Tom Thibodeau Plays A Major Part In Knicks Making The Contract Extension Necessary

If you listen to Tom Thibodeau for an extended period of time, as I have, you begin to question whether he ever takes a break to celebrate a success. Heck, on the seventh day, even God took a nap.

Tom Thibodeau Plays A Major Part In Knicks Making The Contract Extension Necessary

But when “everything is a concern,” as the coach frequently reiterates from his Book of Thibs-isms, it’s hard to unwind.

Thus, following the Knicks’ decisive victory against the reigning champs on Thursday night (they absolutely destroyed the Nuggets), Thibodeau was already concerned about perhaps undervaluing a future opponent. That shows his dedication.

His signing of Jalen Brunson, his emphasis on asset management and effective drafting, and his continued support of Julius Randle during his less than stellar seasons are all credited with this turnaround. However, none of his decisions may have been more consequential than appointing Tom Thibodeau as head coach nearly four years ago.

Under his direction, the franchise started creating a new culture on that day in 2020, and it is currently completely benefiting from it. Thibodau has so earned himself an extension of the contract. Although his current contract ends after the upcoming season, New York would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to extend their most dependable coach in twenty years.

As the Knicks’ longest-tenured head coach since Mike D’Antoni, having led the team for three and a half seasons, Thibodeau has successfully navigated the difficult situation of keeping both his job and the team’s attention.

Naturally, it helps when Jalen Brunson, the unofficial captain, has similar priorities. If Taj Gibson suddenly had superstar abilities, Thibodeau could only have hoped for a better and more suited leader.

The one offseason move New York made heading into this season was to acquire another Thibs type in Donte DiVincenzo, clearing a spot in the rotation by dealing a player who was renowned for not being a Thibs, in Toppin. That was merely an appetizer for the big mid-season shake-up, in which they brought in OG Anunoby for two mainstays of the era – Barrett and  Quickley.

This was the pinnacle of the front office’s pro-Thibodeau tilt, as the team sent out two young players who were devoted to the team in search of the player who may be the league’s best match for the Knicks. Like Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng, two of Thibodeau’s former favorite wings, Anunoby is a plug-and-play offensive threat as well as the ultimate Swiss army knife.

With a rotation that includes Elfrid Payton, Nerlens Noel, Gibson, Derrick Rose, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Alec Burks, and Reggie Bullock, Thibodeau finished fourth in the East three years ago.

After rebuilding the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau merits a longer contract.

They are all no longer there. Out of the league are three of them. Actually, out of the twelve players that the Knicks fielded in the 2021 playoffs, just one remains.

Julius Randle.

Now that they are back in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, Thibodeau’s club is dominating both individually and as a unit.

Under this coach, Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson have developed into exceptional defensive centers, Randle has been a consistent All-NBA player, Brunson has become a star, and a slew of young talent has become shining examples of this culture, whether or not they are currently members of the team.

Like any coach, Thibodeau is not without faults, as many will be quick to point out. He may employ inflexible lineups and rotations, show partiality, or make adjustments too slowly—the latter of which may be extremely detrimental during the tumultuous tempo of a postseason series.

To those who disagree, however, who should the Knicks, who are gradually but definitely slipping into contention, trade Thibodeau for?

What is Tom Thibodeau’s coaching record?

Tom Thibodeau had a record of 504-373 in his coaching career.
COACH GP REC
Tom Thibodeau 877 504-373

What is Tom Thibodeau’s salary?

Tom’s most recent long-term contract was signed in 2020; it was a five-year agreement that would keep him with the New York Knicks through the 2024–25 regular season. With an eight million dollar yearly contract, Thibodeau is now the sixth highest paid head coach in the NBA.

How long is Tom Thibodeau contract?

Extending Thibodeau’s contract now would demonstrate a long-term dedication to the club and the program. His current contract expires in 2024–25.

 

 

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