Tom Thibodeau backed Taj Gibson’s return to the Knicks, though their third stint together won’t begin until the 12-year-old NBA veteran clears COVID-19 protocols, likely in the next few days.
The veteran striker, who re-signed Thursday after the Knicks had turned down his $ 10 million option in November, has also played for Thibodeau with the Bulls and Timberwolves.
“I think his career speaks for itself and obviously embodies all the things we believe in,” Thibodeau said before Friday’s 101-89 defeat against Thunder at the Garden. “It was almost this summer, even though I didn’t have a contract.
“It simply came to our notice then. It is invaluable to have this kind of leadership, an excellent teammate, first team man, hardworking, always ready. Anything you ask him to do. You can start it, you can take it off the bench. Or you can just wait for him for a chance and he handles them all very well.
Gibson also served as a mentor last season to Mitchell Robinson, who played just 26 minutes Friday. Thibodeau resorted to a smaller lineup, with the Knicks up 13 points in the second half.
Backing center Nerlens Noel was also available after losing two games with knee and ankle injuries, but had zero points in 11 minutes. Rookie Obi Toppin (calf) shot on the court before the game, but the former Dayton star has yet to be cleared for contact, Thibodeau said.
The NBA on Friday announced plans for a G-League bubble format to take place at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with a preliminary plan to begin play around Feb. 8.
Thibodeau said the Knicks will likely use the setup to get playing time for underused players with Westcheser. The most likely candidates are Ignas Brazdeikis, two-way players Jared Harper and Theo Pinson and possibly even Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr.