Tom Thibodeau returned to Chicago for two games with the Knicks and generated many memories of the five seasons he spent there as coach of the Bulls from 2010-2015.
With that in mind, Thibodeau offered an interesting answer when asked on Wednesday if he believed the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson could develop into a well-rounded center as Joakim Noah turned from a defensive player into an MVP candidate for the Bulls under his tutelage. . .
“Every player is different. Mitch has several strengths, ”said Thibodeau before Robinson contributed 8 points and 11 rebounds to Knicks 107-103 victory at United Center Wednesday night. “The growth part of Joakim’s game was great.
“He started out as a defensive player, an energetic man, a man who ran well. And actually, when Derrick [Rose] injured, we put the offense through him. He was an excellent passer, decider, very good with dribble handoffs and I think that’s part of Mitch’s play that can grow. And so we challenge him that way. “
Obi Toppin was pulled from Monday’s loss in Chicago due to a lack of defense, but Thibodeau said he believes the forward has made “steady progress” defensively this season.
Toppin, the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, played just nine and 10 minutes off the bench, respectively, in the two consecutive games against the Bulls. He scored all five of his runs in Wednesday’s second quarter.
“I think it’s a different game for every newcomer that comes in, so you have to learn the NBA game, get to know your opponents, get to know your own teammates, your system and I actually think he plays well,” said Thibodeau. . “I think the injury turned him back a bit, but I like what he does in practice, I like the way he handles things. I think his athleticism is a great asset to us. “