The New York Knicks made the decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau following their exit in the Eastern Conference Finals, opening the door for him to engage with other teams in the league. This transition has sparked interest within the Boston Celtics, particularly as Thibodeau’s insights could offer valuable lessons following their playoff matchup last season.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown acknowledged the potential benefits of Thibodeau’s observations when he visited the Celtics’ practice recently. “Obviously, they eliminated us last year, so him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series helps us grow and learn from that,” Brown stated. The Knicks had previously eliminated the Celtics in the second round of the playoffs, showcasing their strength as a team.
During that series, Boston faced challenges, particularly as their star player Jayson Tatum dealt with an Achilles injury. The Knicks established dominance in key moments, preventing the Celtics from scoring over 100 points in two of their losses. Thibodeau, who is well-regarded for his meticulous film study, likely identified specific weaknesses in the Celtics’ strategies that he could share, aiding the team in refining their approach for future competitions.
Moreover, Thibodeau’s history with the Celtics—having served as an assistant coach from 2007 to 2010 during a period that saw two NBA Finals appearances and one championship—adds another layer of familiarity between him and the Boston organization. His experience and insight could be just what the Celtics need as they look to build on their performance from last season and secure a stronger standing for the upcoming season.