(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks lost at home on Sunday afternoon, falling in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks had a number of problems throughout the game, all of which were made worse by multiple injuries that decimated the roster.
Some of them were caused by bad luck but were others the result of head coach Tom Thibodeau’s incredibly tough style?
Speaking on ESPN Radio, Jay Williams spoke about this.
“I’ve heard players talk about the fact that they think his style is too 24/7 365 in your face, and that’s not what you need for longevity in the league,” Williams said.
“I’ve heard from players talk about the fact that they think his style is too 24/7 365 in your face, and that’s not what you need for longevity in the league.”@RealJayWilliams on #Knicks HC Tom Thibodeau pic.twitter.com/HH3axWmhmr
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) May 20, 2024
Numerous analysts have commented on Thibodeau’s insistence on pushing his players intensely all season.
The star players for the Knicks are often on the court of the entire game, night after night.
For example, during the team’s series against the Pacers, Josh Hart didn’t take a break until the third game, playing for all 48 minutes of Games 1 and 2.
Just days later, Hart would suffer an injury that nearly took him out of the rest of the series.
On Sunday, it was Jalen Brunson who got hurt, fracturing his hand and exiting early.
Earlier in the season, players like Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and others all faced their own injuries, and some people, including many fans, think Thibodeau is pushing them too hard.
The fact that Williams is hearing this complaint from NBA players shows just how widespread the criticism of Thibodeau is.
Despite all that, the Knicks are likely going to offer the coach a new deal in the summer because they love what he did with the team this year.
Will he push the Knicks as hard next year?
The post Jay Williams Reveals What Players Dislike About Tom Thibodeau appeared first on The Cold Wire.