Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau benched his starters for the final 14 minutes of the team’s loss to the Bucks on Wednesday, as ESPN’s Tim Bontemps writes. After the game, Thibodeau said the five-man group – Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson – “just didn’t play well,” adding that “we’ve gotta figure it out.”
The Knicks’ starters were especially ineffective on Wednesday — Robinson was minus-15 during his minutes, while the other four starters were minus-22 or worse.
However, their struggles weren’t just a a one-game aberration. The Knicks’ starting five, which has been the most-used lineup in the NBA this season, has an abysmal -14.4 net rating (including a 119.3 defensive rating) in 205 total minutes. That’s the second-worst net rating of any NBA lineup that has logged more than 80 minutes so far in 2021/22.
Thibodeau isn’t buying that the group just needs more time to develop chemistry, according to Bontemps.
“You know what they say: When it’s 10 games, they say you need 20,” Thibodeau said. “When you say 20, they say you need 30; at 30, you say 40. And before you know it, the season is over. So that’s a bunch of bulls–t.”
The Knicks’ bench, led by Derrick Rose, Alec Burks, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, and Taj Gibson, has been productive this season and has been a key factor in the team’s 7-5 start. It’s possible moving one of those players into the starting lineup could help jump-start that group and shore up the defense, but Thibodeau may prefer not to make such a move when the reserves are playing so well in their current roles.
I’m officially concerned about Kemba n Mitch. Mitch looks out of shape. All that flexing, for what really. He’s the one that can help the D the most. Noel is playing better. Too bad he’s out now.. Kemba is being too complacent. I guess he’s trying to fit in. Team is taking too many threes. If they just run the offense and play smart. The threes will come off the offense. They are forcing those shots.
That D rating is eye opening. Didn’t think we were that bad. Mitch has to get right and protect the rim. He doesn’t need to be out on perimeter. That will help Kemba most. This team is not good enough to win just on talent. They have to play 48 mins. And have to go deep in their bench. It’s up to Thibs to make this right. Kemba and Mitch better wake up.
You remember why I wanted Dinwiddie now. He’s a 2 way player who doesn’t turn the ball over. As much as I support Kemba. I take him now. Dinwiddie at 6’ 6” every day.
I wanted Dinwiddie and Fournier. Who thinks that wasn’t right now. Both were FA.
Dinwiddie – 30 mins, 15.5 pts, 6 ast, 5 reb
And plays solid D…… I know my team lol.
Ton Thibodeau kinda reminds me of former NFL coach Jeff Fisher, even though I’ve seen others comparing him to Belichick (seems like a reach).
Thibs did a great job here as the defensive assistant for the Rockets. He is really good at building up teams from nothing, as he has throughout his career. But they never quite reach the level of a championship caliber team.
The Bulls were a contender under Thibs. But he pushed them too hard. It was his first gig. I think he’s learned and grown from that and TWolves. He still goes with guys he trusts. But he’s going 11 deep with NYK. Part of that is injuries. But I see a change in him. Mitch is hurting us cause he’s out of shape. Kemba is playing soft. I hope it’s not his legs. But he’s not looking good on D or O. What’s crazy is how bad they play at home. I’m going to give it 20-25 gms. I know Thibs is frustrated right now. So we’ll see where this goes. This keeps up. I could see them swing for a trade.
Both units would be better with Rose starting and Kemba coming off the bench
Rose can help facilitate scoring for the 1st squad and Kemba can be the scoring threat off the bench as a sixth man, a la Lou Williams. Instant Offense. Not to mention he’s a defensive liability.
Agreed. Walker and Fournier are defensive liabilities and if they’re not hitting threes they become a negative on the stats sheet. Furthermore, the entire team has become a 3&D team. Rose starting with Walker coming off the bench is a good idea.