Brunson
I don’t think Brunson is going anywhere nor do I think he should despite some of his shortcomings so, lets focus on the other 2 heads of the 3 headed monster.

Kat
Positives: Elite offensive threat when guarded by the opposing teams center. Best 3 point shooter and rebounder on the team. Good passer, especially out of the high post when we have movement. Excellent floor spacer at the 5 for a team that wants to run 5-out offense (more on the 5-out when I get to Thibs)

Negatives: Poor defender, especially against the PNR which is the oldest and most used play in game. Very difficult to hide a bad defensive center, even more so when that center shares the court with another net-negative defender. Has bad knees and at 29, it's only going to get worse. Struggles to get back in transition especially when he shares the court with Mitch, and has to guard much quicker 4s.Speaking of 4s, Kat’s elite offensive game looks average when guarded by a wing that's quick enough to cut off his straight line drives and strong enough to bother him in the post. Thibs is a defensive minded coach who needs a rim protector so Kat at the 5 is not a good match for this coach. I don’t see this as a long term marriage.

Thibs
Positives: Offers stability. Will be entering year 7 with this team. Excellent pre-game coach. Does a really good job of scouting and preparing his teams for the opposition. Great floor raiser. Great relationship with Brunson, and seems to have the respect and trust of the whole team as they all play hard for him. With the exception of the 2022 season, we have improved each season. Has a great relationship with the front office and its always a positive when the coach and front office are on the same page.

Negatives: Thibs has always had the rep as a great defensive mind, and I’m not disputing that. When he has the right personnel, his teams are always among the elite defensive teams in the league. However, knowing you have a player like Kat that struggles guarding the pick n roll, I often wondered why he never tried to utilize some zone with Kat and Brunson on the court as a change of pace. We’ve seen other defensive minded coaches use a zone. Mike Malone, who sat next to Thibs when he was an assistant in NY, used some zone with Denver. When Adleman took over, he employed the zone and it helped him extend OKC to 7 games. Coach Spo also uses the zone as a way to hide Herro and or Robinson at times.
Thibs is very slow to adapt or adjust from the seat of his pants. He’s has been a little better this year, mainly in the playoffs. Also, he lacks creativity on the offensive end, especially when it comes to Kat. As I mentioned earlier, Kat is the best 3 point shooter on the team and yet, we never run any sets to spring him free for open looks. No flare-picks, no pin-downs, etc. Kat gets his 3’s by trailing the break or on offensive rebounds mainly Hart who throws it back out. Lastly, Kat at 5 would excel in a 5-out offense, yet, Thibs insisted on pairing him with Hart who voids all the spacing Kat can create. Teams have been putting their 5’s on Hart since January, and Thibs never adjusted in the reg season.

Kat, Brunson and Thibs do not maximize each other. Brunson and Kat stopped playing the 2-man game somewhere in January. Since then, they just take turns leading the offense. Brunson 1st quarter and Kat the 2nd. Thibs doesn’t maximize all of Kats tools on the offensive end and Kat doesn’t allow Thibs to maximize his defensive philosophy. So what does the front office do?

It's a good chance that all 3 will return next year. But, if 1 of Kat, Thibs and Brunson does not return next year, my vote would be that Kat is the odd man out. I’ve also seen some people comment that Rose and Rosas may not want to move Kat because they would be admitting their mistake by trading for Kat. I look at it the other way. This front office has shown to be savvy and usually one step ahead. I think Kat has more value on the trade market than Randle did and would have this summer especially when you consider he’s looking for a contract extension. Kat is locked up for 3 more years and is still an elite offensive big in the right system.

Brunson, Kat, and Thibs don’t complement each other. Brunson should stay, but Kat is a poor fit with Thibs’ defense-first system and isn’t being used effectively on offense. Thibs is too rigid and doesn’t adapt enough to maximize Kat. If the team wants to be a real contender, Kat is the most logical one to move.

Kat doesn’t fit. Trade him.

The first thing that needs to be done IMO is to add some new voices to the bench. They might help Thibs with in game adjustments. Or someone Thibs will listen to. Also sends a message to Thibs that he needs to work on his Xs and Os, getting outcoached by Carlisle again.

Getting JB not to use up most of the shot clock as well.

Second thing is to either move Bridges to the bench or move him. I dont believe Bridges and JB can co-exist in the starting lineup.

Bring Mitch back off the bench. Find a backup PF. Dont believe Thibs wants Precious back.

See if Kolek comes back and good enough to be the backup PG. If not find someone else.

Philc1 wrote:Blow it all up sign Elf and Nktilikina and hire Fizz.

Frank can give a seminar on off season workout videos. Fizz on how to walk on the red carpet. Loved being a celebrity coach.

Elf hair tips

GustavBahler wrote:Could'nt disagree more. Its closer to a dilemma than a "conundrum". Thought you knew hoops!

The first thing that needs to be done IMO is to add some new voices to the bench. They might help Thibs with in game adjustments. Or someone Thibs will listen to. Also sends a message to Thibs that he needs to work on his Xs and Os, getting outcoached by Carlisle again.

Getting JB not to use up most of the shot clock as well.

Second thing is to either move Bridges to the bench or move him. I dont believe Bridges and JB can co-exist in the starting lineup.

Bring Mitch back off the bench. Find a backup PF. Dont believe Thibs wants Precious back.

See if Kolek comes back and good enough to be the backup PG. If not find someone else.

The first thing that needs to be done IMO is to add some new voices to the bench. They might help Thibs with in game adjustments. Or someone Thibs will listen to. Also sends a message to Thibs that he needs to work on his Xs and Os, getting outcoached by Carlisle again.

They added voices over the summer; Mark Bryant and Mo Cheeks. Not sure the extent of their role so not sure how much they are involved in day-to-day game planning. We definitely miss Johnny Bryant, aka the coach whisperer. Agreed that our offensive system is iso-heavy and lack ball and player movement. I also agree that Carlise out-coached him, especially in game 6 when he exploited our major weaknesses....the Brunson hedge defense, Kat in the PNR and our poor floor balance in terms of getting back on defense.

Second thing is to either move Bridges to the bench or move him. I dont believe Bridges and JB can co-exist in the starting lineup.

Bridges is not going to the bench....on the offensive end, Brunson and Bridges lack chemistry, but Bridges is needed more for his defensive versatility especially when you have a defensive liability like Brunson. If we are being honest, Brunson lacks offensive chemistry with Kat as well and for that matter OG at times. The reason for that is again, we are a heavy iso team. Is it Brunsons fault? Thibs? Both are to blame. Bringing in an assistant that can help with the offense would be ideal, someone that can imllement a system that encourges more player and ball movement. But, Thibs aint going nowhere.

My post is based on what I think the front office will do. I dont see this front office moving off of Thibs after what he just accomplished. Brunson endorsed him, Rose ad Thibs go way back and regardless of how anyone feels, you cant argue with results. We just finished the year in the ECF...If we move off of Thibs, who is available thats the better option? Honestly, I will be suprised if any of the core guys get moved. I can see Rose running it back but bringing in some bench pieces to extend our depth. But, of the 3, I think Kat makes the most sense to move based on his shortcomings on defense.

Uptown wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Could'nt disagree more. Its closer to a dilemma than a "conundrum". Thought you knew hoops!

The first thing that needs to be done IMO is to add some new voices to the bench. They might help Thibs with in game adjustments. Or someone Thibs will listen to. Also sends a message to Thibs that he needs to work on his Xs and Os, getting outcoached by Carlisle again.

Getting JB not to use up most of the shot clock as well.

Second thing is to either move Bridges to the bench or move him. I dont believe Bridges and JB can co-exist in the starting lineup.

Bring Mitch back off the bench. Find a backup PF. Dont believe Thibs wants Precious back.

See if Kolek comes back and good enough to be the backup PG. If not find someone else.

The first thing that needs to be done IMO is to add some new voices to the bench. They might help Thibs with in game adjustments. Or someone Thibs will listen to. Also sends a message to Thibs that he needs to work on his Xs and Os, getting outcoached by Carlisle again.

They added voices over the summer; Mark Bryant and Mo Cheeks. Not sure the extent of their role so not sure how much they are involved in day-to-day game planning. We definitely miss Johnny Bryant, aka the coach whisperer. Agreed that our offensive system is iso-heavy and lack ball and player movement. I also agree that Carlise out-coached him, especially in game 6 when he exploited our major weaknesses....the Brunson hedge defense, Kat in the PNR and our poor floor balance in terms of getting back on defense.

Second thing is to either move Bridges to the bench or move him. I dont believe Bridges and JB can co-exist in the starting lineup.

Bridges is not going to the bench....on the offensive end, Brunson and Bridges lack chemistry, but Bridges is needed more for his defensive versatility especially when you have a defensive liability like Brunson. If we are being honest, Brunson lacks offensive chemistry with Kat as well and for that matter OG at times. The reason for that is again, we are a heavy iso team. Is it Brunsons fault? Thibs? Both are to blame. Bringing in an assistant that can help with the offense would be ideal, someone that can imllement a system that encourges more player and ball movement. But, Thibs aint going nowhere.

My post is based on what I think the front office will do. I dont see this front office moving off of Thibs after what he just accomplished. Brunson endorsed him, Rose ad Thibs go way back and regardless of how anyone feels, you cant argue with results. We just finished the year in the ECF...If we move off of Thibs, who is available thats the better option? Honestly, I will be suprised if any of the core guys get moved. I can see Rose running it back but bringing in some bench pieces to extend our depth. But, of the 3, I think Kat makes the most sense to move based on his shortcomings on defense.

Point taken about the assistants. At the same time, I dont believe any of them was considered a possible successor to Thibs. As you pointed out, Bryant is gone. Im leaning towards an ex-head coach with a more recent track record like Budhenholzer. Someone who could step in if necessary.

My problem with Bridges starting is that its a waste of his scoring ability. And he can get rattled by physical play in the playoffs. I think we need a more physical wing in the starting lineup.

When it comes to JB, I dont believe its chemistry thats the problem. Its a willingness to do more than see his teammates as "bailout option A,B,C" etc.

Haliburton spent game 5 just setting up teammates. Not saying Brunson should do the same, I am saying he doesnt have a passion for it like Hali does. Say what you want about his personality.

Trying to derive the same satisfaction from assists that he does from getting buckets would help Brunson. Because as I said, Jalen has a lot of Melo in his game. Sometimes thats great, sometimes it isnt.

Stevo718 wrote:We don’t lose much offensively having KAT at the 4. If you look at his stats with Minny when he played next to Gobert his shooting percentages were almost the same and his PPG were about 20 compared to 24 here in New York, but you do t lose any efficiency. You also lose about 2 rebounds. So I think it’s worth it to lose 4 points a game and 2 rebounds and get that back and then some by having the better defensive team. I don’t think you can have KAT start at the 5 with all his defensive shortcomings.

I still think we need to add a defensive combo big man, who can average 12-14 points a game, and make open midshots.

But I think best thing would be to trade KAT for two players. His contract is too large and he’s not in the best of shape. He is not toned and kinda slow as well. Is he gonna work on his body?

Another thing about KAT, when he posts up I think he has the second highest scoring percentage in the league, yet I don’t think he’s even in the top 10 in number of post ups per game.
Will he change? Probably not. Gotta trade him for the right players only, but not trade to just trade him for a lateral move.

DLeethal wrote:Most already hit on this. Thibs has coaching deficiencies but honestly I love a good old Thibs team the way it should be built. They play hard and tough and physical and I love that ****. Veering away from that in favor of more finesse and offense never really works with us and Thibs. It just gets awkward once you veer away from that tough and physical identity. I also think the league is trending back that way after the 3 point high octane love affair. Seems defense and rebounding is making a comeback.

I would keep Thibs and get a high level offensive assistant like Terry Stotts. I would explore all KAT trades. I wouldn’t take a step backwards though just to dump KAT. If you cant trade him fill the gaps as much as possible with more defense and toughness and ball handling.

I’d do the KAT for Durant swap in a heartbeat. Idk if PHX would but that’s a Finals team and a Thibideau team.

I'm trying to figure out a better spot for Durant, assuming he wants to go to a contender, my list is Houston, Minny, NY, SAS, OKC. I don't think SAS cause Durant's window is too small to give up young assets and they got better options? Minny is complicated cause of contracts that are expiring on Minny side of things. OKC there is history and I have no clue if it wants to be repeated or broken up as they already in the finals. Houston or NY, dependent on where Durant would want to go?

The East is a much easier ride than the West, both Durant and Giannis will know this.

Is Booker's relationship with KAT good enough? What other realistic options does Phoenix have to grab player/players that'll make them playoff bound? And do you HAVE to work with Durant or do you send him anywhere?

Durant will be 37yo in Sept. Does he have 2 or 3 more good years left? Is that a good enough window for the Knicks?

For me, he is a much better fit with Jalen than KAT. I would do the deal if I could tack on 2-3 years on Knicks cap terms. I don't know what that means but probably descending. Even starting at $50M, that would be $7M less than KAT in year 1 and a even more the following when Mikal/Mitch extensions kicks in, that wold be helpful.

I don't love love it but I'd probably do a Durant/KAT swap. You rely on Mitch and hopefully sign an Al Horford type and probably another vet min center.