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3 glaring offseason regrets Knicks have after first month of season

By Jordanna Clark

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks (C) speaks with players during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on November 4, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) 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.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks (C) speaks with players during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on November 4, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) 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. /
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New York Knicks, Tom Thibodeau
Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2: Retaining Tom Thibodeau

Following the Knicks’ disappointing 2021-22 season, it was rumored that the organization was going to move on from Tom Thibodeau. However, in a pre-taped interview that aired ahead of New York’s final regular season game on Apr. 10, Leon Rose voiced his support for the head coach.

With 19 games played thus far, it’s become even more painfully clear that Thibodeau isn’t the right coach for this young team. It’s a miracle that he finally decided to bench Fournier, which is something that he deserves credit for doing. But outside of that, the benefits of no longer having Thibodeau as head coach far outweighs the benefits of keeping him around for the entirety of the season.

Thibodeau has continued to keep Obi Toppin on a short leash, even though the forward has proven time and time again that he deserves more minutes. The illness that RJ Barrett recently dealt with doesn’t excuse how poorly he’s played to start the year, but on New York’s recent five-game road trip, Thibodeau opted to keep Barrett on the floor. The Knicks’ defense has been an issue all season, yet Thibs has made zero adjustments. Meanwhile, it physically hurts to watch New York on offense.

Thibodeau can’t be blamed for the moves that the Knicks failed to make over the summer, but the examples above are just a few instances of why he should no longer be the leader of this team.

New York was at risk of losing Johnnie Bryant over the summer to Utah and with the 37-year-old still in search of his first head coaching gig, he could —and should — remain with the Knicks. It’s time to pass the reins to Bryant.

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