New York Knicks: Lessons Tom Thibodeau hopefully learned

Be adaptable to new coaching strategies

Thibodeau can modify his coaching strategy to be better in line with the modern NBA. After Thibodeau’s firing from Chicago, he used his time away from coaching to be an ESPN commentator and sit in on NBA practices. During that time, it seemed he was studying from other coaches to expand his basketball knowledge and ideally implement this deeper understanding in his next opportunity. However, his next gig in Minnesota didn’t turn out so well.

Thibodeau continued to run his defensive sets – drop and ICE coverage – two overused defensive strategies to defend the pick and roll. At the time he introduced the defensive scheme in Chicago, Thibodeau was ahead of his time. However, during Thibodeau’s stint In Minnesota, the league caught on to his methods and circumvented them. The system was designed for an athletic center that can protect the paint, and Karl Anthony Towns was far from that.

Mitchell Robinson, on the other hand, would fit perfectly in drop and ICE coverage because of his top-tiered athleticism and rim protection, but he needs to diversify his defensive sets. As pointed out by Dallas Amico, the Boston Celtics still use ICE as one of their defensive strategies, but they also implement other defensive playstyles. And by diversifying their defensive approach, they prevent opposing teams from staying in constant rhythm throughout the entire game.

As for the offense, a new coaching staff that includes Kenny Payne, Mike Woodson, Johnnie Bryant, Andy Greer, Daisuke Yoshimoto, and Chris Santo, may get the New York Knicks scoring again. The team has ranked 18th and lower for the last seven seasons in offensive rating. But having Kenny Payne and Johnnie Bryant – both who have helped star players such as Towns, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell improve their games – should help the Knicks get back on track offensively.

The addition of Mike Woodson will help with the offense development as well. As previously noted, Woodson’s teams usually have placed in the top 10 of offensive rating, which should bode well for the Knicks. I mean, even Woodson himself still has it.