Tom Thibodeau has once again been voted as the head coach that NBA players would least like to play for, according to an anonymous player poll conducted by The Athletic. This marks the third straight season that Thibodeau has topped the poll, despite leading the New York Knicks to a second seed finish in the Eastern Conference this season.
The narrative surrounding Thibodeau is that he pushes his players too hard and demands strict adherence to his system. However, players who have played under Thibodeau, such as Donte DiVincenzo, have defended his coaching style, emphasizing his attention to detail and commitment to player development.
“Thibs is a great leader and a great head coach,” DiVincenzo said. “He’s done an amazing job this year not only dealing with injuries in and out of the lineup but also getting the best out of every single player on our team.”
Despite the Knicks’ success under Thibodeau, he continues to be disrespected by players around the league. Some players find his demanding coaching style to be too intense, while others appreciate his focus on discipline and defense.
“Professional basketball is about winning,” Thibodeau said. “The Knicks are doing a lot of that under me. Surely, that makes me an enticing coach to play for.”
Ultimately, the debate over Thibodeau’s coaching style is likely to continue. While some players may find his methods to be too demanding, others appreciate his commitment to winning and player development.
