Can Tom Thibodeau Help the New York Knicks Regain Their Legacy?

The New York Knicks have had one of the worst ruts of any NBA team. After the glorious 90s which saw a man named Michael Jordan stop them, the 2000s have been atrocious. Apart from glimmers of hope known as Linsanity and the time Carmelo Anthony dragged them to the playoffs, the team has been dormant. They don’t have any notable draft selections during this time. The one that they did make left the team before he was even an unrestricted free agent.

The Knicks have had 5 coaches since 2014 and not a shred of stability. They had one of the worst off-seasons of all time in 2019. First, they missed out on drafting Zion Williamson despite being the worst team in the league. Second, they missed out on every top free-agent. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving passed on them to go to the Brooklyn Nets. Kawhi Leonard didn’t even have a meeting with them, meeting the Lakers Clippers and Raptors instead.

Now that the Knicks have signed Tom Thibodeau to a five-year contract, they are looking ahead.

New York Knicks incubating rookies?

Thibodeau is one of the few coaches that can raise talent as well as use established stars. His methods have come under criticism with how his Chicago Bulls and Minessota Timberwolves flamed out. Many say that he is way too hard on the rookies, sometimes shooting their confidence completely. The Knicks are looking to go young with all their old players about to expire. Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and mainly, R.J. Barrett could all develop more.

With a guaranteed high pick this year, they will add another talented top-5 prospect. They have the cap flexibility to go after the star-studded 2021 free agency class. With a new coach, new front office, and a rejuvenated young team, the Knicks may look like a viable destination for the top free-agents. The possible trade with Zach LaVine would give them a proper scorer to lead the team forward.

The Knicks with Thibodeau could see great growth of their young stars, like what he did with the Bulls. Or, this could go sideways like what has happened with Jim Boylen at the Bulls today. Why would LaVine even entertain coming to the disorganized Knicks? Well, because things are looking up.

Source: Basketball Reference