In his first season with the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau emerged as a legitimate Coach of the Year nominee.
Thibodeau did not thrive with the Timberwolves, and was sacked for 40 games in his third season there. He used that experience to the advantage of his new franchise. Just ask Derrick Rose, one of the players who played under him with Chicago and Minnesota.
“He Proves that he has improved as a coach. He is already a great coach, but every year he is improving and adapting”, Rose said Friday after training, as the Knicks prepared to host the Raptors on Saturday riding eight straight wins.” That’s the big difference I see with him this year. He’s giving the kids more freedom to go out and play however they want. He’s positive on the pitch”.