NY Knicks: Defending different segments of the fan base

NY Knicks: Defending the Thibs Defenders — Max LoSardo

I could wax poetic about Coach Tom Thibodeau.  But I will keep it brief and go over some of the most common critiques of Thibs.

Kemba Shouldn’t Have Been Benched

We all saw the numbers when Walker was pulled from the rotation.  The Knicks were almost the worst team defensively in the league with him on the court and were one of the best with him off the court.

Yes he’s had some great games since returning to the rotation, but his knee issues are proving that he will never be the player he once was. Thibs had to try a change, and Walker was the obvious candidate.

Fournier Should Be Benched

At this point, I agree.  But you can’t expect Thibs and the Knicks to immediately bench the guy who they just gave a 72mm contract to.

He’s had some moments this year (albeit, few), and it makes complete sense to try and get Fournier in a rhythm while he tries fitting in his new location.

His salary remains essential to any big trade New York will make in the future and benching him shortly into the season would have done nothing to raise his already sinking trade value.

Play the Kids More

More minutes does not equal better development.  This front office and coaching staff are preaching patience, and whether it’s Grimes, McBride, or whoever – their time will come.

Bench Randle

I’m not even going to address this one.

We’ve come to the realization this year that the NY Knicks quite simply do not have enough talent on the roster to be a reliably competitive team.

This season proves that last year’s magic: the 4 seed New York Knicks, vastly overperformed.

You can thank Thibs for that.