From the lowest common denominator Knox has no value as of last year. That is the popular assumption.
With a 8mm rookie contract he is not valuable enough to warrent a trade for a team looking for buckets.
What we are seeing is a few things this season:
1. Thibs is evolving. Players say he has a playful side and not stalking/yeling/too intense. IN chicago he was know to be holed up in his office during the summer, watch players working out then come down and get on them.
2. Remember when some of you were all knowing about OBI last year and how bad a defende he’d be the rest of his natural life and perhaps beyond? Thibs is complimenting his defense these days as improved. Now, that does not make him DPOY but its improvement.
3. Remember when we had Thibs pegged as one kind of coach? We are hoisting up 3’s like they are party favors and we having fun! Thibs is either coaching to who Leon/Perry want, or Thibs is (more likely) on board with ramping up the offense. Not in response to just ATL, but its part cuz its a good thing. Many of us scratching our asses thinking how is OBI gonna get minutes? I still don’t know but Thibs is running and gunning and OBI is that kind of player.
Lets not get ahead of ourselves. Pacers first game with new coach are likely not set with his defensive schemes and we looked real good. The Wiz? Also new ooach and early preseason.
Thibs has mostly his team returning and he being him has them prepared early. We might steal. Few games in the first month because of it.