Former Chicago Bulls Coach Already Preparing for New York Knicks Head Coach Role: Reports

The New York Knicks are obviously having a tough time with a 21-45 record this season. In fact, they have been showing the same lackluster performance ever since 2014. Even then, the franchise stands tall at a valuation of 4.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. So they have deep pockets and loyal fans, but on-court success remains a concern.

Last year, former Knicks coach David Fizdale was sacked after only 104 games of coaching. To replace him, assistant coach Mac Miller was promoted as the interim head coach. Now, the franchise had enough time to initiate their search for a trustworthy signature given that they were not invited to the NBA Orlando Bubble. 

It is ten other candidates vs Tom Thibodeau for the New York Knicks

Kenny Atkinson (experienced from the Brooklyn Nets), Jason Kidd (the Lakers’ assistant coach), Mike Miller (who will stay either the head or the assistant), Mike Woodson, and Mike Brown are some of the other top names that are still in the race. 

Recently, the New York Post reported that Tom Thibodeau has been using his time poring over Knicks game films in order to stay prepared for the job role. He has been known in the NBA setting for the preparation he does in knowing a team.

One of his mega projects, given he lands this job, would be to pull out an even better defensive player from 22-YO Mitchell Robinson. His interview lasted a long 3 hours. We can just imagine how much depth they would have gone into discussing the intricacies of the project at hand. It can take another ten days or so for the decision to get official. 

What does Tom bring to the table?

Tom Thibodeau has worked with some very successful teams in the past. His resume makes him a very strong choice to award the responsibility. He has worked with the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach, with the Chicago Bulls as their Head Coach, and most recently with the Minnesota Timberwolves again as the Head Coach. 

His most notable work came when he coached the Bulls and helped them stay back-to-back on top in the NBA Eastern Conference (2011 and 2012). It was only for the first time in 2016 that the Bulls slipped down in his last year with them. He has won various coaching awards and is known the most for his defensive approach.

Tom reads the game really well. It becomes evident when he says, “The game never stays the game — it’s always evolving.” He adds, “Figuring out what your players do well and finding a system that will work effectively for them gives you the best chance of winning.”

He has worked with the likes of Derrick Rose & Jimmy Butler and has had an impact on their growth. Can he pull the same impact over Marcus Morris, RJ Barrett, and others? Only if he gets that position.

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