Knicks: Tom Thibodaeu Loves Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah Signings
The New York Knicks signed former Chicago Bulls stars Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Tom Thibodeau absolutely loves it.
New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson has completed a summer of calculated risks and methodical gambles. Three four-year contracts were handed out, multiple project players were signed, and a former MVP was acquired via trade.
Two of the Knicks’ most prominent offseason acquisitions happen to have been teammates before.
Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah played together from 2008 to 2016 as member of the Chicago Bulls. Rose had his fair share of injury concerns, but he and Noah accumulated an impressive number of accolades, including MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, their former coach, Tom Thibodeau, loves the Rose and Noah signings for the Knicks.
"“Mentally, [Rose and Noah] are experienced. When you have veterans like that, it adds a lot to your team. They know how to play. They’ve been in big games. They’re unselfish and play to win. That’s a big plus.’’“They’re tough guys,’’ Thibodeau said. “They’ve been through a lot. … Those guys are well beyond [my advice]. You got to remember: Derrick’s from Chicago. Joakim is from New York. They can handle it.’’"
Thibodeau, who was an assistant coach for the Knicks from 1996 to 2004, knows all about the pressure of trying to win in New York.
Thibodeau was the people’s choice to become the next head coach of the Knicks, but that didn’t come to fruition. Thibodeau accepted a position with more reigning power as head coach and president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Before he made the move to Minnesota, Thibodeau became as familiar with Noah and Rose as anyone in the NBA.
Thibodeau coached the Bulls from 2010 to 2015. Noah anchored his defense as a vocal leader whose intensity set the tone for the entire team, and Rose was the offensive star who, when healthy, was incomparably dynamic.
Thibodeau believes that Rose’s increased workload over the past two seasons is a sign that he’s on the right track towards a return to prominence.
"“The games tell you [he is on the right track],’’ Thibodeau said. “He played in a lot of games. It’s the first time he was healthy. It’s been a long time. It’s a big plus.’’"
If Rose can remain healthy, then the Knicks will be a difficult team to stop.
Rose played in a grand total of 10 games during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. He’s since recovered nicely, playing in 51 regular season games in 2014-15 and 66 in 2015-16.
Rose also appeared in 12 postseason games in 2014-15, bringing his tally to 129 appearances over the past two seasons.
With 129 games under his belt, Rose is in a significantly better place today than he was three years ago. He’s lost some of his explosiveness, but still managed to average 17.4 points on a slash line of .468/.375/.784 after the 2016 All-Star Break.
As for Noah, Thibodeau can’t seem to wrap his head around what critics are complaining about.
"“What’s not to like?’’ Thibodeau said of Noah. “Unselfish and plays to win. Great player. Makes other people better, can really pass, plays great defense, great rebounder, plays for the team. He’ll be terrific.”"
It’s hard to disagree.
Noah has battled injuries over the past two seasons, but that includes a freak incident in which he dislocated his shoulder in 2015-16. He gets hurt based on the way he plays the game, but manages to be active for enough outings to make his mark.
Even when Noah isn’t on the court, he sets the tone and helps create an identity for the team.
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For the Knicks, having two of Thibodeau’s disciples on the roster is just as promising as it is precarious.