Fresh off of their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter century, the New York Knicks shockingly fired Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday. The move ended the veteran head coach’s five-year tenure leading the franchise.
Rick Brunson has spent seven years serving as an assistant coach under Thibodeau — including the past three seasons in New York. Despite the departure of the two-time NBA Coach of the Year, the father of Jalen Brunson is expected to remain with the franchise.
Despite his connection to the Knicks star point guard, several players were reportedly unhappy with his presence around the organization. Sam Amico of Hoops Wire reported that the elder Brunson has the most power in the organization.
“Per Hoops Wire sources, multiple Knicks players have been unhappy with the presence of assistant coach Rick Brunson, the father of star guard Jalen Brunson,” Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico wrote Wednesday. “What that issue is, exactly, has not been determined, though sources suggested that Rick has had too big a say in things. One source called Rick the person with the most power in the entire organization. His status is uncertain following Thibodeau’s dismissal, though considering he’s Jalen’s dad, many assume Rick will remain with the team in some capacity.”
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Amico added that the Brunson’s were big supporters of Thibodeau, something that Jalen made clear after the Knicks were bounced from the postseason. While head coaches generally have control of filling out their coaching staff, the incoming coach could be expected to keep Rick on the staff.
The situation remains one to monitor as New York begins their coaching search. The younger Brunson has received MVP votes in each of his three seasons with the Knicks and gave the franchise a tremendous deal as he left $100 million on the table last summer to help with roster building. His talent — combined with his show of faith in the front office — could motivate upper management to keep his father around despite the rumors of displeasure from others in the locker room.
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