Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff rips Knicks for firing Tom Thibodeau
Tom Thibodeau's Knicks sent J.B. Bickerstaff into offseason mode earlier than he wanted, yet the Pistons' coach is still sticking up for his former colleague.
Bickerstaff joined the growing list of those criticizing the Knicks for moving on from Thibodeau after five seasons following their ouster in the Eastern Conference finals.
While Bickerstaff did not specifically mention the franchise, his remarks came after being asked how the Knicks firing Thibodeau and seeking permission to talk to employed coaches is resonating across the NBA.
'I don't want to call it the cherry on top, but it's the final straw, I think, of what has happened this season and the level of respect that we feel coaches deserve versus what they are getting,' Bickerstaff said on ESPN Radio's 'Joe & Q' on Friday.
'Some of the decisions made down the stretch with firing coaches, it just shows that there are some places that don't value what coaching is and what it can bring. When you are a coach, you feel like there is a job that you have been told to do. And when you go out and do that job well, you should carry it over to the next year. If you have had past successes, that should envision future successes. You can't guess what the future is going to look like with somebody new.'
3 J.B. Bickerstaff coaching against the Knicks in the playoffs.
JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The Knicks' parting ways with Thibodeau has been a hotly debated topic, although there have been some notable names recently saying the Knicks made a mistake.
Charles Barkley said the Knicks are the 'stupidest damn people,' Dick Vitale called the situation 'embarrassing' and suggested they actually re-hire Thibodeau and ESPN analyst and former NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo said the Knicks are their own worst enemy and believe they're smarter than everyone else.
3 Tom Thibodeau is out as Knicks coach.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The timing of this firing has confused some since the Knicks axed the veteran coach after the franchise's first conference finals run in 25 years and following a fourth playoff berth in five years.
Bickerstaff, whose Pistons fell to the Knicks in six games in the first round, said coaches don't like seeing their brethren dismissed following a successful campaign.
'That's the difficult part from a coach's standing,' Bickerstaff said. 'We understand it and we know the job we signed up for is a dangerous job. But, from a coach's standpoint, it is our responsibility to be honest and tell the truth. Our job is extremely difficult. To win in the NBA is extremely difficult. To build teams in the NBA is extremely difficult. To lead guys, who have the superstar power in the NBA, is extremely difficult. So when a guy does a great job at it, from the outside looking in, we want to see that guy get rewarded. And it seems to be cases now where guys that do a great job aren't even being rewarded with a next year.'
The Knicks felt they needed to make a change to improve their chances of winning a title, The Post previously reported, and some players did not love Thibodeau's approach.
The team's search is off to a bumpy start with five teams — the Rockets (Ime Udoka), Timberwolves (Chris Finch), Hawks (Quin Snyder), Mavericks (Jason Kidd) and Bulls (Billy Donovan) — denying permission to talk to their respective coaches.
3 J.B. Bickerstaff congratulates Jalen Brunson after his shot eliminated the Pistons in Game 6.
Getty Images
The Knicks instead have now set up interviews with a pair of coaches who were dismissed during the season in Taylor Jenkins, formerly of the Grizzlies, and Mike Brown, who led the Kings.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Orlando Magic's nightmare outcome for 2025 NBA Draft
The post Orlando Magic's nightmare outcome for 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Orlando Magic have spent years meticulously building a promising young core, stockpiling assets, and positioning themselves as one of the NBA's most intriguing up-and-coming teams. But as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the franchise faces a pivotal moment that could set them back if the wrong decisions are made. Here's a deep dive into the worst-case scenario for the Magic on draft night, examining the risks of asset mismanagement, missed opportunities, and the perils of chasing short-term fixes. The Fallout of the Desmond Bane Trade Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Orlando's blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane signaled a shift from patient rebuilding to a win-now approach. In exchange for Bane, the Magic surrendered a significant haul: their No. 16 pick in this year's draft, a 2026 first-rounder (with swap rights), a 2028 first, a 2030 first, and a 2029 swap. While Bane's shooting and scoring fill a glaring need, the cost was steep. The nightmare scenario? That this aggressive move backfires, Bane struggles to mesh with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, or injuries strike again, leaving Orlando without the draft capital to pivot or reload. Advertisement The Magic's future flexibility is now limited. With four first-round picks and a swap gone, Orlando's ability to chase another star or recover from a misstep is severely hampered. If Bane doesn't elevate the team into the East's elite, the Magic could find themselves stuck: too good to bottom out, not good enough to contend, and lacking the assets to change course. Despite the Bane trade, Orlando still holds the No. 25 pick (via Denver) and a late second-rounder. The nightmare outcome would be whiffing on these selections, either by reaching for a prospect who doesn't fit the roster or by passing on a player who blossoms elsewhere. Mock drafts have linked the Magic to Maxime Raynaud, a late-blooming stretch big, and Kam Jones, a senior guard with shooting and playmaking chops. Both could theoretically address Orlando's needs, but the risk is real: Raynaud's game is still raw, and Jones, while experienced, may lack the upside of younger prospects. If the Magic opt for 'win-now' readiness over long-term talent, they could miss out on higher-ceiling players who develop into stars for rival teams. The Magic's recent draft history has been solid, but a single miss, especially at a time when their asset pool is shrinking, could have outsized consequences. Selecting a player who fails to contribute, or watching a targeted guard like Walter Clayton Jr. or Nolan Traore get snatched up just ahead of their pick, would sting. Asset Drain and the Trade Trap Orlando's front office has been lauded for its conservative, asset-rich approach. But the Bane trade marks a clear departure. The nightmare scenario is doubling down, packaging the No. 25 pick and future seconds to chase another veteran, compounding the asset drain. If things go sideways, such a move could leave the Magic with little draft capital, a capped-out roster, and no clear path to improvement. Advertisement This is especially risky given the uncertainty around their 2026 pick swap with Phoenix or Washington. Orlando's swap could be extremely valuable if the Suns spiral into a rebuild post-Kevin Durant. Trading it away now for marginal upgrades would be a classic case of short-term thinking undermining long-term potential. The Magic's glaring weaknesses remain shooting and playmaking, especially at point guard. Last season, injuries exposed the lack of a true floor general behind Jalen Suggs. Cory Joseph provided stability, but he isn't a long-term solution. If Orlando fails to use the draft to address this, either by passing on a promising guard or by taking a player who can't stretch the floor, the offense could stagnate again, putting more pressure on Banchero and Wagner. For the Orlando Magic, the 2025 NBA Draft is about more than just adding talent—it's about safeguarding the franchise's future. The nightmare outcome is a perfect storm: the Bane trade doesn't deliver, the draft yields little help, and the asset cupboard is bare for the next big swing. In a competitive Eastern Conference, missteps now could turn a promising core into a team trapped in mediocrity. For a franchise on the cusp, caution and clarity are more vital than ever. Navigating Uncertainty with Purpose The Magic's front office must now walk a tightrope between ambition and prudence. With their asset pool diminished and expectations rising, every move carries amplified risk. The upcoming season will be a litmus test for the Bane experiment and for the development of their young stars. Advertisement If the draft fails to yield a rotation-ready contributor or a hidden gem, Orlando could find itself outpaced by rivals who were once behind in the rebuild race. Ultimately, the nightmare outcome isn't just a bad night at the draft, it's a series of miscalculations that could stall the Magic's ascent just as the window to contend begins to open. Related: Desmond Bane reveals wild timing of when Magic trade went down Related: Desmond Bane's 'simple' mic drop after 'perfect' Magic trade
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Timberwolves president's bold Anthony Edwards prediction after WCF elimination
The post Timberwolves president's bold Anthony Edwards prediction after WCF elimination appeared first on ClutchPoints. For the second consecutive season, the Minnesota Timberwolves' season came to a screeching halt in the Western Conference Finals. In 2025, however, they seemed farther away than ever from finally breaking through and making it to the NBA Finals. After at least being competitive against the Dallas Mavericks last year (keeping games close before faltering in the end), it didn't look as if they belonged in the same league as the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially in Game 5. Advertisement The temptation for teams that come so close yet fall so far is to make drastic moves so they could finally get over the hump. Perhaps that is still the case for these Timberwolves. Nonetheless, they have a solid pathway to contention for at least the next few years, especially when Anthony Edwards, as great as he is today, is only about to enter his age-24 season and has plenty of room to grow even as he's already made it deep to the playoffs multiple times. 'The greatest compliment we can give Ant is how much he's won at such a young age especially coming into a team that hadn't enjoyed much success in the years prior. I think the strides that he made this year… I think the sky's the limit. We think he's going to be one of the best players of all time. We really think he's on that track,' Timberwolves president Tim Connelly said of Edwards in his presser, via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. It's not too often that an all-time great manages to break through with a championship early on in one's career. Oftentimes, going through adversity is a necessary part of the process, and Edwards has certainly experienced this with the Timberwolves. This should only harden him for whatever is coming as he and his team look to take the final step towards claiming that elusive NBA championship. Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves are on the right track Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images The Timberwolves have to be doing something right to be able to make the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season. As for Edwards, time is on his side anyway, so it's not like he should be beating himself up for coming up short in the WCF once more. The likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant had to know what playoff heartbreak was like before they managed to climb the mountaintop. Edwards and the Timberwolves simply have to reinforce the team and keep on giving themselves a shot at a title year-in, year-out.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant trade offer Timberwolves must make to Suns to seal deal
The post Kevin Durant trade offer Timberwolves must make to Suns to seal deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Timberwolves are closer than ever to breaking into true championship territory. However, despite two straight seasons of postseason growth, they still fell short. Advertisement Now, with a generational scorer possibly on the move again, Minnesota faces its most critical decision yet. Kevin Durant, even at age 36, still represents one of the most dangerous offensive forces in the NBA. The problem? He's not sold on Minnesota. The opportunity? Phoenix might still bite if the Timberwolves put the right offer on the table. Timberwolves' promising season ends in disappointment Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports The Timberwolves wrapped up their 2024-25 NBA regular season with a solid 49-33 record. That was good for sixth in the Western Conference. Their stingy defense stifled opponents throughout the regular season. More importantly, the rise of Anthony Edwards into a bona fide superstar gave Minnesota a foundation it hasn't had since Kevin Garnett. Advertisement The playoffs saw the Wolves dispatch the Lakers and Warriors, storming into the Western Conference Finals. Against a red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder team, though, their offense sputtered. Edwards carried a heavy burden and was ultimately outdueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The Wolves bowed out in six games, painfully close to the NBA Finals. Now in a critical offseason, Minnesota is exploring every avenue to take the final step. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that the Wolves have been the 'most aggressive' team in pursuit of Durant. Yet according to other reports, the future Hall of Famer is currently not interested in joining Minnesota. That may be a major hurdle but not necessarily a deal-breaker. Here we will discuss the Kevin Durant trade offer that the Minnesota Timberwolves must make to the Phoenix Suns to seal the deal. The ideal trade to tempt the Suns Proposed Trade Details: – Phoenix Suns Receive: Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., 2025 No. 17 pick – Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Kevin Durant For Minnesota, this package is significant, but so is the opportunity. Pairing Edwards with Durant creates a lethal scoring duo and provides the kind of playoff experience the Wolves desperately need. Meanwhile, Phoenix retools with depth, youth, and a legitimate anchor in the paint. Durant is the missing piece for the Timberwolves Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Edwards is a rising superstar, but even he struggled to carry the offensive burden alone in high-stakes games. Durant's presence would immediately alleviate that pressure. Advertisement KD still posted elite numbers last season: 26.6 points per game on 52.7% shooting from the field and a blistering 43.0% from deep. His ability to score from anywhere on the court would open up driving lanes for Edwards and shooters around them. Some might balk at trading multiple assets for what could be a one-year rental. Durant has only one year remaining on his contract and reportedly isn't excited about a Minnesota move. Still, this deal is about seizing the moment. The Timberwolves aren't far off. With the West quite open and several contenders aging out of the picture, Minnesota's window is now. If the front office believes a championship is within reach, one season of Durant may be all they need. There's also the Edwards factor. The young All-NBA guard has expressed his admiration for Durant in past interviews. While KD has hesitations, the potential for an on-court bond—and possibly a shift in Durant's perception of Minnesota—shouldn't be ruled out. A winning culture, a strong coach in Chris Finch, and a focused locker room could help Durant see the bigger picture. Why it makes sense for the Suns The Suns have lacked stability at the center position ever since parting ways with Deandre Ayton. Yes, Gobert doesn't replicate Ayton's offensive game. However, he more than makes up for it defensively. Advertisement He's a four-time Defensive Player of the Year who still averaged 12.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game last season. His presence in the paint could restore some of the balance Phoenix lost last year. Note that Phoenix's bench has been a weakness. This trade injects multiple contributors. Donte DiVincenzo, a tough, versatile two-way guard, averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting nearly 40% from deep. He can be a starter or sixth man, and his postseason experience with Golden State and New York is invaluable. Then there's Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. These are two youngsters who offer upside. Dillingham is a dynamic shot creator with clear room for development, while Shannon showed flashes of shot-making in limited playoff minutes for Minnesota. Combined with the No. 17 pick, Phoenix gets a youth infusion that can either develop in-house or serve as trade capital for other moves. A calculated gamble worth taking for the Timberwolves Championship windows are fleeting. The Timberwolves have built a roster that can compete now, but their margin for error is small. Anthony Edwards is ascending, and the supporting cast is solid—but to reach the next level, Minnesota needs another superstar. Kevin Durant, even at this stage in his career, still fits that bill. Advertisement Would it be a gamble to trade for someone who isn't fully on board? Absolutely. But in the NBA, fortune favors the bold. The Denver Nuggets proved it in 2023. The Celtics proved it in 2024. Maybe it's Minnesota's turn in 2026. Pull the trigger. Related: Timberwolves rumors: Is Anthony Edwards trying to change Kevin Duant's mind on trade? Related: NBA rumors: Timberwolves playing hardball in Kevin Durant trade talks
