This is Year 5 of the Tom Thibodeau experience in New York. What we’ve learned from the first four is ringing true in Year 5.
In his first season, Thibs relied on veterans like Elfrid Payton who relegated emerging rookie Immanuel Quickley to a bench role, although it was Payton who was banished to the role of handing out water bottles in the playoffs in favor of Derrick Rose. RJ Barrett was reduced to a corner shooter in a Randle-centric offense.
In his second season, Thibs leaned on Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, which again stunted minutes for Quickley and also new first-rounder Quentin Grimes.