Bill Simmons Draws Detroit Pistons Parallel to Knicks Coach Firing

Knicks coaching move compared to old Pistons move.

Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau looks on in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

After falling short in the Eastern Conference finals, the New York Knicks made the decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau. In light of this decision, one longtime analyst drew a connection to the move from something the Detroit Pistons did nearly 20 years ago.

Thibodeau had a successful five-year run with the Knicks, helping turn them into a contender in the Eastern Conference. They were within arm's reach of the finals this year but were unable to come away victorious against the Indiana Pacers. Now, the storied franchise is in search of a new coach they hope can get them over the hump.

During a recent episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons gave his thoughts on the Knicks deciding to dismiss Thibodeau after their deep playoff run. He feels the situation is very similar to when the Pistons parted ways with Rick Carlisle to bring in Larry Brown.

"One that I think is weirdly applicable in a bunch of different ways is the 2003 Pistons," Simmons said. "The question was did Carlisle take the roster as far as it could go...Did Thibs take us as high as we could possibly go, did we max out with Thibs."

Why did the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau?@BillSimmons takes a look back at the 2003 Pistons to offer a possible explanation for the decision. pic.twitter.com/VOBQuPtONq

— The Ringer (@ringer) June 4, 2025

The Pistons gave Carlisle his first head coaching gig in the NBA after years as an assistant with the Pacers. He led them to 50 wins in each of his two seasons with the franchise but failed to get the group to the game's biggest stage.

After the 2003 campaign, the Pistons dismissed Carlisle after just two years on the job. This move ended up working out for them, as Larry Brown quickly led Detroit to a title in 2004. Now, still with a roster capable of contending, the Knicks will try to replicate these results by moving on from Thibodeau.

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