Tom Thibodeau returned to Chicago for two games with the Knicks, generating a lot of memories of the five seasons he spent there coaching the Bulls between 2010-2015.
With that in mind, Thibodeau offered an interesting answer when asked Wednesday if he thinks Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson can turn into a well-rounded center in the way Joakim Noah has turned from a defensive player. to an MVP candidate for the Bulls under his tutelage.
“Every player is different. Mitch has different strengths, “Thibodeau said before Robinson contributed eight points and 11 rebounds to Knicks’ 107-103 victory Wednesday night at United Center. “The growth part of Joakim’s game was great.
“He started as a defensive player, an energetic guy, a guy who led the floor well. And, in fact, when Derrick [Rose] we hurt ourselves, we went through it. He was an excellent passer, a decision maker, very good with dribbling transfers and I think this is a part of Mitch’s game that can grow. And so we will provoke him in this way. ”
Obi Toppin has been sidelined from Monday’s loss to Chicago due to a deficiency in defense, but Thibodeau said he believes the rookie striker has taken “constant steps” defensively this season.
Toppin, the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, played only nine and 10 minutes, respectively, off the bench in the two consecutive games against the Bulls. He scored all five points in the second quarter on Wednesday.
“I think for any newcomer to come 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 actually think it plays well,” Thibodeau said. . “I think the injury made him come back, but I like what he does in practice, I like the way he approaches things. I think his athleticism is a great asset to us. ”