Knicks Players' Feedback to James Dolan Reportedly Contributed to Tom Thibodeau Firing
The New York Knicks' decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals was a head-turning one, but it reportedly happened, in part, because of feedback players gave to team governor James Dolan.
Ian Begley of SNY reported Friday that such input "was a factor in the ultimate decision to move on from Thibodeau."
He noted players were still "respectful" of Thibodeau but highlighted things "that could be improved."
Begley also reported the Knicks are interested in Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.
The update on the players specifically is notable, as ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Thursday that Mikal Bridges' and Josh Hart's willingness to publicly question Thibodeau "was alarming" to some.
She also added "the players hadn't tuned out Thibodeau, one source told ESPN, but there was doubt that he could lead them to the Finals after the way the Knicks lost to the Pacers."
Bridges notably told reporters during the regular season the starters were playing too many minutes, while Hart publicly revealed it was his idea, and not the coach's, to insert Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers while he assumed a bench role.
It seems to be a situation where the players respected what Thibodeau accomplished while leading the franchise to the second round in 2023 and 2024 before this year's Eastern Conference Finals run but also believed there is a ceiling in place as long as he is the head coach.
And perhaps that is the case, as he has consistently guided teams to the playoffs throughout his head coaching career, but never won a title or even reached the NBA Finals.
This year was an excellent opportunity to change that, but the Knicks failed to capitalize on home-court advantage and collapsed against the Pacers.
It seems like some of the players believed the coach could have done a better job.
