Knicks fans can expect Tom Thibodeau to be their head coach for a long time if reports are to be believed. As reported by insider Marc Stein, Coach Thibs is almost a lock to remain with the Knicks, with expectations that he will sign a $10 million-a-year contract extension to stay with the Eastern Conference powerhouse.
“League sources say that Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau should be viewed as a virtual certainty to score a contract extension this off-season at the market rate,’ which translates to an annual wage of at least $10 million, after New York’s run to the brink of the Eastern Conference finals with one of the league’s longest injury lists in a postseason wracked with injuries.”
This news will excite Knicks fans, who have seen their best period in years under Thibodeau’s stewardship. The Knicks signed Thibodeau in 2020, as they looked to take the franchise in a new direction under the leadership of GM Leon Rose and EVP – Senior Basketball Advisor William Wesley, two men with massive connections to several NBA players.
Thibodeau has been a revelation as the head coach of the Knicks. After six seasons of missing the playoffs, Thibs has taken the Knicks to the postseason three times out of the four seasons he has been there. On top of that, he has built a true contender with them, especially with the signing of Jalen Brunson, who elevated their game to another level.
This year, the Knicks finished with an impressive 50-32 record. What makes this even more impressive is the Knicks’ awful luck with injuries, with them losing players like Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby for large stretches of the season.
Can Thibodeau Bring A Championship To The Knicks After 52 Years?
This year, the Knicks had a solid playoff run, despite being severely hamstrung by injuries. They lost Julius Randle for the season even before the playoffs began. And then through the playoffs, they saw players like Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby sustain injuries, which eventually caused them to lose in seven games to the Pacers in the second round.
Brunson was still a superstar in the playoffs, despite his injury woes. In the post-season, Brunson averaged 32.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. He was the Knicks’ best player by a wide margin and showed that he can be a first option on a championship team.
While some people, like Draymond Green, refuse to give the Knicks a pass for their injuries, it has to be taken into consideration when assessing their playoff run. And fans of the Knicks will want to see what their team looks like in the playoffs with a fully fit and healthy roster.
There is optimism that Coach Thibs can end the 52-year championship drought for the Knicks. If the front office can land some big pieces during this offseason, they will continue to be a strong team in the Eastern Conference that can challenge for the NBA championship next year.
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