Tom Thibodeau’s joking response to Jeff Van Gundy’s new job

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau had one phrase to explain his response to Jeff Van Gundy’s new job.

“Disgusting,” the coach stated earlier than the Knicks’ 121-112 preseason loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday night time on the Backyard.

It was a remark in jest and humorous as a result of Van Gundy, the previous Knicks coach, is now working as a “senior advisor” with the rival Celtics.

The transfer had been within the works for some time and was reported Saturday by Masslive.com.

Thibodeau hinted that the Celtics had been a greater match for Van Gundy when requested if he had provided his buddy an analogous alternative with the Knicks.

“Clearly, he’s had numerous alternatives to do numerous issues. We’re very shut buddies, clearly,” Thibodeau stated. “So, I’m comfortable for him as a result of there are specific issues that he’s on the lookout for and I believe he was capable of finding them there. He’s not solely an incredible coach. He’s an incredible particular person. So, no matter is subsequent for him, I do know he’ll be nice at it. However I simply need him to be comfortable and I believe he can be.”

Van Gundy was laid off by ESPN and ABC in July after 16 years as a colour analyst with the corporate.

His former telecast accomplice, Mark Jackson, may fill in as an analyst for Knicks video games on MSG Community, The Submit’s Andrew Marchand reported.

Van Gundy had been focusing on a return to teaching — he interviewed for the vacant Rockets place in 2020 — and guided Group USA on the FIBA 2017 AmeriCup.

Thibodeau was an assistant on Van Gundy’s workers with the Knicks (1996-03) and Rockets (2003-07).

Randle and Thibodeau had been proper all alongside.

The NBA acknowledging just lately that load administration doesn’t stop accidents, however Thibodeau, who has at all times shunned the observe, handed on a chance to brag with an, “I instructed you so.”

However he did repeat the idea that relaxation can truly result in accidents.

“Whenever you take a look at it over time and also you see, OK, it’s a protracted season and you must situation your self for that season,” Thibodeau stated. “If you happen to’re making ready to play large minutes then you must put together to play large minutes all 12 months lengthy.

“There’s additionally the college of thought that numerous these accidents are being attributable to possibly not being conditioned properly sufficient.”

Joe Dumars, the NBA’s government VP of basketball operations, instructed The Athletic just lately that new information now not helps load administration.

It felt like a self-serving revelation because the NBA is negotiating a brand new TV deal and has to promote their stars taking part in in precise video games.

Both manner, the Knicks aren’t a priority for the NBA.

That is extra for Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson and the growing old Warriors.

Randle, the Knicks’ solely All-Star, by no means rests when wholesome and is among the many league leaders in minutes performed since coming to New York.

“I don’t know a lot about [load management]. I’ve by no means achieved it,” Randle stated. “I’m at all times simply going about how my physique feels, making ready my physique the most effective I can each night time and if I’m wholesome to play, I’m going to play. I don’t actually know a lot concerning the information. I’ve by no means participated in it.

“I don’t know [why players rest when healthy]. You’ll should ask them. However I imply, each night time I get the possibility to go on the market on that courtroom it’s a blessing and an honor. Going into 12 months 10, I don’t take these moments with no consideration. Anytime I can go on the market and play I’ll and if I don’t I’ll hear about it from my son.”

Thibodeau is old-school on the topic.

“One time I talked to Michael Jordan about it at size, the issues that he did to arrange for a season. He had the assumption — and the entire group did — about the way in which you must work,” Thibodeau stated. “Similar factor in Boston. In ’08 once we gained the championship [with Thibodeau as an assistant coach], these guys had been phenomenal. They didn’t miss observe. Nice observe workforce. The 90s, the Knicks had been an incredible observe workforce. And it served them properly. If you happen to’re taking part in professional sports activities there’s at all times the potential of getting injured. I believe you take a look at all the things. However you must put together your self to play a protracted season.”

The battle for the ultimate roster spots has impressed Randle, who additionally most likely appreciates the kids taking the brunt of Thibodeau’s anger.

“They work their asses off,” Randle stated. “They get right here early, keep late. Weight room. No matter Thibs is asking them to do, it’s one hundred pc effort. Thibs is likely to be mad at us and he’s cursing them out. That’s simply the way it goes.”

The Knicks have as many as three open roster spots and 6 gamers at present on non-guaranteed contracts — Ryan Arcidiacono, DaQuan Jeffries, Isaiah Roby, Jacob Toppin, Duane Washington Jr. and Charlie Brown Jr.

Three gamers on two-way contracts — Nathan Knight, Dylan Windler and Jaylen Martin — is also transformed to straightforward offers in the event that they impress throughout camp. Thibodeau additionally talked about the potential of signing a participant who’s minimize from one other workforce.