Knicks Media Roundup: Jalen’s letter to NY, OG appreciation, and an ‘inside look’ at Thibodeau’s work ethic

In the latest edition of The Players’ Tribune, Jalen Brunson wrote a letter to New York.

In his heartfelt letter, Jalen reflects on his transformative journey with the Knicks, giving credit to his family and upbringing in the development of his approach to basketball. He expresses a deep appreciation for the unique opportunity to play under familiar guidance, including his father and Coach Thibodeau. That, he says, enhances his sense of belonging and purpose within the team.

Here’s Jalen with a nice nod to coach Tom Thibodeau (more on him below):

It started in Chicago, in 2010, when my dad became an assistant coach for the Bulls. That’s when I first really understood the type of man and the kind of coach Thibs was. I knew, as a high schooler, that he was a coach who really wanted to win and did whatever it took to do that. And he knew none of that happened without sacrifices — from him, from the players, from everyone down the roster. That showed me the standard early on.

Jalen professes his commitment to team leadership and collective success. He also addresses recent team dynamics, including trades and injuries that have impacted the unit, and underscores the team’s resilience and readiness to tackle the playoffs with a focused, detail-oriented mindset. Ultimately, he drives home the importance of community support, conveying his gratitude towards the fans and his excitement for the upcoming playoff games at the Garden. Read the letter here.

Earlier this week, in The Athletic, Fred Katz wrote about OG Anunoby’ “sacrificial” style of play.

By “sacrificial,” Katz refers to Anunoby’s off-ball movement and strategic cuts that play a critical role in the New York Knicks’ offensive scheme but don’t necessarily appear as numbers in his box score. This willingness to forgo personal glory for team success exemplifies his value to the team, particularly in tight game situations.

One example given is how he creates space for teammates by drawing defenders away, allowing other Knicks (say, Jalen Brunson) to execute plays more effectively. Katz writes:

…Jalen Brunson tried a step-back jumper on the left side of the court. The Kings guarded it well, and Brunson couldn’t release the shot. With Anunoby stationed on the opposite wing, Brunson was stuck — until his teammate rebalanced the floor.

Just before Brunson handed the ball off to Isaiah Hartenstein, an escape that would mean hurrying around his center and in Anunoby’s direction, Anunoby jogged across the paint, from right to left, removing his defender from the area that seconds later would become Brunson’s path to the basket.

These maneuvers not only help in scoring but also enhance the overall dynamics of the team’s play, making their offense more difficult to defend against. As the Knicks approach the playoffs, Anunoby’s intelligent play and situational awareness will be even more beneficial, especially against Nick Nurse and his Philadelphia 76ers. Nurse knows how good OG is all too well, having coached him in Toronto; we’ll see soon enough if familiarity gives either one an edge.

Over at the NY Post, Peter Botte wrote about Anunoby, too.

The rangy wing has already put his stamp on the New York Knicks, which is particularly evident from his impressive net rating of 21.7 over 23 games. However, Botte speculates that Anunoby’s biggest impact won’t be felt until the playoffs start.

Acquired in a turn-of-the-calendar trade, Anunoby has demonstrated exceptional defensive abilities that will be crucial against playoff opponents like the 76ers. His versatility in defending various positions coupled with a 39.8 percent accuracy from the 3-point line makes him a vital asset on both ends of the floor. Botte quotes Jalen Brunson:

“It makes life a lot easier for all of us the things he’s able to do on that [defensive] side of the ball,” Brunson said. “He’s a talent when it comes to that side of the ball, and obviously offensively he’s able to shoot from where anybody wants. [...] He can knock down corner-3s, he can knock down contested shots and get to the rim. He can do it all.”

Finally, also in the NY Post, Stefan Bondy offers an “Inside look at Tom Thibodeau’s legendary work ethic.”

Bondy opens with an anecdote about Thibodeau interrupting assistant coach Ed Pinckney’s dinner plans to have him revise a scouting report. Bondy quotes Pinckney:

“I coached at Villanova [under Jay Wright]. I coached at Minnesota [under Randy Wittman]. Great coaches,” said Pinckney, an assistant under Thibodeau for eight seasons and now a scout for the Rockets. “But their preparation was different. I played in Miami and the Heat Culture and all that stuff is great, too. But game-time preparation?” Pinckney laughs dismissively at his own question.

With two Coach of the Year awards on his mantle and 12 years of head coaching under his belt, Thibodeau has earned his reputation for success by focusing intensely on preparation and rigorous practice. Specifically, Bondy mentions Thibodeau’s 5-inch thick playbook that he dispenses to the team. “I might go home and study a little bit today,” quips Josh Hart in the article.

Despite criticisms about his players’ minutes and postseason record, Thibodeau’s methods have made him one of the most respected coaches in the league. He expects absolute commitment from his players, as he gives of himself. Many players and coaches who have worked with him, like Pinckney, appreciate the rigor and detail Thibodeau brings to his job. (Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson jump instantly to mind.)

As the Knicks enter the playoffs, Thibodeau’s preparation is again under the spotlight, especially with his contract extension pending. As Bondy observes, “Without an extension, Thibodeau would enter next season with an expiring deal and NBA coaches typically don’t make it to lame-duck status.”

It’s hard to believe that success in this year’s postseason won’t solidify that contract extension for the 66-year-old coach. Read Bondy’s full piece here.

Go Knicks!