NBA: Ranking all 30 head coaches heading into 2023-24

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New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau (Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports) /

7. Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks

There is not a coach in the NBA that works and prepares as much as New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. There also isn’t an NBA coach who is as intense during every single possession as “Thibs” is. He is known as a defensive-minded head coach but is underrated as an offensive strategist.

Thibodeau is a top-5 NBA coach when it comes to player development. “Thibs” often puts young players on the floor in pressure situations allowing them to grow. Ask Yao Ming, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Jimmy Butler. Rose was the league’s youngest MVP under “Thibs.” Joakim Noah was 4th in MVP voting in 2014 and the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. Butler was named the league’s Most Improved Player in 2015.

Thibodeau is loved and respected by his players. His teams win. “Thibs” led the Minnesota Timberwolves AND the New York Knicks to the playoffs. He should be in the top 10 for that alone!