When former New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau walked into the Boston Celtics’ practice facility this week, no one appreciated it more than Jaylen Brown.
Months after Thibodeau’s Knicks eliminated Boston from the Eastern Conference semifinals, the 67-year-old coach visited his old team to share insight — and Brown said the experience was invaluable.
“I think that was awesome having Thibs,” Brown said. “Obviously, they eliminated us last year, so him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series and some of the stuff that they broke down in our personnel — or even our team — helps us grow and learn from that.”
The Celtics’ playoff loss to New York still stings for Brown, who said Thibodeau’s film breakdowns and candid feedback gave him and Jayson Tatum a better understanding of how opponents viewed them.
“It stung losing to the Knicks,” Brown admitted. “To have Thibs here explaining some of the things that helped them beat us only helps me get better, only helps us get better. So I value that. Shout out to Thibs for being here today.”
Thibodeau’s Film Session With Brown, Tatum, and Mazzulla
Brown revealed that Thibodeau wasn’t just a guest observer — he actively participated in film review sessions alongside Boston coach Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics’ two All-Stars.
“He was breaking down some film and stuff like that, talking to Joe,” Brown said. “From a team perspective and from a top-down perspective — what he wanted to do with me and Jayson, what he wanted to do when the ball was in my hands. It allows you to grow if you’re humble enough to listen.”
Mazzulla, who coached Boston back to the top of the NBA in 2024, said Thibodeau’s presence was both nostalgic and educational.
“He won a championship here — just having him around makes me better, makes our organization better,” Mazzulla said. “It’s a lot of respect for him.”
Thibodeau previously served as Doc Rivers’ defensive coordinator during the 2008 championship run, helping craft the defensive system that powered the Celtics’ Big Three era.
Thibodeau’s Legacy and Knicks Exit
Despite his dismissal, Thibodeau remains under contract with New York. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks still owe him at least $30 million guaranteed from his recent extension.
During his five-year run, Thibodeau led the Knicks to four playoff appearances, back-to-back 50-win seasons, and their first conference finals berth in 25 years. He leaves as the franchise’s fourth-winningest coach behind Red Holzman, Joe Lapchick, and Jeff Van Gundy.
After his firing, Thibodeau published a full-page ad in The New York Times thanking fans — but notably omitted owner James Dolan and president Leon Rose from his farewell message.
“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you,” Thibodeau wrote. “I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including this year’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals — our first in 25 years.”
For Brown, though, Thibodeau’s visit wasn’t about controversy — it was about growth.
“It allows you to grow if you’re humble enough to listen,” Brown said again, summing up the day’s takeaway.
Whether it was strategic advice or a reminder of last year’s pain, Thibodeau’s words clearly resonated — and for a Celtics team still chasing another title, that lesson might be exactly what they needed.
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