All Knicks

Former Knicks Center Praises Tom Thibodeau

Tom Thibodeau has an admirer in one of his former New York Knicks players.

Jeremy Brener

Jan 15, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau talks with shooting guard Jimmy Butler (21) and power forward Taj Gibson (22) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 128-125. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Jan 15, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau talks with shooting guard Jimmy Butler (21) and power forward Taj Gibson (22) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 128-125. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images / Kim Klement-Imagn Images
In this story:

There may not be a single player in the NBA that knows New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau better than Taj Gibson.

Gibson, who currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets, was part of the Knicks last season and also played under Thibodeau while with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.

After the two teams met on Black Friday, Gibson spoke about Thibodeau and what makes him a special coach.

“Yeah, he really puts the work in," Gibson said h/t Posting and Toasting. "He’s always in the gym, always watching film. I’m sure, for instance, even when he’s in the hotel, he’s doing movements in the hotel to try to emulate what’s going to happen with the screen and roll. He’s one of those gurus. He really pays attention to detail.”

Thibodeau has put in a lot of work to get to where he has gotten today. As a former Coach of the Year, the Knicks are in good hands as they pursue the franchise's first title in over 50 years.

Part of what has made the Knicks successful this season is Thibodeau's offensive scheme. The Knicks currently have the best offensive rating in the NBA at 121.1, and that's a major testament to Thibodeau.

“It comes down to the players at the end of the day," Gibson said in regards to Thibodeau's offensive scheme. "You can throw in different offenses, but the players have to be the ones that are running the offense and making the right plays. They’ve got guys that are making the right plays.”

Thibodeau and the Knicks will look to maintain the league's best offense when they face off against the Orlando Magic in the Emirates NBA Cup. Tipoff for the game is set for tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Home/News