Magic Johnson On The Knicks: ‘All The Excuses Are Gone Now'
ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 24: Magic Johnson on stage during the TSP Live 2022 conference at The ... More Hotel at Avalon on June 24, 2022 in Alpharetta, Georgia. (Photo by)
Now that the Knicks players have signed off on firing Tom Thibodeau, Magic Johnson says 'there's a lot of pressure on the players next season" and 'all the excuses are gone now.'
'There's a lot of pressure on the players next season because if you fire the coach and this is what you wanted, now you gotta step up,' Johnson said Thursday on ESPN's 'Get Up.' 'I've been in this situation back in the Lakers and I wanted the coach gone and Paul Westhead, and it all fell on me if I wanted him gone. Now I gotta step up, and we gotta win the championship. That same year that we fired Westhead, we went on and won the championship, right? So all the excuses are gone. Now next season, [Jalen]
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 27: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks huddles with his team ... More during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
The Knicks are still seeking a coach to replace Thibodeau, who led the franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. They have reportedly been rebuked after asking for permission to speak with five sitting NBA head coaches – Jason Kidd (Dallas), Ime Udoka (Houston), Chris Finch (Minnesota), Billy Donovan (Chicago) and Quin Snyder (Atlanta).
Current and former college coaches Jay Wright, Rick Pitino, John Calipari and Dan Hurley have also said they don't want the job.
On 'Get Up,' ESPN's Brian Windhorst called what the Knicks are doing in going after sitting coaches a 'strange strategy.'
'They seem to be prioritizing people who are not available,' Windhorst said.
'It doesn't make sense to poach coaches that are on teams that have just had highly successful seasons and are in the middle of long-term contracts.
'So I think that they have failed in their strategy here of how they have approached this decision.'
His colleague Mike Greenberg said 'it looks embarrassing.'
Charles Barkley also had thoughts.
'The Knicks gotta be the stupidest damn people in the world,' he said on NBA TV during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
'Like you don't fire no good coach like that [Tom Thibodeau] and don't have a plan. I mean, Thibs did a helluva job. Obviously something's going on there, but you don't have a plan?
'And now the three coaches turn you down, you gotta have a plan, man. And they don't have a plan. I don't know what the hell they're gonna do.'
Asked his thoughts, Johnson said: 'Well, first of all, when you lead a team to the Eastern Conference Finals, and you haven't been there in what 25 years, I thought they should say to [Thibodeau], 'Listen, we're going to give you one more year, right and and see if you can improve the team, if you can take us to the finals.
'But okay, they didn't say that. Now, to Charles Barkley's point, you have to have a plan. If you're going to fire the man, you have to have at least somebody in mind that you can get right to come and fill his position…but it seemed like they didn't have a plan in place.'
Johnson and ESPN's Jay Williams suggested several possible coaches for the job, including former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, current Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell and Heat assistant Chris Quinn.
'Since they can't get the coaches that they wanted, they should just take their time and then decide on the roster,' Johnson said, adding: 'I don't think they're going to get Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. I think Giannis stays in Milwaukee.'
DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 12: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets speaks with media after ... More a 94-89 victory against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals to win the NBA Championship at Ball Arena on June 12, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
Johnson was also asked about the Knicks roster and the potential of trading for Kevin Durant, who has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat and the Knicks by ESPN's Shams Charania.
'Kevin Durant, that's an interesting piece,' Johnson said. "If I'm the Knicks, the Knicks are too slow. They're not going to beat Indiana next year or these other teams. They got to get a little faster, right? And to me, Kevin Durant will allow them to get faster and be a guy that can help Brunson in the fourth quarter. You're relying on Brunson so much. One guy can't get you there. You gotta give him some help.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of ... More game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 122-116 and win the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
"Durant will be a guy who will give you some help on the offensive end, plus he's able to put the teams that they play against in foul trouble. I like Kevin Durant playing with the Knicks. I really do, a champion. He can teach the other guys how to win the championship, that would be important.
'But the main thing here is everybody's gotta step up and be better next season.'
Johnson also said the Knicks lost some "swagger" when they traded away Donte DiVincenzo in the KAT deal with Minnesota.
'The swagger left the Knicks when he got traded, and they don't have that swagger again. See, they got nice guys, but they don't have tough, mean guys, and that's what Donte brought to the table. The Pacers beat them up, and they were faster than them, right? So, so now they gotta change a little bit that bench. And I love what Donte brought from the bench when he came on the floor, and New York Knicks fans loved him because he was tough, he was mean, but also he could score. He could get you 15 to 25 points when he came off that bench ended and they missed that, that contribution that he brought to the team.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
14 minutes ago
- CBS News
Reading 'Swamp Boy' McCafferty's named Gatorade Massachusetts Baseball Player of the Year
A junior at Austin Prep in Reading will be touring the country playing baseball, and he's hoping it will someday lead to Fenway Park. The Swamp Boys A long line of D-1 college baseball players has emerged from a field in Reading, affectionately called "The Swamp." "We refer to ourselves as the Swamp Boys, and that's a nod to the players that came before this current generation who played down here when it was a swamp," said Austin Prep Baseball Coach JP Pollard Of all Austin Prep's "Swamp Boys," Bradley McCafferty is the only one who has been named the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for Massachusetts. "Every moment of every day, when I was little, I wanted to play baseball. It took me where I am today. So I love the game," McCaffery said. Most days, McCaffery dedicates himself to working on his craft as a catcher. "Every play, you're back there commanding the game. So that's, I think, why I fell in love with it. Never a moment where you can't be locked in. I'm a competitor. The rising senior has been a standout behind home plate, says Austin Prep alum Evan Blanco, who's now a Major League Baseball draft prospect out of the University of Virginia. "Bradley's a stud. I remember him catching me when he was in middle school before he came to Austin Prep. I even knew that he was something special back then," Blanco said. A student of the game McCafferty said he takes notes from guys like Blanco who've been there before. "It's always just valuable because those guys have another insight - I haven't been there yet," McCafferty said. He's helped lead Austin Prep to a 20-2 record this season, batting .367 and averaging one RBI per game. "He's come a very long way as a catcher, and as a hitter he's night and day. He is a well-rounded hitter that has power potential, but can hit to all fields, can shorten up and hit in two-strike counts. He's a future pro," Pollard said. McCafferty's already gotten a taste of the big leagues over the past two years, spending time on the Red Sox and Yankees scout teams. "It's pretty surreal playing for those great organizations. I go to places like Fenway. I like to go to ballparks a lot. I try to envision myself on that field. What would it look like? ... I see it happening. That's the goal at least," McCafferty said. This summer, he'll be crossing the country playing ball, eventually serving as captain for Team Massachusetts in Omaha. "I wasn't a good Little League player. ... When I do my coaching stuff, I tell the young kids, 'I never hit a home run in Little League, and, like, look where I am now.' It doesn't matter about how you are when you're young. When I was young, I was confident in my ability, but I never thought I'd have the chance - maybe have the chance - to go to college or to go pro to play baseball. It's all about work ethic and goals. Your skill is never a complacent thing. ... You gotta keep working at it."
USA Today
19 minutes ago
- USA Today
30 years ago today: Rockets complete historic journey to second NBA championship
30 years ago today: Rockets complete historic journey to second NBA championship It was June 14, 1995, when Hakeem Olajuwon's Rockets completed perhaps the most iconic run to a championship in NBA history. Now 30 years later, we're taking a look back. On this day 30 years ago, the 1994-95 Rockets finished off what could be the toughest path to a championship in NBA history. NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Hakeem Olajuwon led Houston in Game 4 versus Orlando with 35 points and 15 rebounds, sending 'Clutch City' to a 113-101 home victory (box score) on June 14, 1995, and securing a series sweep. Mario Elie chipped in with 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting (81.8%) from the field, including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers (66.7%). All-Stars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny' Hardaway each scored 25 for the Magic. HoopsHype has more perspective on the historic journey by the sixth-seeded Rockets to a second consecutive NBA crown. According to research in which we looked at every team's path to their eventual championship wins, the 1994-95 Rockets had the toughest road ever to winning a title. The worst team they beat had a 57-25 record, and that was their Finals opponent, the Orlando Magic, who boasted a lineup featuring Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, amongst many valuable role players. In all, the 1995 run can be summed up perfectly by the postgame quote that night from legendary head coach Rudy Tomjanovich. 'Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion!' To this day, it remains the most recent NBA title for the Rockets. However, led by head coach Ime Udoka, the current Rockets would like to change that in the near future. More: Rockets, Mario Elie celebrate 30-year anniverary of iconic 'Kiss of Death' in NBA playoffs
New York Times
22 minutes ago
- New York Times
Las Vegas agrees two-year Formula One contract extension through 2027
MONTREAL — The Las Vegas Grand Prix will remain part of the Formula One calendar for at least the next two years after officials confirmed they have agreed an extension to cover 2026 and 2027. Las Vegas joined the F1 calendar in 2023 on an initial three-year contract, albeit with a long-term commitment in place from the casino partners and a 10-year approval from Clark County for the race to take place along the Strip. Advertisement Earlier this week, F1 announced the 2026 calendar including Las Vegas despite there being no formal communication about the race being renewed beyond this year. Senior leadership members from casino partners including Wynn, the MGM Grand, Caesars and the Venetian, plus the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, were in Montreal on Saturday to take part in a media panel discussing the future of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and referred to an 'extension' being in place. Asked by The Athletic to clarify the contractual status of the grand prix, Emily Prazer, the president of the Las Vegas Grand Prix and chief commercial officer of F1, confirmed that a two-year renewal had been agreed by the various partners. 'We've agreed collectively that we're going to do a two-year extension for 2026 and '27,' Prazer said. 'We want to make sure that we're continuing to evolve what we're doing. But the intent is a much longer-term arrangement. 'As we all know, the race has had its challenges, but we're coming out the other side. So we want to make sure that it continues to work for both sides. 'So collectively, we sat down and agreed that was the best approach. We're very much planning longer-term, but that's kind of where we're at right now.' Steve Hill, the CEO and president of the LVCVA, added: 'The length of extensions don't really reflect anything other than it just makes sense incrementally, we know what's going to happen over the next couple of years. 'We're planning on this being a permanent race, we'll just keep planning extensions that will probably expand as we go forward.' The Las Vegas Grand Prix endured a tricky debut in 2023 amid concerns from fans about ticket and hotel prices, as well as an issue with a loose water valve cover on Thursday night in practice that led to FP1 being cancelled and FP2 being significantly delayed. Advertisement But it ended up being one of the best races of the year with plenty of overtaking, and the track layout proved popular with the drivers, while the high price points were addressed for 2024, including a significant drop in hotel rates. For 2025, officials in Las Vegas have brought forward the start time from its previous slot of 10 p.m. PT on Saturday to 8 p.m. after feedback from both paddock personnel and fans about it being too late to start the race. (Alex Bierensfor Heineken)
