New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has responded to recent criticisms regarding his approach to player minutes during the regular NBA season.
During a candid conversation on the ‘Roommates Show’ podcast hosted by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Thibodeau acknowledged the ongoing scrutiny over his decision to play key players extensive minutes throughout the year. Despite the criticism, Tom Thibodeau emphasized that managing player workload is a common practice among coaches across the league.
“Yeah, I don’t ever worry about that. Like I always tell you guys at the beginning of the season – you begin with the end in mind and you prepare yourself for what you’re going to have to do all season long. There could be a game that you play extended minutes,” Thibodeau explained.
Thibodeau, known for his unwavering commitment to maximizing player performance, brushed off concerns about overworking his roster during the regular season. He pointed out that focusing on the end goal and preparing players for potential extended playing time are critical aspects of his coaching philosophy.
“So if I said to you, ‘Josh, how many minutes did you average over the course of the season?’ – No one would say 33… Most teams right now look at the playoffs, there are three top players who are playing in the 40s. But no one says that. For whatever reason, it’s stuck with me. It is what it is, I don’t really care…”
Tom Thibodeau says that most playoff teams have their top players on the court for over 40 minutes per game, and he isn't concerned about the criticism he receives for giving his players heavy minutes
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 13, 2024
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