New York Knicks HC Tom Thibodeau Boldly Tells Lions Owner After He Suggested That OG Anunoby Should Be Made The..
In a rare moment of public tension between a head coach and ownership, New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau made headlines Tuesday after firmly responding to a surprising suggestion from team owner James Dolan: that forward OG Anunoby should be made the focal point of the offense.
Dolan, known for his hands-on — and often controversial — involvement with team affairs, reportedly voiced his opinion during an internal meeting, expressing admiration for Anunoby’s recent performances and suggesting the coaching staff “run the offense through OG more aggressively.”
When asked about the suggestion in a media scrum, Thibodeau didn’t hold back.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” he said bluntly. “But we have a system in place. We win games through defense, discipline, and balance. OG is an important piece, no doubt — but this isn’t a video game. We coach to win, not to please egos.”
The remark quickly sent ripples through the Knicks community and the broader NBA landscape, with some applauding Thibodeau for standing firm on basketball principles, while others wondered whether the statement could cause friction with ownership.
Anunoby, known for his quiet demeanor and team-first attitude, brushed off the drama.
“I just play my role,” he said post-practice. “Whether it’s defense, shooting, or creating space for my teammates, I’m focused on winning. That’s all that matters.”
The Knicks, currently in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, have leaned heavily on their team-oriented approach — a philosophy Thibodeau has fiercely upheld throughout his tenure. Still, with Dolan’s track record of unpredictability, some insiders are wondering whether this public disagreement might resurface down the stretch.
For now, though, Thibodeau remains unfazed.
“We’ve come this far by trusting the process,” he said. “That’s not changing because of one conversation — no matter who it’s with.”