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Knicks Coach Calls Out Critics

The New York Knicks coach has some interesting narratives circulating around him.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has the reputation of being a defensive-minded coach, but sometimes that can get lost in translation.

Some critics of Thibodeau believe that he can only coach defense, and he leaves something to be desired on the offensive end of the floor.

Thibodeau had some words for those who believe that.

“Well, I think that rarely do people do the homework," Thibodeau said h/t Posting and Toasting. "So it’s a narrative, whatever the narrative is, you tend to be, everyone’s put in a box. So it’s, you never let the facts get in the way. We had a top-five offense in Chicago (when he coached the Bulls), and had a top-five offense in Minnesota (at the helm of the Wolves). I think people try to—there’s a lot of narratives that you could create around certain things. And I always feel like, whatever the strength of your club is, that’s what you should play towards.”

That narrative also doesn't exist with this current Knicks team through the first month of the season. New York currently has the second-best offensive rating at 120.9. The only team that ranks ahead of the Knicks are the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are 17-1 to start the season.

The offense hasn't been the problem with the Knicks this season. Ironically enough, it's the defense that has been the main culprit behind the team's slower-than-anticipated start. The Knicks have a defensive rating of 115.7, which is tied for 21st in the league.

If the Knicks are going to get back into the swing of things, Thibodeau may have to make some slight changes on the defensive end. With a new crop of guys, there will be an adjustment period, but it's getting to a point where the team has to stop adjusting and start producing results.

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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.

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