Jalen Brunson finally speaks out on Thibodeau exit
The New York Knicks star finally made his feelings clear on the controversial decision that saw Thibodeau leave the franchise.
It’s fair to assume that the decision to sack Tom Thibodeau from the New York Knicks caused such a significant tectonic plate shift that overtime was made mandatory by the bosses at the offices of the National Centers for Environmental Information.
But then again, it was probably a requirement by all NCEI staff to stay behind as the sleeping giant of the New York Knicks was awoken from its slumber, brought to life by Thibodeau himself during last season’s amazing performances.
The pain for Jalen Brunson was certainly deeper than of many, if not all, of his teammates; he has known Tom Thibodeau since he was a child: his father, Rick Brunson (who crashed Jalen’s interview) worked alongside Thibodeau as an assistant on the Knicks and Timberwolves benches, and earlier in his playing days, he was coached by Thibodeau during stints with both New York and Houston.
“He meant a lot to me, I’ve expressed that to him”
“I think obviously it’s sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time part ways with this organisation,” said Brunson on Tuesday while participating in the Knicks’ official media day. “But he’s meant a lot to me. I’ve expressed that to him, publicly and personally. He’s meant a lot to my career up to this point.”
The 29-year-old averaged 26.4 points per game in his three seasons under Thibodeau while also making back-to-back All-Star and All-NBA teams.
The Knicks dismissed Tom Thibodeau just three days after their playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, a run that marked the team’s furthest postseason push since reaching the Finals in 1999.
Under Thibodeau, New York strung together consecutive 50-win campaigns, something the franchise hadn’t achieved in three decades. Now it’s the turn of new head coach Mike Brown, who is looking to deliver the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973.
Jalen Brunson's official 2025-26 portrait! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/sasFR3ltQY
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) September 24, 2025
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The Knicks play the 76ers on October 2 in their preseason campaign ahead of the new season.
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