3 reasons Knicks fans should feel hopeful about four-game win streak

2: Tom Thibodeau booting Evan Fournier, Derrick Rose out of rotation

Tom Thibodeau’s new nine-man rotation that doesn’t include Evan Fournier or Derrick Rose has resulted in four consecutive wins for New York. Fournier has been out of the rotation for nearly a month and Rose hasn’t played since the Knicks’ last loss on Dec. 3.

It may have taken far too long for Thibodeau to embrace the kids, but now that he finally has, it’s worked out in his favor. With the Knicks battling for a play-in spot, there’s no reason to not give the team’s younger players more minutes versus playing veterans like Rose. Quentin Grimes has done well as a starter and Immanuel Quickley is having a good season himself, although the latter’s name has surprisingly been brought up in trade reports.

Thibodeau showing flexibility has quite literally been a game-changer for New York and has resulted in the team sitting above .500 at 14-13. Knicks fans weren’t calling for the head coach to play the kids for no reason as it’s clear that New York has some talented young players on its roster.

And, of course, with Thibs reportedly being on the hot seat earlier in the season, having an open mind with his newest rotation has played in his favor.