New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau enjoyed five solid seasons with the franchise, most recently taking the club to the Eastern Conference Finals.
After a Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers -- ending their season two games away from the NBA Finals -- many questions began to circle the Knicks.
What would their offseason look like? Should Thibodeau be fired in favor of Michael Malone or other candidates? Should the Knicks trade Karl-Anthony Towns?
At least one of those questions was answered, as Thibodeau was fired after a 51-31 campaign and Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
The move is shocking for several reasons. Thibodeau made the playoffs in four of five seasons with the club, and took the Knicks back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Most importantly, Thibodeau had clear support from Jalen Brunson, New York's franchise superstar and leader in the locker room.
Brunson's close friend and teammate, Josh Hart, had just four words after receiving the news about Thibodeau.
"Forever Grateful Thank You!" Hart wrote on X, with a blue and orange heart attached.
Thibodeau fell just short of his first NBA Finals experience in his illustrious career. He had his best season in his five years with the Knicks. He had the support of his players.
The Knicks are focused on delivering an NBA title to their fan base for the first time since 1973, which came before the NBA-ABA merger.
The NBA world is shocked, and the Knicks locker room shares that sentiment after losing their head coach.
Simply put, New York is set for a busy offseason -- which comes with the nature of firing a head coach. They've also got some key roster decisions to make entering the offseason.