If it looks like Tom Thibodeau can’t coach a club unless he has both Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose wandering around the locker rooms, well, so be it.
Gibson and Rose have a lot in common: Thibodeau’s quintessential disciples.
They both played Thibodeau in Chicago and Minnesota. And this season, Thibodeau made a big push to get them both to New York for the second stage.
On Sunday, the Knicks agreed in principle to switch to Rose in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr. and a selection from the second round of 2021 to add more offensive firepower.
“It simply came to our notice then [Rose] my whole career: we came in together, “Gibson said after the Knicks lost to the Heat on Sunday.” He’s a competitor. He’s a great guy. “
Gibson is just an outdated player, dealing as a backup center when Nerlens Noel’s knee acts. With Noel out for a second straight game, the 35-year-old Brooklyn player had his best game since signing last month – scoring nine points and shooting 4-on-4 from the ground in 16 minutes.
Rose will play a bigger role, but like Gibson, learning the system will be second nature.
“He’s one of those guys who’s gone through the system, just like me,” said Gibson, who didn’t play in his first eight games after joining the Knicks. “We know what Thibs basically wants. As long as you put in 100% effort every day, 110% on defense. At the same time, just come in and be vocal and understand what you have to do. “
The severity of Noel’s injury is unclear. The expert shot blocker has missed games to rest his knee. Therefore, the role of Gibson could increase. Sunday saw the fifth game Noel has lost this season.
“I thought he was playing really well and when Nerlens comes back, he’ll be ready in any role we ask of him,” Thibodeau said of Gibson. “It simply came to our notice then. Even at the beginning of his career, start him and get him off the bench. He provided everything the team needed. He’s a great teammate, a great leader. “
The addition of Rose will not help the chances of Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina to return to the rotation. Knox did not play in his fifth consecutive game while Ntilikina was left out of his eighth consecutive game.
The Pistons preferred Knox to be included in Rose’s trade, but it is possible that the Knicks were saving him for another deal.
The Knicks complete the game against the Heat on Tuesday in Miami.