Contrary to previous reports that Knicks president Leon Rose made the decision to fire Tom Thibodeau, sources tell Vince Goodwill of Yahoo Sports that owner James Dolan spearheaded the move.
Dolan and Rose both held exit meetings with the team’s top players and members of the coaching staff after New York was eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals. Goodwill hears that Dolan handled the questioning in those meetings, while Rose was in more of a support role. Sources also tell Goodwill that Dolan has never been a strong supporter of Thibodeau during his five seasons with the team.
According to Goodwill’s sources, at least two players complained that Thibodeau gave too many minutes to his starters and wasn’t willing to adjust that philosophy to changing circumstances. That has been a frequent criticism of Thibodeau throughout his career, dating back to his days as a head coach in Chicago and Minnesota.
Another player reportedly told Dolan and Rose that he didn’t feel like he could play another season under Thibodeau.
Thibodeau’s failure to develop a reliable bench was evident in the playoffs, particularly against a fast-paced Indiana team that has now eliminated the Knicks two straight years. Thibodeau’s insertion of Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup in Game 2 of the conference finals and his decision to give expanded minutes to Landry Shamet and Delon Wright could be viewed as desperation moves.
Thibodeau still had three years and $30MM left on his contract, and Goodwill emphasizes that he was fired because Dolan wanted to make a change, not because he failed to reach the NBA Finals.
And your cable bill just went up again to cover that $30MM contract extension
Wonder if Dolan would’ve fired Thibodeau still had Knicks made the NBA finals? I mean, the owner didn’t like the coach anyway. Why did he hire Thibodeau still? Seems like Team’s ownership is not really aligned – or discombobulated – with what they really want on how to run a professional basketball team… I guess Dolan is the owner and can do as a pleases…
Obviously this was Dolan. Anyone buying that it was Rose doesn’t know the Knicks.
What a mistake. Thibs was not ideal but Kidd, Malone who without league mvp doesn’t win and is a Thibs clone. I wanted Wright but not happening. We have to move Kat and his 60mill a yr. just going to get slower and worse On D
You offloaded Randle who is so much worse. And Donte had a terrible year that took minutes from younger players.
I could’ve told you Thibs is bad. And not good for the modern NBA with higher, more demanding athleticism. Surprised he lasted 5.
Thibs is a proven, great coach and the Knicks will definitely look back at this decision with regret.