Tom Thibodeau has his own fair share of critics and detractors, especially after the New York Knicks were eliminated from the playoffs. Turns out, Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley is among those who chose to defend the controversial head coach.

Milwaukee Bucks, Patrick Beverley

Feb 27, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) grabs a rebound against Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Thibodeau started his coaching career as an assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1989-1990 season. Since then, he has played that role for the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics.

New York Knicks, Tom ThibodeauMay 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau coaches against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
After spending 20 years as an assistant coach, Thibodeau received his first head coaching gig for the Chicago Bulls in 2010. He would take the NBA by storm when he guided a young Derrick Rose-led team compete in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, various injuries and questionable rosters killed any chance for Thibodeau to contend for a championship.

Over the years, Thibodeau rebuilt his reputation after failed stints with the Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves by coaching the New York Knicks back to relevance. And even if he prefers playing starting units as much as possible, the results that come after has been worth it for the Jalen Brunson-led team.

Milwaukee Bucks’ Patrick Beverley Defends Tom Thibodeau After New York Knicks’ Playoff Exit

Milwaukee Bucks, Patrick BeverleyMar 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) shoots during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
While some prefer Thibodeau’s coaching style, there are those who think that playing the starters for more than 40 minutes on a nightly basis can be a bit too much as it can lead to serious injuries, as stated by former Memphis Grizzlies star Chandler Parsons. For Milwaukee Bucks veteran Patrick Beverley, though, the Knicks coach can’t be blamed in a video clip of his podcast shared on X:

Before they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers, several Knicks players have gone out because of different injuries this season, These include, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson, among others. In any case, Beverley stands by Thibodeau’s side due to the fact that the playoffs are a different monster than the regular season and the intensified level of competition calls for minutes to be played.


New York Knicks, Tom ThibodeauApr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau argues with referee Curtis Blair (74) during the first quarter of game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Knicks were knocked out of the playoffs, the performance they showed left fans believing in a bright future ahead of them. Hopefully, Beverley’s balanced take on the matter sheds more light about Thibodeau’s style and eases the blame off of him.
Milwaukee Bucks, Patrick BeverleyFeb 9, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) puts up a shot during warm ups before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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