sol537 wrote:HopelessKnick wrote:Fat Kat wrote:
I think this is simplifying the discussion by a lot. Keep in mind we traded our entire stock of picks up until 2030 in order for a real shot at a title. While I definitely agree that the overall record is very solid, the team currently does not seem in a position to challenge the top 3 teams in the league. IMO the Knicks current positioning is more a result of the great job Rose and the FO have done. This is the most talented knick team in decades---heck maybe since the 1970s, so we should be expecting good results.
Add to that the fact that it is not only Knicks fans but also Wolves and Bulls fans who frequently complained about the minute management by Thibs. So this has more of a universal character of fanbases witnessing Thibs coaching pointing to this issue.
But for me the most pressing point is this: After all this (good) trades we do not have a whole lot of room left to improve via trades in the near future and we won't have any good picks---so the only real way to still improve and upgrade the talent level and depth of this team is through organic, inner development, aka trusting the bench and giving younger players more of a shot. That does not seem to be something Thibs is willing to do in a big way. So the question would be: How are we going to improve as a team?
And then you have the repeating theme of Thibs playing his starters when up 20+ points with under 3-4 minutes left. Or bench players playing great in the first half but getting no burn in the second. Essentially Thibs shows very little trust and confidence in his bench. That's not good. Now you could say: "Well he and his staff watch the team every day in practice so he must have a better grasp of whom to play etc."----but then you have the Hartenstein situation where a pretty darn good Center was essentially getting 15 minutes a game and was disgruntled until injury luck forced Thibs hand.
100% facts. Add to this the fact that he plays mediocre offensive and defensive sets way too often and you have a recipe for disappointment in the playoffs (I hope I'm wrong!). Maybe Mitch's return and a bench upgrade at the deadline will push us to the next stratosphere in the playoffs... Maybe.
Otherwise, we'll get a new coach in the off-season (Hurley? Wright? someone else?).
We're in a good position regardless.
We are indeed in a good position----that's why I'm overall not too concerned. It is also not too unusual to have a team that has undergone so many changes to need a whole season to gel. There is hope that further chemistry building will improve this team (aka OKC, Cavs, Celtics etc.). Usually for good teams to become elite it takes more time than fans expect.
I personally do believe a healthy Mitch playing around 25 minutes a game would be an incredible boost for this team which many underestimate. Last season we went from a 17-15 team to a damn near unbeatable team with the OG trade (despite losing depth and good but inconsistent contributors like RJ and IQ). Mitch will be an addition with no subtraction. In fact he may help rest others more. With our offensive talent we will be a top offensive team on talent alone---a healthy Mitch would push us into a being a good defensive team as well. Keep in mind we have yet to play a single game this season with a true rim protector. That's a pretty basic ingredient which most elite teams always had (with some exceptions like the Warriors and Denver). I can count numerous previously elite teams starting to struggle after losing defending role players (KCP in Denver; Holiday's defense and Milwaukee etc.).
I truly hope this team succeeds because I love the characters and players we have. However, if this team proves unable to take the next step, despite having no picks or capspace, we do have players in their primes on good contracts which other team will covet. So the FO retains the ability to pivot if they have to. And frankly, Leon and the FO have earned my trust over the years. I do believe they are most committed to bringing a title here and they won't be too emotional about the means (see DD trade). So indeed, we are in a good position regardless.
RIP mags
