While the New York Knicks continue to search for his replacement, Tom Thibodeau sent a classy message to the city where he got to live out his “dream job.”
In a fitting, old-school kind of way, Thibodeau took out an ad in The New York Times to thank New York City and Knicks fans Wednesday.
“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you,” Thibodeau wrote. He went on:
“When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dream became a reality. Thank you to our players and coaching staff who gave everything they had, and to everyone who makes this franchise special. I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including four playoff appearances and this year’s run to the Eastern Conference finals — our first in 25 years.”
The Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games, two wins shy of making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. Then, less than a week after their Game 6 defeat, the Knicks fired Thibodeau.
A shock to many NBA coaches, players and fans, the decision followed a breakthrough season for a New York franchise that’s still seeking its first NBA championship since 1973. Thibodeau piloted the Knicks to 51 regular-season wins in 2024-25 — their most in 12 years — and a momentous playoff run, spearheaded by a star-studded starting rotation that featured a clutch shotmaking guard in Jalen Brunson and a double-double machine in center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Thibodeau’s Knicks also hit the 50-win mark last season and won a playoff series for the second year in a row.
The 67-year-old Thibodeau earned his second NBA Coach of the Year honor in 2020-21, his debut season with the Knicks, after leading them to their first winning record and playoff appearance since 2012-13.
He previously served as head coach of the Chicago Bulls (2010-15) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-19).
After Thibodeau’s firing, Knicks President Leon Rose said in a statement that the move is what “we feel is best for our organization moving forward,” though he did thank Thibodeau for everything he poured into the organization and his on-court success.
The Knicks have already been denied permission to interview Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka by their respective teams, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Since Thibodeau signed an extension with New York in 2024, the Knicks still owe him at least $30 million as part of that deal, SNY’s Ian Begley reported last week.
Just like the Knicks’ memorable 2024-25 season, Thibodeau’s gesture in The New York Times Wednesday will surely be appreciated by Knicks fans.
“And to the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one,” Thibodeau wrote. “Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy is something I will never forget.”
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