GREENBURGH, N.Y. — New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson said watching the organization dismiss head coach Tom Thibodeau in June was “sad,” noting the coach has played a significant role in his development since childhood.
Speaking Tuesday at the Knicks’ season-opening media day, Brunson, 29, addressed Thibodeau’s June departure that ended the coach’s five-year stint and followed the club’s first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.
“It’s sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time part ways with this organization,” Brunson said. “He’s meant a lot to me. I’ve expressed that to him, publicly and personally.”
Brunson’s connection to Thibodeau predates the NBA; his father, Rick Brunson, worked on Thibodeau’s staffs in New York and Minnesota and once played for teams where Thibodeau served as an assistant. After joining the Knicks as a free agent three years ago, Jalen Brunson earned consecutive All-Star and All-NBA selections and averaged 26.4 points per game under Thibodeau, capturing last season’s NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.
Despite that success, New York dismissed Thibodeau shortly after a six-game loss to the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals. In the immediate aftermath of that defeat, Brunson defended Thibodeau when asked if he was the right coach moving forward: “Yes. Come on.”
The Knicks will open training camp under new head coach Mike Brown, marking the second consecutive offseason of major changes after postseason progress. Last summer the club traded for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.
Guard Josh Hart, who averaged career highs of 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals last season, also expressed appreciation for Thibodeau’s influence. “I’m always going to have love for Thibs for the things that he helped me with and putting me in a position to get paid,” Hart said. “But obviously, we have Mike and we’re extremely excited about what he brings to the table.”
Brunson echoed that optimism about the new regime. “For me, it’s my job to go out there and just find a way to help this team win,” he said. “Different people in this organization have different jobs. I have to do mine to the best of my abilities.”
Source: ESPN
