NBA expectations shift quickly in today’s league. The New York Knicks spent nearly two decades struggling before Tom Thibodeau arrived in 2020, when simply finding stability would have been considered progress.
By his fifth season, Thibodeau guided the franchise to a 51-31 record and their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in over two decades.
Despite that success, speculation continues about whether the Knicks might move on from their head coach this offseason.
Critics point to his heavy reliance on starters and his inability to reach the NBA Finals as a head coach throughout his career.
Recent reporting from The Athletic provides insight into Thibodeau’s standing within the organization.
“The coach has the backing of team president Leon Rose, league sources said, as well as full buy-in from Brunson, who signed with the Knicks in 2022 in part because he wanted to play for Thibodeau. But ultimately, owner James Dolan is the final decision-maker,” James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic reported.
REPORT: Tom Thibodeau is safe in New York.
“The coach has the backing of team president Leon Rose, league sources said, as well as full buy-in from Brunson, who signed with the Knicks in 2022 in part because he wanted to play for Thibodeau. But ultimately, owner James Dolan is… pic.twitter.com/qTdqe6Gqjp
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 1, 2025
The situation suggests Thibodeau will likely remain on the sidelines at Madison Square Garden next season, though roster changes could still occur if Dolan pushes for adjustments.
Given the team’s performance in both the regular season and playoffs, a complete overhaul seems premature.
Adding depth to strengthen the squad would be a more logical approach.
The Knicks reached the conference finals this year for the first time since 2000, though they fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games after dropping the first two contests at home.
Since joining New York in 2020, Thibodeau has compiled a 226-174 regular season record and gone 24-23 in playoff games.
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