Tom Thibodeau has liked what he’s seen from the New York Knicks this summer.
I’m sure that is a totally objective stance and has nothing to do with them acquiring two of the most renowned players from his time as the Chicago Bulls’ head coach.
Here’s the New York Post‘s Marc Berman with the lowdown:
Thibodeau, a Knicks assistant from 1996-2003, was a lot more comfortable discussing the Rose-Noah additions, believing they’re going to make a smooth adjustment.
“I think they’re both great,’’ Thibodeau said. “They’ve already proven themselves. I think it’s good for them. I think it will work out. They got a good team. The way [Carmelo Anthony] plays, [Kristaps] Porzingis, Courtney Lee, they’re going to be good.
“Mentally, [Rose and Noah] are experienced. When you have veterans like that, it adds a lot to your team. They know how to play. They’ve been in big games. They’re unselfish and play to win. That’s a big plus.’’
This is actually pretty generic praise coming from someone who coached both Rose and Noah for five years. Thibs seems to parrot what many others are saying: Noah and Rose are experienced. Noah is a tremendous leader. Rose might still be good. So this is good for the Knicks.
And, look, maybe it’s great for the Knicks. If Noah and Rose stay healthy, they have a great chance of making the playoffs. But let’s not pretend they are shoo-ins to contend for a top-four spot or anything like that in the Eastern Conference.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are all most definitely better than them. The Detroit Pistons probably are, too. Complicated still, can you single out any one of the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards, and say, without question, that the Knicks are better than them?
You can’t. That’s the problem.
The Knicks’ 2016-17 season is tightly tethered to a bunch of what-ifs. They have done a nice job of laying down an interesting placeholder, piecing together what should be a competitive team without bilking themselves of the chance to chase Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook next summer. But to say that Noah and Rose will be great for them, and that the Knicks will be great as a result, is much too presumptive at this juncture.
