The New York Knicks’ season is heading downhill fast, and coach Tom Thibodeau is finding himself on an increasingly warm seat.
Tensions are increasing around the Knicks after they blew a 28-point lead at home to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, and fingers are being pointed at the head coach. In private conversations with owner James Dolan, Knicks vice president William Wesley has blamed Thibodeau for the team’s struggles, according to Ian Begley of SNY. This does not mean Thibodeau’s job is in immediate danger, but it certainly suggests he could be the first to go if things do not improve after the All-Star break.
Thibodeau would likely point the finger right back at the front office. The Knicks coach was privately unhappy with the team’s lack of trade deadline moves, according to Zach Braziller of the New York Post. The one move the Knicks did make was a trade for Atlanta’s Cam Reddish, but that was a move Thibodeau reportedly did not want.
As the reigning Coach of the Year, Thibodeau should have some goodwill to burn after a strong 2020-21 season. However, the 25-34 Knicks aren’t even in a play-in spot at this point, and the team is not playing well. Thibodeau has also faced criticism for keeping RJ Barrett in during the final minute of a blowout loss to Denver, only for Barrett to sprain his ankle and miss multiple games. There has also been chatter that Knicks players aren’t happy with the coach’s offense.
There are few changes the Knicks could make at this point with the trade deadline passed. If things get desperate enough, it’s easy to see how Thibodeau could wind up being the fall guy.
