Apr 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Ex-Lakers, Clippers Guard Reacts to Knicks Firing Tom Thibodeau

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 7:02 AM ET

On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, the New York Knicks shocked the NBA world when they fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after being only two games away from the NBA Finals.

No one expected the Knicks to defeat the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but somehow they did it. Among those shocked was former Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers guard Patrick Beverley.

"Wow, cooked him," Beverley exclaimed.

You have to win a championship every year to keep your job nowadays!

New Episode tomorrow 8 AM pic.twitter.com/TAhimk4o4d
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) June 4, 2025

Beverley believes that if anything, the New York Knicks overaccomplished after defeating the Boston Celtics, and that no coach is safe unless they win an NBA championship for numerous years in a row.

"Apparently, win a championship every year," Beverley said about a coach's requirement to keep their job. "They overachieved this year. Bro, they beat Boston. They beat the Boston Celtics. They lost to a potential team that has a chance to win a championship. They overachieved this year. I don't think they get to the Eastern Conference Finals next year."

Thank you, Coach Thibodeau. pic.twitter.com/bInhvWtxPI
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 3, 2025

The 2025 NBA season is one filled with a plethora of unexpected qualified coaches getting fired from their teams. From Michael Malone to Taylor Jenkins and now Tom Thibodeau. However, Thibodeau getting fired after defeating the Boston Celtics in the playoffs remains arguably the most shocking of the three.

The Knicks still owe Tom Thibodeau $30M guaranteed after recently signing an extension, per @IanBegley.

Insane pic.twitter.com/Ni2T6l85cg
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 4, 2025

It remains to be seen who replaces Thibodeau as head coach of the Knicks, but many already want it to be former championship Nuggets coach Michael Malone.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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