The New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, ending a 25-year drought. With a young core and a promising future, the team seemed poised to build on their momentum. However, just days after their playoff elimination, the front office made a surprising and controversial decision.
On Tuesday, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau following what many considered an incredible season. The move left fans and analysts stunned, as Thibodeau had elevated the team to new heights and gave the city a reason to believe again. Point guard Jalen Brunson even continued to refer to Thibodeau as his coach when asked about Thibodeau potentially being fired.
“Is that a real question right now?” Brunson said. “You just asked me if I believe [Thibodeau] is the right guy. Yes. Come on.”
Questions still remain as to why Thibodeau was let go, but the Knicks may have hinted at the reasoning in their official statement.
“In this case, Thibodeau's time in New York ended because of the first line of the statement the Knicks released in response to his firing: 'Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,’” ESPN wrote.
With the head coaching search now underway, speculation has turned to whether the Knicks might reunite another piece of their Villanova connection. Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart all played under Jay Wright at Villanova, where they won two national championships together.
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A post by Overtime floated the idea of Wright becoming the next Knicks head coach, completing what could be the missing piece in the Villanova reunion. His hiring would bring a familiar and respected face to New York—one the core players would likely embrace. Still, there’s reason to doubt that Wright is interested.
“I have been working with Jay Wright on TV for three years,” Seth Davis wrote. “Based on every conversation we have had I would say there is a greater chance that I will be the next Knicks coach than him. The difference is if they call me I will say yes.”