The Nucks open a post-all-star break schedule on Thursday in Milkucci.
They are ranked fifth, to remain in playoff status and given the March 25 trade deadline on which they have become buyers and not sellers.
Entering the season, it appeared that the rebuilding Nucks would land some of their one-year free-agent sign on the playoff team to collect additional future draft picks. (Last year, he traded Marcus Morris for a first-round pick, which turned into Emmanuel Quickly.)
This year, his trade candidates were expected to be Alec Burke, Nerlens Noel, Austin River and Elfrid Peyton. Frank Nitlina, determined as a free agent, was also projected to be on the block, and he can now be used as a pawn to acquire a veteran.
President Leon Rose is looking to see if he can upgrade his current talent – especially in the backcourt with Rocket combo guard Victor Oladipo, the player of interest – to win now and break a seven-year playoff drought . According to coach Tom Thibodo, Mitchell Robinson is still not close to playing, so the Knicks are thin at center. The Cavaliers’ Andre Drummond is very available.
“It’s a Leon question,” said Thibodo about the trade deadline Wednesday night when the Nucks practiced in Milwaukee. “Look, I have a strong bias toward good players. I know they Looking at all the possibilities. If something makes sense to us, we will. If not, I love the team that we have. I love the people we have. We just have our And continue to work with Leon and Wes [William Wesley], They are facing the league, Scott Perry, that’s their job. ”
A story in The Post, written by Yaron Weitzman, suggested that the front office dynamic showed some friction – Thibodo’s outrageously nimble director of strategy, Brock Eller, as “Hinky” (ex-76ers boss Sam Hinky, In terms of their will). To collect only draft options).
When asked about the report, Thibodo said he hadn’t read it yet, but said: “Leon and Wes, the whole staff, it’s a great staff. We spent time arguing over a lot of things and the night. Finally we’re going to dinner and we’re fine. I think Brock is terrible. Leon and Wes have done what they set it up to where it’s great. It’s a fantastic process that’s a great process for them. Is nearby. Everyone is encouraged to give their opinion and it works well. I admire the way they work. “
The Post reported Thibodeau also suggested that in this progeny, RJ was responsible for trading Barrett and Mitchell Robinson at some point for the Giants. The Post previously reported that the Knicks discussed Randall Trading. But Randall turned into that All-Star this season.
“When you come and take a job, Leon and Wes have done an incredible job and how we are going about our business,” Thibodo said. He said, ‘We looked at the team and studied it, played the role of side and opposition on whatever we could. We are very happy. And I feel very strong about those three people. I have made that all clear. I have not seen the article so I cannot comment on it. I know that I feel very strongly about those three players. ”
Randall has turned into an animal under Thibodo and led the Knicks to a winning record for not missing a game.
During All-Star weekend, Randley stated that Thibodo is a key.
“Thibus has done a great job of putting me in positions where I’m comfortable and can work out whether it’s scoring or playmaking and my mates are putting themselves in great positions when I double or If I get stuck, I know where my outlets are, “Randall said.” I know where to find them on the court. They are honestly making the game easier for me. “
The second half of the season begins with games in the Bucks, Thunder, Nets and 76ers. The Knicks went into the break with an 8–3 lead, but seven of those wins came down well against the clubs .500.
“I think the big thing is consistency, it’s continuing to improve offensively, that’s the rhythm,” Thibodo said. “We are doing shorthand right now. We have to make sure that whoever goes there gets it done. But I like the depth of the team, I like the way people have acted. And the good thing is that we know that there is a lot of room for growth. We have many youngsters who have become much better. ”
Leave a Reply