Indiana Pacers fans couldn’t believe the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after reaching the conference finals. Rick Carlisle outcoached Thibs in the series, but it was New York’s first trip there in 25 years. Thibs helped the Knicks become relevant again. That was unfortunately not enough to save his job.
The Pacers' longtime rivals need a new coach and plan to be aggressive in shaking up their roster. Indiana is the top dog in the East, but it is wide open next season after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. Several teams will want to load up in hopes of making a deep playoff run.
Tyrese Haliburton turning into a superstar helped end Thibs’ tenure with the Knicks. It was Indiana who bounced the Knicks from the playoffs two years in a row. Just when it seemed like they were back, New York made a shocking shakeup.
The Pacers ended Thibodeau’s tenure with the Knicks
Thibs is a flawed coach. He prefers playing his five best players' massive minutes. His team slows things down and plays at a methodical pace. Carlisle exploited that two years in a row. He forced New York to run and play randomly. The Knicks paid for turnovers and had to use their bench. Thibs was uncomfortable and it ultimately cost him his job.
Pacers fans truly couldn’t believe what they saw. Thibodeau brought the Knicks back. They were in contention and knocked out the defending champions in the second round of the playoffs. He deserved a chance to get them over the hump, but it wasn’t meant to be.
It is hard to fathom the Knicks finding a better coach for their roster. Thibs wins wherever he goes. Yes, he has flaws, but clearly, New York had a special coach. The Knicks forgot about their decade-long playoff drought and the nightmare that existed before he arrived.
The rival Knicks made a mistake in letting Thibs go. The Pacers are gearing up for the finals, but their fans have to laugh at this disaster first. Thibodeau will land another head coaching gig if he wants one, and New York will regret letting him go. That is the price to pay for a shortsighted decision-making.
The Indiana Pacers are ready for the NBA Finals. Pascal Siakam will play a key role if Indy can pull the upset. Expect plenty of fireworks, and keep an eye on who the Knicks find to replace Thibs. New York expects to battle Indiana again for East supremacy, but this move may ruin that. Only time will tell. Until then, Pacers fans will be chuckling at the Knicks mismanagement.