Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
The first major change has already taken place at the Knicks with the dismissal of the coach. A small surprise, even if Tom Thibodeau was no longer unanimously supported internally. We’ve just learned a few details.
Not necessarily very far from reaching the Grand Final, the Knicks made too many mistakes at the end of games to hope to face the Thunder. Jalen Brunson wasn’t perfect, but the same could be said of many, such as Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. So we’re curious to see what the franchise will do this summer.
The New York organization is already working on a few deals, according to insiders, including one for Kevin Durant and even Giannis Antetokounmpo. Fans may have mixed feelings on the matter, but it looks like the front office is desperate to strike hard in a bid to dominate the East next season. With the Celtics’ hard-hitting move for Jayson Tatum, it’s not impossible.
Internal problems at the Knicks?
And this change with the coach was apparently essential behind the scenes. For years, Thibodeau’s attitude and game plan have been the subject of debate, with him rotating his rotations infrequently and demanding a lot of effort from his starters. The NBA’s most-used players? They’re often under Thibs’ command.
Criticism may have been rife, and has been for years, but the former coach never wished to change plans on his side. This should explain his departure from the Knicks, since according to journalist Vince Goodwill, an anonymous Knicks player was fed up with his side. The consequence was immediate.
Vince Goodwill : “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.”
We imagine he’s a starter, but it’s impossible to confirm the veracity of this rumor. However, it doesn’t seem far-fetched, since Thibodeau has been the subject of debate across the league for years. The coach has never changed, and his limitations are obvious today. He is also partly responsible for the Knicks’ defeat in the playoffs.