The New York Knicks’ decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau earlier this offseason came without resistance from within the locker room. According to Ian Begley of SiriusXM NBA Radio, no player publicly pushed for him to remain in charge.
Begley explained that although Thibodeau had built trust during his five-year tenure, none of the veterans voiced strong support when the front office weighed the coaching change.
“Josh Hart [was] very close to Tom Thibodeau, these guys they loved Tom Thibodeau but none of them stepped up and said ‘Hey, Tom Thibodeau has to be the coach here’ or ‘I’m leaving.’ If that happened, maybe Tom Thibodeau is still here,” Begley said.
The Knicks finished the 2024–25 season with a 51–31 record, their best mark in over a decade, and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Despite the success, the organization dismissed Thibodeau on June 3.
Mike Brown was officially hired on July 7, becoming the team’s new head coach. Begley noted that Brown will need time to build credibility, particularly with established players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who are central to New York’s playoff ambitions.
Thibodeau’s defensive system and demanding approach earned him respect from the roster, but the lack of player-driven advocacy hinted at fatigue with his methods. Some members of the team reportedly viewed the coaching change as a chance for a new voice and different perspective.
The Knicks’ offseason also featured roster changes, including the drafting of Mohamed Diawara with the 51st pick after a rights swap with the Los Angeles Clippers. The franchise enters its 80th season with a retooled staff and heightened expectations following last spring’s playoff run.
For Brown, the challenge will be maintaining the Knicks’ recent momentum while fostering trust with a group that had been closely tied to Thibodeau. The team’s ability to adapt under a new system will be a key storyline heading into the 2025–26 campaign.
