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Why New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is on the hot seat

By Adam Kester

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 24: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks argues a call during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 95-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 24: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks argues a call during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 95-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Tom Thibodeau (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau’s baffling decisions

Again, I have defended Thibodeau in the past for his rotations.

This team re-signed a ton of role players from last year — there are veteran guys getting paid on this roster to play meaningful basketball and just because young players are the shiny new toys, doesn’t mean they will play over guys older guys who are taking up most of the salary cap.

However, there have been so many times this season where the reverse has been true.

Where the veterans will play 5,6 minutes of horrendous basketball, and they’ll… stay on the court? If this was a rare occurrence, sure.

But this happens almost every night, and Thibodeau will make zero adjustments. He has been horrible and making in-game adjustments on the fly.

Look at some of these weird occurrences from just this last game:

These are just bizarre notes. How do these things happen? Obi Toppin, an 8th overall pick who has certainly flashed potential, only logs 7 minutes in a game where the only big is Taj Gibson? When he is ever going to play? What are we doing here?

Sure, you’re allowed to have set rotations with veterans at the forefront. That’s all fine. But when injuries happen, and when young players are actually stepping up, why are they not rewarded?

You have young players just rotting away. Quickley and Toppin will be in year 3 next season. Cam Reddish is up for an extension soon.

This team can actually field better lineups and rotations, and yet they’ve stuck with the same formula every single time, a formula that doesn’t work.

Is the end for Tom Thibodeau?

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