I really liked Thibs’ talk with Pitto on MSG. He knew the team’s bet rating off hand and said that was the best evidence there was tremendous amounts of work to do. When asked what first he said contact players to set the work ethic and parameters needed to achieve the goal.
This makes complete sense and always has.
Also, either in that or his intro presser, Thibs finally defined developmental coach as one who gets on the floor and can push players. Those who have and apply sufficient fitness along with theory and technique to make NBA level players continue to grow.
Let’s see what that turns into down the line.
A Teacher NOT A Preacher.
Has a proven track record of developing a coherent team concept.
TT's teams play D.
Carlos...you just sort of re-fry those beans about playing vets too many minutes.
In Minny, besides getting them to their one playoff appearance in what, a decade, he actually brought KAT's minutes...DOWN from around 38 to 33.
As for development?
That word COHERENCE comes up again and again.
I'm on record as liking Fizz, so my cred is null and void, but in terms of his teaching moments?
He gave Knox plenty of minutes, but did not raise the bar.
The manner in which he simply dumped on Kanter was not productive.
Tossing RJ out as the PG in game one. Oooops, back to the drawing board.
TT will NOTBE TANKING.
And the likelihood of someone like Frank having consistent minutes and a consistent role increases exponentially, which can only speed his development.
To wit.
Back in 1951, a young talent name of Willie Mays came up from Minneapolis to the NY GIANTS. Had a terrible slump starting out, lost his confidence, and went to his manager, and said, Mister Leo, send me back to Minneapolis, I can't make it up here.
DUROCHER told the young man, we brought you up there to play center field, and you are going to be out there every day.
The rest as they say is history.
TT.
Again, consistency and coherence.
Who was the last coach who gave us that?
Van Gundy?
D'Antoni?
Woodson?
I like the hire. TT is not just a good press conference coach. He is a good practice coach, and a GOOD GAME COACH.
Development?
Getting a team TO PLAY LIKE A FUCKING TEAM.
Which oddly enough, is the mark of a coherent, consistent defensive posture.
And who exactly was YOUR COACH, Carlos?
We are all ears.