Rookie wrote:I missed this last night but it looks like Obi had bad body language after getting pulled on a short leash in the 4th. What I did see is Obi put the ball on the floor 3 times and attack the basket. First time resulted in a bad miss, next two were makes. Then I thought the coach pulled him to reinsert iHart. I didn't like the move and I didn't see this on the bench

Obi Toppin and Knicks assistant Rick Brunson got into a heated argument in the fourth quarter of Friday’s win in Philadelphia. My understanding is the contention started with Toppin’s body language and attitude, and it created a tense exchange. Still, the two smoothed it over after the game, according to sources, and they have a previous relationship to fall back on in hard times. “Just normal NBA stuff,” Thibodeau said. “Heat of the battle.” – via Stefan Bondy @ New York Daily News

I don't blame Obi for his frustration. He was playing very well. It is my opinion that Randle's D is so bad and he is messing up the rotations so supremely that you have to have a rim protecting center out there to make up for it. Randles poor perimeter defense is also at the center of our very 3 point coverage. I thought our D was light years better when Grimes was on the court. Not just because he is a very good defender, but because he is out quarterbacking on the perimeter.

Randle is still our best player, but it's just like he isn't a winning player. Him trying to take control just doesn't help the team on either end of the floor. Obi deserves better treatment.We are going to start to affect his development if the coach doesn't start treating him with more respect

We have to try to stop making it about Randle. It's on Thibs as to who plays. He is working on his own issues. Randle is trying to fit into a new role. Randle is just going out and trying to make the best of his minutes. He did so last night. Does it help to get a longer leash. Absolutely. But he may have earned it with a longer career of production than Obi. Pitting him against Obi does not help either improve.
With that said. Randle at 40 and Obi at 15 is not a good distribution of minutes, imo. But I do not know what Thibs saw. Defense? Bad shots not falling for Obi in first half? Started 0 for 5 and 0 for 4 from three. Dunno. Fyi, Obi was worst on team with -22. Do think Obi needs more minutes and if I was the coach I would be trying to develop players and not just looking to win ONE game. Obi was playing well and deserved a longer leash last night. Hopefully this does not affect his confidence.

The Brunson issue may be a teaching moment for a young player. Gotta say that many on hear would not be defending Randle if the altercation happened with him.