What is this? Praise for Tom Thibodeau? New York Knicks fans aren’t used to that, and neither is Thibodeau.
The 2024-25 season is so close, yet so far away. The schedule is out, but there are still two months until opening night in the NBA. To pass the time, ESPN’s reporters, editors and analysts ranked their top three picks for the 2024-25 season. The league’s six major prizes (subscription required).
Let’s assume their predictions are correct. In that case, Luka Doncic will be voted MVP, Reed Sheppard will be voted Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama will be voted Defensive Player of the Year. And Most Improved Player (admittedly confusing), Malik Monk will win Sixth Man of the Year and Thibodeau will win Coach of the Year.
The New York head coach won the award in 2011 with Chicago and in 2021 after leading the Knicks to the playoffs. His first season in New York went as well as expected, but New York finished out of reach of the play-in tournament the following season. Fans clamored for Thibodeau’s job. He thought he would be sent back during the first half of the 2022-23 season, but the Knicks turned things around.
Thibodeau signed an extension with New York this summer. There is no better coach than him for this Knicks team. He now coaches the best defensive end duo in the league. He is living the dream.
New York is coming off back-to-back playoff appearances. Last season, the team clinched second place in the East on the strength of an injury-plagued roster. Thibs deserves some of the credit for that. He lives and breathes basketball. Jalen Brunson has said repeatedly that there is no coach more prepared than Thibodeau.
Even after his exploits with the Knicks, it’s strange to see Thibodeau praised. A few months ago, he was criticized for New York’s injuries, even though none of them were a direct result of his leadership. That criticism stems from Derrick Rose’s torn ACL, which resulted in an ACL injury. people blame Thibodeau.
Truth be told, Thibs doesn’t give a damn about what anyone else says, just like he doesn’t give a damn about the Coach of the Year award. He only cares about winning, but the two things are linked.
Next. 20 People Who Turned Their Backs on the Knicks. 20 People Who Turned Their Backs on the Knicks.
