Tom Thibodeau‘s reputation as a no-nonsense, old-school coach isn’t entirely deserved, Donte DiVincenzo tells Sam Amick of The Athletic. DiVincenzo was aware that Thibodeau topped an anonymous player poll of the coaches they’d least like to play for, but that didn’t affect his decision to sign a four-year, $47MM deal with New York last summer.
“From the outside world, there’s always (a different view),” DiVincenzo said. “But in our house — in-house — we have a good dynamic and we enjoy it and everybody enjoys being around each other. To the outside world, you don’t really know. All you know is perception. All you know is the history from other teams (Thibodeau has coached) and his years with different organizations. But we’ve had plenty of rest days, plenty of off days.”
Thibodeau has a reputation for giving heavy minutes to his rotation players, especially his starters, and causing them to wear down throughout the season. But he also inspires intense loyalty in players who approach the game the same way that he does. DiVincenzo said working with Thibodeau hasn’t been much different from his other NBA stops.
“I played for (the Warriors’ Steve) Kerr and played for Coach Bud (former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer). It’s not like you come here and all of a sudden you’re just running track every day (in practice),” DiVincenzo said. “I think what he does by far better than anybody I’ve been around is he’s the most prepared. So it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go for two hours on your feet and running. But when you’re in there, you’re gonna lock in and you’re gonna get the stuff done and we’re gonna get out of there.”
There’s more on the Knicks:
- Thibodeau has one season left on his contract and he’s hoping to land a long-term extension this summer, league sources tell Amick. Thibodeau currently makes about $7MM per year, Amick’s sources say, and he’s in line for a major raise considering the huge deals recently landed by Monty Williams, Gregg Popovich, Erik Spoelstra, Doc Rivers and Kerr.
- Mitchell Robinson talked about the frustration of having another season disrupted by injuries, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. Robinson, who’s hoping to return soon from ankle surgery, was off to the best start of his career when he felt discomfort in his left ankle during a December 8 game against Boston. He was cleared to keep playing following an X-ray, but was later diagnosed with a stress fracture. “I’m like, man, I’m trying to figure out ways to stop it from happening, the best ways that I can,” Robinson said. “And it’s like one thing after one thing. I felt like I was finally getting in shape to the top of my career right there and the next thing you know.”
- When Robinson does return, he’ll be joining a much different version of the team, notes Fred Katz of The Athletic. The Knicks have shaken up their roster since early December, and Robinson is looking forward to playing alongside OG Anunoby. “He’s active. He’s not afraid to take a chance,” Robinson said. “He might miss one (steal) here or there, but that’s all right. He’ll get most of them.”
Been telling you guys about Thibs all year. This guy is one of the last real coaches left. He has HIS style of what works. Players love playing for this guy when you are one of the guys who gets minutes. Josh Hart is having the time of his life right now playing 48 minutes per night doing exactly what makes Josh Hart effective. Thibs gets his players to go to war with him. Knicks are in a good place right now. Been a long, long wait for this franchise.
Telling us what? That he’s been good for the knicks the last 3 years lol?
Maybe next you can predict the market crash of ’07, or that Bruce Willis is actually a ghost at the end of the movie lmao
Tell me when he last won a ring.
Defensive coordinator for Celtics … Doc coach.
Please, that’s not his doing.
If old school coach means real coach (vs the baby sitters that now populate the NBA coaching ranks), then, yes, he’s an old school coach.
The author should document this so-called reputation of wearing his players out throughout the season. Among who? 2k’ers and other clueless fans? It’s around for sure, but I’ve never heard it voiced or stated by anyone with a real background in the game. Even from his current or former players, who would presumably be the victims of the practices. In Thibs’ case, there is also no evidence of it (his teams have a history of getting better as the season goes on).
Win vs salary?
the huge deals recently landed by Monty Williams, Gregg Popovich, Erik Spoelstra, Doc Rivers and Kerr.
Thibs is still living up to his reputation… Injuries marring seasons…
“In Thibs we Trust”
Been telling you since day OnE ……
Coaching is not just Xs and Os. It’s preparing and having your team believe in you. I’m not always a fan of his iso ball. But when they move the ball. It works well. He gets players to play both ways. They Learn to win gms playing both ways. It’s all about team with Thibs. That’s why I support him.
Plus he grew up here in tri state. His dad was a big Knick fan. He knows how NY loves ball and the Knicks ……. NYK
I know this. Knicks healthy are deepest team in NBA. They are still feeling each other out. So can still get better. Bucks or Celtics don’t want a healthy Knicks team.
Thibs carries half a clipboard around – just the defensive end. Knicks are the deepest because they’ve had to start their second unit. I will agree, however, that the Celts and Bucks, or anyone else, will not want to face them in a series. Whoever survives the Knicks is going to be exhausted.