Tom Thibodeau has not spoken publicly since the Knicks shockingly fired him last month after leading them to their first conference finals in 25 years.
But Derrick Rose, a longtime Thibodeau loyalist, peeled back the curtain somewhat as to how Thibodeau is doing.
“It’s crazy. I talked to Thibs after that. He’s good,” Rose said Sunday during a NASCAR press conference as he was serving as the grand marshal for the Chicago event.
“You can’t be mad when you’re walking away with $30 million. So, can’t feel too sorry for him. But he’s in good spirits. Yeah, that’s my guy. We locked in till the end. But he’s good. Jalen [Brunson] is still in New York. He’s gonna be ballin’. Everybody wins, I feel like.”
Derrick Rose talking to media during the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago. Getty Images
Tom Thibodeau coaching in the Eastern Conference finals Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesWhile the Knicks get a refresh with the hire of Mike Brown as the team’s new head coach, Thibodeau receives a massive buyout.
Rose earned NBA MVP honors during Thibodeau’s first season as the Bulls’ coach and later joined him on the Knicks as the two forged a strong bond.
Thibodeau was fired after five seasons with the Knicks, leading them to the playoffs four times.
Derrick Rose and Tom Thibodeau together while with the Chicago Bulls AP
Tom Thibodeau and Derrick Rose with the Knicks in 2022. NBAE via Getty ImagesMany criticized how he utilized his bench, along with some of his in-game decisions on offense, which might have cost the Knicks the series against the Pacers, who eliminated them for the second consecutive postseason.
It is unclear at the moment if Thibodeau is looking to return to coaching in the near future or if he will take time off while still getting a big payday from the Knicks.
