Thibs Coaching Clock Is Ticking
Thibs will be in the Basketball Hall of Fame someday, but at 66 years old, his age and rigid coaching style are concerning. Leon Rose should be planning for his successor and I have a couple of names.
Thibs’ Successor Needs to Be Leon Rose’s Next Move
The New York Knicks will be at a crossroads soon once next year playoffs is over if they do not win a championship with this current roster. After liquidating their future assets to assemble a star-studded roster, it’s clear that this season, and any season rather until Leon Rose isn’t the president of basketball operations is championship or bust. The Knicks sent out 7 first-round picks, multiple second-round picks, and key players like RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Immanuel Quickley to build this roster. I didn’t agree to this idea of building a roster, I personally wanted to build with the Knicks draft picks. Trying to buy a championship like the 2020 Lakers, or build via free agency or the trade market is extremely rare. Within the past 24 years of the NBA, only 2 teams have won an NBA championship without having to draft their 1st option or 2nd option. These 2 teams are the 2020 Lakers and the 2004 Pistons, once again it’s extremely rare, like Mewtwo Pokémon rare.
Despite adding great pieces like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Precious Achiuwa and Karl Anthony Towns, the team has struggled to find consistency with no identity.
The blame lies at the feet of head coach Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks’ Softness Problem
The Knicks are falling short not just on the court but in their identity. Despite having defensive-minded wings like Anunoby and Bridges, the team lacks toughness—both physical and mental. The softness was on full display during the Emirates Cup game, when Trae Young rolled fake dice on the Knicks’ home court after beating them. Where was the pride? The response? That moment was more disrespectful than Reggie Miller’s choke gesture to Spike Lee, yet nobody stood up for the Knicks’ home turf.
Thibodeau’s Fatal Flaws
Tom Thibodeau has undeniable strengths as a defensive tactician and culture-setter, but his coaching tendencies are outdated, and his flaws have repeatedly undermined the Knicks’ progress.
Overplaying Players to the Point of Injury
Thibodeau’s history of overworking players is well-documented and disastrous.
• Derrick Rose’s ACL Injury (2012): Up double digits against the 8th-seeded 76ers with under 90 seconds left, Thibodeau inexplicably left Rose in the game, leading to the injury that derailed his career.
• Zach LaVine’s ACL Injury: During his tenure with the Timberwolves, Thibodeau overused LaVine to the point of a torn ACL. It was also reported that the Timberwolves fired Thibs due to his relationships with their players, and the favoritism he showed to certain people on the team, example is Jimmy Butler.
• Julius Randle’s Risky Minutes: Just this season, Thibodeau left Randle in a meaningless January game with six minutes left and the Knicks up by 15+ points. This was after trading for OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, when he could have used that time to evaluate his new players. Julius Randle has never had a healthy playoff series under Thibs so it’s hard to gauge his Knicks playoff performance under this coach. He also rushed Mitchell Robinson back from injury and kept him in a playoff game while he was limping. Mitchell Robinson has never had a healthy season under Thibs.
Questionable Rotations and Excuses
Thibodeau often makes perplexing rotation decisions, then offers flimsy justifications.
• When he benched Cam Reddish in favor of Evan Fournier, Thibodeau claimed it was due to “size,” a laughable excuse given Fournier’s defensive struggles.
• His reliance on veterans over developing younger players has stunted the growth of promising talents like Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley. Basically any player above the age of 27 gets shown favoritism by Thibs, the ideology of young players not helping with winning on championship teams is stupid. Not playing Pacome Dadiet or Ariel Hukporti and overlying on OG and Mikal to play 37+ minutes a night won’t win us a championship.
Lack of Accountability
Thibodeau rarely accepts responsibility for his mistakes, deflecting blame instead. After losses, he often delivers generic excuses without addressing his own errors in judgment. This lack of accountability trickles down to the team, fostering a culture where it’s easy to point fingers rather than take ownership.
The Clock Is Ticking
At 66 years old, Thibodeau is the second-oldest coach in the NBA, behind Gregg Popovich. His rigid style, heavy-minute rotations, and outdated approach to modern basketball make it clear that he isn’t the coach to lead this Knicks team to a championship.
If the Knicks fall short of reaching the NBA Finals this season, Leon Rose needs to act decisively and move on from Thibodeau.
Potential Successors
The Knicks need a fresh voice—preferably a former NBA player who can connect with today’s players and bring a modern perspective to the game. Here are some strong candidates:
1. Sam Cassell (Boston Celtics Assistant Coach):
A three-time NBA champion as a player and an experienced assistant coach, Cassell is known for his basketball IQ and ability to develop guards.
2. Rajon Rondo (Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach):
One of the smartest point guards in NBA history, Rondo’s ability to read the game and his championship pedigree make him an intriguing option.
3. Jared Dudley (Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach):
A respected former player, Dudley brings leadership, chemistry-building skills, and a player-first mentality.
4. Darrell Armstrong (Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach):
Known for his high-energy approach, Armstrong emphasizes effort and accountability, traits the Knicks desperately need.
5. Chris Quinn (Miami Heat Assistant Coach):
A key member of Erik Spoelstra’s staff, Quinn has been instrumental in developing Miami’s culture of toughness and overachievement.
6. Caron Butler (Miami Heat Assistant Coach):
A no-nonsense coach with a player’s mentality, Butler focuses on grit and discipline, aligning with the Knicks’ traditional identity.
7. Mark Jackson (Golden State Warriors Former Coach, Former Knick):
The architect of the Warriors’ dynasty foundation and a Knicks legend, Jackson brings leadership, accountability, and a deep understanding of what it means to play in New York.
The Path Forward
This season represents the Knicks’ best chance to compete for a title in decades. But it’s clear that Tom Thibodeau’s limitations are holding them back. Leon Rose has already gone all-in on this roster—his next move must be finding a head coach who can maximize its potential.
The time for excuses is over. If the Knicks want to reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite, they need a leader who embodies the toughness and adaptability that New York demands. It’s time for a new chapter if Thibs don’t get it done this season.
Thank you for reading another State article peace and blessings.