The New York Knicks faced a painful playoff exit in 2024, falling just short of the NBA Finals. In the aftermath, guard Josh Hart openly defended fired coach Tom Thibodeau amid uncertainty surrounding the team’s future leadership and the broader coaching situation. Hart’s support highlights the emotional and cultural impact Thibodeau had on his players, even as the Knicks prepare for a pivotal offseason.
Physical and Emotional Toll of the Playoff Run on Key Knicks Players
Josh Hart and teammate Jalen Brunson revealed the intense physical challenges they endured during the Knicks’ deep playoff journey. Both players were battling injuries sustained before and throughout the postseason, requiring careful recovery plans. Brunson explained that he was still delaying basketball activities to allow his body to heal, stating,
I don’t think I’m touching a ball… but next week I’m going to start doing some stuff,
and added,
another week or two at least.
He acknowledged,
I feel like when I’m doing something, my body will feel it.
Hart described a similar approach to healing, emphasizing the need to wait until his wrists and hands were fully recovered before resuming basketball training. He remarked,
Basketball? I don’t know, probably whenever my damn wrists and hands actually heal and feel comfortable,
underscoring the severity of his injuries. These issues weren’t minor aches but significant obstacles, as Brunson sprained his right ankle in a March game against the Lakers and continued to play through pain during the playoffs.
The playoffs tested their endurance: Brunson battled right knee and ankle soreness during the first-round series against the Detroit Pistons, where he briefly left the court but returned determined to secure the win. Hart, meanwhile, faced a brutal moment in the semifinals against the Boston Celtics when an elbow to the face in Game 5 left him bleeding and in need of stitches. These instances illustrated the grit and toughness that defined their season.
Mental Struggles and Difficulty Accepting Season’s End
Beyond the physical battles, Hart and Brunson were candid about the psychological strain of the playoff conclusion. The reality of the season’s end had not fully settled for them, revealing how deeply invested they felt. Hart reflected,
Honestly, it didn’t… I don’t know about you, JB, but it didn’t feel like we were done until, like, Game 1 of the Finals.
He also shared that even approaching the Finals,
it still didn’t hit… But once Game 1 tipped off, I was like… ‘Damn. It’s over.’
Brunson echoed this sentiment, admitting,
I would — I mean, I agree,
adding,
Like, it didn’t feel — I don’t want to say it didn’t feel like it was over — but mentally, I just didn’t feel… I didn’t want it to be done. Like I wasn’t like, ‘Yeah, well damn, the season’s over’ — like a breath of fresh air or something. I still haven’t had that. Like, it’s just… yeah, I just don’t feel like I’m mentally even ready to relax.
Their emotional struggle reflects how committed they were to continuing the fight, holding on to hope even when faced with long odds after trailing 3-1 against the Indiana Pacers. Hart said the strong bond among teammates and unshakable confidence kept them believing in a comeback.
Tom Thibodeau’s Influence and Player Loyalty Amid Turmoil
The unity and resilience Hart described stemmed from head coach Tom Thibodeau’s rigorous coaching style, which ingrained tough-mindedness and determination in the team’s culture. When the Knicks’ front office unexpectedly decided to fire Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, the players perceived it as more than a strategic change—it was a profound loss to the team’s identity.
Josh Hart’s Vocal Defense of Coach Thibodeau
Critics often highlighted Thibodeau’s drawbacks, including his frequent use of heavy minutes for starters and his stubborn lineup choices during critical moments. However, Josh Hart firmly opposed these critiques and publicly supported his former coach’s impact on the Knicks. Hart has blossomed under Thibodeau’s system and became a cornerstone of the team’s gritty mentality.
In response to criticism after the firing, Hart did not hesitate to speak out. On social media, he stated bluntly,
All y’all talking trash about Thibs lame as hell,
urging fans and observers to respect the accomplishments Thibodeau brought to the franchise.
Hart’s passionate defense demonstrates the strong connection he felt with Thibodeau, a relationship based on mutual respect and shared values of hustle and effort. Thibodeau openly praised Hart’s relentless work ethic during the season, highlighting the unique bond that extended beyond typical coach-player dynamics.
Knicks’ Future Uncertain as Coaching Shakeup Signals Ambitious Goals
With Thibodeau’s departure, the Knicks find themselves navigating a critical juncture. Letting go of a coach who led the team deep into the playoffs indicates the front office’s determination to win a championship and a belief that a different leadership approach may be necessary. Rumors of pursuing superstar talent like Kevin Durant have intensified interest in the Knicks’ upcoming offseason moves.
Josh Hart’s defense of Thibodeau underscores the tension between honoring the past season’s hard-earned progress and pursuing future success with new strategies. As the team rebuilds its coaching staff and explores roster upgrades, how the organization balances loyalty with change will shape the next chapter for New York basketball.