Tom Thibodeau on Knicks’ 2024 Struggles: “Yeah, I Mean, I Have My Own Grass to Mow”
The New York Knicks entered the 2024 NBA season with high hopes. After a promising 2023 campaign that saw them secure a playoff spot, many expected the Knicks to take a step forward and challenge for a higher seed in the competitive Eastern Conference. However, as the season unfolds, the team has faced significant struggles that have raised concerns about their trajectory. Head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his gritty coaching style and no-nonsense approach, offered a telling response when asked about the team’s difficulties: “Yeah, I mean, I have my own grass to mow.”
While this statement may seem casual, it encapsulates Thibodeau’s focused, process-oriented approach. For him, it’s about controlling what he can and not getting distracted by the outside noise. Despite the Knicks’ current struggles, Thibodeau remains committed to improving his team, focusing on what he can control, and making the necessary adjustments to get the team back on track.
The 2024 season has not been kind to the Knicks, as they sit in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference. Although they have the talent, including star players like Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett, inconsistency has plagued the team both offensively and defensively. Some of the main issues that have hindered their progress include:
- Offensive Inconsistency: The Knicks have struggled to find a rhythm on offense, with issues ranging from poor shooting percentages to a lack of offensive flow. While Brunson has been steady, the team has lacked a true secondary scoring threat, and Randle’s play has been erratic at times.
- Injuries: The Knicks have also dealt with injuries to key players, including Mitchell Robinson, who plays a crucial role in the team’s defense and rebounding efforts. Missing such an integral part of their lineup has forced Thibodeau to experiment with different lineups.
- Defensive Slippage: Known for his emphasis on defense, Thibodeau has seen his team slip in this area. Despite being competitive, the Knicks’ defense has not been as suffocating as it was in previous seasons, especially in clutch situations.
- Depth Concerns: Although the Knicks have some solid role players, their depth has been tested in 2024. With injuries and inconsistent play from the bench, the team has struggled to maintain a balanced rotation, leading to fatigue in key moments.
Thibodeau’s response to these struggles, “I have my own grass to mow,” reflects his belief in focusing on the present moment and the things within his control. For the seasoned coach, this means focusing on improving the fundamentals, ensuring the players are working hard, and sticking to the process, rather than getting caught up in external factors or the noise around the team.
“Look, we’re in a challenging spot right now, but that’s part of the journey,” Thibodeau explained. “You don’t win every game. You have to look at the things you can control—how hard you work, how you prepare, how you communicate. I’m focused on helping these guys improve, individually and as a team.”
Thibodeau has always been a coach who emphasizes hard work, discipline, and defense. Even in the face of adversity, he believes in sticking to these core principles. For him, success doesn’t come from outside validation, but from doing the work day in and day out.
One of the most important aspects of Thibodeau’s leadership is his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. As the team struggles, he continues to instill confidence in his players, focusing on the things they can control—like effort and execution. He has frequently praised his players for their commitment to improvement, even when things aren’t going their way.
“Adversity is part of the game,” Thibodeau said. “It’s how you respond that defines you. We’ve got a good group of guys who are putting in the work. We just need to make adjustments, stay disciplined, and trust the process.”
The Knicks’ struggles have not gone unnoticed by the media and their passionate fanbase. Critics have questioned whether Thibodeau’s defensive-heavy approach is becoming outdated in today’s NBA, where offensive firepower often reigns supreme. Additionally, there have been calls for the team to make a trade to bolster their roster, particularly in terms of adding a consistent scoring threat.
Despite the external pressure, Thibodeau remains unshaken. He has always maintained a “next-man-up” mentality, and his philosophy centers around the idea that success is earned through consistent effort and preparation.
“I’m not concerned with outside opinions,” Thibodeau stated firmly. “I focus on what’s in front of me. We’ve got a job to do, and that’s where my energy goes. We have the right pieces here, and we’re going to keep working to get better.”
Despite the challenges, the Knicks are far from out of contention. Thibodeau’s coaching has led the team to playoff appearances in the past, and he remains confident that with some adjustments, the team can turn things around.
“We’ve got to look at what we’re doing and make the necessary tweaks,” Thibodeau said. “There’s a lot of basketball left to be played, and I believe in this group. We’re not backing down.”
While the team’s struggles in 2024 are undeniable, there’s still hope in the Big Apple that the Knicks can find their footing. With Thibodeau’s leadership, the right adjustments to their offense and defense, and key players stepping up, the team still has time to make a playoff push.
Tom Thibodeau’s “mowing my own grass” comment provides a glimpse into his focused, unrelenting mindset during the Knicks’ struggles in 2024. Rather than dwelling on the challenges, Thibodeau’s emphasis on controlling the controllables reflects his belief in the team’s potential for growth.
As the Knicks look to bounce back, Thibodeau’s leadership will continue to be crucial. The path to success might not be easy, but with hard work and perseverance, the Knicks have the opportunity to regain their footing and challenge for a playoff spot.