The complete collapse of the New York Knicks has been one of the biggest NBA storylines this year.
The team was on a roll last year and made the playoffs but their chance of a postseason this time is all but gone because of the dismal record of 25-34.
That means the Knicks are now 12th in the East after ending last year at fourth.
There are many problems with the team – more than enough to go around – but constant complaints are being leveled at head coach Tom Thibodeau and how he’s leading the young squad.
Tom Thibodeau notoriously approaches every game like it’s a Game 7, @FredKatz writes.
At what point will he play the young guys?
10 Knicks storylines to watch: https://t.co/xRgLe7TFq1 pic.twitter.com/M4brL5NZNx
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) February 22, 2022
As pointed out by the Athletic and other outlets, Thibodeau has stubbornly resisted the urge to use some of the guys on the team.
Thibodeau is known for treating every single game like it’s Game 7 of a playoff series.
That’s a smart way to keep the players engaged and driven but it can also lead to overplaying certain athletes and falling into a rhythm and routine…and rut.
Change It Up, Thibs
Thibodeau is a stubborn guy apparently and Knicks fans are getting increasingly sick of that.
Once he finds a lineup he likes, he sticks with it through thick and thin – and very, very thin.
Julius Randle has been in nearly every game for the Knicks, which is an understandable move from Thibodeau.
However, the coach has refused to change things around Randle and try different lineups and tweak the roster.
Why isn’t he letting Cam Reddish get more minutes?
Why doesn’t he let Randle rest?
Why is he so insistent on using Alec Burks whenever possible?
Until Thibodeau allows himself to change his coaching style, the Knicks will remain stuck in this rut.
It’s not Game 7 – it’s time to make some changes and try new things.
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