Sep 26, 2022; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (4) speaks to the press at Knicks Content Day Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Derrick Rose Reacts To New York Knicks Firing Tom Thibodeau

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 1:28 AM ET

Tom Thibodeau had been at the helm for the New York Knicks since the 2020-21 season.

However (after reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years), the Knicks let go of Thibodeau this summer.

Breaking: Tom Thibodeau is out as head coach of the Knicks, sources tell @ShamsCharania.

Get breaking news alerts from Shams Charania through the ESPN app: https://t.co/QEjDpr2WVy pic.twitter.com/PbV9sXPOfI
— ESPN (@espn) June 3, 2025

Recently, Derrick Rose gave his thoughts on the firing (h/t Steven Taranto of CBS Sports).

Rose: "I talked to Thibs after. He's good... You can't be mad when you're walking away with $30 million... He's in good spirts. That's my guy. We locked in till the end."

Former NBA MVP and #NASCARChicago grand marshal Derrick Rose was asked today about his reaction to the Knicks firing Tom Thibodeau. The two had a long relationship and Rose played on his Knicks teams at the end of his career.

Says Thibs is in good spirits and "you can't be mad… pic.twitter.com/vhnTuuMytb
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) July 6, 2025

Rose played for Thibodeau on the Bulls, Timberwolves and Knicks.

They are most known for their run in Chicago together (when Rose was the youngest MVP of all time).

During the 2011 season (when Rose won the MVP Award), they reached the Eastern Conference finals.

He averaged 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 44.5% from the field in 81 games.

Via The Chicago Bulls : "OFFICIAL: The Bulls will retire Derrick Rose's number during the 2025-26 NBA season. No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls.

Number 1 will always be from Chicago."

OFFICIAL: The Bulls will retire Derrick Rose's number during the 2025-26 NBA season. No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls.

Number 1 will always be from Chicago. pic.twitter.com/s7z3J030WA
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 4, 2025

As for Thibodeau, he has coached part of 13 seasons (for the Bulls, Timberwolves and Knicks).

His record is 578-420.

Via @KnicksMuse: "Tom Thibodeau arrived to New York in 2020, and transformed the Knicks from the joke of the NBA into a serious contender.

Thank you, Thibs."

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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