Knicks’ Stunning Tom Thibodeau Firing Shocks Rick Carlisle, Sparks NBA Coaching Buzz
Sarah Johnson
June 5, 2025
Brief
Knicks fire coach Tom Thibodeau after playoff exit, shocking Pacers' Rick Carlisle, who thought it was fake news. Coaching searches heat up across the NBA.
The New York Knicks, fresh off their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000, sent shockwaves through the NBA by parting ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau just days after their playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers in six games. The decision, announced Tuesday, left fans and insiders reeling, with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle admitting he thought it was a 'fake AI thing' when he first heard the news.
Carlisle, who doubles as the head of the National Basketball Coaches Association, didn’t hold back his admiration for Thibodeau’s tenure. 'Thibs went in and changed so much,' he said, crediting the veteran coach for transforming the Knicks’ culture and earning the loyalty of his players. The abrupt exit has sparked speculation about New York’s next move, with the coaching search already heating up.
One name floated for the job, UConn’s Dan Hurley, quickly shot down rumors, telling reporters he’s not chasing NBA gigs. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly set to hire Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their head coach, signaling a busy offseason for NBA coaching carousels.
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Editor's Comments
Firing Thibodeau after dragging the Knicks out of the NBA’s basement? That’s like benching your star player for scoring 30 points! New York’s front office must be hoopin’ in a parallel universe. And Carlisle thinking it’s AI-generated? Maybe he’s onto something—next they’ll say a robot’s coaching the Knicks!
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