New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s absence from the Coach of the Year finalists has raised eyebrows, particularly among his players. Despite leading the Knicks to a 50-32 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference, Thibodeau was not among the three finalists selected for the prestigious award.
Thibodeau’s snub has been met with disbelief and frustration by his players, most notably shooting guard Immanuel Quickley. Quickley took to social media to express his disappointment, writing, “50 wins, 2nd seed with an injured roster for half the season and not a Coach Of The Year candidate….”
Thibodeau responded to Quickley’s comments by downplaying the situation, suggesting that the player was simply seeking more playing time. However, the Knicks’ impressive regular season record, achieved despite injuries to key players such as Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson, underscores Thibodeau’s coaching acumen.
The Knicks’ 50 wins represent their highest total since the 2012-13 season, and their second seed is their best since 2013. Thibodeau has guided the team to the second round of the playoffs in each of his two seasons at the helm, and they currently hold a 1-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.
While the Coach of the Year award ultimately went to another deserving candidate, Thibodeau’s accomplishments with the Knicks this season are undeniable. His ability to navigate a challenging injury situation and lead the team to a top playoff seed is a testament to his coaching abilities.
