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New York Knicks
Aug 28, 2025 2:27 PM EDT
The New York Knicks are coming off an impressive season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 and they will look to improve and make a run to the NBA Finals this season.
While the Knicks put together a great season last year, it was not enough for them to retain head coach Tom Thibodeau as they elected to fire him to begin the offseason.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Phoenix Suns.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) — Source: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This was a shocking move that surprised many around the NBA, especially after New York reached the Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
New York then hired former Sacramento Kings coach and two-time Coach of the Year winner Mike Brown as Thibodeau’s replacement.
Tyronn Lue criticizes Knicks for Thibodeau decision
USA: The LA Clippers head coach, Ty Lue, was in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
LA Clippers head coach, Ty Lue — Source: © Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
One person who was shocked by the Knicks’ decision regarding Thibodeau earlier this offseason was Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue who recently criticized New York’s decision.
“The players did a hell of a job, and Tom did a hell of a job,” Lue said. “And to take a team to their first (Eastern Conference Finals) in 25 years and then get fired, like, it just doesn’t make sense. You know, and for me, like I said, I thought Tom did a great job. But you never know the inside of what’s going on with the organization. Everywhere he’s been, he wins. Everywhere. Chicago (Bulls), Minnesota (Timberwolves), Knicks, every team he’s been on has gotten better, you know? And to do that, I thought it was crazy.”
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Lue did not hold back on his thoughts about the Knicks firing Thibodeau and he made some solid points on why he believes that they should not have fired him.
In his five seasons in New York, Thibodeau led the Knicks to a 226-174 record and they made the playoffs all but one year.
He also led the Knicks to back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s which included their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000 last season.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. — Source: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Despite his success in New York, Thibodeau was criticized by many around the NBA due to him overplaying his players in games and it was reported that there was tension in the locker room between him and some of the players.
Because of this, the Knicks elected to make the shocking decision to fire him this summer and they will now turn to Brown to help them chase a championship this season.
About the Author
Nathaniel Holloway