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Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and guard Josh Hart talk with head coach...

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and guard Josh Hart talk with head coach Tom Thibodeau, right, during the second half of Game 4 against the Pacers in an NBA second-round playoff series in Indianapolis. Credit: AP/Michael Conroy

After nearly two weeks of speculation on what led to the firing of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau the first words from the players surfaced Thursday, but provided little other than kind words.

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart addressed Thibodeau’s departure on the latest episode of their podcast, The Roommates Show.

”Obviously, I’ve known him my entire life,” said Brunson, who grew up in locker rooms while his father, Rick, played for Thibodeau and then joined his coaching staff. “But I remember having conversations and moments with him in eighth grade when we moved to Chicago and just to see where we are now, he helped me become a two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA.

“The things he’s done for me, individually, I’m so grateful for. Just because he had the confidence in me that I knew I had, but like it’s great to see someone push it, push me to be better. Obviously, I had my dad and he believes in me more than anyone. Him and my mom believe in me more than anyone. To have Thibs do what he did for my career, I’m just so grateful and thankful. Not enough things can be said about what he’s meant to myself, my career.”

Thibodeau spent five seasons coaching the Knicks and made the playoffs in four of them, but the team took off in the last three seasons after Brunson joined and became a two-time All-NBA selection. Hart didn’t gain those accolades, but was the epitome of a Thibodeau player, hustle and tireless effort his trademark.

“We wanted to give a shout out to Thibs, especially for myself,” Hart said. “He helped make me into the player that I am. I had a lot of instability in the early part of my career, and he kind of gave me that stability and that opportunity to flourish as a player in the league, as a starter in the league. I’m always gonna be forever grateful for him. Obviously, this always s tough part of the NBA, because you grow relationships not just on the court, but off the court and personal relationships. I always got love for him. It’s always tough when there is a coaching change.”

The Knicks are now facing uncertainty after five seasons of stability under Thibodeau, early in the process of finding a new head coach. But the two wanted to focus on providing Thibodeau with the praise he deserved.

“Especially now, people have their own perceptions of certain things, or the end of the season or whatever it is, but he took that job when the Knicks were just bums, 20 wins,” Hart said. “He got that job and was there for five years, made the playoffs four years, first Eastern Conference finals for 25 years, and he helped Knicks basketball go back into the top level in the league. He should get a lot of credit for the foundation that he built.

“I think we had a really good year. I think it didn’t end how we wanted it to end. Sometimes, when the season doesn’t end how you want it, or how you expected it to, there’s always changes. Whether that’s coaches, players. Thibs was my sixth coach in eight years. The NBA coaching profession is tough. Whenever you don’t finish how you wanted or expected, there’s always gonna be changes. That one is a tough one. I just think there should be nothing but praise for him and his time in New York.”

“I agree,” Brunson said. “100%.”

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