Rejuvenated Knicks Begin Training with Ongoing Alterations
Unable to provide a statement on the latest addition to the roster, New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau revealed his thoughts through his facial expression on Monday.
A potential trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns has yet to be approved by the NBA, preventing Thibodeau from commenting on the former All-Star he previously coached in Minneapolis.
\"Nice try,\" Thibodeau responded with a wide smile when asked about his experience coaching KAT at his previous team.
Point guard Jalen Brunson and wing Josh Hart were affected differently by the potential trade for KAT. As proposed, it would involve their former Villanova teammate Donte DiVincenzo and All-Star forward Julius Randle. Hart acknowledged the business aspect of the deal as both the best and worst part of the NBA, while Brunson mentioned that DiVincenzo was a groomsman in his wedding.
\"It's tough to see guys like that go, especially considering the caliber of players and people they are,\" Hart said. \"KAT is an incredible player who excels at spacing, shooting, and blocking shots. It's a bittersweet situation.\"
Despite this, Brunson expressed his trust in the front office to make moves that will benefit the team in the long run, with bigger goals in mind than just reaching the second round of the playoffs.
\"Of course, we want to take the next step and improve from last year,\" Brunson stated. \"But we have to start from scratch. That's the beauty of it all - you never know where you'll end up. But we still have a long way to go.\"
Brunson has fully recovered from his broken left hand, which he sustained during the Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in May. He had a strong showing in the playoffs and had an MVP-worthy season. However, with the potential additions of Bridges and Towns, he may not be relied upon as heavily on the offensive end this season.
Brunson recently signed a team-friendly extension in July, with his 2024-25 salary being almost $25 million less than what Towns is owed. This came after his best season in the NBA, where he achieved career highs in scoring, assists, and 3-pointers made. He also made his first All-Star appearance, was named to the All-NBA second team, and finished fifth in MVP voting.
Thibodeau refused to comment on any questions regarding KAT, but did speak about the evolution of the team's offense and plans for a more versatile defense, hinting at the potential use of a \"5 out\" system with no one in the paint to highlight Towns' strengths.
Thibodeau recently signed a contract extension, and the Knicks have also acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and re-signed OG Anunoby to a massive contract, after it seemed he would leave in free agency. Anunoby, who was acquired in a trade that sent Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett to Toronto, has fully recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during the playoffs and is expected to play a key role for the Knicks in the upcoming season.
Thibodeau believes that Anunoby could be the player who helps the Knicks fill the void left by the departure of center Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. With Mitchell Robinson likely to be out until January, the 6-foot-7 Anunoby's 7-foot-2 wingspan makes him a strong candidate to defend against \"4s and 5s,\" according to Thibodeau.
With new pieces to fit into the puzzle, Hart understands that there will be new roles and evolving lineups to navigate. One major change for the versatile defender will be the end of his playing time at the center position.
\"Thank goodness,\" Hart exclaimed.
