Stephen A. Smith Slams Knicks' Thibodeau Firing: 'That's on Leon Rose'

NEW YORK, June 4, 2025 – The New York Knicks' decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau has sparked significant debate in the sports world. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith voiced strong criticism of the move, stating, "That's on Leon Rose, that's the name we should be talking about." Smith argued that Thibodeau was unfairly made a scapegoat, despite leading the Knicks to 51 wins and the Eastern Conference Finals. He highlighted the team's recent trades, including giving up multiple draft picks for Mikal Bridges, as a factor that should be considered in evaluating the team's performance. The firing has raised questions about the Knicks' front office decision-making and the future direction of the team. The lack of a readily apparent high-profile replacement coach further fuels the controversy surrounding this move. The situation underscores the complex dynamics within professional sports, where coaching changes can be influenced by factors beyond on-court performance.