Tom Thibodeau faces very different task as star-laden Knicks start training camp after trades
A year ago, the Knicks assembled at training camp in Charleson, S.C., with a theme of continuity.They were following a linear path toward improvement and player development, returning nearly every rotation piece from the season prior.In the words of Tom Thibodeau from the 2023 Media Day: “It’s all about internal development.”Now it’s about incorporating new and starry faces.The overhaul in the past year was massive.
Just four players from the previous training camp are returning to active status in Charleston.The rest: RJ Barrett (traded), Julius Randle (traded), Immanuel Quickley (traded), Quentin Grimes (traded), Evan Fournier (traded), Donte DiVincenzo (traded), Isaiah Hartenstein (departed in free agency), Mitchell Robinson (injured).The front office threw their chips into the offseason of 2024.It de-stockpiled those draft picks and left behind a configuration with expectations of competing for a championship.Mikal Bridges, the rangy wing who cost five first-round draft picks to acquire, is so reliable that his integration into the lineup and culture is an afterthought.
He’s played 474 consecutive games played, he’s comfortable in a supporting role, he’s already close friends with the Villanova crew, and he’s clearly excited about joining the Knicks.They’ll find a way to make it work despite Bridges’ disappointing last season in Brooklyn.There’s less certainty about the newer acquisition, Karl-Anthony Towns — a four-time All-Star who changes the complexion of New York’s basketball identity.For the four seasons Tom Thibodeau has guided the Knicks, the coach has installed a rim-protecting center who operates near the basket and doesn’t handle the ball for more than 2 seconds at a time, at most.His main centers — Mitchell Robinson, Nerlens Noel, Isaiah Hartenstein — made a combined nine 3-pointers over four years.
They also cleaned up the offensive glass and deterred the opposition from driving.Towns doesn’t really do that stuff...