According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, revered head coach Tom Thibodeau has agreed to a three-year extension with the New York Knicks.
The two-time NBA Coach of the Year is now under contract through the 2027-28 season, which essentially aligns with the lifespans of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby’s deals. To that point, Brunson, Hart, and Anunoby may be the Knicks’ three most valuable players.
ESPN Sources: New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has agreed on a three-year contract extension that’ll take him through the 2027-2028 season. A two-time NBA coach of the year, Thibodeau has led the Knicks to consecutive conference semifinal berths. pic.twitter.com/6sFGkzaT8c
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 24, 2024
Thibodeau’s Knicks were one of four teams to rank in the top-10 in offensive and defensive efficiency last season. Joined by the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics, it’s fair to say New York was in elite company. Interestingly, teams ranked in the top-10 in offensive and defensive rating have won 23 of the last 26 NBA championships.
Under Thibodeau, the Knicks were one of four teams to rank among the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Boston, Oklahoma City and Denver were the others.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 24, 2024
Knicks Add Tom Thibodeau Cherry On Top of Offseason
The Knicks have only gotten better this offseason.
The biggest addition is that of multipositional defender Mikal Bridges, who averaged 21.2 points per game with the Brooklyn Nets. Projected to start alongside Brunson, Anunoby, and Julius Randle, New York’s first unit will be among the best in the league. The chemistry that he was with former Villanova teammates Brunson, Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo adds another layer to his impact.
Though their acquisition was a bit more innocuous than Bridges, Cam Payne and Tyler Kolek also serve a major purpose.
Brunson, often seen rocking a wrist wrap, isn’t the most durable player. Whether he needs to rest for a few minutes or an entire game, having capable lead guards on the roster helps preserve his health. The defensive-minded Miles McBride will likely be Brunson’s primary backup. Nonetheless, Payne’s scoring punch and Kolek’s passing prowess could come in handy not only if Brunson is out, but situationally.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Knicks are projected to be an Eastern Conference Finals contender. Some may even perceive them as an NBA Finals contender. Either way, by locking in Thibodeau for three additional seasons, New York is making sure to keep that window open.
