PHILADELPHIA – Tom Thibodeau’s rotation obtained an addition and not using a subtraction by dealing Cam Reddish for Josh Hart.
So what does that imply for the nine-man group that Thibodeau performs on a nightly foundation? Is any person instantly out of the rotation?
“We’ll see,” Thibodeau mentioned. “Once the deal is official we’ll take a look at all the possibilities. And then we’ll do what we think is best for the team, what gives us the best chance to win. It won’t change from that standpoint. You always look at, here’s the personnel we have, what gives us the best chance to win, what makes the most sense? And then continue to ask everyone to make sacrifices because that’s what a winning team does.”
That wasn’t a really revealing reply from Thibodeau, however make no mistake: Hart was acquired to play immediately. The 6-4 wing, who began each sport this season for the Blazers, was coveted by the coach. According to a supply, Thibodeau pushed to accumulate Hart even final season earlier than the Villanova product was dealt from the Pelicans to the Blazers.
And on Wednesday — a yr later — the Knicks used Reddish and a first-round choose to deal for Hart.
“I have great respect for [Hart]. He’s been a top-flight competitor in the league for a long time,” Thibodeau mentioned Thursday. “And he brings a lot of intangibles to the game. So, a lot of respect for him.”
Hart fell off slightly dramatically this season as a 3-point shooter, however his rebounding, protection and all-around tenacity ought to present the Knicks a lift. Of all his attributes, Hart’s rebounding stands out as elite for a guard with averages of 8.2 boards general and 1.9 on offense.
Thibodeau defined why that’s vital.
“The volume of threes has changed that aspect of [guards needing to rebound] because of the long rebounds. So I think that’s become important,” the coach mentioned. “I think we’ve always put a premium on the rebounding — we always say the defense, the rebounding and low turnovers puts you in position to win. And when you see teams taking 50 threes, and then those long rebounds, they’re important. They’re critical. How quick are you to the ball? Can you get from the elbow to the corner? All those things that are important.”
There are a number of methods Thibodeau can incorporate Hart into the rotation. One is to easily broaden it from 9 gamers to 10. Another is to interchange reserve wing Miles McBride. The third choice is to maneuver Hart into the beginning lineup by eradicating both Quentin Grimes or RJ Barrett.
On Thursday, Thibodeau wouldn’t decide to a call on altering the beginning lineup. The coach additionally didn’t know if he’d really feel snug enjoying Hart on Friday towards the Sixers with out going by means of a observe.
“I honestly can’t answer that right now. We’ll see,” Thibodeau mentioned. “The thing is, I’ve done it both ways [with a new player not practicing before a game]. We’ll see once he gets here.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com