New York Knicks Make Tom Thibodeau Decision After Loss to Pacers
New York Knicks Make Tom Thibodeau Decision After Loss to Pacers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau had a successful fifth year with the club, posting a 51-31 record and making an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
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With Jalen Brunson at the helm, with his co-star being Karl-Anthony Towns, Thibodeau took the Knicks deep into the playoffs, being just two wins away from an NBA Finals berth.
As New York was facing a series deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals, the suggestions for the franchise were swirling -- whether it be trade Towns, fire Thibodeau or something else.
The conversations, then, were premature. The day after the loss to the Indiana Pacers, however, the Knicks have to begin making serious decisions and look at tough conversations with the offseason arriving.
Something shown in the current playoffs -- with the Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder making the NBA Finals -- is that quality depth matters heavily.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Thibodeau often plays starters heavily, the Knicks are a top-heavy talent team. Changes could very well be on the way.
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New York reportedly has a decision on Thibodeau's future with the club, however.
"The coach has the backing of team president Leon Rose," The Athletic reports. "...as well as full buy-in from Brunson, who signed with the Knicks in 2022 in part because he wanted to play for Thibodeau. But ultimately, owner James Dolan is the final decision-maker.'
While James Dolan has the final say, going against the franchise superstar and owner of the organization doesn't sound like a savvy business move.
More than likely, Thibodeau will be roaming the sidelines in Madison Square Garden next season, though his squad could be looking a bit different, should Dolan still aim to make changes.
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Considering how the Knicks played both in the regular season and the playoffs, it might be premature to shake things up in a big way. Trying to add depth wouldn't be a bad decision at all, however.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
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