Thibs Out? Why the Knicks Might Need to Fire Their Savior to Rise

Tom Thibodeau Resurrected the Knicks, But Is a Firing the Only Path to the Next Level?

Expectations are a constantly shifting landscape in the NBA. Just a few short years ago, in 2020, Tom Thibodeau inherited a New York Knicks team that had been lost in the wilderness for two decades. Back then, simply achieving a respectable level of competence was the most Knicks fans dared to hope for. Thibodeau delivered that and more, becoming the only coach since he was hired for his first top job in 2011 to win Coach of the Year without securing a top-three seed.

Five years ago, the bar was set so low in New York that securing home-court advantage in a first-round series felt like a borderline miracle. Thibodeau not only achieved that but, remarkably, the Knicks even overcame multiple 20-point second-half deficits in a single playoff series against the Boston Celtics – a feat never before accomplished.

On paper, exceeding expectations by defeating Boston and advancing to the Conference Finals was a testament to Thibodeau's impact. But the NBA is a "what have you done for me lately" league, and expectations inevitably rise.

The Knicks' path to the Finals seemed unusually clear after eliminating Boston and with the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers also falling. However, they squandered this golden opportunity, succumbing to the Indiana Pacers in six games.

Now, the Knicks face a pivotal offseason. They've already spent significant assets acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, building a roster with two All-NBA stars and coveted role players. Yet, questions linger about whether Thibodeau maximized the potential of this revamped team.

An Identity Crisis and Tactical Rigidity

One of the primary criticisms leveled against Thibodeau is his unwavering reliance on his starting lineup.

• The quintet of Bridges, Towns, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby logged an astounding 940 minutes together during the regular season.
• Few other lineups in the league played even half that amount.
• Cracks began to appear in this unit during the regular season, culminating in a playoff collapse.

While consistency can be a virtue, Thibodeau's reluctance to experiment with different lineups, even as the playoffs progressed, proved to be a detriment. The desperation was palpable as he turned to seldom-used players like Delon Wright and Landry Shamet in the face of elimination – a clear sign that the coaching staff had run out of answers.

Thibodeau also struggled to address fundamental playing style concerns. The acquisition of Towns, intended to transform the Knicks into a dynamic, five-out offensive force, never fully materialized. Opponents effectively neutralized New York's pick-and-roll game by exploiting Josh Hart's shooting limitations. A more creative approach, such as starting Miles McBride to inject more shooting and defensive pressure, was rarely explored.

The Knicks' offensive struggles were compounded by a lack of ball movement and a heavy reliance on Jalen Brunson's isolation plays. They ranked low in passes per game, offensive player speed, and pace, leading to a suboptimal shot selection.

Furthermore, the Knicks' defensive identity suffered with the absence of Isaiah Hartenstein. While they attempted to incorporate more switching in the playoffs, their lack of familiarity with the scheme proved costly, particularly against the Pacers' versatile offense.

The Path Forward: Run It Back or Make a Change?

Despite the disappointing end to their season, the Knicks are well-positioned to contend for years to come. Their core players are relatively young, and they have the financial flexibility to maintain their roster. Running it back and hoping for better luck next season is certainly a viable option.

However, the modern NBA is increasingly impatient. As the article from CBS Sports points out, four of the past six championship-winning head coaches were fired by the teams they ultimately led to glory. In an era of heightened competition and financial constraints, teams are more willing than ever to make bold changes.

The Coaching Carousel: Who Could Replace Thibodeau?

The million-dollar question is: who could the Knicks realistically hire to replace Thibodeau? Names like Michael Malone and Mike Budenholzer have been floated, but each comes with their own set of question marks. Malone's success is intertwined with Nikola Jokić, while Budenholzer's playoff track record is inconsistent.

Perhaps the Knicks should consider a less conventional candidate. James Borrego, who achieved impressive results with the Charlotte Hornets, or even an outsider like Chris Paul, could bring a fresh perspective and unlock the team's untapped potential.

Ultimately, the Knicks' decision will hinge on their assessment of Thibodeau's ability to evolve and adapt. He undeniably deserves credit for transforming the franchise from a laughingstock into a legitimate contender. But the traits that make a coach successful in the initial stages of a rebuild are not always the same traits needed to reach the summit.

The Knicks have a crucial choice to make: stick with the coach who brought them this far, or gamble on a new voice in the hopes of finally reaching the promised land.

Tags: NBA, Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks, Coach of the Year, Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Basketball, NBA Playoffs, NBA upsets, Knicks

Source: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/tom-thibodeau-resurrected-the-knicks-but-firing-him-might-be-the-only-way-to-get-to-the-next-level/