Tom Thibodeau’s affinity for Taj Gibson is well known, not to mention his desire to get the center back.
“Do I have to ask?” the coach said.
Gibson played the final game of his 10-day contract on Thursday, but the conventional wisdom is that the Knicks will play a second game before Saturday’s game against the Pacers.
“Obviously, he was great,” Thibodeau added. “He’s a great addition to any team at any time. So I have high expectations.Leon [Rose] With everything in hand, we always do what’s best for the team. But everyone in the organization loves him and appreciates him. ”
Additionally, the Knicks are loaded with injuries and need reinforcements, with starting center Isaiah Hartenstein being the latest addition to the lineup after tearing his left Achilles tendon in Thursday’s game against the Mavericks, 122-108. It is said that
“That’s a very good observation,” Thibodeau said.
Gibson was scoreless in 22 minutes Thursday, but finished with a team-high plus-8 points rating.
The Garden crowd also appreciates Gibson’s presence, regularly chanting his name.
“It’s emotional,” Gibson said. “As a veteran in this league, I understand that I’m not in my prime anymore and I’m trying to do whatever I can to help the team and it’s nice to see the crowd understand that. This is a basketball town, so just being at the Taj is good enough. Nothing will change. ”
Gibson could be signed to a second 10-day contract, but then the Knicks would have to decide whether to keep him for the remainder of the season or waive him.
If he were to sign before Saturday, it would have been bad timing since it would have put him over the All-Star break.
Gibson was signed at the beginning of the season, but was released from his contract before the guarantee date.
“of course [I want to come back]Absolutely,” Gibson said. “But like I said before, the staff, the management, they’ve been good to me. They don’t owe me anything. It’s family, it’s a blessing. I take it for granted. I don’t even think about it as a phone call when I’m working out at home, which is a blessing. Like I said, I’m grateful for this opportunity and it’s great. We’re a team. So no matter what, we’re still family.”
Jalen Brunson was labeled an “day-to-day player” by Thibodeau before missing Thursday’s game.
Officials said he bent his ankle in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s win over the Grizzlies, but did not suffer a severe sprain.
Josh Hart said he hyperextended his knee on Tuesday but was one of the Knicks available to play against the Mavs.
“I’m tired, Mr. President. That’s how I feel,” said Hart, who has played at least 37 minutes in six straight games. “But no, I’m cool. My knees are good. That’s all.” [Miles McBride] I tried to charge or something and he fell into it and I hyperextended for a second, which was good. ”
Thibodeau expects to have newly acquired Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic available for Saturday’s game against Indiana, but cautioned that is pending testing.
“We hope so, but we need to do a physical search and remove those who have been out.” [to Detroit in the trade] must do so,” Thibodeau said.
