The New York Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference finals was their deepest playoff push in more than two decades, but it wasn’t enough to save Tom Thibodeau’s job.
Less than a week after New York’s Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the organization parted ways with the veteran coach and later hired Mike Brown as his replacement and for Jalen Brunson, who became a star under Thibodeau, the move hit close to home.
Brunson reflected on the impact Thibodeau has had throughout his career, speaking about the coaching change during Knicks media day.
“It’s sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time part ways with this organization,” Brunson said. “But he’s meant a lot to me. I’ve expressed that to him publicly and personally. Yeah, he’s meant a lot to my career up to this point.”
The Brunson-Thibodeau connection goes back years. Brunson’s father, Rick, once played under Thibodeau when he was an assistant with the Knicks and the Houston Rockets. Later, Rick Brunson joined Thibodeau’s coaching staff in Chicago, Minnesota, and most recently in New York, where Jalen flourished into a two-time All-Star.
Brunson wasn’t the only Knick to reflect on the change. Josh Hart, who played more minutes than anyone in the league last season, initially joked with reporters when asked about Thibodeau’s dismissal: “We were just talking about summer. Damn. Messing up the mood already? Alright, go on. Let’s do it.”
Eventually, Hart made clear what Thibodeau meant to him.
“Yeah, obviously, I love Thibs. I’m always going to have love for Thibs for the things that he helped me with and putting me in a position to be successful, to be paid. So always got love for him, and I hope he’s doing well right now. But obviously we have Mike, and we’re extremely excited about what he brings to the table offensively and defensively. And obviously there’s going to be a little bit of a feeling out process.”
READ MORE: Anthony Davis Back on Court After Summer Eye Surgery