It has only been 11 days since the trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota was finalized, but they’ll return to Madison Square Garden this evening when the Knicks host the Timberwolves, writes Steve Popper of Newsday. While Randle isn’t expected to play as he continues to rehabilitate his right shoulder following surgery, fans will have a chance to welcome back DiVincenzo, who had a major role in last season’s success.
“Both him and Julius contributed so much to the organization, to the team,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “So there’s great appreciation for them and what they did. So it’s part of our league and we certainly wish them well. I’ve got great respect for them. I know their teammates do. I know the organization does. I think our fans do as well. They were a big part of the winning.”
For most of the summer, it looked like Mikal Bridges was going to be the Knicks’ major offseason acquisition, adding another versatile forward to a roster that seemed ready to compete for an NBA title. That changed in late September when the opportunity arose to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota.
“I think the whole thing was quick and kind of unusual,” Josh Hart said. “A trade three days before training camp started, so that was already kind of weird because that weekend you’re kind of gearing up for training camp that upcoming Monday. So that was unusual and then obviously we’ve got to play them on Sunday. It’s a little unusual, but the NBA’s a crazy business.”
There’s more from New York City:
- Since camp opened, the Knicks have been more focused on blocking outside distractions than talking about competing for a championship, according to Zach Braziller of The New York Post. “As much as we want to jump back into Game of 7 [of the Eastern Conference semifinals] last year and proceed to where we went, we have to start the journey all over,” Jalen Brunson said. “… Regardless of what people say, whether it’s positive or negative, we have to have mental toughness and just worry about what’s going on inside of this building, inside this organization.”
- Thibodeau won’t have a regular backup for Towns when the season opens, Braziller adds. Jericho Sims, Ariel Hukporti and Precious Achiuwa may all see time in that role, and OG Anunoby could be used as a center in small-ball lineups. “Jericho’s athleticism is very different from most,” Thibodeau said. “Ariel is a young guy coming in, there’s a defensive component to him already. But he has to learn the offensive part of the game, and that’s coming. But both are very good.”
- Second-round pick Tyler Kolek is averaging 13 points, three assists and two steals through his first two preseason games and he may be in contention for playing time as the season wears on, Braziller states in a separate story. “I’m still figuring it out, finding my pace,” Kolek said. “Maybe in practice I haven’t been as aggressive looking at the basket. So it’s been kind of intentional in these games to get those looks because then it opens up everything else with my passing.”
Can’t make tonight, but locked into Jan 17. Both deserve, and I assume will get, standing O’s. They bought in to the cause, and then played their butts off in its name. A fanbase can’t ask for more. Hopefully, by the time that game is played, we’ll be able to say the same thing about KAT.
Yes they deserve respect. Randle brought Knicks back. Like it or not. And he really is a hard worker. It’s why Thibs always backed him.
It’s obvious Knicks have had talks about KAT. It’s also clear Minny was trying to cut salary. I’d say Knicks already knew what they needed to know about KAT. Both teams go value. And new direction.
I’d say both are better. The big key for me. Will be Towns rebounding. Has to improve and be consistent. I know he will play D under Thibs. It’s about team D and rebounding. He doesn’t have to be a dominant force. Mitch is that ….. by the way Sims is the backup. And he’s capable, done it before.
I’m glad to hear Thibs talk about Sims and Hukporti. I agree with what he says. Watched Hukporti close. Hope he goes against Rudy tonight. Knicks have time to work on the backup C thing. What I think we need to look at. Is starting Achiuwa . And finding another 4. Can Toppin do it ??
Big fan of Kolek. So it’s kind of tearing me up. Cause I like McBride too. Kolek should start in G-league. No sense riding the pine. Kolek , Hukporti, McCullar could all make team this year. Especially if there is a trade coming with Mitch.
The key stat to watch once the regular season starts is offensive rebound disparity. Winning that stat, often convincingly, has been a Knick staple in the Thibs’ era.
I believe KAT will do fine as the lead guy on the defensive boards (whether he plays as the sole big, alongside OG and Bridges as the F’s, or alongside another big like Achiuwa or Sims). I don’t believe he can be a lead guy on the offensive glass. Mitch was (is) the best offensive rebounder in the league. I-Hart (in addition to his other skills) did a pretty good Mitch imitation after Mitch went down. We have a great group of big perimeter players who can crash the offensive glass, but great offensive rebounding teams also tend to have a lead dog at the C or PF spot. I don’t see that guy in the best 5 (Brunson, Hart, Bridges, OG and KAT). Until Mitch is back, Achiuwa or Sims are the only possibilities I see. I’d love to see one of Achiuwa or Sims start in Hart’s place (although Hart should be a fixture in the finishing group). It’s a starter’s job to set the tone on the boards.
Mitch became a better offensive rebounder. After watching IHart do it. Hope Thibs can help Towns.
I can’t see this team going further than last years team without another trade…
OG is a defensive talent, but with KAT at the 5 he is going to have to be DPOY…
In a lot of ways they made more sense before the KAT trade…