Jalen Brunson Doesn’t Hold Back on Former Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau

Thibodeau was hired in 2020 and transformed the Knicks into consistent playoff contenders. Over five seasons, he led the team to four playoff appearances and four series victories, including the landmark 2024-25 season in which New York delivered its deepest postseason run in 25 years. He was widely credited with instilling defensive toughness, discipline, and a winning culture. But criticism also emerged over his heavy reliance on starters, player fatigue, and limited bench production.

On Tuesday, Jalen Brunson addressed the firing directly during media day:

“Obviously, it's sad to see a man I've known for a long time part ways with this organization, he said.” “He's meant a lot to me. I've expressed that to him publicly and personally. He's meant a lot to my career up to this point.”

Under Thibodeau, Brunson developed into one of the league’s best guards. He gained a reputation as one of the league’s most lethal players in the clutch and his performance was a central piece of the Knicks’ success.

Last season, Brunson averaged 26.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds across 65 regular-season games, shooting 48.8% from the field. He earned All-NBA Second Team honours and was named Clutch Player of the Year. Even in the playoffs, Brunson elevated his game, averaging 29.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 18 games.

After parting ways with Thibodeau, the Knicks turned next to Mike Brown, a proven veteran coach with championship pedigree. Brown, 55, entered the job with a career head coaching record of 454-304, having coached the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-2010, briefly again in 2013-14), the Los Angeles Lakers (2011-12), and most recently the Sacramento Kings.

He won NBA Coach of the Year twice—first in 2009 with Cleveland and again in 2023 after leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance since 2006. As an assistant, Brown was part of four NBA Finals-winning teams (with the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors).

As training camp approaches, the Knicks are entering 2025-26 under new leadership and with elevated expectations. New York opens the season on Oct. 22 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.