In a new coach, the Knicks are prioritizing some of the issues that led to Thibodeau’s dismissal — they are emphasizing player development, expanding the rotation, empowering the staff, collaborating with the front office and assigning roles to assistants like defensive and offensive coordinators.
Thibodeau didn’t embrace those instructions from the front office and ownership but did plenty of winning.
He finished fourth on the franchise’s all-time list with 226 regular-season wins, behind only Red Holzman, Joe Lapchick and Jeff Van Gundy.
His five seasons at the helm were the most since Van Gundy.