Tom Thibodeau returned to Chicago for two games with the Knicks, generating many reminders of the five seasons he spent there training the 2010-2015 Bulls.
With that in mind, Thibodeau offered an interesting answer when asked on Wednesday whether he believed the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson could turn into a complete center in the same way that Joakim Noah turned from a defense-oriented player to a candidate for MVP for the Bulls under his tutelage.
“Each player is different. Mitch has different strengths, ”said Thibodeau before Robinson contributed eight points and 11 rebounds to the Knicks’ 107-103 victory on Wednesday night at the United Center. “Joakim’s game growth was great.
“He started out as a defensive player, an energetic guy, a guy who ran well. And in fact, when Derrick [Rose] if it hurt, we passed the attack through it. He was an excellent passer, decision maker, very good at dribbling and I think it is a part of Mitch’s game that can grow. And then we will challenge you that way. “
Obi Toppin was pulled from Monday’s defeat in Chicago because of a lapse in defense, but Thibodeau said he believed the debuting striker had taken “firm steps” defensively this season.
Toppin, the eighth overall choice in the 2020 draft, played just nine and 10 minutes, respectively, off the bench in two straight games against the Bulls. He scored all five points in Wednesday’s second quarter.
“I think for any newcomer that comes in 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 I really think he’s playing well” said Thibodeau. “I think the injury delayed him a little bit, but I like what he’s doing in practice, I like the way he approaches things. I think his athleticism is a great asset for us. “