"It's sad to see him leave": Jalen Brunson, devastated after Tom Thibodeau's departure from the Knicks

Jalen Brunson did not hide his feelings when speaking for the first time about the departure of Tom Thibodeau from the New York Knicks. At the start of training camp, the 29-year-old point guard admitted that it was difficult for him to see the coach, with whom he has had a personal and professional lifelong bond, leave the organization last June after five seasons.

“Obviously, it is sad to see a man I have known for so long part ways with this organization,” said Brunson. “He has meant a lot to me. I have expressed it publicly and privately. He has been instrumental in my career up to this point.”

The relationship between them goes beyond sports. Rick Brunson, the point guard's father, played under Thibodeau's guidance when he was an assistant coach and later became part of his coaching staff in Minnesota and New York. That closeness made the coach's dismissal a difficult moment for the Knicks' franchise player.

Although under the leadership of Thibodeau the team reached its first conference finals since 2000, the elimination in six games against the Indiana Pacers precipitated the change. Brunson had defended his coach even in the tough press conference after the defeat: “Are you really asking me if I think he is the right one? Yes. Let's go.”

During their three seasons together, Brunson established himself as one of the league's stars, averaging 26.4 points per game, achieving two consecutive All-Star appearances, and being named Clutch Player of the Year in 2024. However, those merits were not enough to prevent his dismissal.

With Mike Brown taking over as head coach, Brunson is pragmatic: “For me, my job is to go out there and find ways to help this team win. There are people in the organization who have to make decisions, I need to focus on doing my best.”

Josh Hart, another player close to Thibodeau, also expressed his gratitude. “I will always have love for Thibs for putting me in a position to grow and get a contract. I wish him the best. But now we have Mike, and we are very excited about what he brings, both offensively and defensively.”

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