Thibodeau's Firing Sparks Hot Debate! The 'Coach of the Year' Award Has Become a Curse, with Journal

With just two days left before the NBA Finals tip off, the Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, according to reporters like Shams Charania. The move stunned the media and fans, considering Thibodeau had just led New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance this season.

In the past five years, Thibodeau helped the Knicks reach the playoffs four times. Before his arrival, the team's 13 previous head coaches combined to win just one playoff series. Meanwhile, he guided the franchise to its first back-to-back 50-win regular seasons since the 1990s, including this year's run to the Eastern Conference Finals—the team's first in 25 years. It's worth noting that Thibodeau had signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with the Knicks last summer.

NBA legend Magic Johnson reacted: "Whoa, whoa, whoa! I can't believe it! Tom Thibodeau, head coach of the New York Knicks, got fired after leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals! The biggest question is: Why was he fired? Now, another question: Who will be the Knicks' next head coach?"

NBA Memes shared a list of recently fired Coach of the Year winners—Dwane Casey (Raptors), Mike Budenholzer (Bucks), Nick Nurse (Raptors), Thibodeau, Monty Williams (Suns), and Mike Brown (Kings)—commenting that coaching in the NBA is riskier than any job in the world.

New York reporter Marc Berman criticized the move: "Firing Thibodeau seems like a risk far outweighing the reward, especially with the Celtics likely losing Jayson Tatum's competitiveness next season and Tyrese Haliburton's lucky game-winning bank shot in Game 1. Leon [Rose, Knicks president] made his smartest decision hiring Thibodeau, and this could become the worst of his career. Salute to your great coaching career, Thibodeau."

Actor Ben Stiller posted on social media: "I'm a Thibodeau fan. He resurrected this team. I could feel his all-out dedication and constant pursuit of improvement. I'll always be grateful for how far he took the Knicks. The team is once again a force to be reckoned with, a title contender, and a winner. Thank you, Coach Thibodeau."

What's your take on the Knicks' decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.