Stephen A Smith thinks it’s time for a new boss in New York if the Knicks are able to acquire Zion Williamson.
“If by some happenstance Zion could be in New York,” Smith said on Thursday’s “First Take” segment, “I believe this should be Tom Thibodeau’s last year in New York. I’m not saying he’s not a great coach, I’m not saying he can’t coach, I’m not saying he did anything wrong.”
What Smith is saying, though, is that there are better options –– namely, Tyronn Lue, who’s currently at the helm for the Los Angeles Clippers.
“It’s not about Tom Thibodeau,” Smith said. “I think Ty Lue is one of the great coaches in the NBA. Top two coach in the NBA right now.”
However, this take all stands on the assumption that Williamson lands in New York, which isn’t too likely.
The New Orleans Pelican has recently faced backlash for his off-court life, sparking trade speculations.
Williamson, who went No. 1 overall at the 2019 Draft, missed being originally selected by the Knicks, who had the third pick.
The Knicks would likely have to put together a hefty package to bring the power forward over.
Thibodeau turned the Knicks back into a playoff team since arriving in 2020 as the 26th coach in franchise history.
He keyed the Knicks to their first post-season in eight years in his first season and earned the 2021 NBA Coach of the Year.
The Knicks clinched a spot in the conference semifinals this postseason for the first time since 2013 before falling 4-2 in the series against the Miami Heat.
Thibodeau’s Knicks have been successful, but Smith believes Lue is the guy to bring them to the next level.
“If the New York Knickerbockers are looking into the future, I think a coach that I believe is better than Tom Thibodeau –– that’s 19 years younger –– is somebody they should pursue,” Smith said.
Lue’s contract with the Clippers has two years left.
With the second year as a team option, the head coach could potentially be put on the free agency shopping shelf next off-season.