Two-Time NBA Coach of the Year, Who was ‘Sorry to Hear’ the Steve Nash Sacking News, Might be the Next in Line to Get Fired
Just seven games into his third season in Brooklyn, Steve Nash, the head coach of the Nets, was fired. The Knicks’ training facility received word of this just minutes before their scheduled Tuesday media appearance. Coach Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks stated that Steve Nash has always been regarded as a rival, whether as a coach or a player. The Knicks lost against the Hawks, 112-99, after blowing a 23-point lead and suffering their third straight defeat.
This is again another terrible performance by the team’s starting lineup, and many supporters are calling for a rotational change. The Hawks loss on Wednesday wasn’t everything. But it is only the most recent example of the current quo’s failure amid an overwhelming body of data.
Tom Thibodeau may be the next in line after the sacking of Steve Nash
To put it bluntly, the Knicks starting lineup has been poor through the first seven games. This game against the Hawks was no exception, as the remaining three Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, and RJ Barrett only managed a 13-for-35 shooting performance without the help of Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Brunson.
From the desk of the great @StatsWilliams:
The 23-point lead for the Knicks tonight is tied for the team's 3rd-largest blown lead in a loss over the last 30 seasons.
Over that span, Knicks have led by 23+ points & lost in 5 games. 3 of those have come in calendar year 2022.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) November 3, 2022
When playing the Hawks, New York had a 23-point lead at one point but lost by 13 points. This was a catastrophic collapse. But he must control them, adjust to them, and develop as a result of them. It is obvious that he won’t; he hasn’t and won’t. Thibs must leave because he is failing the Knicks, who are still being put together.
I asked Tom Thibodeau postgame if anything specific went into his decision to bring in Rose as the team’s first substitute today over his usual choice of Quickley.
“No. We wanted to get a look at it, thought it would be beneficial” pic.twitter.com/CIpD6pzw05
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) November 3, 2022
In addition, the defense of the starting lineup has been terrible the whole season, which is not unexpected given the lineup. Due to the defense, Quentin Grimes will offer, Thibodeau should strongly consider starting him over Fournier whenever Grimes is not subject to a minute limit. Thibs recently felt for Steve Nash and it seems he may be the next as the Knicks continue to struggle.
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