Former MVP Rose was not only taken out of the starting lineup but also only participated in 27 games.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It came as a surprise when Rose arrived at the 2022 training camp boasting about how he had followed Thibodeau’s advice and lost weight.

The Knicks opted not to exercise their $15.6 million team option on Rose and he subsequently signed with the Grizzlies.

Rose will hopefully be given playing time and can then step in as a veteran leader for a team that was turned upside down by immaturity last year.

A current Knicks player, predictably, had contrasting thoughts on Thibodeau’s training camp.

“He’s very detail-oriented, which I appreciate,” Donte DiVincenzo said of him. Playing for coaches that pay attention to the smallest of details is why I’m in the NBA, and it all goes back to my time in college. I believe Thibs has the potential to bring out the best in me.

It’s as simple as paying attention to the angles, mastering the basics, and not skipping any of the procedures. Most of the squads in this league win solely on the strength of their athletes. They rely only on their own talent. Thibs, on the other hand, takes care of the finer points and lets your innate skills shine through. And you’ll be able to tell by the third day of training camp.

Thibodeau, by coincidence, mentioned Rose on Thursday as the driving force behind the 2021 playoff push that earned them the fourth seed.

“Three years ago, it was more based on our defense and at the end of that year, we turned the corner when we made the trade for Derrick,” Thibodeau said.

Thibodeau believes the “trained eye” is more important than most defensive stats.

Despite his extensive research, the coach has failed to find “the best defensive rating system.” In my opinion, the trained eye is the most crucial factor in determining a victor. Over time, my priorities have consistently been shooting percentage and rebounding advantage. Do you know how to properly challenge shots? Does your opponent have to take the shots you want them to? Are you eliminating the high-stakes situations? That’s what I talk about.