The New York Knicks have posted an impressive 27-16 record, surpassing their pace from the same point last season. However, their performances have been marred by inconsistency, particularly on the defensive end. This has led some to question the team’s approach and decision-making, with NBA legend Kevin Garnett weighing in on the matter during his podcast, “Ticket & The Truth,” alongside Paul Pierce.
Garnett’s Criticism of Thibodeau’s Rotation
Garnett pointed to head coach Tom Thibodeau’s heavy reliance on his starters as a root cause of the Knicks’ struggles. “At some point, you got staff, you got assistants, you got a GM, you got presidents [who should tell Thibodeau to stop playing the starters so much],” Garnett said. “It’s a data league, bro. Data is probably telling you, ‘Hey, the starting 5 is playing way more minutes than the average starting 5 in the league.’”
Garnett further noted that Thibodeau’s coaching style may be limiting the Knicks’ potential, as he tends to stick to methods that worked for him in the past. “He knows how to win one way,” Garnett remarked, emphasizing the need for adaptation in today’s NBA.
Knicks’ Heavy Reliance on Starters
The stats back up Garnett’s observations. Four of the five Knicks starters rank in the top five in total minutes played across the league, with Mikal Bridges leading in both total minutes and minutes per game. This usage is significantly higher than most NBA teams, highlighting the Knicks’ dependence on their starting lineup.
Two primary factors contribute to this trend:
- Health: The Knicks’ starting unit has remained largely healthy, allowing them to log significant minutes without interruption.
- Bench Weakness: The Knicks rank last in the NBA in bench points per game, exposing a glaring depth issue. Without reliable scoring and contributions from the second unit, Thibodeau has little choice but to rely on his starters.
The Path Forward
While the Knicks’ starting lineup has performed admirably, their overuse could lead to fatigue as the season progresses, potentially impacting playoff performance. Addressing the bench’s shortcomings will be crucial, whether through player development or midseason acquisitions.
Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy, often criticized for its rigidity, may need to evolve to maximize the Knicks’ potential. As Garnett noted, the NBA is increasingly driven by analytics and adaptability, and finding a balance in player usage could be the key to sustained success for New York.