James Dolan, Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks
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New York Knicks owner James Dolan (L) and recently fired head coach Tom Thibodeau.
The New York Knicks kept on knocking on their rivals’ doors. And they are kept getting shut.
ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Wednesday afternoon that the Knicks formally requested to speak with the Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder but were “firmly denied.”
It was the fourth rejection for the Knicks in their pursuit of an active NBA coach to replace Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks were earlier rejected in their previous requests to speak with Houston Rockets‘ Ime Udoka, Minnesota Timberwolves‘ Chris Finch and Dallas Mavericks‘ Jason Kidd, their reported top choice.
Following their 4-2 series loss to their longtime rivals Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks fired Thibodeau. It appears the decision was made hastily with no solid plan in place.
Knicks president Leon Rose made it clear in his statement released to media about their reason on firing Thibodeau and intention to hire a proven coach.
“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction,” said Knicks President Leon Rose in a statement released on X.
Coaching Search May Drag Into the Summer
The Knicks could keep on trying to poach an active NBA coach. But the harsh reality is no one will help them.
Their coaching search may drag into the summer. They have the luxury of time as they are only NBA team which has coaching vacancy.
But as their options dwindle, they may be forced to look for coaches in the free agent market.
That short list is headed by Michael Malone, who led the Denver Nuggets to the title two years ago. The other two big names who have won NBA championships are Mike Budenholzer and Frank Vogel, who were hired and fired by the Phoenix Suns in consecutive seasons.
Other notable free agent coaches with previous head coaching experience in the playoffs are Taylor Jenkins, formerly of the Memphis Grizzlies; Mike Brown, formerly of the Sacramento Kings; James Borrego, formerly of the Charlotte Hornets; and Steve Nash, formerly of the Brooklyn Nets.
Tom Thibodeau Pays Full Page Ad to Thank Knicks Fans
In what was celebrated as a “classy move,” Thibodeau took a full-page ad in the New York Times to thank the Knicks fans, but there was no mention of James Dolan or team president Leon Rose, who decided to fire him.
“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you,” Thibodeau wrote.
“When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dreams became a reality. Thank you to our players and coaching staff who gave everything they had, and to everyone who makes this franchise special. 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.
“And to the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one. Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy, is something I will never forget.”