Nov 13, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) reacts with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after scoring a basket in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Former New York Knicks Player Makes 1 Sensational Tom Thibodeau Suggestion

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 8:11 AM ET

Tom Thibodeau’s surprising dismissal has backfired on the New York Knicks because they reportedly haven’t had much success in finding his replacement.

According to former New York Knicks player Bobby Portis, the team should swallow its pride and re-hire Thibodeau if it cannot find a suitable new head coach soon.

“Sometimes when you break up with your girlfriend, sometimes you might go over there and find something else, but you might want to come back to that girlfriend,” Portis said on Run It Back on FanDuel TV.

Former New York Knicks Player Makes 1 Sensational Tom Thibodeau Suggestion 3

“So if I’m the Knicks, man, I’ll just call Thibs back and say, ‘I’m sorry, man.’ Get him some flowers, take him out to lunch, and try to rekindle this relationship, man. It was great, we’ve been together for five years. We had a lot of highs and lows together,” he ended.

Former New York Knicks guard endorsed by Rick Pitino to be the team’s next head coach

Rick Pitino recently endorsed Mark Jackson to become the New York Knicks’ next head coach. Jackson previously coached the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014, playing a key role in laying the foundation for the franchise’s dynastic run in the late 2010s.

Former New York Knicks Player Makes 1 Sensational Tom Thibodeau Suggestion 4 Feb 12, 2025; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Saint John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino reacts against the Villanova Wildcats in the second half at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

“I obviously coached our rookie of the year, Mark Jackson. I believe he spent 18 years in the NBA as a player. Great coach with the Warriors and one of the brightest minds I’ve coached. Would love to see the Knicks bring Mark Jackson home!!” Pitino posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“I’m forever grateful that he’s coached me. He’s a brilliant basketball mind, he’s turned over St. John’s University… turned back the hand of time to bring them back to their glory days. It’s great to watch, it’s fun to watch, he’s one of the greatest coaches in the history of sports, not just basketball. And on top of that, he’s got great taste by that statement,” Jackson said in reply to Pitino’s endorsement via SiriusXM NBA Radio.