J.R. Smith and Metta World Peace, two former players of the New York Knicks, had contrasting reactions to the recent firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau. On Tuesday, the Knicks announced their decision to part ways with Thibodeau, a move that left Smith feeling bewildered and frustrated, while World Peace saw it as a prime opportunity to step into a head coaching role.
In an emotional response shared on his Instagram story, Smith expressed his disbelief over the Knicks' decision, stating, “I don’t know what the f–k going on … I don’t get it … Back-to-back 50-win seasons, first time since when? Bro, it’s so bad I direct messaged Stephen A. Smith just to ask him, ‘How much is Thibodeau owed? What is going on?’ C’mon man! Damn!” His post indicates a deep concern for the direction in which the franchise is headed.
Smith also reached out to Stephen A. Smith, asking to appear on his ESPN show "First Take" to discuss the shocking situation further. Thibodeau had just led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference finals since 2000, but after being eliminated by the Indiana Pacers for the second consecutive year, the organization felt a change was necessary. The Knicks are now “singularly focused on winning a championship,” which played a significant role in their decision to let Thibodeau go.
In stark contrast, Metta World Peace viewed the firing of Thibodeau as an opportunity to launch his campaign for head coach of the Knicks. He took to social media to declare, “Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the Knicks. Since 1999 this was supposed to happen. I’ve never run from the city,” referring to his unwavering commitment to New York.
World Peace highlighted his history with the city, stating, “When all the top players left NYC because it was hard, I went to St. John’s. I wanted to be drafted by the Knicks; I seemed to be the only one unafraid of the city. I’m built to challenge the city. I’m the number one guy for the job.” His confidence stems from a successful 17-year NBA career, during which he won an NBA Finals championship in 2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers and earned multiple accolades, including being a four-time All-Defensive selection.
While World Peace spent just one season with the Knicks, he made a significant impact in his career, which included being named an All-Star and a one-time All-NBA selection. Meanwhile, J.R. Smith had a notable tenure with the Knicks, where he averaged a career-high 18.1 points per game in the 2012-13 season and earned the title of NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.
World Peace reinforced his desire to take on the head coaching role by stating, “I want every bit of the smoke in NYC. I’m 100% in and ready to HEAD COACH the great New York Knicks.” He boasts a rich history in basketball, including three championships at Rucker Park and a strong performance during his high school years.
The former player is determined to leverage his extensive experience and connection to the city, adding, “Lots more on the NYC front. Had a Knick practice shirt and short on at the 1999 draft. NBA accolades speak for themselves. I basically locked up tons of Hall of Famers. Sorry. But light work. Metta is ready for the city. thecityismine.”
The contrasting reactions of J.R. Smith and Metta World Peace to Tom Thibodeau's firing highlight the complex emotions surrounding the Knicks’ recent decisions. As the franchise looks to the future, the potential for new leadership may bring about a transformative phase for the team. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the developments in New York as the search for a new head coach unfolds.
