Welcome Coach T
So, after a thorough search that lasted the better part of two months, the New York Knicks have their new coach!!! Tom Thibodeau “Tibbs” was hired officially as the new coach of the Knicks 07/30. My humble opinion: GREAT HIRE!
Here are some key things to factor in:
1. DEFENSE – one more time for the folks in the back:! Defense! For the Knicks to get back to winning consistently, the team will certainly need to tighten up the defense. Overall defensive rating this year was 23rd. With Tibbs’ history of being a solid defensive strategist, this metric is sure to get an improvement. The proof is in the pudding folks.Quick background Tom Thibodeau was an assistant coach of the Knicks from 1996 – 2001. During that time the Knicks were STOUT on defense. During the 2000-01 season for example the Knicks held 33 straight opponents under 100 points. The Knicks made the playoffs every year he was there including an appearance at the NBA Finals in 1999. For a team that has not made the playoffs since 2013 the is that this will hopefully mark a key change of direction for the franchise.
2. WINNING – New York is thirsty for a winner and this is a man that has shown that he can install winning culture into a franchise. He was hired by the Timberwolves in 2016. The Timberwolves were a struggling franchise that hadn’t made the playoffs in 13 years. In his second season, through Tibbs’ leadership the team finished 47-25!!! Overall, that was their best season in over a decade and in addition they made the playoffs!Knicks fans rise up!!!! Good things are ahead baby!