Tom Thibodeau has returned to Chicago with the Knicks twice, generating many memories of the five seasons he spent there coaching the Bulls from 2010-2015.
With that in mind, Thibodeau gave an interesting answer when asked on Wednesday whether he believes the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson could develop into a well-rounded center like Joakim Noah from a defensive player to an MVP candidate for the Bulls under his supervision changes. .
‘Every player is different. Mitch has different strengths, ”said Thibodeau before Robinson contributed eight points and 11 rebounds to the Knicks’ 107-103 victory Wednesday night at United Center. ‘The growth part of Joakim’s game was great.
‘He started as a defensive player, an energetic guy, a man who ran the floor well. And actually, when Derrick [Rose] hurt, we let the offense run through him. He was an excellent passer, decision maker, very good with drop handoffs and I think that’s part of Mitch’s game that can grow. And so we will challenge him that way. ‘
Obi Toppin has been sidelined from Monday’s defeat in Chicago due to a lapse on defense, but Thibodeau said he believes the rookie has made defensive this season.
Toppin, the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, played just nine and ten minutes off the bench respectively in the two consecutive games against the Bulls. He scored all five of his points in Wednesday’s second quarter.
“I think for every rookie that comes in, it’s a different game, so you have to learn the NBA game, you have to teach your opponents, you have to teach your own teammates, your system, and I actually think he plays well,” said Thibodeau. . ‘I think the injury put him back, but I like what he does in practice, and I like the way he approaches things. I think his athletics is a great asset to us. ”