Robinson: Thibodeau Will Give Knicks “What They’ve Been Missing”

Tom Thibodeau
Photo credit USA Today Images

Nate Robinson played for the New York Knicks from 2005-10, and he played for Tom Thibodeau in Chicago in 2012-13. So if anyone can speak to Thibodeau’s potential with the Knicks, well, it’s Robinson.

“I think they’re going to get what they’ve been missing for all these years,” the 36-year-old told JR SportBrief. “He’s definitely going to go out and try to find some hard-nosed players that love to play defense first because that’s what he preaches. You play defense, you get your offense. He’s going to try to get that defensive mindset in New York City, and I think the fans are going to really enjoy that because that’s all the New York fans want you to do is just play as hard as you can for as long as you can – and in the midst of it show them love and show them respect.”

The Knicks signed Thibodeau, 62, to a five-year deal. He will be tasked with rebuilding a franchise that has advanced past the first round of the playoffs just once since 2000.

Coach Tom Thibodeau is probably the most prepared coach I’ve ever played for,” Robinson said. “He knows the X’s and O’s. He knows everybody’s weaknesses, tendencies. He knows everybody’s strengths. He’s a good coach. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had since I’ve been in the league.”

Thibodeau is 352-246 (.589) as a head coach, including 255-139 (.647) in five seasons with the Bulls.

The Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since 2013.