Jalen Brunson sent an emotional message to Tom Thibodeau after the coach was unexpectedly fired by the New York Knicks. It all happened on the Roommates Show podcast.
“This is my first firing. Obviously, I’ve known him my entire life, but, I remember having conversations and moments with him in 8th grade when we moved to Chicago. And to see where he helped me become two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA. The things he’s done for me individually. I’m so grateful for it. He had that confidence in me that I knew I had, but it’s great to see someone push me to be better. To have Thibs, and to do what he did for my career, I’m so grateful and thankful for. Not enough things can be said about what he’s meant to myself and my career.”
Thibodeau gave the Knicks their best season in 25 years in the NBA by leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, despite being the favorites and having home-court advantage, they couldn’t get past Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers.
Who will be the next coach for the Knicks?
Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, and Quin Snyder were options to become the next coach of the Knicks, but the Mavericks, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Hawks blocked New York from interviewing them.
Now, the situation is filled with uncertainty. However, amid all the criticism directed at Thibodeau, Josh Hart spoke up in his defense through his official X account. “All yall talking trash about Thibs lame as hell. A different direction was taken but yall should be appreciative for what he did for the team and organization”.
Additionally, on the podcast, Hart followed that same line. “We want to give a shoutout to Thibs. You know, especially for myself. He helped make me into the player I am. I had a lot of instability in the early part of my career and he gave me that stability and that opportunity to flourish as a player in the league. A starter in the league. So, I’m always going to be forever grateful for him. This is always a tough part of the NBA because you grow relationships not just on the court but off the court and personal relationships. So, I always got love for him. It’s always tough when there’s a coaching change.”