Boston – Knicks starters, especially their wings, are heavier loads than the NBA norm, so manager Tom Thibodeau says he will use his distribution as a product of rosters, player thresholds and franchise's ultimate goal. I've explained it.
This is also the hot button topic with Thibodeau. Thibodeau has always avoided load management while hoping his team to the height of the regular season.
However, he is currently facing pressure to win at least two playoff rounds. This is a feat that Thibs has not achieved since 2011.
“We have to do [have lineups that are] Strong on both sides of the ball, and “Can you guys handle the minutes?” Thibodeau said. “There are different parts of the game's course. Looking at Jalen [Brunson] and [Karl-Anthony Towns]their minutes are other major players.
“The wings are different. og [Anunoby] It's 36 [minutes]. Mikal [Bridges] It's the best, and Josh [Hart’s] It's equally expensive. Both can handle a few minutes and they want the minutes. If they can process the minutes, give it to them. If you can't, cut it out. ”
The subject of the proceedings was raised Friday night in the context of facing the Cavaliers, who have a deeper roster that Kenny Atkinson makes the most of.
Two Cleveland players – Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, average over 30 minutes. The average does not exceed 31.2.
In contrast, all Knicks starters average over 34.9 minutes.
Three of them — Branson, Hart and Bridges — were in the top four in the total minutes heading into Saturday's game.
As Thibodeau pointed out, the average for Branson (35.1) and Town (34.9) is in line with the other All-Stars.
“I think every team is different,” Thibodeau said. “If there are young people or if the depth is different, [play with a deeper rotation]. I think you always start at the end [the playoffs] Keep in mind – what do you need in the end?
“There are many different ways of thinking about it. [Cavs] Running their races, we run our races, and all teams are different. So, there are many different ways to do that – what suits your team the best? And with that, when you go together, you need to win the game. ”
Different philosophy is evident at the top of the NBA.
The Cavs (46-10) and Thunder (45-10) roll in deep rotation.
The Knicks (37-19) and Celtics (40-16) face Sunday afternoon in Boston, are heavy on the starters.
Still, New York is in another class, with the lowest bench production in the NBA.
That issue has not been addressed by trade deadlines, and the front office has chosen to deposit the bank with a boost from Mitchell Robinson's final return.
As Thibodeau hinted at how he needs to be in the end, the rotation usually tightens in every team's playoffs. But the Knicks also need to hit the playoffs healthy. This is a goal that appears to be malicious in each injury report.
“Whatever the club's strengths are,” Thibodeau said. “You want to give your team the best chance to win.”
