The 51-31 record for the 2024-25 regular season was the Knicks’ highest record in the last 12 years. New York finished as the #3 seed in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
They beat the piston in round one and then the Celtics in the semi-finals of the meeting. However, the Knicks slipped several games in the conference finals and lost six games to the Indiana Pacers. Several Knicks players are “unfortunate” with the presence of assistant coach Rick Branson, NBA insider Sam Amiko. The father of Jaylen Branson, a top New York player. Could he be fired this offseason?
Several Knicks players are “unhappy” with Rick Branson’s presence
Several Knicks players are unhappy with the presence of assistant coach Rick Branson. @amicohoops
“According to Hoop’s Wiresource, multiple Knicks players are unhappy with the presence of assistant coach Rick Branson, the father of star guard Jalen Branson. pic.twitter.com/rcdvgsxkjh
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) June 4, 2025
After losing six games to the Pacers in the conference final, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. He was in New York for five seasons, making four playoffs. Sny Sports’ Ian Begley reported that Knicks GM and President Leon Rose fired Thibodeau after meeting with “top players” on the roster. Team owner James Dolan was also appearing at those meetings.
In addition to Thibodeau’s firing, New York has more drama. NBA insider Sam Amiko has reported that several Knicks players were “unfortunate” with the presence of assistant coach Rick Branson. He has been in New York for three seasons. Sources suggest that Rick Branson is too shaking. Another source said Rick Branson was one of the most powerful figures in the locker room. Many believe that Rick Branson will be with the Knicks and keep star PG Jaren Branson happy.
It’s possible that Rick Branson has become a little more comfortable with his role. Branson was a longtime assistant to former Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. Rick Branson was with him in Chicago, Minnesota and New York. He was comfortable with Thibodeau and made it even easier for his son to be a star player. Rick Branson may take a step back as new head coach from 2025-26.