Thibs is already playing 10 guys (with the 10th guy getting 7 to 9 mins), thats more than he's ever has, there's no way he plays 11 guys, and Burks needs 20 to 25 minutes.
Everyone in the current rotation seems to have identified their role.
So IMO it's either going to be Knox or Noel, but even those 2 have had their moments.
So who do you think it's going to be?
we need burks shooting
Bullock likely gets slowly rotated to the end of bench.
knicks1248 wrote:Thibs is already playing 10 guys (with the 10th guy getting 7 to 9 mins), thats more than he's ever has, there's no way he plays 11 guys, and Burks needs 20 to 25 minutes.Everyone in the current rotation seems to have identified their role.
So IMO it's either going to be Knox or Noel, but even those 2 have had their moments.
So who do you think it's going to be?
we need burks shooting
Doesn't really make too much sense since a guy like Noel plays a different position. Noel + Mitch = 48 minutes give or take.
Bullock, Rivers, RJ. Those guys will have their minutes either come down to distributed to who is playing well.
Bullock and Rivers have been dinged up and they may even get games off.
Good problem to have.
I see Bullock eventually being the odd man out. He's a good filler, but he just doesn't provide enough on either end. If the plan is to continue with Quickley and Rivers off the bench, than Burks needs to be starting sooner rather than later as he's a good 3rd scoring option in the starting line-up.
Knixkik wrote:I see Bullock eventually being the odd man out. He's a good filler, but he just doesn't provide enough on either end. If the plan is to continue with Quickley and Rivers off the bench, than Burks needs to be starting sooner rather than later as he's a good 3rd scoring option in the starting line-up.
I doubt he goes from starter to DNP-coaches decision, Bullock was a ridiculous +36 against the Celtics the other day, the most from a knick player ever
Reggie Bullock - 🔥 NBA 🔥 - 2020-2021 NBA Season
➥ 11 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl, 3 3PT ( 4-9 FG, 3-8 3PT, 0-0 FT ) & ± +36
his worth is not just in the numbers, we took a hit with our defense when he was out, especially against OKC.
knicks1248 wrote:Knixkik wrote:I see Bullock eventually being the odd man out. He's a good filler, but he just doesn't provide enough on either end. If the plan is to continue with Quickley and Rivers off the bench, than Burks needs to be starting sooner rather than later as he's a good 3rd scoring option in the starting line-up.
I doubt he goes from starter to DNP-coaches decision, Bullock was a ridiculous +36 against the Celtics the other day, the most from a knick player ever
Reggie Bullock - 🔥 NBA 🔥 - 2020-2021 NBA Season
➥ 11 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl, 3 3PT ( 4-9 FG, 3-8 3PT, 0-0 FT ) & ± +36
his worth is not just in the numbers, we took a hit with our defense when he was out, especially against OKC.
Very true. So Thibs has a tough call to make. Right now Rivers may actually be the odd man out, but that also is hard to believe. The frontcourt rotation is fine, but the backcourt is getting crowded.
C Robinson/ Noel
PF Randle/ Toppin
SF Barrett/ Knox
SG Bullock/ Burks/ Rivers***
PG Payton/ Quickley
Hopefully depth will be a plus long term for the Knicks. Team has been hit by injury big and no health/covid protocol yet
Knixkik wrote:knicks1248 wrote:Knixkik wrote:I see Bullock eventually being the odd man out. He's a good filler, but he just doesn't provide enough on either end. If the plan is to continue with Quickley and Rivers off the bench, than Burks needs to be starting sooner rather than later as he's a good 3rd scoring option in the starting line-up.
I doubt he goes from starter to DNP-coaches decision, Bullock was a ridiculous +36 against the Celtics the other day, the most from a knick player ever
Reggie Bullock - 🔥 NBA 🔥 - 2020-2021 NBA Season
➥ 11 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl, 3 3PT ( 4-9 FG, 3-8 3PT, 0-0 FT ) & ± +36
his worth is not just in the numbers, we took a hit with our defense when he was out, especially against OKC.
Very true. So Thibs has a tough call to make. Right now Rivers may actually be the odd man out, but that also is hard to believe. The frontcourt rotation is fine, but the backcourt is getting crowded.
C Robinson/ Noel
PF Randle/ Toppin
SF Barrett/ Knox
SG Bullock/ Burks/ Rivers***
PG Payton/ Quickley
Not that hard to believe. Rivers is steadily crashing down to earth. Burks does pretty much the same things, but more consistently.
doesnt matter... Burks is just another body. He's a skilled scorer and we need that. He will get plenty of chances. Thibs loves to win and wants to win.
I like the balance right now:
RJ/Mitch/Randle are Thibs "lean on core" and with ages of 20/22/26 I am very happy with how youth and building are being served.
Next (youth-wise) there is a clear commitment to Knox/Obi/IQ. It looks like those guys are in the bench rotation and playing time will depend on game flow. They are 21/22/21 and if they get 8 minutes or 15 minutes or 28 minutes thats what they get.
Burks/Rivers/Noel/Bullock/Elf are a collection of NBA cannon fodder. Pawns you hope are useful enough to make the end game worth something. So far Thibs has pushed a lot of the right buttons and pulled out a lot of quality wins with this crew. These vets are clearly falling in line with their role and mentorship as well. The attitudes are great so far. It may be Thibs way or no way but it seems like this guy is pretty reachable is really invested in coaching up all these guys
Bullock goes to the bench, Barrett likely rests a bit more, someone will get hurt, Burns wont’ play 36 min right away, rivers will get banged up, and we won’t play the Celtics every night. Knox will get 10-16 min a game.
Frankie might sit for while. Teams are never 100% healthy are they?
Nalod wrote:Bullock goes to the bench, Barrett likely rests a bit more, someone will get hurt, Burns wont’ play 36 min right away, rivers will get banged up, and we won’t play the Celtics every night. Knox will get 10-16 min a game.
Frankie might sit for while. Teams are never 100% healthy are they?
Never understood the thinking behind Bullocks not starting and just throwing Burks into the starting lineup.
Thibs and team had all training camp to see both players and make a plan. Defensive plan, offensive plan, which units played well together, etc.
Outside of Burke's ability to shoot on a more consistent basis - which is obvious to everyone INCLUDING the coaching staff (and which could be a big fat 3 game fluke) - why hadn't they made a different decision to start the season?
My guess: Defense was first and there needed to be an offensive focal point of the second unit.
martin wrote:Nalod wrote:Bullock goes to the bench, Barrett likely rests a bit more, someone will get hurt, Burns wont’ play 36 min right away, rivers will get banged up, and we won’t play the Celtics every night. Knox will get 10-16 min a game.
Frankie might sit for while. Teams are never 100% healthy are they?
<snip>
My guess: Defense was first and there needed to be an offensive focal point of the second unit.
The big problem with the Knicks is that on some days, the Knicks simply can't hit a shot - and that goes for starters and bench.
The biggest thing Burks adds is his perimeter shooting (he shot ~37% from 3 over his prior 2 seasons across 5 different teams!). But nearly as important is the fact he's solid all around (Jack of All Trades?): he can make plays for others, shoot, score, play some D. That makes him effective in any lineup.
Based on who's playing now, Bullock/Knox stand to represent the bulk of the minutes lost.
On truly healthy team, I think he takes some minutes away from the whole gamut wings and guards: RJ/Bullock/Payton/Knox/Rivers/Quickley/Frank. Heck, Burks gives the Knicks another reason to go centerless for stretches so Noel/Mitch may lose some playing time as well.
The Knicks' most balanced lineup (when everyone is healthy) is probably Mitch/Randle/Burks/RJ/Quickley - you maximize the shooters and playmakers at the same time.
TPercy wrote:Bullock likely gets slowly rotated to the end of bench.
Do not think benching Bullock would be a good move or one that Thibs considers. Fact is Bullock is a solid defender. One of two currently on the starting five so therefore blends well with RJ and Randle. I thought this board is all about defense and the +/-?
Burks minutes will come out of the SG's and wings that do not have it going. And to give RJ a break from playing 40+. We know Thibs likes his vets so he may go with Burks and Rivers first off the bench. Toppin and Knox will now have to fight for back up 4 time and Burks time. This also forces Thibs to have shorter leashes on Quicks, Knox, Rivers, Payton and RJ. However, we all know that at least Thibs will go with hot hands down the stretch.
HofstraBBall wrote:TPercy wrote:Bullock likely gets slowly rotated to the end of bench.
Do not think benching Bullock would be a good move or one that Thibs considers. Fact is Bullock is a solid defender. One of two currently on the starting five so therefore blends well with RJ and Randle. I thought this board is all about defense and the +/-?
Burks minutes will come out of the SG's and wings that do not have it going. And to give RJ a break from playing 40+. We know Thibs likes his vets so he may go with Burks and Rivers first off the bench. Toppin and Knox will now have to fight for back up 4 time and Burks time. This also forces Thibs to have shorter leashes on Quicks, Knox, Rivers, Payton and RJ. However, we all know that at least Thibs will go with hot hands down the stretch.
Bullock isnt going anywhere. His defense has been great. He fucked up that Cle game late with a real boneheaded play. Aside from that Bullock has been exactly what Thibs has asked from him. Also Bullock had a real stinker shooting 0-9 from 3 vs. Toronto. Take away that game and he's shooting 37% from 3. Add to that the Knicks are 0-2 when Reggie has not been available.
Bullock isnt going anywhere. It hasnt been sexy but he's played his role very well.
I actually think its toppin. Knox will be asked to play the four
Payton/quickley
Barrett/rivers
Bullock/burks
Randle/knox
Mitch/noel
HofstraBBall wrote:TPercy wrote:Bullock likely gets slowly rotated to the end of bench.
Do not think benching Bullock would be a good move or one that Thibs considers. Fact is Bullock is a solid defender. One of two currently on the starting five so therefore blends well with RJ and Randle. I thought this board is all about defense and the +/-?
Burks minutes will come out of the SG's and wings that do not have it going. And to give RJ a break from playing 40+. We know Thibs likes his vets so he may go with Burks and Rivers first off the bench. Toppin and Knox will now have to fight for back up 4 time and Burks time. This also forces Thibs to have shorter leashes on Quicks, Knox, Rivers, Payton and RJ. However, we all know that at least Thibs will go with hot hands down the stretch.
Main reason I had him out is because I don’t want Knox’s mins getting cut. I don’t hate Bullock, he’s contributed a lot defensively but Knox needs to keep his current mins.
Some of you are suggesting that current rotation players (wings and guards) will have their minutes reduce, but that would imply that he will play 11 guys with shorter minutes.
That's not happening, somebody currently in the rotation is going to be cut all the way out of the rotation, because i can't see them benching their prize veteran FA in Rivers and Burks.
I Know Noel doesn't play the same position as burk, but I see them sliding randle to the 5 when mitch rest, and playing more small ball
Randle
OBI
burk
rivers
quickly
Knox and Noel are on the fence IMO
Do you want to see more Knox or More OBI?
Thibs stated at he start he wanted to go deep in the roster and play with young legs and go hard. Injury will occur also.
just because you don’t see it don’t mean it can’t happen.
TPercy wrote:HofstraBBall wrote:TPercy wrote:Bullock likely gets slowly rotated to the end of bench.
Do not think benching Bullock would be a good move or one that Thibs considers. Fact is Bullock is a solid defender. One of two currently on the starting five so therefore blends well with RJ and Randle. I thought this board is all about defense and the +/-?
Burks minutes will come out of the SG's and wings that do not have it going. And to give RJ a break from playing 40+. We know Thibs likes his vets so he may go with Burks and Rivers first off the bench. Toppin and Knox will now have to fight for back up 4 time and Burks time. This also forces Thibs to have shorter leashes on Quicks, Knox, Rivers, Payton and RJ. However, we all know that at least Thibs will go with hot hands down the stretch.
Main reason I had him out is because I don’t want Knox’s mins getting cut. I don’t hate Bullock, he’s contributed a lot defensively but Knox needs to keep his current mins.
Would also like to see Knox continue to shine. If we look at this fairly, Knox, Burks, Rivers are basically just shooters. Can not say they offer much more. Maybe some assists from Burks and Rivers. So their shooting or lack there of will determine if they stay in the game. Thibs will just go with who ever one of those is hot. Think RJ and Bullock get bounds and play solid defense. May be the reason Thibs prefers him over others mentioned. The guy that I think gets pushed to the side is Toppin. Unless he starts to break out. Thus far he has just shown a propensity to put up threes at a low click and dive to the basket. Both which other guys can do as well.
