Asked ahead of the Knicks‘ first-round series about speculation that head coach Tom Thibodeau will be on the hot seat if New York doesn’t make a deep playoff run, star point guard Jalen Brunson referred to himself as a “big Thibs supporter” and strongly backed his coach, as Jared Schwartz of The New York Post writes.
“He means a lot,” Brunson said on Friday (Twitter video link). “Individually, he’s meant a lot to my career. I’d say he’s meant a decent amount to (Karl-Anthony Towns), coaching KAT in Minnesota and here. There’s a lot of players who can say they’ve definitely benefited from Tom Thibodeau in his career.
“But I think as a team, we’re always in a position where we can compete in the postseason since I’ve been here. He’s very prepared. He’s a very prepared individual. He’s done a lot for my career, so I’m always going to be a supporter. Always. Even when he annoys me. Always.”
Thibodeau has faced criticism over the years due a perception that he overworks his top players, and three Knicks ranked among the top six players in the NBA in minutes per game this season. But New York will enter the 2025 postseason with nearly all of its players – including everyone who’s part of the rotation – fully healthy, as Stefan Bondy of The New York Post notes.
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- Rookie center Ariel Hukporti, who has been out since February 26 while recovering from surgery on his left meniscus, was upgraded to questionable for Game 1 of the Knicks’ first-round series vs. Detroit and practiced on Friday, tweets Bondy. According to Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter link), Thibodeau referred to Hukporti as a game-time decision, though it seems unlikely that he’d be part of the team’s rotation even if he’s healthy enough to play.
- In a separate story for The New York Post, Bondy weighs the case for and against expanding the Knicks’ playoff rotation beyond seven players. As Bondy outlines, Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson are locks to see regular minutes off the bench, but it’s unclear whether Landry Shamet, Precious Achiuwa, or Cameron Payne will get off the bench. If Thibodeau does use an eighth man, Bondy believes Shamet is the best bet for that role.
- Even after the Knicks added Towns and Mikal Bridges as offensive weapons last offseason, Brunson still led the team and ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference with 26.0 points per game. The Knicks will need him more than ever in order to make a playoff run this spring, says James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.
Thibs needs to expand to 9. If he doesn’t, he’s out of a job. At this point of the season they need to be as well rested as possible. Other than Jalen, not sure the others are. PA should be seeing 20 minutes a game, at least.
Precious can definitely play and expand the rotation. Shamet should play, I think he will. Cam Payne should be used for some minutes
If Hukporti can play 10 mpg in this series, Knicks’ defense in the paint can massively improve.
Pair Hukporti-Mitch together for almost a quarter, and that closes the paint for the opposing team
It also sacrifices offense.
Thibs used more of a rotation tonight then I’ve seen in a while. He is a good coach.
“In Thibs we Trust”
Thibs and Rose built this team from the ground up. This is their 5th year here. And its practically a new starting 5. With a new bench. Only in NY – this is always an issue. A team needs time to build chemistry. Build a Team ……
Towns, Bridges, Payne, Shamet, Hukporti, Kolek, Dadiet are in their First yr here.
Mitch is longest tenured Knick. Last yr only played 31 gms. This year missed almost the whole year. Is now in game shape.
OG played 23 gms last year. This is his first real yr here.
Achiuwa played 48 gms last yr. And missed first 30 gms this yr. I love this guy. My only criticism of Thibs. Should use him more.
Brunson , McBride are in their third yr here. Hart has 2 n 1/2 yrs here. This is still a NEW team. I know most don’t know cause they don’t keep up with this team. But I do. Knicks traded away their bench. For OG, Bridges, Towns. McBride is only one with experience here on bench. This is one reason our bench was bad this year. But like all new things. You hope with time it gets better. Mitch is back, Payne n Shamet are playing better. I am one of the realist NYers. That gives Knicks time to improve . Time to finish the rebuild. This team is not a finished product. But who cares right !!!!
So its time to show up and play. Cause nobody in NY cares but a few real fans. the media and haters certainly don’t care about team building. Its playoff time. Nobody cares that this team isn’t built yet. Pistons will push Knicks. Should be fun. But to try and talk about getting past Celtics this year. Only means you are AFI ….. Funk the media. They have traded every player to Knicks every year. They know nothing. Don’t care about Celtics or any other team. Till we beat the Pistons. Gm 1 to Knicks. Gm 2 coming. In Thibs we Trust …… NYK