Knicks: A comprehensive breakdown of the first ten games

Can Thibs develop players?

I was always puzzled by this criticism and felt like there was a fair amount of recency bias attached to it. Thibodeau absolutely developed players like Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng.

I mean, Noah airballed a free-throw at one point in his career, yet Thibs had him playing like an MVP-candidate in Chicago during the 2013-2014 season. Of course, it was a different story in Minnesota. Despite reports of a poor relationship with Karl Anthony-Towns, KAT actually had one of his best seasons of his career while playing under Thibs. That being said, Andrew Wiggins remained Andrew Wiggins, and the T-Wolves were very inconsistent.

RJ Barrett:

The number three overall pick in the 2019 draft has shown signs of growth, most of which are not visible on the stat sheet.

Barrett came into this season shooting 40 percent from the field, 32 percent from the three-point line, and 61 percent from the free-throw line. Ten games into this season, those percentages, with the exception of free-throw accuracy, are worse. This season, Barrett is converting 69.4 percent of his free throws, and on the bright side, he is averaging more points, rebounds and assists per game. However, he’s shooting a ghastly 37.4 percent from the field and 20 percent from three.

According to Cleaning the Glass, the 20-year old wing has slightly improved his production at the rim, converting 55 percent of his drives, as opposed to 54 percent last season. But In the end, Knicks fans, who watch each game religiously, have observed Barrett’s improvements in decision-making and defense. Have faith that Thibs, Johnnie Bryant, and the rest of the Knicks coaching staff will get him right!

Mitchell Robinson:

Outside of Julius Randle, Robinson’s growth has been the most impressive. Prior to the start of the season, fans were nervous when Thibs questioned Robinson’s professionalism. But since the seven-foot phenom’s minutes have increased, he has improved his rebounding and kept his fouls down. Robinson has credited the coaching staff for him helping him post the lowest personal fouls per game mark of his career. But as the Knicks play more games, it will be interesting to see how Robinson improves his free-throw percentage. Currently, he is shooting a career-low 46.2 percent at the line and must improve in that area. With an extension mostly likely looming at the end of this season, I’d bet on Robinson improving those numbers.

Kevin Knox:

Knox’s statistical production will not scream success, but the third-year pro is posting career highs in field goal percentage and three-point percentage. Knox’s role and game have been simplified: shoot the open three, pass, or drive to the rim. The frequency for shots from the three-point line and at the rim isn’t there yet, but he does rank within the 57th percentile in converting triples from the corner three spot. Small positive steps for a player, with all the measurables and talent needed to be a force at the professional level.