Tom Thibodeau’s Firing Will Save Karl-Anthony Towns’ Career, Claims 7x NBA Champion

Just hours after the Knicks player’s celebration, the team fired Tom Thibodeau. The team’s finish was an agonizing defeat to the Pacers, yet it was an achievement since the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals after 25 years. On Monday night, the team partied it up at The Fleur Room, a rooftop nightclub in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan. The news broke on Tuesday about the coach Thibodeau being let go of his duties.

The NBA finals are yet to begin, but the New York front office was quick to usher in the change. In a statement, team president Leon Rose explained the rationale behind Thibodeau’s firing, saying, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans.” Let’s not forget the 2x Coach of the Year’s contribution to the team, as he made the playoffs in 4 of 5 years. Additionally, he led the Knicks to consecutive 50+ win seasons for the first time since the 1990s.

Some feel firing was necessary to bring in the change, but one NBA icon has his reservations. Robert Horry firmly stated, “Sometimes you got to change it up and you think it’s going to be better. But you tell me what’s out there, what’s a better coach out there, and it’s going to be hard to replace him.” On 106.7 The Fan, Big Shot Bob did question if any coach would bring in instant success. But he was quick to point out one aspect that the current Knicks roster, including Karl-Anthony Towns, will be relieved of from next season.

“The only thing that I’m probably going to like about whoever the new coach is that the fact that he’s not going to play those guys a lot of minute. You know, because it probably cut the lifespan about two or three years of a cup for those players.” One major criticism of the now former coach, Tom Thibodeau, has always been his running his starters to the ground. Even during the regular season, when the win was already in the bag, he wouldn’t rest his starters. This season was proof of that.

Tom Thibodeau has perks waiting despite the firing

Josh Hart led the entire league in minutes with 37.6 per game, Mikal Bridges was third at 37.0, OG Anunoby came in fifth at 36.6, and Jalen Brunson wasn’t far behind at nearly 36, as reported by Basket News. Despite the news of the 67-year-old losing the job, Robert Horry also had words of encouragement to deal with his ordeal.

Apr 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau speaks to his team on the bench during a time out during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Appearing on his Big Shot Bob podcast, Horry put himself into Thibs’ shoes. “… If I was a coach, I wouldn’t give a s— if I got fired, because I’m get paid anyway. I’m going to sit my a– home, make some money.” Bleacher Report highlighted the numbers. Despite the Knicks officially parting ways with Thibodeau, they’re reportedly still on the hook for at least $30 million. Because SNY’s Ian Begley, who noted that Thibs had guaranteed money left on his deal when he was let go. The previous contract details were revealed last July, the Knicks had locked Thibodeau into a three-year extension, one that would’ve run through the 2027–28 season.

New coach or no, Thibs left his imprint on the team and set a culture for the Knicks basketball. This was a franchise that hadn’t had relevance in years—seven straight seasons without a playoff appearance before he arrived. Then Tom Thibodeau suits up, and in just five years, they make the playoffs four times. Additional details make the resume more interesting. They made it to the Conference Semifinals twice, and this season they overcame that hurdle and reached the Conference Finals. So, harsh or not, it’s the reality of the NBA. Now, all eyes will be on New York as they look to replace the fourth-most-winningest coach in franchise history.

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