Tom Thibodeau has made the most of his time with the New York Knicks, leading the team to the playoffs in three of his four seasons with the team.
Taking over for a franchise that had won an average of 24.5 games per season the previous four years, Thibodeau was given a tall task when asked to redeem a franchise that had lost its way. Though the Knicks haven’t won a championship in 51 years (and counting), they’ve had 27 playoff appearances. Two of these postseason berths resulted in a trip to the NBA Finals.
Now, for the first time in over a decade, they’re a team to be taken seriously.
Tom Thibodeau Contract Extension Could Approach ‘Eight Figures’
Making his customary appearance on Run It Back, The Athletic insider Shams Charania reveals that “…both (the Knicks and Thibodeau) will discuss a new deal in the offseason.”
“The Knicks very much want to lock in Tom Thibodeau long-term,” Charania reports. “If he were to ever become a coaching free agent there’s not a short list of teams that would go try to get (him).”
“The Knicks very much want to lock in Tom Thibodeau long term…It wouldn’t surprise anyone if his next deal approaches 8-figures.”@ShamsCharania on the #Knicks and Tom Thibodeau pic.twitter.com/20mN4t5ufs
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 15, 2024
“He’s at about $7 million per season right now on his current deal,” adds Charania, “and we see where these coaching contracts are going. So it wouldn’t surprise anyone if his next deal approaches eight figures.”
A Rare Breed
Signing Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle may be the most significant factor in the Knicks’ recent success. However, Thibodeau’s coaching has been invaluable.
He’s extremely detail-oriented and absolutely dedicated to his career. His knack for teaching has led to the Knicks consistently having a top-10 defense. He earns his players’ trust with his basketball acumen and by establishing real relationships with them.
On the outside looking in, it’s easy to question Thibodeau’s minutes distribution. Everyone does, from former and current players to media pundits and fans. To that point, there are reasons to be concerned about whether he’s puts too much weight on his player’s shoulders.
Nonetheless, the proof is in the pudding. He has the 13th-highest regular season win percentage (.575) among coaches to win at least 500 games. He’s been to the playoffs nine times in the 12 years he’s been a head coach. A two-time Coach of the Year, there are few people that can match his resume in any sports league.
