Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks: What fans should be thankful for this holiday season

By Ken Tavarez

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: A view outside the Madison Square Garden as the city continues the re-opening efforts following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on December 01, 2020 in New York City. The pandemic has caused long-term repercussions throughout the tourism and entertainment industries, including temporary and permanent closures of historic and iconic venues, costing the city and businesses billions in revenue. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: A view outside the Madison Square Garden as the city continues the re-opening efforts following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on December 01, 2020 in New York City. The pandemic has caused long-term repercussions throughout the tourism and entertainment industries, including temporary and permanent closures of historic and iconic venues, costing the city and businesses billions in revenue. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Knicks
January 10, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Mike Woodson during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Clippers defeated the Warriors 125-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason #2 to be thankful: Culture

A lot has been made of the new coaching staff, which, like the front office, is stocked with talented individuals. However, what is not mentioned is the culture they are building.

Mike Woodson was drafted by the Knicks in 1980 and was the head coach during the last winning season in 2012-13. He is someone that can speak first hand to the young players about winning in New York based on experience. For Woody to want to return to the Knicks as an assistant coach tells you how much he loves being a Knick.

The other is Tom Thibodeau, who has always openly said that the Knicks is his dream job. He grew up a Knicks fan. As a kid, he would go with his father to the Garden to watch the championship Knick teams coached by Red Holzman. That is where his love of basketball was sparked. He went on to be an assistant coach for the Knicks and was on the Jeff Van Gundy’s staff during their last Finals appearance in 1999.

The intensity with which Thibs coaches with is reminiscent of the 1990s Knicks under Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy. Thibs called a timeout against the Cavs in preseason when the team was up 44 because they were losing focus on defense.

That intensity was reminiscent of when Van Gundy berated the reference after the Knicks beat the Heat in Game 5 of the playoffs in 1999. Most coaches would just be happy they advanced to the next round. Not Van Gundy.

Home/Knicks News