Surprising sack
The decision of the New York Knicks to separate from Tom Thibodeau shocked the NBA community. Thibodeau was still fired after leading the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, despite three years left on his contract, with the remaining $35 million more than $35 million. Team President Leon Rose only explained the move and said the organization was “very focused on winning the championship.”
ty lue said it loudly
Los Angeles Clippers coach Ty Lue, a long-time colleague and friend of Thibodeau, strongly disagrees with the firing. “Should he be fired? Hell no,” Lu Club Shay Shay podcast. “This is their first time in 25 years to attend the conference finals. The city is on fire and the fans are on fire. The players have done a job. [conference finals] 25 years later, then being fired, like it doesn’t make sense. ”
Indiana’s run and pressure on coaches
The Knicks fell down the Indiana Pacers in six games, who made the stunning playoffs. Indiana beat Doc Rivers’ Milwaukee Bucks and Kenny Atkinson’s Cleveland Cavaliers before losing the NBA Finals. Tyrese Haliburton ended the Pacers’ title with injury in Game 7 against Achilles of Oklahoma City. Lue questioned that every Indiana coach should face the same scrutiny. “So, everyone Indiana beats, do you want to fire their coach? That doesn’t make sense.”
Expectations from Mike Brown are high
Tibodo’s replacement Mike Brown now inherits a huge amount of pressure. Lue compared it to his experience in Cleveland in 2016, when he replaced David Blatt and immediately won the title with Lebron James. “It’s a tough place,” Lu said, noting that the Knicks don’t have the superstars of LeBron’s talent.
Defend the style of Siberdo
Critics often point to Thibodeau’s harsh approach and a large number of player minutes. Lue dismissed these concerns. “Whatever you need. Do your best to win.” Lue himself manages the injured stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George while still making the winning record.
Whatever the reason behind the Knicks’ decision, one of the most respected coaches in the NBA thinks it’s the wrong call.
