Thibs has shown that he will not change the starting lineups easily. Why should he? He is an experienced coach. He knows there are many more variables involved in creating a solid playoff team. Variables like giving your third-year potential star continued confidence. Variables like resting your FA star that is injury prone. Understanding high profile new players need time to adjust to playing together and will only learn by playing together. Variables like certain players play better in the second unit and are better suited with certain types of players. Thibs also understands that it is not about who is starting but more about keeping the guys in the game that are playing well together and who have it going. So who cares who starts? Thibs knows he needs RJ, EF, Kemba and Randle to be at their best if he is going to win a playoff series. He will not mess that up by benching any of them. But let's discuss...

RJ should be in the second unit? Why would an experienced coach bench a guy that he is playing over 30 minutes a game? Who was a high draft pick? Has started since day 1? Has shown improvement? (Yes, things like maturity, leadership, defense count as an improvement)Everyone here claims our second unit is incredible? Why would an experienced coach disrupt that?

Burks should start? Why? He is a type of player that belongs in the second unit for his instant offense. Why give that type of player the responsibility of getting other higher profile players going? Do you guys think it is an easy transition to go from the first option in the second unit to starting PG? Do you want him to become a facilitator? Can understand how a guy like Marc Berman who has never played a game in his life would think so. FYI. Thibs has NEVER started him, except due to injuries. despite his offensive breakouts.

IQ as a starter- Same as Burks. Do love his energy but think he is best suited when he is a top offensive option. He also jels well with Obi. Funny how guys like EF are under the fan microscope yet they leave out facts like IQ was 4 f0r 12 and 1 for 7 from three against the Hawks. (But yes he hit a couple of big shots in the 3rd). Some also seem to forget that he is a score-first type of player. Again, not the best in a lineup with other proven offensive players running half-court sets.

Kemba to the bench- For those calling for a Rose/Kemba swap we may want to point out they are basically shooting the same from three and scoring at the same rate? Rose is a score-first type and is not much of a facilitator. His 3pt percentage is also a bit of an anomaly against his career numbers. Kemba is a proven 3pt shooter that I feel spreads the floor better than Rose. Do not like Rose/Randle. This is my main reason for thinking Rose is better suited for the second unit. Hate to remind some that Randle is still our best player and Kemba fits better with him.

Bench Fournier- Saw a stat that when EF scores at least 20 we win. Looked at the last ten games and when EF has a minimum of 27 minutes we won the game. Some may want to check out the Hawks game and tell me who had a big part in the offense? Yes, Burks had a great night. I like that he is not afraid to take a shot. Like his aggressiveness. Like the way, he spreads the floor out. Once again mentioning that a coach's role in coaching a new unit is to give them time to gel. The Miami Heat were something like 9 and 11 when the big three got together. And we do not have that caliber of players.

Obi starting- Obi has great energy. Can dunk really well. Moves without the ball well. However, he plays much better in a fast-paced offense. NOT THE FIRST unit which is more of a half-court set type of offense. Also, let's not forget that he is shooting 18% from three! Think he is perfect right where he is at. Off the bench for quick energy.

Again, maybe I am being too positive but I feel we are fine. The second unit and young guys are playing well. We have a winning record despite struggles from a new starting line up and RJ and Randle having issues getting it going. We are playing well despite Kemba and Fournier playing their best. Our Center position has been hurt by injuries. And we have signs that our young assets are going to develop into decent pieces. For me, Thibs is doing and will continue to do what is best. He has always shown that he will play the guys that have it going without drastic measures. No matter what the fans or media think. As I predicted at the beginning of the year, this will be a much more competitive Eastern Conference. There are no easy games. If any of you were expecting an easy road, you were not paying attention. My hope is that the team is allowed to naturally improve so that we are at our best when the playoffs come. Reminded of the Hawks last year how they were at their peak in the playoffs. Go Knicks!!

You have young athletic teams that run the starters off the court, There's no one in that starting line up that will run consistently and thats not going to change ever, you caan't have your slow ass start center lagging behind on missed shots, you have Kemba, Fournier and Randle jogging the ball up court like Frank

The starting Line is struggling to find chemistry because they don't fit together, they continue to start based on Talent and stature, not based on FIT..So does the coach have the BALLS to sit one of them for the better of the team, or he's concern about fragile EGOS

Grimes and Sims seem to fit right in with the rest of the bench because the play the same way there's no chemistry issues.

Fans may not know everything, but some coaches have habits they can't break, just because they had success doing it with one group doesn't mean it will work for every group..

MDA contiues to have a speedy 3 point shooting system no matter who he coaches, but the results are not the same.

HofstraBBall wrote:All the talk about RJ to the bench, Burks as a starter, IQ as a starter, Bench Kemba, Obi as a starter, Bench Fournier is a bunch of fan-generated BS.

Thibs has shown that he will not change the starting lineups easily. Why should he? He is an experienced coach. He knows there are many more variables involved in creating a solid playoff team. Variables like giving your third-year potential star continued confidence. Variables like resting your FA star that is injury prone. Understanding high profile new players need time to adjust to playing together and will only learn by playing together. Variables like certain players play better in the second unit and are better suited with certain types of players. Thibs also understands that it is not about who is starting but more about keeping the guys in the game that are playing well together and who have it going. So who cares who starts? Thibs knows he needs RJ, EF, Kemba and Randle to be at their best if he is going to win a playoff series. He will not mess that up by benching any of them. But let's discuss...

RJ should be in the second unit? Why would an experienced coach bench a guy that he is playing over 30 minutes a game? Who was a high draft pick? Has started since day 1? Has shown improvement? (Yes, things like maturity, leadership, defense count as an improvement)Everyone here claims our second unit is incredible? Why would an experienced coach disrupt that?

Burks should start? Why? He is a type of player that belongs in the second unit for his instant offense. Why give that type of player the responsibility of getting other higher profile players going? Do you guys think it is an easy transition to go from the first option in the second unit to starting PG? Do you want him to become a facilitator? Can understand how a guy like Marc Berman who has never played a game in his life would think so. FYI. Thibs has NEVER started him, except due to injuries. despite his offensive breakouts.

IQ as a starter- Same as Burks. Do love his energy but think he is best suited when he is a top offensive option. He also jels well with Obi. Funny how guys like EF are under the fan microscope yet they leave out facts like IQ was 4 f0r 12 and 1 for 7 from three against the Hawks. (But yes he hit a couple of big shots in the 3rd). Some also seem to forget that he is a score-first type of player. Again, not the best in a lineup with other proven offensive players running half-court sets.

Kemba to the bench- For those calling for a Rose/Kemba swap we may want to point out they are basically shooting the same from three and scoring at the same rate? Rose is a score-first type and is not much of a facilitator. His 3pt percentage is also a bit of an anomaly against his career numbers. Kemba is a proven 3pt shooter that I feel spreads the floor better than Rose. Do not like Rose/Randle. This is my main reason for thinking Rose is better suited for the second unit. Hate to remind some that Randle is still our best player and Kemba fits better with him.

Bench Fournier- Saw a stat that when EF scores at least 20 we win. Looked at the last ten games and when EF has a minimum of 27 minutes we won the game. Some may want to check out the Hawks game and tell me who had a big part in the offense? Yes, Burks had a great night. I like that he is not afraid to take a shot. Like his aggressiveness. Like the way, he spreads the floor out. Once again mentioning that a coach's role in coaching a new unit is to give them time to gel. The Miami Heat were something like 9 and 11 when the big three got together. And we do not have that caliber of players.

Obi starting- Obi has great energy. Can dunk really well. Moves without the ball well. However, he plays much better in a fast-paced offense. NOT THE FIRST unit which is more of a half-court set type of offense. Also, let's not forget that he is shooting 18% from three! Think he is perfect right where he is at. Off the bench for quick energy.

Again, maybe I am being too positive but I feel we are fine. The second unit and young guys are playing well. We have a winning record despite struggles from a new starting line up and RJ and Randle having issues getting it going. We are playing well despite Kemba and Fournier playing their best. Our Center position has been hurt by injuries. And we have signs that our young assets are going to develop into decent pieces. For me, Thibs is doing and will continue to do what is best. He has always shown that he will play the guys that have it going without drastic measures. No matter what the fans or media think. As I predicted at the beginning of the year, this will be a much more competitive Eastern Conference. There are no easy games. If any of you were expecting an easy road, you were not paying attention. My hope is that the team is allowed to naturally improve so that we are at our best when the playoffs come. Reminded of the Hawks last year how they were at their peak in the playoffs. Go Knicks!!

Real world sometimes u gotta make tough decisions my man

JesseDark wrote:This didn't age well

Uptown wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:All the talk about RJ to the bench, Burks as a starter, IQ as a starter, Bench Kemba, Obi as a starter, Bench Fournier is a bunch of fan-generated BS.

Thibs has shown that he will not change the starting lineups easily. Why should he? He is an experienced coach. He knows there are many more variables involved in creating a solid playoff team. Variables like giving your third-year potential star continued confidence. Variables like resting your FA star that is injury prone. Understanding high profile new players need time to adjust to playing together and will only learn by playing together. Variables like certain players play better in the second unit and are better suited with certain types of players. Thibs also understands that it is not about who is starting but more about keeping the guys in the game that are playing well together and who have it going. So who cares who starts? Thibs knows he needs RJ, EF, Kemba and Randle to be at their best if he is going to win a playoff series. He will not mess that up by benching any of them. But let's discuss...

RJ should be in the second unit? Why would an experienced coach bench a guy that he is playing over 30 minutes a game? Who was a high draft pick? Has started since day 1? Has shown improvement? (Yes, things like maturity, leadership, defense count as an improvement)Everyone here claims our second unit is incredible? Why would an experienced coach disrupt that?

Burks should start? Why? He is a type of player that belongs in the second unit for his instant offense. Why give that type of player the responsibility of getting other higher profile players going? Do you guys think it is an easy transition to go from the first option in the second unit to starting PG? Do you want him to become a facilitator? Can understand how a guy like Marc Berman who has never played a game in his life would think so. FYI. Thibs has NEVER started him, except due to injuries. despite his offensive breakouts.

IQ as a starter- Same as Burks. Do love his energy but think he is best suited when he is a top offensive option. He also jels well with Obi. Funny how guys like EF are under the fan microscope yet they leave out facts like IQ was 4 f0r 12 and 1 for 7 from three against the Hawks. (But yes he hit a couple of big shots in the 3rd). Some also seem to forget that he is a score-first type of player. Again, not the best in a lineup with other proven offensive players running half-court sets.

Kemba to the bench- For those calling for a Rose/Kemba swap we may want to point out they are basically shooting the same from three and scoring at the same rate? Rose is a score-first type and is not much of a facilitator. His 3pt percentage is also a bit of an anomaly against his career numbers. Kemba is a proven 3pt shooter that I feel spreads the floor better than Rose. Do not like Rose/Randle. This is my main reason for thinking Rose is better suited for the second unit. Hate to remind some that Randle is still our best player and Kemba fits better with him.

Bench Fournier- Saw a stat that when EF scores at least 20 we win. Looked at the last ten games and when EF has a minimum of 27 minutes we won the game. Some may want to check out the Hawks game and tell me who had a big part in the offense? Yes, Burks had a great night. I like that he is not afraid to take a shot. Like his aggressiveness. Like the way, he spreads the floor out. Once again mentioning that a coach's role in coaching a new unit is to give them time to gel. The Miami Heat were something like 9 and 11 when the big three got together. And we do not have that caliber of players.

Obi starting- Obi has great energy. Can dunk really well. Moves without the ball well. However, he plays much better in a fast-paced offense. NOT THE FIRST unit which is more of a half-court set type of offense. Also, let's not forget that he is shooting 18% from three! Think he is perfect right where he is at. Off the bench for quick energy.

Again, maybe I am being too positive but I feel we are fine. The second unit and young guys are playing well. We have a winning record despite struggles from a new starting line up and RJ and Randle having issues getting it going. We are playing well despite Kemba and Fournier playing their best. Our Center position has been hurt by injuries. And we have signs that our young assets are going to develop into decent pieces. For me, Thibs is doing and will continue to do what is best. He has always shown that he will play the guys that have it going without drastic measures. No matter what the fans or media think. As I predicted at the beginning of the year, this will be a much more competitive Eastern Conference. There are no easy games. If any of you were expecting an easy road, you were not paying attention. My hope is that the team is allowed to naturally improve so that we are at our best when the playoffs come. Reminded of the Hawks last year how they were at their peak in the playoffs. Go Knicks!!

Kemba to the bench- For those calling for a Rose/Kemba swap we may want to point out they are basically shooting the same from three and scoring at the same rate? Rose is a score-first type and is not much of a facilitator. His 3pt percentage is also a bit of an anomaly against his career numbers. Kemba is a proven 3pt shooter that I feel spreads the floor better than Rose. Do not like Rose/Randle. This is my main reason for thinking Rose is better suited for the second unit. Hate to remind some that Randle is still our best player and Kemba fits better with him.

The eye-test and the numbers say otherwise:

Randle on/Kemba on : 872 possessions = - 13.5 net rating
Randle on/Kemba off: 527 possessions = +8.7 net rating

Those numbers are readily available for fans and the media to see, and clearly, Thibs and his staff have access to the same info...The idea that fans and media can't question Teflon Thibs if he continues to run-out the same lineup is BS!

Wait... they are not playing well together? Yes EVERYONE knows. Of course, the numbers are bad. Reason for all the armchair GM's putting in their two cents. As mentioned, I feel they need more time together. Not to mention Randle is not playing as well with most compared to last year. Do you think RJ should be benched as well? Since you brought up +/- numbers with Randle. So you are saying Kemba should be benched? Who starts? Burks? Rose? IQ?

I do think Thibs is teflon. Coach of the year and such. Whereas maybe some fans with unrealistic expectations have a tendency to over react.

knicks1248 wrote:Thibs is not perfect, and his rotations are far from it as well, but there is one thing that is crystal clear in todays NBA, SPEED, SPACING and SHOOTING.

You have young athletic teams that run the starters off the court, There's no one in that starting line up that will run consistently and thats not going to change ever, you caan't have your slow ass start center lagging behind on missed shots, you have Kemba, Fournier and Randle jogging the ball up court like Frank

The starting Line is struggling to find chemistry because they don't fit together, they continue to start based on Talent and stature, not based on FIT..So does the coach have the BALLS to sit one of them for the better of the team, or he's concern about fragile EGOS

Grimes and Sims seem to fit right in with the rest of the bench because the play the same way there's no chemistry issues.

Fans may not know everything, but some coaches have habits they can't break, just because they had success doing it with one group doesn't mean it will work for every group..

MDA contiues to have a speedy 3 point shooting system no matter who he coaches, but the results are not the same.

Bro. All you do is bitch and complain. You offer no solutions. You are saying that good teams are running at all times? Name them? The teams I watch in the NBA run mostly half-court sets. Iso. PnR. Including the very good team we just lost to. You mentioning Grimes and Sims is exactly what I am talking about. That some ignorant stuff. I should take the word of someone like you that has seen Grimes and Sims play how many minutes? Over a COY? Lmao.

But okay, I asked others who they are benching? And who they are starting. Let's hear it? And tell me how you feel that will make a difference. Games I have watched, Thibs plays the guys that are playing well. Everyone here makes it seems like starters are getting 40 minutes a game no matter what.

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/MikeVorkunov/status/1465379656773914635

Clean wrote:

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/MikeVorkunov/status/1465379656773914635

Even the COTY can improve. I am glad he learned from the Elf situation last year.

And still we finished 10 games over .500 and 4th seed............
Rose on 2nd unit and finishing was a good thing. IQ was not ready and Frankie was not to be. That was then, this is now.
Things turned when Rose came on board. This season expectations are higher and the team started well. Kemba defensively was a big problem. Elf decline was different.
what caused it? Injury? mental? Did he think it could be turned around?
Way different circumstances. Vorkunov tweet is ignorant.