SPANISH HARLEM – As a Knicks fan I was stunned that Tom Thibodeau was fired on Tuesday, he seemed to be solid lock to return when you consider his extension and what he meant to the city. With that said, I can also understand why he was let go, so let’s discuss my reasoning.
The System
Throughout Thibs’ career as a coach, he thrives when you get HIS type of player. That means, you will see the best version his coaching style when you build a team around HIS guys. Defensive minded players that buy into what he wants to do, if you’re not that type of player, you will sit and rot on the bench unless injuries happen.
Early on, the Knicks had to do what they could with what they had and Thibs was the perfect guy for that group to overachieve. Then came the ultimate Thibs team last season and we all fell in love. With Isaiah Hartenstein leaving to OKC, the Knicks pivoted to KAT and that changed the dynamic, making this a more offense team that no longer fit Thibs’ system and in doing so, making him a dead man walking.
If the Knicks kept the same team from last year, maybe things would be different but that is neither here nor there. We are living on the now and this team is not last year’s team so a new head coach is needed to get the best out of THIS team. I’m sure some fans are happy to see him go but those that waited this long to see the Knicks be winners again appreciate everything he has done to this point. A part of me is saddened, because I didn’t want to see him go, even though part of me knew what Leon Rose did is probably the right move at the right time.
Who is Next?
Next step is finding the right coach, and my money is on Johnnie Bryant, he was an assistant last year under Thibs and he knows a lot of these players well. He has interviewed for the Suns and will continue to be coveted if more jobs open up. While some will they want Jay Wright, I just don’t think he will come out of retirement.
That’s it for now, but this was fun. Let me know who you think will be the next Knicks head coach. Please come back tomorrow for more great content from Action Jackson Sternberg.
