The New York Knicks parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau Tuesday, just days after their playoff elimination at the hands of Rick Carlisle's Indiana Pacers.
Thibodeau had coached the Knicks since the 2020-2021 season and held a record of 226-174 with the owner James Dolan's team prior to his firing.
The Knicks secured the number three seed in the Eastern Conference this season before advancing to the conference finals.
Their solid season was not enough to save Thibodeau's job, which prompted a strong and direct take from ESPN talk show host Mike Greenberg immediately following.
Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks.
Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks watches a game this past May.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
"This is a startlingly terrible decision #Knicks," Greenberg wrote on X, sparking debate about New York's surprising move.
"No chance the Knicks make it farther next year than they did this year. Thibs squeezed as much as he could out of their roster," one fan wrote.
"Greeny I like you but you don't watch the Knicks. Stick to Jets takes," another added.
"It's time for ESPN to avoid basketball. Like what are you even talking about. They'll never win playing the (starters) 40 minutes all year.
"Thibs will never win a title w his style," they added.
Another fan attempted to provide a voice of reason among the anti-Knicks criticism.
"Look at the track record of teams that fire the coach after losing the conference finals. Many have won rings the next year," they said.
"Yeah, he was the best Bulls coach despite having terrible ownership," another added to the discussion as comments piled up into the hundreds Tuesday.