The New York Knicks are having another solid season under veteran head coach Tom Thibodeau, as the team has seemingly found their groove with rising star Jalen Brunson leading the way for the storied NBA franchise.
However, things haven’t been easy for the Knicks this season as the team has had to deal with their fair share of injury issues, namely with Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby on the shelf for long periods of time.
Even though the Knicks might be sitting a little higher in the Eastern Conference standings with healthier players, Stephen A. Smith of ESPN argues that these injuries might actually benefit the team right now.
Smith believes that Thibodeau would be riding these star players hard right now, and the fact that they are on the mend and resting will save their legs for a crucial run in the NBA playoffs via Legion Hoops.
“Tom Thibodeau doesn’t know how to de-escalate the situation and relax during the regular season,” Smith said. “So if Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby and those boys was healthy, he would’ve been pushing and pushing and pushing, and then their legs would’ve been gone. The fact that they’re hurt is helpful because they’re resting their legs.”
Although Smith does have a point that these star players will be fresh when the playoffs roll around, they will also be rusty and will need some time to get up to speed and might not have that luxury if they get beaten in the first round.
However, the future looks bright for New York as long as this core of players can get back healthy for the postseason and shake off the rust quickly.
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