Tom Thibodeau endorsed Taj Gibson’s return to the Knicks, although his third spell together does not begin until the 12-year-old NBA veteran cancels the COVID-19 protocols, probably in the coming days.
The veteran striker, who was rehired on Thursday after the Knicks turned down his $ 10 million option in November, also played for Thibodeau with the Bulls and Timberwolves.
“I think his career speaks for itself and, obviously, he embodies all the things we believe in,” said Thibodeau before Friday’s 101-89 loss to Thunder at the Garden. “He was around a lot this summer, although he was not under contract.
“We are thrilled that he is back with us. It is invaluable to have this kind of leadership, great teammate, team guy, worker, always ready. Whatever you ask him to do. You can start it, you can get it out of the bank. Or you can just keep him waiting for an opportunity, and he handles all of them very well.
Gibson also served as a mentor last season to Mitchell Robinson, who played just 26 minutes on Friday. Thibodeau turned to a lower lineup, with the Knicks losing by up to 13 points in the second half.
Pivot Nerlens Noel was also available after losing two games to knee and ankle injuries, but did not score a point in 11 minutes. Newcomer Obi Toppin (calf) shot the court before the game, but Dayton’s former star has yet to be released for contact, Thibodeau said.
The NBA on Friday announced plans for a G-League bubble shape to take place at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with a preliminary plan to start playing on February 8.
Thibodeau said the Knicks will likely use the setting to give playing time to players unaccustomed to Westcheser. Likely candidates are Ignas Brazdeikis, two-way players Jared Harper and Theo Pinson and possibly even Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr.