Brunson laments Thibodeau’s departure from Knicks: “It meant a lot”

Brunson Reflects on Thibodeau’s Departure from the Knicks

Jalen Brunson admitted that it was difficult for him to see the departure of Tom Thibodeau, whom he has known since childhood, from the New York Knicks. These were Brunson’s first public statements since the Knicks fired Thibodeau in June. Thibodeau’s departure ended his five-year tenure as coach, marked by New York’s first appearance in the Eastern Conference finals since the year 2000.

I think it’s obviously sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time separate from this organization. But he has meant a lot to me. I have expressed it to him, publicly and personally. He has meant a lot to my career up to this point.

Jalen Brunson

Brunson’s relationship with Thibodeau goes back to childhood, as his father, Rick, was an assistant coach on Thibodeau’s teams with the Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rick Brunson also played under Thibodeau when he was an assistant with the Knicks and the Houston Rockets. After arriving at the Knicks as a free agent three years ago, Brunson has transformed into one of the league’s best players, being part of the All-Star and All-NBA teams consecutively and leading New York to playoff series victories for three consecutive seasons for the first time in a generation, including last year’s run to the conference finals. However, all that wasn’t enough to save Thibodeau’s job, as he was fired shortly after the Knicks lost in six games against the Indiana Pacers, on the verge of the NBA Finals. Brunson, 29, averaged 26.4 points per game in his three seasons under Thibodeau and was named NBA Clutch Player of the Year last season. After New York’s loss in Game 6 against Indiana, Brunson was asked if Thibodeau was the right coach for the job going forward. “Is that a serious question right now? You just asked me if I think he’s the one,” Brunson replied at that moment. “Yes. Let’s go.” Brunson, like the rest of the Knicks, is taking an optimistic stance on how it will be to work with new coach Mike Brown.

Jalen Brunson averaged 26.4 points per game in his three seasons under Tom Thibodeau and was an All-Star in each of the last two seasons.This also marks the second consecutive year that the Knicks will begin the season with significant changes following playoff success. New York signed Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges last summer. “Yeah, well, for me, it’s my job to go out there and find a way to help this team win,” Brunson said. “There are different people in this organization with different jobs and different things they have to do to make this team better. And that’s their opinion. For me, I have to come in and do my job the best I can.” While he didn’t have the lifelong relationship with Thibodeau that Brunson has, Josh Hart also quickly forged a strong relationship with the coach during their season and a half of working together. Hart enjoyed the best season of his career last season under Thibodeau with the Knicks, averaging career highs in rebounds (9.6), assists (5.9), and steals (1.5). Hart also said he would miss Thibodeau’s presence in the franchise, but that he was optimistic about the future working with Brown. “Obviously, I love Thibs,” Hart said. “I’m always going to have love for Thibs for the things he helped me with and for putting me in a position to get paid. So I always have love for him. I hope he’s doing well right now.” “But obviously, we have Mike and we are very excited about what he brings offensively and defensively. Obviously, there will be a small adaptation process, but we are excited. We are excited about what this team has, about what this team can become.”