Latest news with #Thibodeau
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knicks Guard Makes Big Personal Announcement During Offseason
Knicks Guard Makes Big Personal Announcement During Offseason originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Knicks are going to be under a microscope all offseason long after firing Tom Thibodeau, who was the head coach of the team for five seasons. Advertisement Most recently, Thibodeau led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. With Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way on the hardwood, Thibodeau had New York just two wins away from the NBA Finals. Still, the Knicks believe they need another head coach to help them achieve their first NBA title since 1973. While the club goes through an extensive head coaching search, the rest of the team will wait to see how the squad shakes out. May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) in the third quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.© Brad Penner-Imagn Images Trades and roster moves could be on the way. One player whose role seems safe, though, is Miles McBride. The backup guard provided valuable playoff minutes for the Knicks this season. While there was plenty to be impressed with as it pertains to his on-court play, he recently made a major off-court announcement. Advertisement McBride and Ana Zortea shared on Instagram late on Sunday night that they welcomed their baby girl into the world. "God is great," McBride shared on Instagram. "I love you babygirl" This past season, McBride emerged as a real rotational piece for the Knicks, averaging 9.5 points, 2.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game while playing 24.9 minutes per contest. Not only was the West Virginia product a strong contributor as a shooter this past season, but he was also the Knicks' strongest point of attack defender. With a new head coach set to come in and lead the franchise, the bench is about to get much more valuable -- as Thibodeau didn't use his bench too, too much. A new head coach will value rotations much more, especially during the regular season. Advertisement McBride and his girlfriend Ana will navigate next season and the next chapter of their life with a newborn baby, too. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff rips Knicks for firing Tom Thibodeau
Tom Thibodeau's Knicks sent J.B. Bickerstaff into offseason mode earlier than he wanted, yet the Pistons' coach is still sticking up for his former colleague. Bickerstaff joined the growing list of those criticizing the Knicks for moving on from Thibodeau after five seasons following their ouster in the Eastern Conference finals. While Bickerstaff did not specifically mention the franchise, his remarks came after being asked how the Knicks firing Thibodeau and seeking permission to talk to employed coaches is resonating across the NBA. 'I don't want to call it the cherry on top, but it's the final straw, I think, of what has happened this season and the level of respect that we feel coaches deserve versus what they are getting,' Bickerstaff said on ESPN Radio's 'Joe & Q' on Friday. 'Some of the decisions made down the stretch with firing coaches, it just shows that there are some places that don't value what coaching is and what it can bring. When you are a coach, you feel like there is a job that you have been told to do. And when you go out and do that job well, you should carry it over to the next year. If you have had past successes, that should envision future successes. You can't guess what the future is going to look like with somebody new.' 3 J.B. Bickerstaff coaching against the Knicks in the playoffs. JASON SZENES/ NY POST The Knicks' parting ways with Thibodeau has been a hotly debated topic, although there have been some notable names recently saying the Knicks made a mistake. Charles Barkley said the Knicks are the 'stupidest damn people,' Dick Vitale called the situation 'embarrassing' and suggested they actually re-hire Thibodeau and ESPN analyst and former NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo said the Knicks are their own worst enemy and believe they're smarter than everyone else. 3 Tom Thibodeau is out as Knicks coach. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post The timing of this firing has confused some since the Knicks axed the veteran coach after the franchise's first conference finals run in 25 years and following a fourth playoff berth in five years. Bickerstaff, whose Pistons fell to the Knicks in six games in the first round, said coaches don't like seeing their brethren dismissed following a successful campaign. 'That's the difficult part from a coach's standing,' Bickerstaff said. 'We understand it and we know the job we signed up for is a dangerous job. But, from a coach's standpoint, it is our responsibility to be honest and tell the truth. Our job is extremely difficult. To win in the NBA is extremely difficult. To build teams in the NBA is extremely difficult. To lead guys, who have the superstar power in the NBA, is extremely difficult. So when a guy does a great job at it, from the outside looking in, we want to see that guy get rewarded. And it seems to be cases now where guys that do a great job aren't even being rewarded with a next year.' The Knicks felt they needed to make a change to improve their chances of winning a title, The Post previously reported, and some players did not love Thibodeau's approach. The team's search is off to a bumpy start with five teams — the Rockets (Ime Udoka), Timberwolves (Chris Finch), Hawks (Quin Snyder), Mavericks (Jason Kidd) and Bulls (Billy Donovan) — denying permission to talk to their respective coaches. 3 J.B. Bickerstaff congratulates Jalen Brunson after his shot eliminated the Pistons in Game 6. Getty Images The Knicks instead have now set up interviews with a pair of coaches who were dismissed during the season in Taylor Jenkins, formerly of the Grizzlies, and Mike Brown, who led the Kings.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
New York Knicks' coach hunt gets new update from NBA insider after Tom Thibodeau's unexpected dismissal
Tom Thibodeau. Image via: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Did the New York Knicks land a new coach to replace Tom Thibodeau? Well, not quite, but the hunt for a new coach finally gets a positive update from renowned NBA insider Shams Charania. In a latest report, Charania shared that after being rejected for meetings with several coaches, the Knicks have finally locked their interest in ex-Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown. The New York Knicks are set to have a meeting with two former NBA coaches after Tom Thibodeau's exit It was a surprising move that blindsided much of the NBA community. The New York Knicks parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau shortly after their deepest playoff run in 25 years. As fans continue to grapple with the surprise exit, fresh reports indicate that the Knicks are already moving forward with potential replacements. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, formal interviews with experienced candidates are set to begin next week, as New York eyes a new era on the sidelines. Knicks line up key interviews as post-Thibodeau era begins. Charania broke the news on X, revealing, 'The New York Knicks are planning to meet with ex-Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown next week for their head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo First formal interviews for the Knicks vacancy, and more could come.' The update signals a serious shift in direction from the franchise, just over a week after Thibodeau's unexpected dismissal. Thibodeau's firing raised eyebrows across the league, especially considering his success with the Knicks. After taking the job in the 2020–21 season, he transformed the team from postseason outsiders into Eastern Conference contenders. Under his leadership, the Knicks made the playoffs in four of his five seasons and secured back-to-back 50-win campaigns, surely, it was something the franchise hadn't seen since the 1990s. Despite falling short in the conference finals against the Indiana Pacers, Thibodeau's exit came as a shock. But in a move that exemplified grace and gratitude, he responded not with criticism but with a heartfelt full-page ad in The New York Times. The message read in part, 'To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you… I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including four playoff appearances and this year's run to the Eastern Conference finals -- our first in 25 years. ' Thibodeau ended the message by thanking the players, staff, and fans, signing off: 'With gratitude and respect, Tom Thibodeau.' Also Read: Indiana Pacers lucky charm Caitlin Clark arrives at Game 4 alongside her teammate Aliyah Boston As the Knicks front office now looks ahead, hunting for the one perfect coach that could define the trajectory of a franchise eager to return to NBA championship relevance.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Where the hell are they going?" - P.J. Carlesimo doesn't see the logic of firing Thibs without a ready replacement
"Where the hell are they going?" - P.J. Carlesimo doesn't see the logic of firing Thibs without a ready replacement originally appeared on Basketball Network. Former Seton Hall head coach P.J. Carlesimo is not feeling the New York Knicks for firing head coach Tom Thibodeau. According to Carlesimo, Thibodeau did a great job leading the Knicks to the playoffs in each of the last three years, including taking them to the Conference finals this year, their first appearance in the ECF since 2000. Advertisement But while he thinks it was unfair, P.J. said that he is not surprised by their actions because, for years, the Knicks have been held back by foolish moves and self-destructing decisions. "That's the Knicks. They don't know what they're doing there. They're their own worst enemy. They've been their worst enemy. The last two years have been the best excitement…I just think he did a great job," he said. One of the best coaches in the NBA Last season, Thibodeau led the Knicks to their first 50-win season since the 2012-13 campaign. However, they let big man Isaiah Hartenstein leave in free agency. New York also traded Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns in a move that Carlesimo said diminished the Knicks' toughness and defense. Advertisement With new additions in KAT and Mikal Bridges, NY won 51 games this season and finished as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were upset by the Indiana Pacers in the ECF. Still, the Knicks showed progression every year under Thibs, and they had started to bring the fans back to MSG. "The excitement in New York was great," Carlesimo added. "And now I say, 'Where are they going?' I don't understand. I don't know who made the decision. Leon's made a lot of good decisions. I don't buy that it's the players. They didn't do it without the players, but it's not that there's a mutiny because it happened. But I don't think the players were that unhappy." "Thibodeau's still one of the best coaches in the NBA, and he gets and he gets awfully lot out of a roster," he asserted. "You don't win a game because you outcoached him or anything like that. I'm really disappointed, plus I still come back to, 'Where the hell are they going?' If you're gonna do a thing like that, you would've thought that they had a deal in the drawer or something." Related: "I would feel very sorry for someone in today's NBA who had to guard him as a power forward or center" - Rick Carlisle says he would play Larry Bird as a big in today's era The Knicks think they are smarter Carlesimo said that the Knicks seem to be seriously targeting Jason Kidd as Thibs' replacement. However, it's even unclear if the Dallas Mavericks are willing to let them interview their head coach. With no sure replacement, Carelsimo said New York is better off sticking with Thibodeau. But then again, the Knickerbockers will always be the Knickerbockers. Advertisement "The Knicks always think they're smarter than everybody else. That's the Knick philosophy. They think they're different and smarter than all these other teams. 'We know what we're doing,' but I would say, they're normally the opposite. They're oftentimes their own enemy," he continued. As Carlesimo said, it's crazy how they fired Thibodeau when they aren't even sure yet whether their preferred replacement will come to New York. This offseason will be a huge one for the Knicks. Hopefully, they'll get the head coach that they want. Otherwise, the decision to fire Thibs after making the ECF could haunt them. Related: "The question here is what would the Mavericks do?" - Windhorst says the Knicks asking permission to interview J-Kidd is a mere formality This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Magic on how the Knicks mishandled the Thibodeau firing: "I can't believe they didn't have a plan in place"
Magic on how the Knicks mishandled the Thibodeau firing: "I can't believe they didn't have a plan in place" originally appeared on Basketball Network. The New York Knicks' decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau hasn't sat well with many people around the league. Count NBA legend Magic Johnson among those who believe the Knicks made a mistake. Advertisement The Los Angeles Lakers icon made an appearance on a recent "First Take" episode, where he and hosts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim discussed various hot topics in the NBA. Johnson brought up the reports that New York has been denied permission to interview currently tenured head coaches and recognized how "bad" the state of affairs is within the franchise. "I can't believe they didn't have a plan in place," Magic said of the Knicks' head coaching drama. Giving Thibs a longer leash According to the three-time MVP, he would have given Thibodeau at least one more year to try to fix what went wrong with the Knicks, especially since he was instrumental in the team advancing to the Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Advertisement Even so, the tension appeared to be high within the organization, with the players saying that a change was needed. Maybe they were simply asking their former coach to extend his rotation, but as many are aware, the two-time Coach of the Year just had an inexplicable aversion to playing more than seven or eight guys on any given night. Given that, the Knicks probably thought that making a seismic change in the personnel instead of asking Thibs to change his ways was easier. However, because of how things played out in the Big Apple, Johnson believes the onus is now on the players to deliver a long-awaited championship to the franchise. To be fair to New York, it was able to assemble an impressive roster, although its depth was exposed in its Eastern Conference finals loss to the Indiana Pacers. The jury is out on whether the lack of depth was the front office's fault or if it was due to Thibodeau's refusal to give more bench players additional playing time during the regular season to prepare them for the playoffs. Related: "Yeah, they'll probably have to do something" - Bird says the NBA will be forced to move the 3-point line back if high volume continues Botching the search for a replacement Johnson probably would have been more accepting of the Knicks' decision if they had the following steps mapped out after letting go of Thibs. However, that does not seem to be the case, as the candidates they have reportedly sought first are still employed. They even apparently tried poaching the coach of one of the franchise's villains, Trae Young, resulting in the Atlanta Hawks star finding another reason to laugh at the Knickerbockers again. Advertisement If it isn't clear by now, New York must alter its strategy for finding Thibodeau's successor. Rather than go for current head coaches, it should expand its scope and target candidates who are available and work "behind the scenes." Magic even offered suggestions, naming Mark Jackson and Sam Cassell. Jackson is a familiar name among the Knicks faithful, as the retired point guard helped transform the team into a perennial contender in the 1990s. He also experienced some success as the Golden State Warriors' coach for three seasons from 2011 to 2014. As for Cassell, he arguably deserves the chance to secure a head coaching position after having been an assistant coach since 2008. The players he has worked with have spoken highly of him, and Sam brings championship pedigree, having won three titles, one of which came during his rookie campaign and another in his final season as a player. Advertisement Maybe either of those retired point guards is what New York needs to recover from the fallout of the Thibodeau firing. Related: "Where the hell are they going?" - P.J. Carlesimo doesn't see the logic of firing Thibs without a ready replacement This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
