Knicks Fire Coach Tom Thibodeau – Would I Have Made the Same Call?

Fire Thibs? I wouldn’t have done it, but I understand.

I wouldn’t have done it because I believe in continuity.

I wouldn’t have done it because OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns had played a total of 23 regular season games with the New York Knicks prior to this season. I’ve often been told – and have seen for myself – that it takes time to build the chemistry needed to win a championship.

I wouldn’t have done it because the Knicks’ flurry of moves heading into this season came at the expense of their depth. Thibs no longer had starting quality players like Donte DiVincenzo, Quentin Grimes, Isiah Hartenstein and Immanuel Quickley available to bring off the bench.

I wouldn’t have done it because I believe in rewarding success. The Knicks went from 47 wins, to 50 to 51 over the last three years. They went from losing in the second round in 6, to losing in the second round in 7, to reaching Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

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I wouldn’t have done it because I believe in loyalty. Keeping your head coach after a disappointing end to an otherwise great season, sends a message to the players, and potential free agents, that the organization will stand by them if they continue to have success.

But I understand.

I understand that while the original starting five was better on paper compared to any Knicks starting five since 1972-73, they never performed like a team greater than the sum of its parts.

I understand that Leon Rose has his reputation on the line, and James Dolan has hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, and if they feel that Tom Thibodeau is not the best possible person to lead the Knicks to the Canyon of Heroes, then they must bring in the person they believe is.

As for me, I can’t help but feel thankful. When Thibs arrived, the Knicks were literally a joke for two decades. Under his watch, they became relevant again. For too many years the opposing teams’ stars were the reason to go to Madison Square Garden. Not anymore.

Thanks, Thibs.

For the record, one last time, I wouldn’t have done it but now let’s see what comes next.

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