Tom Thibodeau reacts to Barack Obama trolling Knicks

Former United States President Barack Obama joked recently he could play for the New York Knicks during a pickup game with a U.S. Senator in an interview with Showtime's Desus Nice and The Kid Mero.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau returned Obama's comments with a humorous comeback of his own. Thibodeau said he would have to do some work to make Obama a Knicks fan, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Thibodeau on Barack Obama making fun of Knicks. “We’re going to have to work on him being a Knicks fan.” Called him “a great president.” Barack was big fan of Thibs in Chitown.

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) December 8, 2020

As Berman included in the tweet, Obama and Thibodeau have a short history.

“Thibs” was the head coach of Obama's hometown Chicago Bulls before joining the Knicks for the better part of the former commander-in-chief's presidency. Thibodeau led the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011, and—despite career-altering injuries to former point guard Derrick Rose—made the Bulls one of the eminent winners in the East.

Why @BarackObama 😭 @desusnice @THEKIDMERO @SHODesusAndMero

pic.twitter.com/V7pPNXUwsZ

— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) December 8, 2020

Indeed, Thibodeau ranks behind only the legendary Phil Jackson in terms of franchise win-loss percentage. He also ranks third in regular season wins and second in playoff wins.

Unfortunately for Bulls fans, Thibodeau was fired due in part to a shaky relationship with former lead executives John Paxson and Gar Forman. Just a few years later, the Bulls are in uncharted waters, though new president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley will attempt to right the ship.

Meanwhile, Thibodeau himself has his work cut out this season. The Knicks—once again—did essentially nothing with their cap space, leaving Thibs to get the most out of youngsters like Mitchell Robinson, RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox and first-round pick Obi Toppin, among others.

Perhaps Thibs' “earn it” mentality will bring out the best of New York's young roster, and possibly make Obama a Knicks fan in the process.