New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has one year remaining on his contract, which he signed in 2020. During his four-year tenure with the Knicks, Thibodeau has guided the team to the playoffs three times, only missing out in 2022. His performance has arguably been sufficient to warrant a contract extension, even if the upcoming season does not go as planned.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, there is no urgency from either the Knicks or Thibodeau to finalize a new contract. Katz notes that although Thibodeau has not yet extended his contract more than two months after the team’s playoff exit, this is not a cause for concern for either party. League sources indicate that Thibodeau is still more likely than not to receive an extension. The delay is attributed to the Knicks focusing on other priorities, such as trading for Mikal Bridges, extending Jalen Brunson’s contract, and other roster-building efforts.
At 66, Thibodeau has instilled a defensive, hardnosed mentality in the Knicks, reflecting his coaching philosophy. The team’s commitment to Thibodeau’s approach is evident, as they have embraced his teachings and mirrored his defensive mindset.
However, Thibodeau’s strict rotation policy late in the season has led to injury issues. For instance, Josh Hart saw minimal rest in the final games of the regular season and throughout the playoffs, with several players averaging close to 40 minutes per game. Despite this criticism, the Knicks remain fully committed to Thibodeau, believing he could be the coach to lead them to their first championship since 1973.
Finding a coach who aligns perfectly with a team’s energy and ethos is a rare feat in the NBA. Establishing a system and a culture is a crucial yet often undervalued aspect of a coach’s responsibilities, and Thibodeau has excelled in this area for the Knicks.
Consequently, there is no anxiety from Thibodeau regarding his future, as both he and the organization recognize that his contributions have earned him another contract.
