Tom Thibodeau has approved Taj Gibson’s return to the Knicks, though their third round won’t begin until the 12-year-old NBA veteran deletes the COVID-19 protocols, likely in the next few days.
The veteran striker, who resigned on Thursday after the Knicks turned down the $ 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,” Thibodeau said before Friday’s 101-89 loss to Thunder at the Garden. “It was quite a lot this summer, although it was not under contract.
“We are delighted that he has returned with us. It’s invaluable to have that kind of leadership, a great teammate, the first guy on the team, hardworking, always ready. Whatever you ask him to do. You can start it, you can take it off the bench. Or you can just wait for an opportunity and do it all great. “
Gibson also served as a mentor last season to Mitchell Robinson, who played just 26 minutes on Friday. Thibodeau moved to a smaller team, with the Knicks scoring up to 13 points in the second half.
Reserve center Nerlens Noel was also available after missing two games with knee and ankle injuries, but had zero points in 11 minutes. Rookie Obi Toppin (calf) fired on the field before the game, but former Dayton star has not yet been authorized for contact, Thibodeau said.
The NBA announced on Friday plans for a G-League bubble format to be held at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with a preliminary plan to begin play around February 8th.
Thibodeau said the Knicks will likely use the setting to get playing time for players little used to the Westcheser. Probable candidates are Ignas Brazdeikis, bilateral players Jared Harper and Theo Pinson, and possibly even Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr.