Stephen A. Smith calls for Knicks to replace Tom Thibodeau with NBA champion
Tom Thibodeau has done a solid job as the New York Knicks head coach. During Thibodeau's tenure, the Knickerbockers have developed into a genuine playoff-level team. However, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes now should be the time for New York to look for an upgrade.
During a June 16 episode of First Take, Smith floated the idea of LA Clippers coach Ty Lue becoming the next head coach of the Knicks.
“I believe this should be Tom Thibodeau’s last year in New York,” Smith said. "You know, he gets married to what he sees in the film room. But if something like [ the Zion Williamson trade] happens, I would tell you I would look for the next — this should be Tom Thibodeau’s last season. Thank him, let him go somewhere else … and you get Ty Lue from the Los Angeles Clippers.”
Thibodeau took over the Knicks following the disappointing tenure of David Fizdale. Since then, Julius Randle has blossomed into an All-NBA candidate, and the Knicks have become relevant again.
To simply discard Thibodeau after the work he has done would be cold-blooded. Sure, Lue is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the NBA, and an argument could certainly be made in his favor. However, this Knicks team has been constructed in Thibodeau's image.
They play a hard-nosed brand of defense and are meticulous in their offensive execution. Players are blossoming under Thibodeau's tutelage, and the Knicks are in a position to swing for a star when one becomes available.
To change course now would be remarkably short-sighted. In fact, it would be a move the old Knicks made. The same Knicks who consistently found themselves being the butt of everyone's jokes.
Thibodeau has helped changed that narrative. Since taking over as head coach, Thibodeau has amassed a 125-111 record while leading a young and developing team. Surely you have to respect the work that's been done?
Now, New York is potentially one star away from being among the Eastern Conference contenders, while some internal development from their younger players could raise that ceiling further.
Lue might be a championship-winning head coach, but that doesn't mean he will win a championship with New York. Instead, the Knicks should stay the course and trust in the coach that got them this far. If it's not broke, don't fix it. You might just end up destroying a good thing.
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