Jaylen Brunson speaks out after the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau

Jaylen Brunson reviews the impact of Thibodeau on his career after the New York Knicks fired the senior head coach.

New York Knicks star Jaylen Brunson sincerely reflected on the team's decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau and praised the veteran coach's impact on his personal and professional development. Brunson shared his thoughts on the latest episode of The Roommate Show with teammate Josh Hart and co-host Matt Hillman.

"This is my first time being fired," Brunson said. "Of course, I've known him for the rest of my life, but I remember chatting with him in the eighth grade, spending time together, and he was in Chicago. Think about what we're doing now - he helped me twice in the All-Star and twice in the NBA All-Squad. Everything he did for me, obviously, I'm very grateful for it because he gave me confidence and I know I have confidence, but it's great to see someone motivating me to get better."

Jaylen Brunson thanked him for his contribution to his career development after firing Tom Thibodeau.

"Of course, I have dad, who believes in me more than anyone else, and mom believes in me more than anyone else. But I feel very grateful and grateful for the contributions of Thibodeau to my career," he added. "What he means to me and to my career is not enough to express no matter how he describes it."

Thibodeau was dismissed last Tuesday after the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals six games. In his five-year coaching career, the Knicks achieved a regular season record of 226 wins and 174 losses and made four playoffs, ultimately helping the team achieve the longest playoff record since 2000.

"He helped me twice in the All-Star and twice in the NBA All-Squad. Everything he did for me... I'm extremely grateful for that."

28-year-old Brunson signed with the Knicks in 2022 after being selected by the Dallas Mavericks at the 33rd pick in 2018 and was selected by the Dallas Mavericks and performed well in the playoffs. Since joining the Knicks, he has grown into one of the top defenders in the league. Last season, Brunson averaged 26.0 points, 7.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game, shooting as high as 48.8% from the field and 38.3% from three-point shooting percentage. He was selected for the All-Star and NBA All-A-Series for the second consecutive time and was named NBA Key Player of the Year.

Josh Hart praised Thibodeau's influence and pointed out the uncertainty of the Knicks' starting search for new coaches

Josh Hart has played for several head coaches in his career, and he also expressed his views on Thibodeau's departure.

"Tibodeau is my sixth coach in eight years," Hart said. "The career of coaching in the NBA... is tough. Whenever you don't finish the game as you want or expect, like I said, there will always be a change. That experience was tough. I just think there should be nothing else for him and his time in New York than for praise."

30-year-old Hart joined the Knicks in the 2022-23 season and spent the top of his career in his second full season with the team. He averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals in 77 games, and averaged a career-high 37.6 minutes per game.

Looking to the future, Hart admits that the team has uncertainty about the candidate for the next head coach.

"Now the team is looking for a coach, and everyone on Twitter has their own opinions on who should be hired, who should not be hired, who wants to be hired," he said.

Knicks have not announced Thibodeau's successor, and management is evaluating the options for the 2025-26 season.