cgmw wrote:robillionaire wrote:cgmw wrote:My only caveat on calling Knox and Frank "busts" is that the Knicks are largely responsible. Both had (have?) the potential to be excellent NBA pros, and not one person should be surprised if Frank has a breakout season with another team next year.
When he was hired, Tom Thibodeau became the 6th head coach in 4 calendar years (2016-2020). Frank, in particular, has been jerked around so much that it's really not clear who he is or can be. Could it be too late? Sure. Probably. But it's a two-way street, and the franchise deserves a lot of blame.
Knox is such a child, still. Physically there's nothing stopping him, but mentally just seems like he's the kind of guy who will still be a weak-ass mama's boy even into his 40s. Comes off as just kind of an uncool loser who'd go home with an ugly chick despite being a millionaire NBA baller. No confidence. Frustrating, because he could really be dominant as a 3 point shooter and north-south finisher with strong rebounding.
I used to think the Knicks were responsible, but not anymore. (outside of bad drafting, they are responsible for that.) Frank is supposed to be a defensive specialist. That's his entire identity. If he can't carve out a role on the #1 defensive team in the NBA, with a defensive coach with defense first philosophy and with the likes of Elfrid Payton getting minutes, what kind of situation will he ever break out in? I'm just not seeing it. This should be the situation and the type of coach that he is tailor made to play in, and he couldn't find favor with Thibs either. I don't see this breakout happening.
Fun fact: Since Dolan became owner, the only coaches to make it 3 seasons are Don Chaney (2001-2004) and Mike D'Antoni (2008-2012). If Thibs makes it to his 3rd year, it will be a full decade since that's happened. Yes, individual players bare responsibility. But you just can't develop players while switching out coaches like that.
While I agree with this, I also am fine that they fired Fisher, Rambis, Hornacek, Fizdale, Miller and especially Mills. I am very happy with the group of coaches we have now. (Thibs and his people, Payne, Bryant). Sure those transitions were hard on the rookies in those years. But I have no reason to think it's the primary reason they aren't good. They've had their chances.