Charles Barkley has blasted the New York Knicks, labelling the franchise’s leadership as “the stupidest people in the world”.
The illustrious NBA figure was speaking following the impasse and inability to appoint a new head coach, after the shock departure of Tom Thibodeau last week.
Leading the franchise to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 was not enough to save his job, but it appears there was no succession plan in place.
Certainly not an adequate one.
The Knicks have been rebuffed by several NBA teams over requests to speak with their coaches, and Charles Barkley is far from impressed.
He witnessed the Dallas Mavericks say hands off Jason Kidd, following on from the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves blocking approaches for Ime Udoka and Chris Finch, respectively.
ESPN’s Shams Charania also reported that the Knicks were “firmly denied” in their approach to speak to Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder.
All of this has left Charles Barkley astounded, as he let rip at the Madison Square Garden-based team.
“The Knicks gotta be the stupidest damn people in the world,” he stated.
“Like, you don’t fire a good coach like that and don’t have a plan. I mean, Thibs (Thibodeau) did a hell of a job.
“Obviously, something’s going on there, but you don’t have a plan, and now, the three coaches turn you down.
“You gotta have a plan, man. And they don’t have a plan. Now… I mean, I don’t know what the hell they are going to do.”
“The Knicks gotta be the stupidest damn people in the world.”
— Charles Barkley. 🤣
(h/t @ClutchPoints)
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— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 12, 2025
Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family
The Knicks confirmed the ‘difficult decision’ to relieve the two-time coach of the year from his role, insisting it was a necessary step in their chase for a championship.
“We can’t thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach,” said Knicks president Leon Rose in the official statement on June 3.
“He led us not only with class and professionalism for the past five seasons, but also to tremendous success on the court with four playoff berths and four playoff series victories.
“Ultimately we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward.
“Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
As for what happens next? The wild goose chase continues, but watch this space regarding the unattached Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins.
Image credit: Complex/X