Former Knicks star and one-time MVP Derrick Rose has spoken out about the abrupt firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau, calling the decision ‘crazy’ in a recent NASCAR press conference in Chicago. Rose, who played under Thibodeau for several years, confirmed that the coach is in good spirits despite the news, highlighting their strong bond. ‘I talked to Thibs after that. He’s good,’ Rose said, adding that the financial terms of Thibodeau’s contract are such that he cannot feel too sorry for him. The Knicks, which must still pay Thibodeau his $30 million buyout, have moved on to the next phase of their coaching staff with the hiring of Mike Brown.
Thibode, who was initially hired by the Knicks in 2021, had a five-season tenure marked by four playoff appearances, including a deep run to the Eastern Conference Finals last year. However, his coaching style, particularly the high minutes usage of key players like Jalen Brunson, drew criticism throughout his time with the team. Rose acknowledged that while Thibodeau’s approach made sense in playoff scenarios, it also meant his starters accumulated high minutes totals during regular-season games. ‘He’s in good spirits. Yeah, that’s my guy. We locked in till the end. But he’s good,’ Rose emphasized.
Despite the controversy, Rose expressed confidence in the Knicks’ ability to move forward under their new head coach. ‘ Everybody wins, I feel like,’ he added, suggesting that the team is still in a good place with Brunson remaining in New York. The Knicks’ management has now turned its focus to the future, as they navigate this transition with Brown at the helm. Meanwhile, Thibodeau’s next steps are unclear, with no official announcements about his potential coaching opportunities for the upcoming season. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing the Knicks as they seek to rebuild and find success under a new leadership.