Tom Thibodeau returned to Chicago for two games with the Knicks, generating many reminders of the five seasons he spent there coaching the 2010-2015 Bulls.
With that in mind, Thibodeau offered an interesting answer when asked Wednesday if he believed the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson could become a completely rounded center in the way Joakim Noah transformed from a defensive player to a candidate. to MVP to the Bulls under his tutelage.
“Every player is different. Mitch has different strengths, “Thibodeau said before Robinson contributed eight points and 11 rebounds to the Knicks’ 107-103 victory Wednesday night at the United Center.” The growth part of Joakim’s game was fantastic.
“He started as a defensive player, an energetic boy, a boy who ran well. And actually, when Derrick [Rose] it hurt us, we attacked him. He was an excellent passer, decision maker, very good with regatta transfers and I think he is a part of Mitch’s game that can grow. And so we will challenge him in this way ”.
Obi Toppin retired from Monday’s loss to Chicago due to a decline in defense, but Thibodeau said he believes the rookie striker has made “steady progress” defensively this season.
Toppin, the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, played just nine and 10 minutes respectively, off the bench in both straight games against the Bulls. He scored his five points in the second quarter on Wednesday.
“I think for any new rookie it’s a different game, so you have to learn the NBA game, you have to learn your opponents, you have to learn your own teammates, your system and , in fact, I think he’s playing well, ”Thibodeau said. “I think the injury has taken him back a bit, but I like what he does in practice, I like the way he handles things. I think his athletics is a great asset for us.