Here’s who will be the difference maker for Knicks this season
New York Knicks basketball is back. Well, almost. New York has played two preseason games, and boy has it been a success! The Knicks have showed great flashes of a great team. Great ball movement, great shot selection, and most importantly, togetherness was on display at the Garden.
Hopefully, this will be the picture for the regular season. I believe the coaching staff will be important for this young team as they all bring something different to the table.
The Knicks coaching staff brings a lot to the table
Once Jalen Brunson signed, he said he was excited to work with his new head coach Tom Thibodeau. The coach was a big influence on his decision to come to New York. Brunson isn’t worried about Thibs’ coaching style as he stated that their styles can co-exist. The two are familiar with each other, which works out well in Brunson’s favor.
Brunson is comfortable with being pushed by Thibodeau and the coach will respect Jalen’s ability to be coached. After the first preseason game, Thibs had nothing but praise for his new point guard. The 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year loves how Brunson controls the floor and doesn’t get rattled. Brunson can do whatever Thibs asks of him.
Johnnie Bryant
There are some people who feel as if associate head coach Johnnie Bryant will have an influential role on Thibodeau this year. Bryant earned this position in 2020 after serving six years as a player development assistant and eventually becoming an assistant coach with the Utah Jazz. Maybe he can persuade Thibs to mix up the young nucleus and balance playing time. With his background in player development, Bryant is an important piece to this franchise as most of the premier players are under 25.
Bryant has been credited for Donovan Mitchell’s growth since his rookie year. He will try to do the same with Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Quentin Grimes, and the rest of the young Knickerbockers this season. He is already having good luck with Barrett as in his third year, the Duke alum made history by totaling 3,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 200 three-pointers before turning 22 years old.
Andy Greer
Assistant coach Andy Greer is no stranger to the Knicks locker room, either. He was with the Knicks as an assistant coach under Jeff Van Gundy. Guess who was there with him? Tom Thibodeau! So, I guess it’s safe to say that they have built a bond, which led Thibs to want him on his staff. Thibodeau also brought him along when he was in Minnesota. Greer is familiar with the tough identity of the old New York Knicks and brings the same dedication on the defensive end just like Thibodeau. He will be important this season.
Rick Brunson
Rick Brunson might be the wild card favorite to impact this team! See, it’s different for Coach Brunson as he has a son on the team. I expect him to be passionate, and not only about Jalen, but the team as well. This is something the Knicks need: Passion! You not only need passion from the players, but you need passion from the bench with coaches that believe in their players. The players will be able to relate to Rick as he is from the area, had an NBA career, and even played for the Knicks.
Brunson can help the players deal with the critical New York media and fans. And just like Greer, he is familiar with Thibodeau’s blueprint. Brunson and Thibs met while Brunson was a McDonald’s All-American in high school. Thibs coached at Salem State and the two played together in a men’s summer league. When Rick came into the NBA, Thibodeau vouched for him by telling franchises he was a good player. There’s no doubt in my mind that Brunson will be the most impactful coach behind Johnnie Bryant.
Darren Erman
Thibs loves to pick his guys, and Darren Erman is another one of them. They coached together under Doc Rivers for the Boston Celtics from 2007-2010. Thibodeau headed the defense for the Celtics. He was the main drive behind defending Kobe Bryant, which led to the Celtics clinching the 2008 NBA Finals. Erman took after Thibodeau and made his own name as a defensive guru around the league. He credits Thibs for his basketball mind and even Rajon Rondo has called him “a miniature Thibodeau.”
It seems like with these coaches under Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks will be in good hands for the 2022-23 season!
