Shaquille O'Neal's bold pick to replace Tom Thibodeau with former Golden State Warriors' coach sparks intense reactions

Interestingly, the New York Knicks fired their coach Tom Thibodeau after the Eastern Conference Finals ’ game with Indiana Pacers, but, NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal believes Mark Jackson , who has previously been a coach for Golden State Warriors , is the best fit for the role, and could replace him. Jackson was popular since he helped in building Warriors from scratch, so in case he makes a return now, it would be interesting to see how it pans out for the New York Knicks.

Who is Shaquille O’Neal’s top choice for the New York Knicks?After the New York Knicks faced a defeat with Indiana Pacers’ stunning game results, it has found itself in a difficult spot now. They fired their coach Tom Thibodeau, who had been training the team for at least five years now. The real question for the Knicks fans, the basketball players and the team is — who will take up the next coaching responsibility after such an intense performance?

Well, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal might have some answers. He shared a video on Instagram, where he expressed support and confidence in coach Mark Jackson.

Shaq wants to see Mark Jackson in New York

(via @shaq on IG) pic.twitter.com/vt4z87snBv

— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) June 4, 2025

Now who is Mark Jackson? He once played for the Knicks too. Jackson has been a popular face for NBA coaches, having trained a solid team like Golden State Warriors, where worked hard on building a solid team with Warriors’ biggest contender, Stephan Curry.

Search for New York Knicks’ coaches heats up

With the firing of Coach Thibs, here are the Knicks next coach odds:

Johnnie Bryant +240
Kenny Atkinson +400
Mike Budenholzer +950
Patrick Ewing +950
Sam Cassell +950
—
Jay Wright +1400

Surprising to see Jay Wright so far down the odds list? 🤔

(via @BovadaOfficial) pic.twitter.com/mUUWCBUbRK

— ClutchPoints Betting (@CPBetting) June 3, 2025

Despite Tom Thibodeau’s attempts to ensure the New York Knicks reached the NBA playoffs at least four times in five years, it has been a difficult journey, now that he has been relieved of his post. As per NBC Sports, there could be three possible choices for who gets to replace the former Knicks coach Thibodeau.

Thank you, Coach Thibodeau. pic.twitter.com/bInhvWtxPI

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 3, 2025

The first choice is Michael Malone, who has secured a victory for the Denver Nuggets. Jay Wright, too, could be a successful candidate to replace Thibodeau, as he has been pretty famous for training a few of the players, playing for the New York Knicks. Even Johnnie Bryant could become a coach, as he has assisted the New York Knicks.

A fan said,

“Adrian Griffin is The New York Knicks next Head Coach.”

Adrian Griffin is The New York Knicks next Head Coach

— 🇵🇷𝓤𝓖𝓘𝓞🇿🇦 (@PengPantheress_) June 3, 2025

Meanwhile another fan picked,

Rick Brunson has been tapped as the new head coaches of the Knicks per @IanBegley

— Cle1ndian (@C1e1ndian) June 3, 2025

“Rick Brunson has been tapped as the new head coaches of the Knicks per Ian Begley.”

Another fan reacted, saying:

Listen to so many #nba podcasts, and yet no one is pointing out the obvious Thibs replacement. Who else but Jay Wright to coach the Nova #Knicks ?

— billionaire (@billytall) June 4, 2025

“Listen to so many NBA podcasts, and yet no one is pointing out the obvious Thibs replacement. Who else but Jay Wright to coach the Nova Knicks”

Also Read: New York Knicks part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau after historic Eastern Conference Finals run and best season in 25 years

For the Knicks coach spot, there are other names too, that are in line. Taylor Jenkins is a solid candidate who could put some pressure on the Knicks' players. Even Dan Hurley is a suitable replacement. All eyes are now on how the New York Knicks gets to decide based on the available options so far.