Cavs player Ricky Rubio comments on Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau

Ricky Rubio can still clearly recall the screams. However, it's equally true of Tom Thibodeau's brilliance on offence as well as his reputation-making defence.

Rubio, who spent one year of the 2016–17 NBA season playing for Thibodeau in Minnesota, can speak to the development of the current New York Knicks head coach.

Rubio played under Thibodeau for just one season before being dealt to the Utah Jazz, and the Timberwolves had a top-10 offence in that year.

During his one season playing for Thibodeau, who was looking for a point guard with a new skill set, Rubio averaged 11.1 points and a career-high 9.1 assists per game.

The Knicks are an offensive powerhouse under Thibodeau, entering the playoffs tied for third in offence with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Rubio is no longer the starting point guard, but facing his previous coach, who didn't think he was a good match, may always ignite a fire inside of him.

For instance, in 2021, before tearing his ACL against Thibodeau's Knicks, he scored a career-high 37 points.

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