Evaluating 10 possible NBA landing spots for Tom Thibodeau in 2020-21
New York Knicks
Given the New York Knicks‘ free agency history of late, this isn’t the top destination it once was but hiring Thibodeau could be a step in the right direction. He was an assistant coach for USA Basketball and has a rapport with many of the elite players around the league.
Should the Knicks decide to move on from Mike Miller, who is 17-27 in 44 games, Thibodeau will be at the top of the list, the New York Post’s Marc Berman reported in February. But would the Knicks interest Thibodeau?
His aforementioned quote was telling, saying he can afford to wait it out. But the Knicks do have a mix of promising players and respected veterans. He could build around R.J. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson, get his pick of the plethora of point guards — Dennis Smith Jr., Frank Ntlikina and Allonzo Trier — and reunite with old friend Taj Gibson.
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Thibodeau could change the culture and outlook for star players in free agency after one season of the roster at hand. The Knicks will only have Julius Randle’s $19.8 million on the books for the star-studded 2021 free agent class but a mix of team and player options could have $53.8 on the books.
Clearing the way for a clean slate, Thibodeau could essentially refresh the roster to his liking. It’s unclear if he’d want administrative duties, such as being president of basketball operations in Minnesota. Regardless, he’ll surely have a say and will be a key component in luring free agents should he land in New York City.