Why did the New York Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals?

By Edcel Panganiban June 15, 2025 10:41

The New York Knicks’ decision to fire Tom Thibodeau shortly after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025 sent shockwaves through the NBA community. Thibodeau, who had led the franchise to its best stretch in decades including four playoff appearances and four series wins was nonetheless dismissed due to a combination of strategic disagreements, player dissatisfaction, and a belief within the organization that a new voice was needed to maximize the team’s championship potential.

Overreliance on Starters and Rigid Rotations

One of the most persistent criticisms of Thibodeau’s coaching style was his heavy reliance on his starters and limited use of the bench. Multiple reports revealed that Thibodeau’s rotation was inflexible, often exhausting key players with heavy minutes. According to Yahoo! Sports insider Vincent Goodwill, “A couple of players felt like Thibodeau played the starters too many minutes and felt he had an inability to adjust.” This approach not only raised concerns about player fatigue but also hindered the development and cohesion of the team’s depth players.

Mikal Bridges, known as one of the NBA’s toughest iron men, had publicly requested a reduction in his minutes, highlighting internal frustrations. Josh Hart also expressed uncertainty about his role, signaling broader unease among the supporting cast. These issues culminated in a locker room atmosphere where some players reportedly questioned whether they could play for Thibodeau again, a sentiment that deeply influenced the front office’s decision.

Failure to Maximize Talent and Strategic Limitations

Despite boasting a roster featuring two All-NBA talents Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and key additions like Bridges and OG Anunoby, the Knicks under Thibodeau often seemed “less than the sum of their parts.” ESPN analyst Tim Bontemps noted that the starting lineup was outscored significantly from January through the end of the regular season and by 31 points in over 300 minutes during the playoffs. Defensive lapses, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers, exposed vulnerabilities that the coaching staff struggled to address.

The Knicks’ offense was criticized for its slow pace and lack of three-point shooting, areas where modernization could have helped the team compete with faster, more versatile opponents. The organization felt that Thibodeau’s system was too rigid and lacked the adaptability necessary for a deep playoff run.

Player and Front Office Input

The decision to part ways with Thibodeau was not sudden but had been developing over months. After the playoff exit, Knicks president Leon Rose and owner James Dolan conducted exit interviews with key players and coaching staff. Sources told ESPN that these meetings revealed a consensus: while the team respected Thibodeau’s professionalism and effort, there was doubt about his ability to lead the Knicks to an NBA Finals appearance.

Rose stated, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” underscoring that the move was about taking the franchise to the next level. The players’ voices were pivotal, with Dolan reportedly “spearheading” the decision, reflecting a rare instance of owner involvement in coaching personnel matters.

Thibodeau’s Legacy and What’s Next

Tom Thibodeau leaves New York as one of the franchise’s most successful coaches in decades, having ended years of playoff droughts and instilled a culture of toughness. Yet, the Knicks’ leadership believes a new direction is necessary to fully capitalize on the roster’s talent and championship window.

As Vincent Goodwill summarized, “The Knicks needed a new voice to lift this franchise to the next level.” Whether the next coach can address the issues of rotation management, offensive pace, and defensive consistency remains to be seen. For now, the Knicks embark on a new chapter, hoping to build on the foundation Thibodeau helped establish but with a fresh approach aimed at ultimate success.