The New York Knicks are reportedly finalizing a five-year deal with Tom Thibodeau after almost two decades of having unsuccessful temporary coaches.
The Madison Square Garden is still the Mecca of basketball. However, the basketball that has been played there by the home team for the past two decades hasn’t lived up to the arena’s storied past. Except for the bursts of Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin, the past seasons of the New York Knicks have been forgettable.
Fortunately, the city is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, starting with its head coach.
New York Knicks may sign Tom Thibodeau
The Knicks entered the offseason of 2019 upbeat because of the rich free agents available. It wanted to sign Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant but fell flat on its face when the two superstars signed with the Brooklyn Nets. Instead, they signed a bunch of solid role players in Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Marcus Morris.
The expectation for the team was already low. No one predicted them to make it to the Playoffs. Not surprisingly, they didn’t. The Knicks’ problem is deep-seated, starting with the front office. No one can seem to figure out what to do to turn the franchise around.
Fortunately, James Dolan has triggered a domino effect of changes in the team. He started by replacing Steve Mills with long-time player agent Leon Rose. Rose didn’t waste his time and immediately went to work in interviewing candidates for the head coaching position. Included in the list were Jason Kidd, Kenny Atkinson, and Tom Thibodeau.
The former Wolves and Bulls head coach came out the top and will reportedly sign with the Knicks for a five-year contract.
Who is Tom Thibodeau?
The raspy voice of Tom Thibodeau is recognizable anywhere. He’s been known to be a defense-first coach who asks 110% effort and respect from his players. Thibodeau carried the Bulls to five straight Playoffs appearances after his rookie coaching year with the team.
After his stint with the Bulls, Tom signed with the Timberwolves and likewise brought the team to the Playoffs. Despite his successes as a head coach, Thibodeau has been under fire for his coaching style.
He’s been known to push his players to the limit up to the point of injury. He’s been blamed for the slew of injuries that riddled the Bulls and the Timberwolves during his stint. Nonetheless, he still produces results that please team owners. If he can turn the Knicks organization around and start winning, all the blame can be rested.
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