nba
Page: 2
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
With the 2025-26 NBA season in full swing, teams are battling for position for a top seed — even early on in the season. A good start ensures that you don’t have to fight through other teams to make the playoffs.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
In an early season matchup, the New York Knicks take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Want to watch the game online? Here’s how to livestream the NBA game with Hulu + Live TV.
When Does New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game Start?
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks game broadcasts live, with tipoff at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Where to Watch New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Online
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks game broadcasts on NBC, while it livestreams on Hulu + Live TV. Keep reading for more details on how cord-cutters can watch the Knicks-Bucks game online.
How to Watch New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks With Hulu + Live TV
Knicks vs. Bucks on NBC is available to watch with Hulu + Live TV. Right now, new and eligible subscribers can get three months of the streaming service for just $64.99 per month — that’s nearly a 25% savings per month. But act fast and sign up now, this deal ends on Wednesday (Nov. 5).
After the three months, prices for the cable alternative start at $82.99 per month, while each plan comes with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. Sign up for a 3-day free trial to watch the NBA game for free.
Hulu + Live TV is best for those who want a top-tier streaming bundle that combines live TV and on-demand titles. The streaming service has many other networks, including ABC, CBS, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, Fox, CBS Sports Network, Hallmark Channel, BET, CMT, Disney Channel, Discovery Channel and others. Check out a full list of channels available with Hulu + Live TV here.
Which Celebrities Are Making Appearances During Knicks vs. Bucks?
It’s likely there will be a number of celebrities and recording artists in attendance during the game — such as Milwaukee Bucks fans Sheryl Crow, Lakeyah, Ish DARR and others; as well as New York Knicks fans Bad Bunny, Cardi B, Ice Spice, Fat Joe, Spike Lee and others. Tune in to Hulu + Live TV to find out who’s sitting courtside on celebrity row.
Starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks broadcast on NBC, while it’s also available to livestream on Hulu + Live TV on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
Source: Rick Kern / Getty
Shaquille O’Neal isn’t happy with players and coaches involved in the gambling scandal.
News broke yesterday (Oct. 23rd) that Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier were arrested for allegedly participating in sports gambling. It could have also opened the door to rigged schemes that alter stats and even affect who wins or loses.
During an episode of “Inside The NBA”, Shaq let the alleged gambling participants have it, “There’s an old saying in the hood, all money ain’t good money. So if you’re making $9 million and you’re dealing a certain thing, like how much more do you need? Especially if you know you can get caught, you can do jail time. Lose your career, put a bad image on yourself or your family. Or on the NBA”
The NBA legend also kept it 100 and admitted he’s not perfect himself but expected more from his friends actively in the league. Also adding the embarrassment that all of their families may feel, “I’m ashamed that those guys would put their families and their careers in jeopardy.”
On the other hand, Gilbert Arenas went on full troll mode, hearing the news about some of the players taken to custody for gambling. Posting a photo online with a brown paper bag with “Informant Lunch” written on it.
Since the news, Chauncey Billups was released on bail. More news to come as the story develops.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Trending on Billboard
With the 2025-26 NBA season in full swing and Halloween right around the corner, Nike is entering spooky season with holiday-themed basketball sneakers worth adding to your collection. From “Slim Reaper” KD18’s to a “Candy Corn Queen” A’One shoe, the brands most popular styles are receiving a fun, fright night makeover. Shop our five favorite Halloween-themed Nike basketball sneakers below.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
Nike
KD18 “Slim Reaper” Basketball Shoes
Starting off with the KD18’s, the signature basketball shoe for Kevin Durant, gets a Slim Reaper transformation inspired by the hoopers intimidating and unstoppable offensive presence that “defenders never see it coming,” according to Nike. The silhouette features a glow-in-the-dark outsole and a striking, slender skeleton hand design across the midfoot cage. If you’re looking to put fear in the heart of your opponent, grab of these special-edition KD18’s below for $170.
Nike
Ja 3 “Spooky Season” Basketball Shoes
It’s scary times when you see Ja Morant charing full speed at you on the court. In honor of his ghostly quickness and bone-chilling bounce when attempting one of his viral posterizing dunks, Nike has kitted out the Ja 3 with a “spooky season” colorway. This special Halloween themed design features a zombie-esque aesthetic with a striking green and lemon yellow pairing and an eye-catching vertical red Swoosh logo next to a graffiti-sprayed “A”—and grimy scratch marks as a final touch. Go full zombie mode on the hardwood with the Nike Ja 3 Halloween.
Nike
A’One “Candy Corn Queen” Basketball Shoes
Whether you love or hate candy corn, you can’t deny that this special edition colorway is a sweet treat for Halloween. Dubbed “Candy Corn Queen,” 4x WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson’s signature shoe includes a vibrant safety orange and chrome yellow gradient that pops across a midsole resembling candy-like textures. If you have a sweet tooth, these Nike’s will satisfy your craving.
Nike
Book 1 “Scorpion” Basketball Shoes
The freaks come out at night, especially with latest Book 1 Halloween colorway. What may look like a sleek and minimal design with the light on, in the dark (or with a UV light) fans will notice creepy crawlers riddled all over the sneaker. There’s also a glow-in-the-dark outsole to add even more spooky elements. Devin Booker’s signature shoe receives a black-rainbow leather upper comes with a printed scorpion pattern hidden in plain sight.
Nike
G.T. Hustle 3 “Haunted Heights” Basketball Shoes
“Haunting Heights” is a fitting name for the 7’5 superstar Victor Wembanyama. The tallest guy on the court is also a guy who can do everything. From dribbling, shooting, to blocking shots and defending, there’s nothing this San Antonio Spur can’t do. Coaches must lie awake at night haunted by trying plan schemes to stop Wemby. His Halloween-themed basketball shoe features a fiery orange tint with flame-motifs throughout.
Gilbert Arenas defintiely earned one of his nicknames after going full troll after the arrests of Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier in connection with an NBA gambling investigation. After Gilbert Arenas himself had a similar brush with the law, the former NBA player and current broadcaster had a little fun with the news by framing himself as an informant.
Taking to social media, Gilbert Arenas, 43, shared a photo of himself carrying a so-called “informant lunch” wearing a University of Washington Huskies basketball jersey, which some might remember from the film The 6th Man starring Marlon Wayans and Kadeem Hardison.
On a Thursday airing of Gil’s Arena, the former Washington Wizards All-Star leaned into the snitch allegations but also raised a fair point that, despite the NBA revealing that the gambling operation that landed Billups and Rozier in hot water was reportedly connected to the Mafia, only Black people are making the headlines.
As we reported earlier this year, Arenas was implicated in a gambling ring operating out of his Encino, Calif. home with involvement from members of an Israeli crime mob. Arenas posted a $50,000 bond in July. Just as he’s doing now, Arenas played up the arrest and his going free with a hilarious video of him being sprung from the joint.
The claims that Billups and Rozier are facing are still developing in the news. Adding to this, former Cleveland Cavaliers player and coach Damon Jones was also arrested in a separate but related case that also has ties to the Mafia.
On social media, the jokes have been flying after the NBA’s gambling arrest spree. We’ve got reactions below.
—
Photo: Getty
Source: Steph Chambers / Getty
On Thursday morning (October 23), the National Basketball Association was rocked with the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Both men were arrested in connection to a pair of federal investigations into gambling, as reported by ESPN’s lead NBA insider Shams Charania.
Billups’ case reportedly stems from allegations that he was involved in an illegal poker operation with ties to members of three Mafia families. According to CNN, Billups allegedly took part in games which took place in Miami, Las Vegas, Manhattan and in the Hamptons. Billups, an NBA Hall of Famer and former champion with the 2004 Detroit Pistons, is in his fifth year coaching Portland who lost their season opener to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. He expected to appear in court on Thursday afternoon for a preliminary hearing.
Rozier has been the focus of a federal investigation since a game on March 23, 2023 when Rozier was with the Charlotte Hornets as they played the New Orleans Pelicans. Several sportsbooks flagged suspicious activity coming in, tied to wagers on Rozier’s points, assists and rebounds totalling $200,000. Rozier left that game with a foot injury. Since then, Rozier and his agent have spoken with the FBI multiple times. The NBA stated that it also looked into the game and didn’t find any league rules broken.
According to reports, former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also arrested Thursday, on charges he provided inside information about players to co-defendants who used it to make sports wagers. He was allegedly also involved in the same illegal poker operation that Billups was involved in, and purportedly asked for a payment of $2,500 before taking part. Jones was an eleven-year league veteran, and coached under Tyronn Lue from 2016 to 2018.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is expected to hold a press conference later on Thursday morning, with director Kash Patel speaking in detail about the arrests along with the office of the Eastern District of New York. Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, spoke to CNN, defending his client. “Terry was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case. Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight,” he said.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Trending on Billboard
With the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, teams from around the association are looking to begin the season on the right foot to win their divisions, make the playoffs and win the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the NBA Finals.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
For the home opener, the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York on Wednesday, Oct. 22. This game could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals this season with the Cavs and Knicks expected to lead the pack in the Central and Atlantic Divisions, respectively.
When Does Cleveland Cavs vs. New York Knicks Game Start?
Cleveland Cavs vs. New York Knicks game broadcasts live, with tipoff at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Where to Watch Cleveland Cavs vs. New York Knicks Online
Cleveland Cavs vs. New York Knicks game broadcasts on ESPN, and it’s also livestreams on Sling Orange. Keep reading for more details on how cord-cutters can watch the Cavs-Knicks game online with Sling TV.
How to Watch Cleveland Cavs vs. New York Knicks With Sling TV
A subscription to Sling Orange, which comes with ESPN, gets you access to live TV from popular cable channels.
You can watch cable networks, including ESPN2, ESPN3, Disney Channel, Freeform, MotorTrend, A&E, AMC, BBC America, BET, CNN, Comedy Central, Food Network, Fuse, HGTV, History Channel, IFC, Lifetime, Nick Jr., QVC, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, Vice and many others.
Please note: Prices and channel availability depends on your local TV market. You can learn more about Sling TV here.
Which Celebrities Are Making Appearances During Cavs vs. Knicks?
It’s likely there will be a number of celebrities and recording artists in attendance during Wednesday night’s game — such as New York Knicks fans Bad Bunny, Cardi B, Ice Spice, Fat Joe, Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz, Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee and others; as well as Cleveland Cavs fans Usher, Machine Gun Kelly, Drew Carey and others. Tune in to Sling TV to find out who’s sitting courtside on celebrity row.
Starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, Cleveland Cavs vs. New York Knicks broadcast on ESPN, while it’s also available to livestream on Sling TV on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
Visual Concepts / 2K / NBA 2K26
According to NBA 2K26, fans of the New York Knicks are in for a season they have been longing for, but will ultimately suffer heartache.
The official 2025-26 NBA season tips off today, but NBA 2K26, which is now the unofficial start to basketball season, has predicted a wide range of outcomes that some fans will appreciate, while others will label it the purest of CAP.
Like with Madden, the folks at 2K decided to use NBA 2K26 to simulate the season to determine who would come out on top.
Unsurprisingly, coming out of the West will be last year’s champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will defeat the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the Western Conference Finals to defend their title in the NBA Finals.
But what should give a lot of New Yorkers hope is that the game also predicted the New York Knicks, who have a new coach in Mike Woodson, will finally get over the Eastern Conference Finals hump, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to face the Thunder in hopes of delivering the mecca of basketball its first NBA chip since 1973.
But for Knicks fans, their 2025-26 season will end in heartbreak because the OKC Thunder will repeat as champions, with NBA 2K26 cover athlete, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, grabbing NBA Finals MVP honors and repeating as league MVP.
Other 2K Sim Predictions
We are intrigued to see how accurate this prediction is, given that it is based solely on the NBA 2K26 stat model.
2K also used the latest installment in the popular basketball video game franchise to predict this season’s Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, as well as other stats.
You can see those results below.
Rookie of the Year
Defensive Player of the Year
Most Improved Player
All-NBA Teams
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Trending on Billboard
The 80th season of the NBA tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 21. After 23 years being being broadcasted on TNT, the National Basketball Association is finally heading back to NBC with a must-see season opening doubleheader between the Houston Rockets vs. the defending champs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. To learn how you can watch basketball all season long without cable, keep reading.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
When Does the 2025 NBA Season Start?
The 2025 NBA season tips off with an incredible doubleheader with the Houston Rockets vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder followed by the Golden State Warriors vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. Opening night airs on Tuesday, Oct. 21 on NBC, which can be streamed online with Peacock.
How to Watch the 2025 NBA Season Without Cable
The 2025 NBA season will air across NBC and ESPN while streaming on Peacock, DirecTV, Prime Video, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. Don’t have cable? Here’s everything you need to know on how to stream NBA games online for free.
DirecTV
Join DirecTV with a five-day free trial to enjoy your favorite sports and other entertainment. The streaming service’s signature packages feature more than 90 channels: ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV, ESPN2, FS1, SEC, MLB Network, TLC, CBS, USA, Bravo, E!, BET, MTV and more.
A subscription to DirecTV — which comes with NBC and ESPN for NBA games — gets you access to live TV, local and cable channels, starting at $49.99 for the first month of service ($89.99 per month afterwards). The service even offers a five-day free trial to watch for free, if you sign up now.
Peacock
With the NBA on NBA, fans can now catch games streaming on Peacock. While there is no free trial for new users, the platform offers cheap plans starting at just $10.99 per month, or you can get an annual plan for $109.99 per year (which gets you 12 months of streaming for the price of 10). Sign up below.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers the Blue package, which comes with NBC. Blue is one of the most affordable options and comes with more than 40 channels and can be streamed on up to three device at a time. Please note: Pricing and channel availability varies from market-to-market.
Sling TV is another streaming option for sports fans on a budget. With Sling Orange + Blue package, you can stream ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT and other channels for starting at $33 for the first month ($65.99 per month afterwards).
You’ll also get more than 45 other networks, including Disney Channel, ESPN2, NBC, Fox, TBS, Bravo, Discovery Channel, Fox News, MSNBC, National Geographic, USA Network, Fox Sports and more. Please note that channel availability and price depends on your local TV market. Learn more about Sling TV here.
Hulu + Live TV
For the most content offerings, you can sign up for Hulu + Live TV and get access to the Hulu library in addition to more then 95 live TV channels (including NBC). The streaming platform starts at $64.99 per month for the first three months of service ($82.99 per month afterwards).
And, for even more programming, Hulu + Live TV now comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited, which gives you everything within the Hulu library, in addition to exclusive content on ESPN for even more sports coverage.
Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for the NBA’s Friday night doubleheaders — and it’ll be the exclusive streaming home for Thursday night NBA games starting in 2026.
To watch Friday Night NBA games, you’ll need a Prime Membership. Signing up will grant you access to Prime Video to watch the basketball games as well as a whole suite of benefits, including fast same-, next-, or two-day free shipping; discounts at Whole Foods Market, access to exclusive shopping events — like Prime Day and Black Friday — and more.
Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial for new users who want to test out the service. When the trial is up, you can either cancel the streaming service altogether, or you can keep watching for $8.99/month for the base Prime Video plan. But, if you want all the perks that come with Amazon Prime, it goes for $14.99/month (or $139/year) — a nearly 25% savings.
What’s the 2025 NBA Season Opening Week Schedule?
Don’t miss any of the on court action this week with must-see matchups including Golden State vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Oct. 21), Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks (Oct. 24) and Oklahoma City vs. Dallas Mavericks (Oct. 27). See full schedule as well as where to watch each game below.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Houston vs. Oklahoma City — 7:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Golden State vs. Los Angeles Lakers — 10:00 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Cleveland vs. New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Brooklyn vs. Charlotte — 7:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Miami vs. Orlando — 7:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Toronto vs. Atlanta — 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Philadelphia vs. Boston — 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Detroit vs. Chicago — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
New Orleans vs. Memphis — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Washington vs. Milwaukee — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
LA Clippers vs. Utah — 9:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
San Antonio vs. Dallas — 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sacramento vs. Phoenix — 10:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Minnesota vs. Portland — 10:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Thursday, Oct. 23
Oklahoma City vs. Indiana — 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Denver vs. Golden State — 10:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Friday, Oct. 24
Atlanta vs. Orlando — 7:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Cleveland vs. Brooklyn — 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Boston vs. New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
Milwaukee vs. Toronto — 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Detroit vs. Houston — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Miami vs. Memphis — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
San Antonio vs. New Orleans — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Washington vs. Dallas — 8:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Minnesota vs. Los Angeles Lakers — 10:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
Golden State vs. Portland — 10:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Utah vs. Sacramento — 10:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Clippers — 10:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Saturday, Oct. 25
Chicago vs. Orlando — 7:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Oklahoma City vs. Atlanta — 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Charlotte vs. Philadelphia — 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Indiana vs. Memphis — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Phoenix vs. Denver — 9:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Sunday, Oct. 26
Brooklyn vs. San Antonio — 2:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Boston vs. Detroit — 3:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Milwaukee vs. Cleveland — 6:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
New York Knicks vs. Miami — 6:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Charlotte vs. Washington — 6:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Indiana vs. Minnesota — 7:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Toronto vs. Dallas — 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Portland vs. Los Angeles Clippers — 9:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento — 9:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Monday, Oct. 27
Cleveland vs. Detroit — 7:00 p.m. (Peacock)
Orlando vs. Philadelphia — 7:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Atlanta vs. Chicago — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Brooklyn vs. Houston — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Boston vs. New Orleans — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Toronto vs. San Antonio — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Oklahoma City vs. Dallas — 8:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Phoenix vs. Utah — 9:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Denver vs. Minnesota — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
Memphis vs. Golden State — 10:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Portland vs. Los Angeles Lakers — 10:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Philadelphia vs. Washington — 7:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Charlotte vs. Miami — 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee — 8:00 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Sacramento vs. Oklahoma City — 8:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State — 11:00 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Source: Rich Storry / Getty
Clearly Tyler Herro’s all-star abilities on the court do not all transfer off the court. He says he doesn’t believe in any history that occurred prior to 1950.
As per Complex, the Miami Heat shooting guard made a recent appearance on Adin Ross’ Kick livestream. During the visit, he was fielding questions from users ranging from basketball to popular culture. During the Q&A segment, one viewer asked if he thinks if Wilt Chamberlain would be a top-five player in today’s league. “I don’t even know what Wilt looked like, played like,” Tyler Herro responded. Adin followed that question by asking The Boy Wonder if he thinks Wilt actually scored 100 points in a game. While Tyler’s initial response was “yes” he popped a general question about the past. “You think history is a real thing?” he added.
Tyler Herro went on to reveal that he is very skeptical of anything that has occurred more than 40 years ago. “Nah, I don’t believe in history. No, I’m deadass,” he said. As expected Adin was taken by surprise and asked does he believe what was said to have happened 200 years ago to which the Miami Heat baller responded “hell no.” The conversation soon turned to getting his point of view on moments that went on to change the world specifically the moon landing in 1969. “No, I don’t believe in that. I don’t believe in anything that happened before 1950.”
One viewer responded with the obvious saying that history is well documented and it is obvious to them that he never read a book. “See, y’all believe that sh*t,” Tyler Herro responded to the chat. “I don’t believe that sh*t! I never read that sh*t in school.” You can see the clip below.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Al Bello / Getty
During his half a decade stint as the head coach of the New York Knicks, Tom Thibodeau earned himself a Coach Of The Year award and led the team to four playoff appearances in his five-year tenure and though fans were mostly relieved to learn the news that Thibodeau had been fired by the team’s owner, James Dolan, Thibs doesn’t seem to harbor any ill will towards the franchise, the fans or the city (unlike a Julius Randle).
A week after the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau following the team’s elimination at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, Tom Thibodeau took out a full-page black-and-white ad in The New York Times to thank the Knicks and the city of New York for helping him live out his “dream job” as he was able to coach the Knicks back to relevancy following decades of pain, scandals and disappointment for fans of the franchise.
“I am grateful that dream became a reality. Thank you to our players and coaching staff who gave everything they had, and to everyone who makes the franchise special. I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including four playoff appearances and this year’s run to the Eastern Conference finals – our first in 25 years.”
Unfortunately for the team, it seemed like Thibs was outreached by Indiana Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle who seemed to have Thibs number at every twist and turn throughout the series.
With rumors swirling that Thibs was fired by the team after players were interviewed about the situation, it didn’t help that one of the teams top players allegedly said he couldn’t continue to play for Thibodeau next season. Though no names have been leaked as to who might’ve made such a statement, people assume it was one of the Knicks starting five players as Thibs never plays his bench anyway. Another reason many fans wanted Thibs to be relieved of his head coaching duties.
Regardless of how you may have felt about Tom Thibodeau, the man did make the Knicks winners again and helped bring back excitement to the Mecca of Basketball that hadn’t been felt in decades.
Thanks, Thibs.
HipHopWired Featured Video
State Champ Radio
