Tom Thibodeau (Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks still like Tom Thibodeau.
The New York Knicks need a new coach after parting ways with David Fizdale, and James Dolan has become obsessed with landing either Jason Kidd of Tom Thibodeau, with the latter remaining the apple of Dolan’s eye, even after contentious negotiations.
Per the New York Post, the Knicks remain locked in on Thibodeau despite reports from the Daily News earlier this morning claiming that the team has turned their attention towards Kidd.
Tom Thibodeau is trying to re-establish himself as a pro coach.
Thibodeau has only missed the playoffs in one of his seven full seasons as a head coach, as he has led both the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves to the postseason. Unfortunately, Thibodeau has never made it to the Finals despite having an MVP in Derrick Rose leading his Bulls.
While his ability to draw up innovative defensive sets and rile up players with his explosive demeanor is a major feather in his cap, he would be a horrible coach for a team full of young players. Young players need to be given equal opportunities on the court and should be encouraged after poor performances. If Thibodeau ends up as the coach, he will likely rely on all his starters for 30+ minutes per game. His bombastic style could easily turn players off.
Former Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, an offensive-minded coach with a track record of developing young players into stars and experience with both the Knicks and the New York media, seems like the best candidate for this opening. Instead of poaching the former Nets candidate, the Knicks are eyeing up a guy who hasn’t coaches in almost two full seasons for a team full of developing players.
Thibodeau is best served in charge of an experienced team who needs that extra oomph to get over the hump. Putting a fiery coach that doesn’t like to rotate players on a team like the Knicks that will be composed of a bunch of young players could end up ruining the confidence of some of these greenhorns during a rough stretch. Atkinson is the guy for the job, while Thibs would be a step backwards.