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Evan Fournier faced teams coached by Tom Thibodeau in his first nine seasons in the NBA before signing with the Knicks in free agency.
What does the $ 73 million goalie think now that he spent a few weeks learning the defensive system from the reigning NBA Coach of the Year during their first training camp together?
“What’s different is I’m racing now,” Fournier joked after practice Thursday at Tarrytown. “But against Thibs, as I have said several times, it was always against a very disciplined team, which will not fight because they do not make mistakes. You’re going to have to beat them.
“On nights when they’re not shooting they can still win because they’re still in the game with their defense and discipline, and I hope we can be that team again this year.”
Replacing the late Reggie Bullock and Elfrid Payton with Fournier and Kemba Walker should boost the Knicks offensively, but Fournier doesn’t believe his new team will give up the defensive identity built last season under Thibodeau.
“I think I’m a good defender for sure. You can talk to Coach Cliff about it, ”Fournier said, referring to Steve Clifford, his former coach with the Magic. “There is no doubt in my mind. I think defensively the number one thing is knowing the job and being competitive.
“I see myself as a very strong competing guy so I don’t care about defense at all. Even as a unit, we will be good defensively. No doubt about it. “
Asked how Thibodeau conveys his defensive message to the team, Fournier added, “I think he’s exceptional in the work ethic he puts into practice. … We are all tired. We all work really hard, but he makes it fun. He knows when to fuck, joke, smile and bring a good positive attitude. And he knows when to be hard, makes sure we’re going stronger, makes sure we understand what he wants from us and he really demands that we give it all we have with every exercise.
Thibodeau did not reveal which veterans will be rested in Saturday’s preseason game in Washington, but did concede that not playing center Nerlens Noel in Tuesday’s opener against Indiana allowed him to throw an extended look at rookie big man Jericho Sims, who finished with eight points and six rebounds in 24 minutes.
“It was awesome,” said Thibodeau. “He’s been here all summer, so he’s had a very productive summer. And then, when the match unfolded, in a way with Nerlens absent, it was an opportunity to take a good look at him and let him get his feet wet. “As with most rookies, there were some really good things. There were some things he obviously needed to learn and improve. But he is a big boy, a big worker, and he has added a lot to our practices. So it was good to see him there.
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