Debate Highlights Divided Opinions on Thibodeau's Knicks Dismissal

During a lively NYC Democratic mayoral debate on Wednesday, the topic of Tom Thibodeau's recent firing from the Knicks took center stage, illustrating the divisive nature of the decision.

Hosted by NBC 4, the debate featured nine candidates vying for votes in the upcoming June primary. A question regarding Thibodeau's dismissal after five seasons prompted varied reactions from the candidates.

While most candidates, including prominent figures like former Governor Andrew Cuomo and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, expressed disapproval with a collective thumbs down, Michael Blake stood out with an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Blake defended his stance, emphasizing the competitive nature of the NBA. “Our goal is to win the Finals, not to get to the conference finals,” he stated, highlighting the pressure for results in professional sports.

Scott Stringer, the former city comptroller, remained ambiguous about his position during this exchange.

The basketball community reacted strongly to Thibodeau's ouster, with Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressing disbelief. After leading his team past the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, Carlisle initially thought the news was a hoax. “I thought [the news] was one of those fake AI things,” he remarked. “No way. No way possible. I know how the players feel about him, too.”

Thibodeau's five-year record with the Knicks stands at 226 wins and 174 losses, including four playoff appearances, though the last two ended in defeats to Carlisle's Pacers.

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the league's reaction was one of shock. “My phone is blowing up right now with executives, everyone around the league [is] just stunned,” Charania shared during a segment on “SportsCenter.”

As the Knicks begin their search for a new head coach, reports suggest that experience will be a key factor in their selection process, according to The Post’s Stefan Bondy.