The New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2023-24 NBA season but decided to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau after losing six games to the Indiana Pacers. Despite Thibodeau losing support within the Knicks organization, guard Donte DiVincenzo, who played under him last season, remains an outspoken admirer of the coach. DiVincenzo supports Tom Thibodeau even after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a major Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Having spent just one season with Thibodeau and the Knicks, DiVincenzo’s praise stands out, especially as he conveyed his respect openly to his new Timberwolves teammates during the offseason. His loyalty highlights the strong impression Thibodeau left on him in a short time.
DiVincenzo’s Career Growth Under Thibodeau and His Vocal Defense
Drafted 17th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018, Donte DiVincenzo has developed into a reliable sharpshooter in the NBA, with experience on multiple teams including the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and now the Timberwolves. His 2023-24 season with the Knicks under Coach Thibodeau was a breakout year, as he logged career highs with 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Thibodeau’s system gave DiVincenzo an expanded role, allowing him to improve his shooting efficiency significantly, hitting 40.1% of his three-point attempts for the season. This boost further cemented DiVincenzo’s progress as a key player in the league.
After moving to Minnesota, DiVincenzo did not shy away from defending Thibodeau’s coaching reputation, especially when conversations arose about the league’s worst coaches. He sent a blunt, forceful message to his Timberwolves teammates to exclude Thibodeau from any negative discussion.
You motherf***ers better not say Tom Thibodeau. He’s the f***ing best,
DiVincenzo said, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
New York Knicks’ Direction Following Thibodeau’s Departure
Tom Thibodeau took over as the Knicks’ head coach before the 2020-21 season and is credited with revitalizing the team’s competitiveness. Despite leading New York to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks’ management decided to move on after the upset loss to the Pacers. Mike Brown, previously head coach of the Sacramento Kings, was brought in to replace him.
Thibodeau’s departure came as a surprise to many, including former players like DiVincenzo, who benefited from his coaching philosophy. While the Knicks’ decision reflects their desire to chart a new course, the uncertainty about its effectiveness looms over the franchise’s future.
DiVincenzo’s Outlook with the Timberwolves and Next Steps
Like the Knicks, DiVincenzo’s current team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, also saw a playoff exit, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. However, the Timberwolves retained their head coach, Chris Finch. DiVincenzo’s continued endorsement of Thibodeau contrasts with his acceptance of his current team’s coaching situation.
Though the firing of Thibodeau at New York cannot be influenced by DiVincenzo, his outspoken support underscores his respect for the coach’s leadership. Moving forward, DiVincenzo is focused on preparing for the upcoming seasons with the Timberwolves, aiming to build on the progress achieved during his time in New York.