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Tom Thibodeau visited the Boston Celtics’ practice just days after the New York Knicks fired him – despite leading them to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.
Thibodeau was spotted at the Celtics’ workout on Monday, breaking down film of his former team and sharing strategic insights with Boston’s coaching staff. This visit comes just two days before Boston’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing.
Before his dismissal following the Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals loss to Indiana, Thibodeau had orchestrated New York’s upset victory over these same Celtics in the semifinal round. That win propelled the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance since 2000 (when they also fell to the Pacers in six games).
Celtics star Jaylen Brown expressed appreciation for Thibodeau’s visit and candor.
“That was awesome having Thibs. Obviously, they eliminated us last year. So him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series and some of the stuff they broke down in our personnel, or even our team, helps us grow,” Brown told reporters after practice.
Brown seemed particularly grateful for the tactical insights Thibodeau shared. “He was breaking down film and talking to Joe from a team perspective and from a top-down perspective; what he wanted to do with me and Jayson (Tatum) or what he wanted to do with the ball in my hands,” he said.
The All-Star wing added: “If you’re humble enough to listen, it’ll allow you to grow… This was a unique position where a guy could come in – directly after eliminating you – and give feedback on how we can be better, how I can be better.”
Thibodeau’s Revenge Tour?
The Knicks replaced Thibodeau with Mike Brown shortly after their playoff exit. Many around the league viewed the firing as surprising given New York’s postseason success under his leadership.
Boston’s title hopes have taken a significant hit due to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury suffered during that playoff series against the Knicks. The injury will likely sideline him for the entire season.
Without their superstar forward, the Celtics have fallen dramatically in championship oddsmakers’ rankings. They currently sit at +3000 to win the NBA title – longer odds than both the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic.
Knicks Fan TV captured reactions from New York supporters, many expressing frustration at seeing their former coach potentially helping a conference rival.
The 2024-25 NBA season begins this week, with Boston facing the challenge of remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference without Tatum while navigating a coaching transition of their own.
