After revitalizing the New York Knicks, head coach Tom Thibodeau is set for a contract extension to retain his services in the Big Apple. NBA insider Marc Stein has provided a crucial update on the situation, indicating that the extension is now more likely.
Born in 1958 in Connecticut, Thibodeau excelled in basketball during high school and later played for Salem State College, where he also began his coaching career as an assistant in 1981.
After spending four years as an assistant at Harvard University, Thibodeau joined the NBA in 1989 as an assistant coach with the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves. He has since held assistant coaching positions with several NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics, with whom he won an NBA championship in 2008.
Thibodeau is highly regarded for his defensive coaching skills, consistently leading his teams to rank among the league’s top defensive units. He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2021 for his work with the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, respectively. Additionally, Thibodeau served as an assistant coach for the United States men’s national basketball team, helping them secure a gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Thibodeau, who was signed by the Knicks in 2020, has transformed the team from a disappointing squad to a competitive force led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. His success has sparked rumors of a contract extension from the Knicks’ front office, a possibility that has now gained more traction following an update from Marc Stein’s newsletter.
“There was a strong expectation that a contract extension for Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau will be announced soon,” said Stein.
Before Thibodeau took over as head coach, the Knicks were consistently disappointing, missing out on top free agents and not performing poorly enough to secure high draft picks. Now, the former Chicago Bulls head coach has transformed the team into playoff contenders, particularly with the addition of young wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets.
It remains to be seen how much Thibodeau will receive from New York in the coming weeks. However, it’s almost certain he will receive a substantial offer for his positive impact on the team in the Big Apple.