Tom Thibodeau endorses the return of Taj Gibson to the Knicks, though their third series will begin together before 12-year-old NBA veteran COVID removes 19 minutes, likely in the next few days.
The veteran power forward, who was re-signed on Thursday after the Knicks turned down his $ 10 million option in November, also played for Thibodeau with the Bulls and Timberwolves.
“I think his career speaks for itself and of course he embodies all the things we believe in,” Thibodeau said before the 101-89 defeat to the Thunder at the Garden. ‘He was quite a bit this summer, even though he was not under contract.
“We are delighted that he is with us again. It is invaluable to have that type of leadership, a good teammate, a first team, hardworking, always ready. Whatever you ask. You can start him, you can bring him off the couch. Or you can just make him wait for an opportunity, and he handles everyone great. ‘
Gibson also served as a mentor last season for Mitchell Robinson, who played just 26 minutes on Friday. Thibodeau turned to a smaller series with the Knicks trailing by as much as 13 points in the second half.
The rugby center Nerlens Noel was also available after missing two games with knee and ankle injuries, but he had no points in 11 minutes. Rookie Obi Toppin (calf) took shots on the field before the game, but the former Dayton star has still not been cleared for contact, Thibodeau said.
The NBA has announced plans to host a G-League bubble format at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with a preliminary plan to begin playing by February 8th.
Thibodeau said the Knicks are likely to use the setup to get playing time for Westcheser that is little used. Probable candidates are Ignas Brazdeikis, two-way players Jared Harper and Theo Pinson and possibly even Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr.