Knicks president Leon Rose, in his first feedback since September, gave a vote of confidence to embattled coach Tom Thibodeau and embattled energy ahead Julius Randle earlier than Sunday’s season finale versus the Raptors.
Rose gave no indication he’s firing Thibodeau or buying and selling Randle, acknowledging Randle is one among three NBA gamers to common 20 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists whereas saying the coach “did an excellent job below the circumstances.’’ However Rose admitted Randle wasn’t “comfy’’ this season.
“Julius is a passionate participant,’’ Rose stated on MSG Community. “Final yr the whole lot went proper. This yr, issues didn’t go proper. Issues occurred on the court docket, we noticed some emotion popping out, noticed some issues taking place. I feel it affected his play at instances. He felt remorseful for a few of these issues as he expressed to the followers in his letter he despatched.
“[He] was simply not comfy at instances. It was simply not being comfy. He gave it his finest effort. The three-point shot simply didn’t go like final yr, and also you had groups keying on him extra this yr. On the finish, he made some changes. I used to be pleased with the very fact he did struggle by way of it.’’
Along with praising Thibodeau and Randle, Rose stated the staff will proceed to barter with Knicks heart Mitchell Robinson up till the July 1 begin of free company to find out whether or not they can work out a contract extension.
As for future strikes, Rose stated the membership will stay “very versatile’’ if “alternatives’’ come up.
Rose selected to interrupt his silence solely with the in-house community owned by Backyard CEO James Dolan. Rose didn’t take questions from the Knicks beat writers Sunday, nor has he since mid-September.
Rose spoke on the pregame present in what gave the impression to be a taped and edited interview to clarify the staff’s dismal decline after final season’s 41-31 document.
“I really feel as if it’s been a disappointing season from the standpoint of wins and losses,’’ Rose stated. “We’ll take an excellent laborious take a look at it after the season in evaluating all people. The primary yr issues clicked. This yr, from the start, issues didn’t click on. We confronted adversity. We had some powerful stretches.’’
Rose employed Thibodeau to a five-year deal and regardless of the misplaced season, he’s not trying to make a transfer after his rent gained 2021 NBA Coach of the Yr.
“So far as Thibs’ efficiency goes, I imply he’s top-of-the-line coaches within the NBA,’’ Rose stated. “So clearly, none of us are proud of the outcomes this yr. However he’s a man who prepares our staff higher than anyone. I really feel that he’s carried out an excellent job below the circumstances.’’
Thibodeau couldn’t get Randle to be a pacesetter. Randle shut it down for the season’s ultimate 5 video games. Rose says he’s below the idea Randle desires to be right here subsequent season. The Publish reported folks across the league really feel Randle is appearing in a “James Harden method’’ to pressure a transfer.
Requested by host Mike Breen if Randle has informed him he desires to be right here, the previous CAA agent stated, “Sure he did. Julius loves it right here in New York, desires to be in New York.’’
Indications are the Knicks may simply lose Robinson to free company, however Rose wouldn’t rule out a contract extension earlier than July 1.
“There was ongoing discussions all year long along with his agent and people discussions will proceed, will proceed for the rest of the time until free company,’’ Rose stated.
Robinson acquired kudos from the Knicks president, who stated he had “an outstanding yr’’ however added gadgets akin to “damage historical past’’ are factored in. Robinson missed most of final season with a damaged foot and damaged hand.
“He was our anchor on protection and actually took a pleasant step this yr,’’ Rose stated. “And even confirmed us slightly bit on offense, particularly that one by way of the legs, then down the lane for the dunk.’’
The silver lining is the staff’s youth, Rose stated, declaring 9 gamers below 21. “We’ve seen some good growth and proceed to construct on that.’’
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