NY Knicks Part Ways With Tom Thibodeau - Would The Knicks Be In The NBA Finals With A Different Coach?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if the Knicks would be in the Finals with a different coach and the upcoming NBA Finals matchup.

The New York Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau yesterday. The decision was announced just days after the team was eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals by the Indiana Pacers. Despite leading the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance in 25 years and securing a 51-31 regular-season record—their best in a quarter-century—the organization decided to part ways with Thibodeau. Team president Leon Rose, supported by owner James Dolan, emphasized the need for a new direction to pursue the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973.

Thibodeau, who had been under contract through the 2027-28 season, compiled a 226-174 regular-season record and a 24-23 playoff record during his five-year tenure with the Knicks. While he was credited with revitalizing the team and fostering a competitive culture, his coaching style—characterized by heavy reliance on starters and limited lineup experimentation—was cited as a factor contributing to the team's playoff fatigue and eventual downfall.

The Knicks have not yet named a successor, but potential candidates include Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, veteran NCAA coaches Jay Wright and Dan Hurley, and many other candidates. Why was Coach Thibs fired? Who will replace him? Are Knicks fans okay with this move? Will Jalen Brunson's father, Rick Brunson, be the next coach? Was the firing of Tom Thibodeau fair or foul? Can Jalen Brunson be the "A" guy? With a different coach, could the Knicks be in the NBA Finals?