Knicks’ Thibodeau: Nothing will be given to anyone. You’re going to have to earn your minutes
Thibodeau explains his anti-tanking strategy
Tanking is a forbidden word for the New York Knicks coached by Tom Thibodeau.
Per NY Post, "Nothing will be given to anyone,’’ Thibodeau said on a Zoom interview. "You’re going to have to earn your minutes. Those decisions on rotation will be based on performance and what gives the team the best chance of winning. A player is not going to get minutes just to get minutes. You have to impact winning, you have to put the team first.’’
Two weeks ago, the Knicks drafted former Dayton stud power forward Obi Toppin and Kentucky combo guard Immanuel Quickley in the first round to add to their youthful vibe. Thibodeau has a history of not overloading rookies with minutes.
"There’s a lot that goes into development,’’ Thibodeau said. "Oftentimes people say, well, you have to play them in a game. And you do. But you also have practices, which is where it starts. You have to get that part down first. Then you have to have film study, meetings with your coaches and you also have to have the opportunity to use the G-League.