Legendary NBA announcer Kevin Harlan doesn’t know how the New York Knicks’ big change from this summer will pan out.
The New York Knicks have had a massive summer, where they made some big changes to their side after a successful season, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
One of their most controversial decisions this summer came right at the start, as the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau as head coach.
Thibodeau had been the most successful Knicks coach in recent memory and had made them a regular playoff side, which they hadn’t been before his arrival.
As they look to move on, with the Knicks hiring Mike Brown as their head coach, one legendary Knicks and NBA announcer is worried the team may have made a mistake.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesKevin Harlan ‘anxious’ about Mike Brown replacing Tom Thibodeau head coach
Legendary announcer Kevin Harlan spoke to Sports Illustrated recently ahead of the new NBA season. When discussing the New York Knicks, Harlan shared his concern.
For starters, while he never mentioned Mike Brown, Harlan shared his worries about the New York Knicks. In particular, how they fare without Tom Thibodeau.
“I’m anxious what that does. I really thought that Tom Thibodeau did a terrific job and changed almost as the playoffs were going on, used his bench more; he had to. I think that was a very compelling story.”
While Tom Thibodeau did a good job with the Knicks, there is no denying he was set in his ways, and it was to the detriment of the team.
In particular, Thibs’ insistence on playing his top stars very heavy minutes during the regular season, leaving them fatigued and injury-prone in the playoffs, became a sticking point.
Mike Brown quickly earning New York Knicks trust
While Donte DiVincenzo compared Tom Thibodeau’s firing to his trade, there is no denying the Knicks had to make some kind of change after the Eastern Conference Finals.
And so far, Brown has begun making changes to Thibodeau’s system, in both small and big ways, as he looks to leave his mark on the team.
Mikal Bridges has enjoyed playing for Brown so far, as the new coach has him in a bigger role and wants him to deliver at the highest level.
Brown also has high expectations for Jalen Brunson, whom he has worked closely with to help him adapt to the new system.