Tom Thibodeau, head coach of the New York Knicks, recently articulated his belief that “everybody has to run their own race,” as he navigates a challenging season. His strategy has involved heavy minutes on his key players, a strategy that would turn heads in most leagues and has puzzled NBA analysts and fans alike. Whatever it is, the Knicks have made themselves known and distinct in the league. Second, they exemplify a new kiss-my-ass model of player usage that stands to radically shape their long-term success.
The New York Knicks are the story of the season so far! The most recent blowout came at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, who were without their stars LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. While this should be a great advantage, Thibodeau’s over-reliance on his top players to rack up heavy minutes continues to be an issue. Their team has played their starters longer than any other team in the league. Their starting five has played a staggering 885 minutes together. The next closest team has 255 fewer minutes played as a group.
It’s in line with Thibodeau’s idea that setting a high mental discipline and resolve is the first step for any championship-caliber team. He draws lessons from his short-lived, 2017 coaching experience with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He noted that during that time when giving young players hefty minutes would be detrimental to their development.
“There’s no right or wrong. There’s what you feel is best for your team.” – Tom Thibodeau
The Knicks have boasted some of the most dominant defensive talent in the league this season. Despite point guard Jalen Brunson’s injury, they’ve played like a top ten defense since then. Every one of these shifts comes with a dollar figure attached to it. The team is receiving the lowest amount of scoring production from its bench than any other team this season. The Knicks have gone to their bench as recently as we’ve seen them do so. This makes us wonder just how fatigued their starters will be as they chase down that last playoff berth.
Brunson has become one of the premier point guards so far this season. He leads the league in ball possession, averaging 8.7 minutes of it per game. On top of that, he leads the entire NBA with 47 clutch baskets, demonstrating his knack for getting it done when it matters most. His extreme usage is a testament to how much Thibodeau thinks the best players in the league should be doing on ball. Currently, he believes this requires wings having to play extended minutes.
Mikal Bridges, who recently made headlines by hitting a buzzer-beating triple to secure a win against the Portland Trail Blazers, acknowledges the physical toll of extended playtime.
“Sometimes [it’s] not fun on the body.” – Mikal Bridges
Bridges argues that while the talent is finally there to buoy bench players, starters are still being over-relied on. He made the case that a more balanced approach would improve their defense and offense, all while reducing wear and tear on players.
“We’ve got a good enough team where our bench guys can come in and we don’t need to play 48, 47 [minutes]. We’ve got a lot of good guys on this team that can take away the minutes, which helps the defense, helps the offense, helps tired bodies being out there.” – Mikal Bridges
Thibodeau’s approach has sparked discussions about player management in today’s NBA, particularly regarding how teams can balance short-term success with long-term sustainability. The Knicks are incredibly hot at the moment. The million dollar question is whether Thibodeau’s plan of using players in heavy minutes will lead to deep runs or early burns on his players.
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