Tom Thibodeau backed Taj Gibson’s return to the Knicks, even though their third stint together won’t begin until the 12-year NBA veteran clears COVID-19 protocols, likely in the coming days.
The veteran forward, who was re-signed on Thursday after the Knicks declined his $ 10 million option in November, also played for Thibodeau with the Bulls and Timberwolves.
“I think his career speaks for itself and, of course, he embodies all the things we believe in,” Thibodeau said before Friday’s 101-89 loss to the Thunder at the Garden. “He was there quite a bit this summer, even though he didn’t have a contract.
‘We are very happy that he is with us again. It’s invaluable to have that kind of leadership, a great teammate, team first man, hardworking, always ready. Whatever you ask him to do. You can start it, you can take it off the couch. Or you can just let him wait for a chance, and he handles them all great. “
Gibson also mentored Mitchell Robinson last season, who played just 26 minutes on Friday. Thibodeau turned to a smaller lineup with the Knicks trailing a whopping 13 points in the second half.
Backup center Nerlens Noel was also available after missing two games with knee and ankle injuries, but he had zero points in 11 minutes. Rookie Obi Toppin (calf) took shots on the field before the game, but the former Dayton star is still not clear of contact, Thibodeau said.
The NBA on Friday announced plans for a G-League bubble format at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with a tentative plan to start playing around February 8.
Thibodeau said the Knicks will likely use the setup to get playtime for little-used players with Westcheser. Possible candidates include Ignas Brazdeikis, two-way players Jared Harper and Theo Pinson, and possibly even Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr.