Tom Thibodeau isn’t softening in his stance on a possible Julius Randle-Obi Toppin pairing.
When informed the duo had a optimistic score when sharing the court docket final yr, the Knicks coach grew testy.
“It’s not solely the numbers, I truly watch the video games,” he mentioned on Thursday following the workforce’s third apply of coaching camp. “For those who took out the video games that have been blowouts, there have been one or two particularly that in all probability threw these numbers off.
“I need to watch out, as a result of it was a really small pattern dimension. So that you have a look at it — What do your eyes inform you in shut, significant video games after we tried it? What occurred? — and people have been very damaging.”
The 2 performed a complete of 107 minutes collectively final season, and the Knicks outscored opponents by eight factors in that point. In line with CleaningtheGlass.com, they'd a score of plus-0.4 per 100 possessions, averaging 112.9 factors, however permitting 112.5.
The re-signing of heart Mitchell Robinson and the addition of massive man Isaiah Hartenstein provides Thibodeau much more of a purpose to keep away from enjoying Randle and Toppin collectively. The defense-first coach has mentioned the Knicks lose an excessive amount of by way of rim safety by enjoying them on the identical time with out a true heart.
“However I’m hopeful that there’s enchancment and we will do higher,” Thibodeau mentioned. Nonetheless, barring harm, it doesn’t appear seemingly Knicks followers will get their want of seeing extra of Randle and Toppin enjoying on the identical time.
Quentin Grimes missed a second consecutive apply with what the Knicks are terming soreness in his left foot. Thibodeau didn’t sound involved.
“This time of the yr if a participant has soreness you’re positively going to provide him time without work and that’s what we’re doing,” he mentioned.
Evan Fournier was held off form Thursday to provide him relaxation after he performed within the current FIBA EuroBasket event for France.
Thibodeau introduced up the significance of coaching camp for Cam Reddish, after he appeared in simply 15 video games for the Knicks final yr following his acquisition in a January commerce with the Hawks.
“When he obtained right here he obtained injured straight away, so this has been good for him as effectively,” Thibodeau mentioned of the 23-year-old wing, who will face an uphill battle to be a part of the rotation.
The Knicks are off on Friday.
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