'Get The Hell In Front Of A Mircophone And A Camera': Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Knicks President Leon Rose To Address Media Directly After Firing Tom Thibodeau

“I’m not calling him that as a man or as a person. I’m saying that’s how he’s been acting as president of the New York Knicks when it comes to communicating with the media and articulating the decisions that you make, and why they are being made,” he added.

Stephen A. Smith Speculates on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Role in Knicks’ Coaching Change

Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the New York Knicks’ decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau, suggesting that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rumored interest in joining the team may have influenced the move. Smith, a longtime Knicks supporter, floated the idea that the organization might have made the coaching change to accommodate a superstar like Antetokounmpo.

While acknowledging that he had no concrete evidence to support this theory, Smith expressed hope that the Knicks were making strategic adjustments to attract high-profile talent. His comments came after NBA insider Shams Charania initially reported that Thibodeau was likely to return, only for the Knicks to announce his dismissal shortly after their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Smith also pointed out that Thibodeau’s coaching style may not have been the best fit for the Knicks’ current roster. He speculated that players might have voiced their desire for a new leadership approach, leading to the decision to part ways with Thibodeau.

According to Smith, the team needs a coach with a different philosophy to maximize its potential, especially if they plan to pursue a blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo. He emphasized that the Knicks’ front office must carefully evaluate their next coaching hire to ensure it aligns with their long-term vision.

As the Knicks search for Thibodeau’s replacement, Stephen A. Smith called on team president Leon Rose to publicly address the reasoning behind the coaching change. He argued that Knicks fans deserve transparency regarding the organization’s direction and potential roster adjustments.