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. 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.

Rick and Jalen were said to be Thibodeau supporters, with Jalen strongly indicating as much when asked about Thibodeau after the Indiana Pacers eliminated the Knicks in six games.

Some Knicks players’ unease with Rick’s presence on the sideline was also reported by Brian Geltzeiler of Sirius XM NBA radio.

Source

31 comments

  1. Rick Brunson got paid under the table to lure his son to NY & take a paycut

  2. People couldn’t wait till drop all the internal drama with the Knicks lmaoo

  9. How is he the person with the most power AND a Thibs supporter but Thibs is gone???

  10. Love seeing the start of the Knicks collapse after having their best season in 25 years.

  12. He seemed extra entitled on the bench. Repeatedly inserting himself into situations between players, and not to break things up.

  14. Sounds like exactly what mark cuban said about Rick Brunson in the process of trying to re sign Jalen during the summer of his Free Agency

  15. they’ve known each other for like 20 years. thibs seems like the type to only really take 1 or 2 people’s limited input. wasnt there a game in the first round where thibs kept the starters in too long until rick went and bitched at him? that kind of relationship

  16. Amico = No, right?

    Feels very possible either way, but I’d like to hear it from an actual reporter.

  19. Amico is always wrong and isn’t a legit reporter. Amick is a good reporter. People seem to get them confused.

  20. I think Thibs did a great job but he’s such an intense guy that he seems to burn people out after a while. Absolutely great coach to build up youngster’s work habits, but he probably wears on the old guys after a certain period of time. He’s got a shelflife with a team. And yes, Rick Bronson‘s presence probably creates resentment and at least the appearance of nepotism. Hiring a new coach offers the perfect opportunity to cut him loose as well. Jalen seems to be a no bullshit, straightforward guy. I’m guessing he wouldn’t be offended if his dad were let go if the team were straight to him about the reasons why.

  22. From what I heard Rick isn’t going anywhere so this report is questionable. Unless maybe he stays but is put into a lesser role.

  23. Having your star player’s dad on the bench was a mistake from the very start. There is no way it doesn’t cause problems at some point, and it just doesn’t seem worth it.

  24. SHOCKED i tell u

    edit: oh sorry saw it was the wrong Amico

    this probably means nothing

  25. Lol this is the nepotism you all should actually have an issue with (if true). not the other story that got talked about for too long

  29. Rick Brunson was yelling at Thibs during games trying to coach lmao imagine if that was Lebron and his mom was basically coaching the team, people would never shut up about it but no one seems to care except the actual players

  30. I have insider intel. Someone should be writing an article on Rick’s salary. Here’s a hint: assistance coach salaries aren’t public, and Jalen took a fake discount on his max. His Dad’s getting all the money that otherwise would have went to salary cap. Criticism of Rick is criticism of the resident ball hog.

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