Papabear Says
Never in Dallas did Brunson have to play at this level and it is starting to show. Brunson isnt but so big and he is doing a lot of banging against bigger players and playing longer. I hope this is not the Derek Rose thing all over again. At this rate Brunson will have nothing in the tank at the play-offs.It seems to me that everyone has peeked. If Thibs don't start monitoring Brunson playing time and resting his body we may not get out of the first round. Brunson has not looked physically good in the last few games. I also think that some players are getting pissed off because they are not getting touches on the ball.
Its a good question. Now he and the knicks have seen this level of play how to best manage his minutes and wear is important.
He ain't staying on the court for the time being, that's for certain. Goes to show how important depth can be. I'd say we are fortunate to have IQ and Deuce stepping up in his absence. Definitely the team is not as good without Brunson, but the replacements are better than _____ (fill in name of your most hated ex-Kick point guard).
I think the question is just as fair as asking if Julius Randle can handle mental duress
I was saying at the beginning of the season that we should build a contender ASAP while Brunson is still healthy enough to play at a high level. Mostly because of the way he plays. Still feel that way.
Seems like Brunson is just banged up like every other player in the nba playing big minutes. It’s a long year and we are at the tail end.
makes you appreciate what Randle is doing, sans his mental break down.
It’s a long season.
Thibs plays his guys too long. You see it in blow outs, back to backs. The game is in hand or out of reach he’s running his guys minutes up.
It’s a stubbornesh. Have to keep McBride in there for 10 minutes a night and protect guys for the playoffs. Julius needs a game off or his minutes under 35 a couple of games.
Getting everyone healthy is huge come playoff time. Last thing we need is Brunson banged up and Julius frustrated because he is not fresh
I’ve said all along — our biggest issue is getting 3-4 years of a healthy Jalen Brunson.
He starts off as a below avg. NBA athlete but on top of that he takes a tremendous amount of hits both offensively and defensively. Kid seems to hit the floor off post shot contact every time and the charges he take can have a cumulative affect.
Everyone keeps saying this is the greatest free agent signing but for that to happen Brunson has to stay healthy next few years - it’s a worry imo.
franco12 wrote:makes you appreciate what Randle is doing, sans his mental break down.
Yep - Jules is a legit physical stud.
That said I believe Julius tore his Achilles the first game of his career which always crosses my mind when he lifts off for one of his dunks. Wish he’d stay more grounded.
Thing with Julius is he has elite quickness for a man his size combined with elite strength - not to mention his handle / passing ability.
Worry about him breaking down or just breaking.
Jules broke his tibia his first game. Since then been iron man now on a very reasonable contract even if he is mentally unfocused at times with anger.
The old “Thibs wears down players” is an oldie but a goodie.
LIke a greatest hit we revisit only when team is on a bad way.
“Torture the numbers enough they will confess to prove your point”.
Guys get paid big money are expected to play. Star players play big minutes. Its why they get paid. Star players get hurt, the blame is on coach. Sure, non star players get hurt they don’t get the big money, and blame is on them, or circumstance.
THis is Jalens first big NBA as a starter.
He has played 65 games. I assume he’ll play 70. Miss 12? Not sure we need a “Warren Commission” to see what was on the grassy noll or that Thibs burns out his players. I thought this has been proven to not be the case?
Players play. Players get hurt.
This is another reason Knicks could use a LaVine type. It takes some pressure off of Brunson to not have to be relied on for creating all of the offense.
Knixkik wrote:This is another reason Knicks could use a LaVine type. It takes some pressure off of Brunson to not have to be relied on for creating all of the offense.
What’s a LaVine type?
Someone who may have a bad knee that is prone to wear down in a few years because the player the relies on athleticism as part of his game?
Or do you mean someone who has a risk adverse contract based exactly on the possibility of injury or re-injury ala the situation Knicks may be trying to avoid with Jalen?
