The rivalry between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics is as strong as ever after the two met in the postseason this year for the first time since 2013.
Celtics fans know how that series turned out. There is no reason to rehash the past at this time and examine why that was the case. What Boston fans couldn't have expected was to see New York elect to relieve Tom Thibodeau of his coaching duties after the Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
With Thibs out the door in New York City, Celtics fans saw one of the game's most legendary head coaches, who has a history of his own in Boston, make it abundantly clear that he has no interest in the Knicks' head coaching job.
Rick Pitino Shoots Down Knicks Rumors Following Tom Thibodeau Firing
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"Absolutely not," Pitino said when asked if he'd have interest in the Knicks job, [via ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45457609/rick-pitino-absolutely-not-interested-coaching-knicks-again). "I think whoever comes in, if he doesn't get to the Finals, it's going to be deemed an unsuccessful season. So, whoever comes in has got so much pressure on them to take this team to the next level, 'cause that's why they're doing it, obviously, in their minds."
Pitino publicly saying that he has no interest in the job, then going on to seemingly warn any head coach considering making the jump that the expectations will be outlandish, is about as bad an outcome as James Dolan and the New York front office could have had.
Yes, Pitino did not enjoy the type of success during his stint on the sidelines leading the Celtics as he has throughout his collegiate coaching career. He is still a legend of the game, and, considering he currently coaches the St. John's Red Storm, he knows exactly what will be expected out of whoever takes this job. It would be foolish for any coach considering the Knicks' opening not to take his words to heart.
Someone will take this head coaching job. The allure of potentially succeeding in New York will undoubtedly pull someone in. As Pitino and Celtics fans know, however, you must be careful what you wish for in life. Sometimes the juice simply isn't worth the squeeze.
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