Latest news with #Thibs
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Boston Celtics coach does not want Knicks job: ‘Absolutely not'
The Knicks surprised the rest of the basketball world earlier this week when they fired coach Tom Thibodeau despite their best playoff run in 25 years. Now, the rumors are rampant for the top job in New York as the Knicks are looking to push all-in with their current roster. Count Rick Pitino out as a potential name. The former Celtics coach, now at St. John's, was blunt when asked if he wanted the job: 'Absolutely not.' He was on-air during a broadcast between the Yankees and Guardians, pointing out the pressure that will come for the Knicks' next guy. Advertisement 'I think whoever comes in, if he doesn't get to the Finals, it's going to be deemed an unsuccessful season,' Pitino said. 'So, whoever comes in has got so much pressure on them to take this team to the next level because that's why they're doing it, obviously, in their minds.' Pitino, 72, has had a long coaching career with multiple stops in both the NBA and in the college ranks. He did coach the Knicks from 1987-89 for two seasons. But the last time he was an NBA head coach was with the Celtics from 1997-2001 before he resigned. Since then, Pitino spent 2001-17 with Louisville. But there was also the 'pay for play' scandal with the Cardinals which eventually led to him losing his job. Back then, before the current age of NIL, paying for players was illegal, amongst other details. It took a few years but Pitino made his way back to the college ranks, starting with Iona and now with the Red Storm. St. John's had a stellar season in Pitino's second year there, going 31-5 and winning both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. While they were upset in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Pitino was right back in the national spotlight. Advertisement The Knicks are looking to take the next step themselves as the franchise hasn't won an NBA title since 1973. New York had a surprise run to the East Finals, including upsetting the Celtics in six games in the second round. But the Knicks weren't able to get back to the NBA Finals, falling in six games to the Pacers. The Knicks have talented players on their roster, but they also must capitalize on that. They traded significant draft assets to get to this point, and with the East looking like a potential question mark going forward, the organization is looking at a short window of contention. That's where the new head coach figures to be a big part of the equation. 'I feel bad for Thibs because I think he captured all of New York and built something very, very special,' Pitino said, per SNY. 'A lot of us don't comprehend what happened. But Thibs is going to be well-taken-care-of and he'll move onto other pastures.' More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"The Knicks got to be the stupidest damn people in the world" - Charles Barkley sounds off on the New York Knicks
"The Knicks got to be the stupidest damn people in the world" - Charles Barkley sounds off on the New York Knicks originally appeared on Basketball Network. The New York Knicks stunned the basketball world in early June when they fired head coach Tom Thibodeau days after the team was eliminated from the Eastern Conference finals by the Indiana Pacers. Advertisement While Thibs wasn't without flaws, especially with his penchant for playing his starters heavy minutes, there's no denying the role he played in bringing the Knicks back to elite status, compiling a 226-174 record in the five seasons he helmed the team. Coaches getting let go is by no means a rare occurrence in the NBA, but the lack of a solid succession plan has not gone unnoticed among fans and experts. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley shared his piece on the matter before Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Chuck didn't mince words Barkley, the 1993 MVP, has never been one to keep his words in check, especially if he has strong opinions on a topic. And when it comes to the Knicks' recent coaching change and current search for a suitable replacement, he didn't hold back. Advertisement "The Knicks got to be the stupidest damn people in the world. Like, you don't fire no good coach like that and don't have a plan," he surmised. "I mean, Thibs did a hell of a job. Obviously, something's going on there, but you don't have a plan." Despite being one of the league's most revered franchises, the Knicks haven't won an NBA title since 1973. Before Thibs came on board as head coach, New York went through seven losing seasons, failing to make the postseason in each one. Now, the coach who managed to get the best out of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns is no longer on the roster, with no replacement in sight. "You got to have a plan, man, and they don't have a plan now. I mean, I don't know what the hell they're going to do," Barkley stressed. Related: "Larry Bird said, 'If Robert doesn't want to be here, trade his a—'" - Robert Parish admits he didn't take Bird's side in his fight with Julius Erving Numerous rejected The Knicks' front office has been busy securing meetings with several NBA coaches. However, their efforts to meet with the likes of the Atlanta Hawks' Quin Snyder, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Chris Finch, the Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd and the Houston Rockets' Ime Udoka were all rebuffed. Another Hall of Famer, Grant Hill, chimed in, saying New York's attempts at hiring a new head coach have reeked of desperation. Advertisement "It does look bad. It looks almost desperate. You think, okay, you can debate whether the decision to fire Thibs was the right one or not — clearly, you assume they know more than we know — but to go through this now, third person, possibly fourth coach? It's just like, okay, what's going on here?" Hill stated. The fact that the Knicks were a good bounce or two away from playing in the finals struck Hill as off. Now, they may have to start from scratch, trying to learn a new system under a new head coach. "You got a team knocking on the door, could have been here right now playing in the Finals. So it's just not a good look right now. We'll see how that all plays out," Grant added. One former coach that Knicks fans are high on is Mark Jackson. The former Knicks great hasn't had a coaching gig since he helped rejuvenate the Golden State Warriors in 2011. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has verbalized his support for the former All-Star to nab the Knicks' head coaching position. Advertisement Related: "If this team was in the playoff race, I'd love to be here" - John Starks on why he played only four games for the Chicago Bulls This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
DENIED! 5 NBA coaches the Knicks were barred from pursuing
It's kind of an awkward time for the New York Knicks, to say the least. The franchise that got close to the 2025 NBA Finals promptly fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after the Knicks' season ended, with buzz over some possible names they could interview and replace Thibs with. Advertisement Thing is, thus far they've reportedly picked out some names that are under contract with other teams. I guess that was Plan A? To see if they could trade for a big name? It's led to some awkwardness (just ask Charles Barkley) So now it's on to Plan B. Because all of these names, per reports, have been denied to the Knicks given their current status. Let's run down those names as we wait to see who they gravitate towards now: Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks The rumblings were there was some "mutual" interest but ultimately the Dallas Mavericks said "NOPE!" Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets I guess the Knicks were just shooting for the best possible names, because I don't see there being a way Udoka would leave the emerging Rockets. Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves Same here. Not sure if a team that's a contender would be OK with another contender grabbing their head coach, compensation or not. Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks At least you tried. Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls Maybe this one was seen as more attainable? I dunno. Hey Knicks: maybe consult our list of seven possible Knicks coaching candidates? This article originally appeared on For The Win: Knicks head coach rumors: 5 coaches New York was barred from pursuing
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
DENIED! 5 NBA coaches the Knicks were barred from pursuing
It's kind of an awkward time for the New York Knicks, to say the least. The franchise that got close to the 2025 NBA Finals promptly fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after the Knicks' season ended, with buzz over some possible names they could interview and replace Thibs with. Advertisement Thing is, thus far they've reportedly picked out some names that are under contract with other teams. I guess that was Plan A? To see if they could trade for a big name? It's led to some awkwardness (just ask Charles Barkley) So now it's on to Plan B. Because all of these names, per reports, have been denied to the Knicks given their current status. Let's run down those names as we wait to see who they gravitate towards now: Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks The rumblings were there was some "mutual" interest but ultimately the Dallas Mavericks said "NOPE!" Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets I guess the Knicks were just shooting for the best possible names, because I don't see there being a way Udoka would leave the emerging Rockets. Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves Same here. Not sure if a team that's a contender would be OK with another contender grabbing their head coach, compensation or not. Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks At least you tried. Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls Maybe this one was seen as more attainable? I dunno. Hey Knicks: maybe consult our list of seven possible Knicks coaching candidates? This article originally appeared on For The Win: Knicks head coach rumors: 5 coaches New York was barred from pursuing
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
DENIED! 5 NBA coaches the Knicks were barred from pursuing
DENIED! 5 NBA coaches the Knicks were barred from pursuing It's kind of an awkward time for the New York Knicks, to say the least. The franchise that got close to the 2025 NBA Finals promptly fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after the Knicks' season ended, with buzz over some possible names they could interview and replace Thibs with. Thing is, thus far they've reportedly picked out some names that are under contract with other teams. I guess that was Plan A? To see if they could trade for a big name? It's led to some awkwardness (just ask Charles Barkley) So now it's on to Plan B. Because all of these names, per reports, have been denied to the Knicks given their current status. Let's run down those names as we wait to see who they gravitate towards now: Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks The rumblings were there was some "mutual" interest but ultimately the Dallas Mavericks said "NOPE!" Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets I guess the Knicks were just shooting for the best possible names, because I don't see there being a way Udoka would leave the emerging Rockets. Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves Same here. Not sure if a team that's a contender would be OK with another contender grabbing their head coach, compensation or not. Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks At least you tried. Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls Maybe this one was seen as more attainable? I dunno. Hey Knicks: maybe consult our list of seven possible Knicks coaching candidates?
