PHILADELPHIA — Tom Thibodeau wants Josh Hart to consider his words.
The coach said he was unaware of the remarks, which came after Hart twice asked his team to put aside “ego” and “personal agendas” after a recent loss, but he said he didn't know about the film before making such an assessment. He urged the players to study.
“I haven't read anything you guys have written at all, but there are a lot of challenges throughout the season, so just focus on getting better every day. It's going to be frustrating at times,” Thibodeau said Wednesday. That night, before the Knicks beat the 76ers 125-119 in overtime.
“I think a lot of times we put a microphone in front of someone right after the game, the day after they watch this movie, and sometimes they say, and we have to say it until we watch the movie the next day. You might say something you wish you had done. And there's usually a good reason why something happened. So you should probably think about it before you say something.”
Hart did not name his teammates, appearing to be intentionally vague after Monday's loss to the Pistons.
“We'll talk about it in the locker room and decide on specifics,” he said, defaulting to the cliche “energy and execution.”
Hart looked even more positive after Wednesday's win, recording a triple-double with 17 rebounds, 12 assists, and 10 points.
The Knicks have several Philadelphia Eagles supporters — Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride – Not to mention the rest of the coaching staff and front office.
Towns wore an Eagles shirt on the bench during Wednesday's Knicks win as City boosted the team with its usual Eagles enthusiasm.
“I'm proud of him,” said Brunson, who often wears Eagles gear, despite some backlash on social media.
After halftime, Towns wore a white Knicks jacket over his Eagles shirt. He then explained that his sweatshirt showed sweat stains under his armpits, prompting him to cover it up.
One of the Knicks' trade targets is off the table, according to reports.
27-year-old center Nick Richards was traded from the Hornets to the Suns on Wednesday for Josh Okogie. And three second-round picks.
Richards, a former Kentucky Wildcat, was linked to the Knicks in the offseason by SNY following news of Mitchell Robinson being traded. You will miss extra time.
Robinson has not played yet this season as he is recovering from a second ankle surgery, and sources say the Knicks are exploring options on the trade market while awaiting his return.
Robinson has not started sprinting yet, but Thibodeau said he expects the center to return to practice later this month.
As reported by the Post, the Knicks are expected to acquire backup center Jericho Sims.
