Knicks' Tom Thibodeau Reacts to Jimmy Butler's Video, Jokes He'd 'Beat Him to a Pulp'

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Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau laughed off comments from Jimmy Butler in which the Miami Heat star joked he'd beat his old coach "to a pulp."

Asked about the six-time All-Star on Sunday, Thibodeau responded in kind:

Stefan Bondy @SbondyNBA

Tom Thibodeau on Jimmy Butler:<br><br>"Who."<br><br>Jimmy Butler. <br><br>Smiles.<br><br>"I don't know him. But I'll beat him to a pulp."

In a video shared on social media, Butler insisted the Heat would've beaten the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs and would've dispatched of the Knicks later on if he had been healthy. He also set his sights on Thibodeau, saying his respect for the coach wouldn't have clouded his focus.

Ahn Fire Digital @AhnFireDigital

Jimmy Butler: <br><br>"If I was playing, Boston would be at home, New York damn sure would be at home. Josh Hart? C'mon man." 👀<br> <a href="https://t.co/8Po2qOZq71">pic.twitter.com/8Po2qOZq71</a>

Thibodeau and Butler crossed paths at two different stops and it's clear a level of affection remains despite Butler's messy divorce from the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2018-19 season.

"The pair is unified in the belief that the answer to every question centers around more work, Nick Friedell of ESPN wrote in a May 2023 profile of the pair. "After more than a decade competing with — and against — each other, there is a mutual admiration that has blossomed in the struggle."

Butler had a humorous response in the story when asked to provide any memories he had of Thibodeau.

"F--k Thibs," he said mockingly, per Friedell. "F--k your article. And I like Thibs."

It's doubtful at this point Butler and Thibodeau will ever join forces again.

The Knicks are thriving under their current coach. In the event they decide to pursue a major star to help get over the top, they probably won't be looking at a 34-year-old forward whose game is gradually declining and who can opt out in 2025.

Maybe basketball fans will at least be lucky enough to see the coach and his former star face off in a playoff series again.