New York Knicks: 5 things fans can be thankful for

3. Players With a Team First Attitude

While the jury is still out on many of the young Knicks players on the roster in terms of their on court development and ability to play with one another, it seems clear that most of the players on the team in their rookie deals are good guys with a solid work ethic. Too often in the NBA, players come in with a lack of maturity, hustle or drive, but it seems like this squad is made up of players willing to get better, which can go a long way with a detail oriented coach like Thibodeau.

Said in 2018 about Frank Ntilikina, then-head coach Jeff Hornacek opined:

"“I don’t worry about guys like Frank. Frank wants to get good. He’s always asking questions. He’s always watching tape, and we know he’s going to work extremely hard this summer to take another step…. He’s going to have a great career.” via Ian Begley Twitter"

Said about the Knicks group of young players by previous head coach David Fizdale

"“One thing about our kids,” Fizdale said, “they come in the gym the next day and they didn’t hang their heads, they didn’t doubt they didn’t make excuses. They just got back to work.” via MSGNetworks.com"

Said by Obi Toppin right after he was drafted:

"“I’m always trying to get better and learn. When I have someone in front of me it’s like, “You tie your shoes the same way I tie my shoes and you bleed the same way I bleed, and I’m trying my hardest to outwork you.” Every challenge that steps in front of me I’m gonna make sure I accomplish the mission.” via NY Post"

Regardless of whether the team’s win total improves by 25 games, or by 5 games, it looks like there’s going to be a positive mentality in the locker room to improve each and every day, which is critical for the development of a young team.