Josh Hart and KAT call out the Minutes Police!

[Jalen Bluntson]

So do you seriously think that this is sustainable? Playing 6 guys nearly 40 mins a night?

Meanwhile, the Cavs minutes are capped at 30 mins or less a night. They are going to be fresh and ready for a long playoff run. I have serious concerns about this squad making it to April intact at this rate.

Nope, but I do hope that he trust Shamet enough to continue giving him minutes when Duece returns. So an 8 man rotation with Duece and a 9 man with Mitch. If not Mitch, then a trade for a rotation player.

This seems like best case to hope for. But I fear when Deuce returns he will just take minutes from Shamet and Payne rather than relieving JB and Hart. Similarly Mitch will just reduce Precious minutes and not OG or Bridges so much. Not like a real 9 man rotation.

Plus your 9 man rotation, even if Thibs does use it, is only good if the starters stay healthy

Yeah. 9 man rotation with 2 guys combining for 20 minutes is weak. The top teams are getting 80-100+ mpg from the bench. The Knicks don't even crack 60. This has to change.

We have a 9 man rotation with Deuce and 10 with Mitch.

[Fat Kat]

Read on Twitter

[ctorres]

Nope, but I do hope that he trust Shamet enough to continue giving him minutes when Duece returns. So an 8 man rotation with Duece and a 9 man with Mitch. If not Mitch, then a trade for a rotation player.

This seems like best case to hope for. But I fear when Deuce returns he will just take minutes from Shamet and Payne rather than relieving JB and Hart. Similarly Mitch will just reduce Precious minutes and not OG or Bridges so much. Not like a real 9 man rotation.

Plus your 9 man rotation, even if Thibs does use it, is only good if the starters stay healthy

Yeah. 9 man rotation with 2 guys combining for 20 minutes is weak. The top teams are getting 80-100+ mpg from the bench. The Knicks don't even crack 60. This has to change.

We have a 9 man rotation with Deuce and 10 with Mitch.

Im preparing for a 7 man rotation now

Since Mitch has lost so much weight, I am now confident he is mobile enough to play alongside Towns

So McBride would get close to all the minutes available from the 1, 2, 3

Mitch would get majority of the minutes backing up the 5.

Mitch, Josh, and OG would get the majority of the minutes at the 4

Rest of the guys get the scraps

McBride and Mitch are starters on any other team in the NBA. So it is only fair that they get starters minutes off the bench.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Read on Twitter

I can't help it!! It drives me insane watching players limping around losing games because we are worn out by the fourth qtr. It's obvious that I'm losing my mind over it!

I really like Thibs but, he fuggin frustrates the shyt out of me! I can't in good conscience keep supporting this if he doesn't at least try different things while we have the time. Last year gives me PTTD. Post traumatic Thibs disorder!

There are other things he does that bother me but, this right here is top of the list. Next man up has to play!!

[Jalen Bluntson]

This seems like best case to hope for. But I fear when Deuce returns he will just take minutes from Shamet and Payne rather than relieving JB and Hart. Similarly Mitch will just reduce Precious minutes and not OG or Bridges so much. Not like a real 9 man rotation.

Plus your 9 man rotation, even if Thibs does use it, is only good if the starters stay healthy

Yeah. 9 man rotation with 2 guys combining for 20 minutes is weak. The top teams are getting 80-100+ mpg from the bench. The Knicks don't even crack 60. This has to change.

We have a 9 man rotation with Deuce and 10 with Mitch.

Im preparing for a 7 man rotation now

Since Mitch has lost so much weight, I am now confident he is mobile enough to play alongside Towns

So McBride would get close to all the minutes available from the 1, 2, 3

Mitch would get majority of the minutes backing up the 5.

Mitch, Josh, and OG would get the majority of the minutes at the 4

Rest of the guys get the scraps

McBride and Mitch are starters on any other team in the NBA. So it is only fair that they get starters minutes off the bench.

Fully healthy Deuce and Mitch can push 20 mpg each. The other three, Payne/Shamet/Precious can split 40-45 minutes and we are good. Tighten it up for the playoffs if you want. Just get us there healthy and have the guys in a rhythm.

Health is the priority but, it's also the next hurdle. Our bench has been decimated by injury since preseason ended. I have been extra about it but, Thibs hasn't had much to work with so, I will impatiently wait for this to change. If not, he has to go!!

[FrozenEnvelope]

I guess I'm an opposite of a minutes policeman. I think the complaint makes no sense but whatever. I get some of it when it comes to leaving guys out there late in games in blowouts but I also get it and understand why Thibs and other HCs do it. And I get frustration over only playing 8 guys in January but remember we have Deuce and Mitch out and don't have much depth.

But the minutes policeman, sergeants and commissioners here are just too extreme and unreasonable and truly think if we played Hukporti and Dadiet and Kolek and cap every starter to 30 mpg max that it would make a big difference and I don't agree or get it. And the idea that heavy minutes equals or guarantees injuries come playoff time is also false and doesn't make sense. Randle, Mitch, OG, Hart and JB's injuries last year as an example had nothing to do with how many minutes they played. All were different. Just look at most teams that end up winning it all. Most of their players play big minutes in the majority of games and play even more in the playoffs and finals. Injuries can happen to any team, to any player, at any time. It's bad luck, bad genetics, bad diet, poor training and hundreds of other factors and variables. They still haven't cracked the code for how to prevent injuries. So those who blame Thibs every time a player gets hurt is just beyond stupid imo.

I will say the lack of depth is the real issue here. I don't think another coach would split the minutes much differently and come up with the same results. We've seen what this staff has done developing rooks and young players along slowly and not throwing them immediately into the fire and it's worked (ie. IQ, Deuce). So I trust how Thibs and this staff is handling the rooks and expect to contribute in the future. So this is not an issue that we're going to fix in the short term this season unfortunately. Best case we get Deuce and Mitch back and maybe someone like Warren can add something if we sign him. Maybe Leon trades for someone cheap at the deadline too but due to roster construction, this team needs to depend on their starters this season. We cannot be Cleveland or OKC.

[Jalen Bluntson]

I guess I'm an opposite of a minutes policeman. I think the complaint makes no sense but whatever. I get some of it when it comes to leaving guys out there late in games in blowouts but I also get it and understand why Thibs and other HCs do it. And I get frustration over only playing 8 guys in January but remember we have Deuce and Mitch out and don't have much depth.

But the minutes policeman, sergeants and commissioners here are just too extreme and unreasonable and truly think if we played Hukporti and Dadiet and Kolek and cap every starter to 30 mpg max that it would make a big difference and I don't agree or get it. And the idea that heavy minutes equals or guarantees injuries come playoff time is also false and doesn't make sense. Randle, Mitch, OG, Hart and JB's injuries last year as an example had nothing to do with how many minutes they played. All were different. Just look at most teams that end up winning it all. Most of their players play big minutes in the majority of games and play even more in the playoffs and finals. Injuries can happen to any team, to any player, at any time. It's bad luck, bad genetics, bad diet, poor training and hundreds of other factors and variables. They still haven't cracked the code for how to prevent injuries. So those who blame Thibs every time a player gets hurt is just beyond stupid imo.

I will say the lack of depth is the real issue here. I don't think another coach would split the minutes much differently and come up with the same results. We've seen what this staff has done developing rooks and young players along slowly and not throwing them immediately into the fire and it's worked (ie. IQ, Deuce). So I trust how Thibs and this staff is handling the rooks and expect to contribute in the future. So this is not an issue that we're going to fix in the short term this season unfortunately. Best case we get Deuce and Mitch back and maybe someone like Warren can add something if we sign him. Maybe Leon trades for someone cheap at the deadline too but due to roster construction, this team needs to depend on their starters this season.

We are seeing it unfold in real time. Players are gassed in the 4th qtr. The stats completely back it up. We have also seen guys limping around and getting injured at the end of games they shouldn't even be in. It's not crazy and it does matter for the long term. It's costing us games. It risks major injury the longer he does it. It doesn't guarantee injury but, the odds increase exponentially when he does it. What is has done is cost us games due to fatigue and teams are counting on it.

IF/when we get Deuce and Mitch back, there are no more excuses.

[spree2kawhi]

I guess I'm an opposite of a minutes policeman. I think the complaint makes no sense but whatever. I get some of it when it comes to leaving guys out there late in games in blowouts but I also get it and understand why Thibs and other HCs do it. And I get frustration over only playing 8 guys in January but remember we have Deuce and Mitch out and don't have much depth.

But the minutes policeman, sergeants and commissioners here are just too extreme and unreasonable and truly think if we played Hukporti and Dadiet and Kolek and cap every starter to 30 mpg max that it would make a big difference and I don't agree or get it. And the idea that heavy minutes equals or guarantees injuries come playoff time is also false and doesn't make sense. Randle, Mitch, OG, Hart and JB's injuries last year as an example had nothing to do with how many minutes they played. All were different. Just look at most teams that end up winning it all. Most of their players play big minutes in the majority of games and play even more in the playoffs and finals. Injuries can happen to any team, to any player, at any time. It's bad luck, bad genetics, bad diet, poor training and hundreds of other factors and variables. They still haven't cracked the code for how to prevent injuries. So those who blame Thibs every time a player gets hurt is just beyond stupid imo.

I will say the lack of depth is the real issue here. I don't think another coach would split the minutes much differently and come up with the same results. We've seen what this staff has done developing rooks and young players along slowly and not throwing them immediately into the fire and it's worked (ie. IQ, Deuce). So I trust how Thibs and this staff is handling the rooks and expect to contribute in the future. So this is not an issue that we're going to fix in the short term this season unfortunately. Best case we get Deuce and Mitch back and maybe someone like Warren can add something if we sign him. Maybe Leon trades for someone cheap at the deadline too but due to roster construction, this team needs to depend on their starters this season.

We are seeing it unfold in real time. Players are gassed in the 4th qtr. The stats completely back it up. We have also seen guys limping around and getting injured at the end of games they shouldn't even be in. It's not crazy and it does matter for the long term. It's costing us games. It risks major injury the longer he does it. It doesn't guarantee injury but, the odds increase exponentially when he does it. What is has done is cost us games due to fatigue and teams are counting on it.

IF/when we get Deuce and Mitch back, there are no more excuses.

At least I’ve seen OG too gassed to get back on defense recently. I didn’t think I’d see that day…

[dakomish23]

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls players came to the defense of their head coach Saturday when asked if Tom Thibodeau should have had Derrick Rose on the court at the time he tore his left ACL late in their playoff-opening 103-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers had whittled a 20-point deficit to 12 when Rose jump-stopped and elevated. He grabbed his left knee as he landed with 1:22 left and the Bulls leading 99-87. Rose writhed in pain before being helped off the court. The reigning MVP underwent an MRI that revealed a season-ending torn ACL.

"Philly was making a run, and in playoff basketball, you never want to give a team confidence," Bulls guard Rip Hamilton said. "So if it's having your starters in when you've got a team down, you've got to try to keep them down. You can't let them back in the game or make a little run, so we needed guys out there who could put the ball in the basket."

I came here just to see your response

Did not disappoint

[dakomish23]

When we get to the playoffs we will have built up the stamina where playoff minutes will be easier for our players. When these other teams up their minutes against us and are gassed, going to hear crickets from the minutes police.

If this was true, Thibs would be challenging Phil Jackson for most championships in the NBA

[BKlutch]

Honestly I dont know what to think here...Hart sounds like he's sincere. He's played at this level and I haven't. Who am I to question him if that's what he believes...However, I once watched a HOF work out on several occasions without stretching(in another sport). I was shocked when I saw it and I knew that didn't put him in the best position - I knew this for a fact.

Everyone is still human and we all do things we shouldn't. What I would ask Hart...If it's not the minutes. Then why was there so many Knicks falling to injury last year? and regarding this year- if it wasn't the minutes- why did the Knicks look like they had full control of that OKC game and then as soon as the 2nd quarter started everything trended downward?

The numbers say there is a down trend and why are top teams(that have better records) playing with deeper rotations? Wish I could hear his thoughts on this....

Last year, the biggest injuries were:
1. Randle - damn Heat. This was a freak thing, but maybe the dirty foul was planned.
2. Mitch - damn Embitch
3. Bruson - broken wrist - not stress related
4. OG's injury was stress related, and I'd heard he'd wanted surgery for a while, but couldn't fit it in without missing playing time. So he played on with his injury and it worsened.

Yes, the team wore down as they had fewer and fewer players. I don't know what the answer is now, but if Mitch starts playing as backup 5, then use Precious more as backup to OG at 4, and let OG take some of Mikal's minutes at the 2. Hart gets subbed out by Deuce when he's back. Brunson subbed by Payne. Maybe a minute of Sims somewhere.

[BKlutch]

So do you seriously think that this is sustainable? Playing 6 guys nearly 40 mins a night?

Meanwhile, the Cavs minutes are capped at 30 mins or less a night. They are going to be fresh and ready for a long playoff run. I have serious concerns about this squad making it to April intact at this rate.

Yes, I think we are building stamina and will benefit from it. I know when I start my bike riding just after winter, I wear down much faster than in summer when I have built up to go faster and for longer distances.

These other teams will not be used to the added minutes and tire out in the 4th when we will have a huge advantage.

You're not factoring in the physical wear and tear that comes from playing though. KAT hits the floor hard at least once or twice a game. OG is historically prone to missing time. Stamina will mean little if guys' bodies are broken down by March.

The last time I hit the floor that hard it took most of a week to function again. That's why I don't get to play in the NBA (also, I'd never shoot well enough, and a few other small issues LOL). So if we compare this to our own experience, it's amazing what they play through. And there are some things they just can't play through. It's why I hate players who seem to cause a lot more serious injuries to other players. We all know who they are.

[BKlutch]

I mean, Kampuchea specifically is one of the most obvious trolls on the site.

You conveniently removed the evidence posted.

The NBA sent data from an exhaustive study to its teams this week that showed no link between load-managed players and a decreased risk of injury.

https://www.nba.com/news/nba-sends-data-load-management-study

Losing the argument and starting another one no one is having. Then taking a victory lap. Pure troll behavior.

People are not asking for load management. They want less minutes per game for the starters because it is causing injuries and causing them to lose games. All fact based issues supported by numbers and injuries.

There have also been exhaustive studies that link overuse to injuries. Tennis elbow. Patellar tendonopathy etc etc.

What about typing and scrolling on a computer? Do our most prolific posters get RSI in their wrists and hands at a higher level than newbies?

[dakomish23]

Everybody likes the players we have so we had to find something new to fight over

I can’t wait to see the infighting if we ever win a championship

[CyKnickal]

This whole minutes police nonsense....it's not just about how many, it's how many consecutive.

If Brunson plays ten minutes then ten minutes in the first half, and then plays 20 consecutive minutes in the second half, yeah, 40 doesn't sound that bad, but do you really think he's gonna have the legs to finish off the game?

Also, they track miles ran now, and 6 Knicks are like in the top ten or something.

It's not just about minutes, it's how they're utilized, and Thibs is horrible at it.

[Jalen Bluntson]

You conveniently removed the evidence posted.

The NBA sent data from an exhaustive study to its teams this week that showed no link between load-managed players and a decreased risk of injury.

https://www.nba.com/news/nba-sends-data-load-management-study

Losing the argument and starting another one no one is having. Then taking a victory lap. Pure troll behavior.

People are not asking for load management. They want less minutes per game for the starters because it is causing injuries and causing them to lose games. All fact based issues supported by numbers and injuries.

There have also been exhaustive studies that link overuse to injuries. Tennis elbow. Patellar tendonopathy etc etc.

What about typing and scrolling on a computer? Do our most prolific posters get RSI in their wrists and hands at a higher level than newbies?

You might get tuggers elbow.

[MrDollarBills]

Yes, I think we are building stamina and will benefit from it. I know when I start my bike riding just after winter, I wear down much faster than in summer when I have built up to go faster and for longer distances.

These other teams will not be used to the added minutes and tire out in the 4th when we will have a huge advantage.

You're not factoring in the physical wear and tear that comes from playing though. KAT hits the floor hard at least once or twice a game. OG is historically prone to missing time. Stamina will mean little if guys' bodies are broken down by March.

The last time I hit the floor that hard it took most of a week to function again. That's why I don't get to play in the NBA (also, I'd never shoot well enough, and a few other small issues LOL). So if we compare this to our own experience, it's amazing what they play through. And there are some things they just can't play through. It's why I hate players who seem to cause a lot more serious injuries to other players. We all know who they are.

If I fell like OG did I would have been on paid leave

[NYKat]

Thibs is a maniac, bruh.

We have 3 players in the top 10 in minutes and the top 2 in the league play for the Knicks.

Mikal Bridges is averaging 38.9. Nobody in the last 10 years has averaged more over a season but you know who came closest? Jimmy Butler for the 2014-15 Thibs coached Bulls with 38.7.

Mikal Bridges has never missed a game due to injury, we'll see what happens this year.

[GettinitDone]

Thibs is a maniac, bruh.

We have 3 players in the top 10 in minutes and the top 2 in the league play for the Knicks.

Mikal Bridges is averaging 38.9. Nobody in the last 10 years has averaged more over a season but you know who came closest? Jimmy Butler for the 2014-15 Thibs coached Bulls with 38.7.

Mikal Bridges has never missed a game due to injury, we'll see what happens this year.

Yup, just so the stats stay in this thread:

Cavs (33-4) best record in the L: NO player is in L's top 50 in mpg, only 3 players in TOP 100:
- D-Mitch: #80 with 31.4mpg
- Mobley: #95 with 30.4mpg
- Garland: #97 with 30.2mpg

---

OKC (31-6) 2nd best record in the L: also only 3 players in TOP 100 in mpg:
- SGA: #31 with 34.5mpg (only Thunder in the TOP 50)
- JDub: #62 with 32.6mpg
- IHart: #98 with 30.1mppg

---

Knicks: 3 guys in L's TOP 7 in mpg (Mikal and Josh at #1 and #2), and ALL STARTERS in TOP 33:
- Mikal: #1 with 38.9mpg
- Josh: #2 with 37.6mpg
- OG: #7 with 36.5mpg
- JB: #26 with 35.0mpg
- KAT: #33 with 34.4mpg


Why we running sprint in a marathon race ??!?!

[Jeffrey]

If y'all relying on Mr. Glass Mitch Robinson to take us to the next level... you will be greatly dissappointed