, especially for overworking his players. While the veteran coach has enjoyed his time in New York, it’s currently unclear if he’ll receive a contract extension after his squad bowed out to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, two of the Knicks’ most important players, fully believe that Thibodeau has the chops to take the team to the promised land, via SNY’s Ian Begley.
“I think Thibs has the same mindset we do as a team, Brunson said. “Thibs is the reason why we have that mindset. Thibs is the reason why night in and night out, we fight to the best of our abilities, even though things may not be in our favor, result-wise. He makes sure that we have that mindset night in and night out.”
The “fight night in and night out” comment wasn’t just a cliche. New York proved itself to be one of the most resilient teams in the league this season, as it stayed competitive in the playoffs with a litany of injuries. Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic all suffered season-ending ailments, while OG Anunoby, Hart, and Brunson all got banged up as well. Despite being shorthanded, the Knicks came within one game of reaching their first Conference Finals in 24 years.
“So I think he’s evolved by just (pause), he sees everything that everyone says,” Brunson continued. “I think when it comes to us, we don’t really care what the people on the outside think of us. We don’t care what people say, positive or negative. We go forward with what we believe is the best course of action inside this building, inside the organization and so on. I think the way that he has evolved is that his players in that locker room have his back no matter what.”
Will Thibodeau having his players’ backs be enough to get him an extension?
It’s hard to imagine Thibodeau not staying with the Knicks for the next few years
Thibodeau, who has one year left on the deal he signed in 2020, is taking a hands-off approach to the situation.
“That’s something that my agent will take care of (but) the Knicks have been great to me,” Thibodeau said. “This is where I want to be.”
Given the fact that the former Chicago Bulls coach took New York from the gutter to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, it would be tough for the organization to justify firing him anytime soon. Hart explained how Thibodeau is slowly building a long-term contender.
“He’s been coach of the year, got this team to the playoffs, got this team to the second round, and you know, barring injuries, could have went further,” Hart said. “So I think you’re seeing the foundation that he’s built. We know getting to be a championship team is not flipping a switch and one season you just get there. We know you’ve got to continue to build, and that’s something that he’s done, something he built the foundation for, and it gives this city and this franchise hope moving forward.”
If the team were to go in another direction, it would disrupt continuity after its best stretch in years. Expect the two parties to agree to a new deal within the next calendar year.
More must-reads:
- Luka Doncic calls Mavericks' jump from NBA Draft Lottery to 2024 NBA Finals 'insane'
- Giannis Antetokounmpo to play for Greece in Olympic qualifier
- The 'Most three-pointers made in the playoffs' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
