Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau loves big NBA rule change



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The NBA has taken steps to reduce the number of fouls this season, and defensive-minded Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau “thinks it’s a very good change.”

“When I came into the league many years ago you wouldn’t get two free throws unless you made an aggressive move to the basket,” Thibodeau said Tuesday after the Knicks’ first practice at training camp. . “In the old days, if you tried to cheat on the official, you wouldn’t get any calls.

“Now I think the league has caught up with that so hopefully it will be a lot better. I don’t think anyone wants to see a game where there are 80 free throws. I think we all want the flow of the game to go [well]. “

The new rules will limit fouls known as “non-basketball moves,” such as offensive players throwing themselves into defenders and shooters hitting their legs at abnormal angles.

Knicks Tom Thibodeau
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau speaking to the media on September 28, 2021.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“[I’m] study it, ask questions, learn new ways to learn from mistakes. I’m just a student of the game, ”said Knicks goaltender Immanuel Quickley, who shot 89.1 percent from the free throw line as a rookie. “The game changes from year to year. From 2000, it is not the same as in 2010. From 2010 it is not the same as in 2020.

“So the game keeps changing. You have to keep adapting and be versatile enough to do different things and be the best player you can be. So adapt to the game and watch a movie and just learn.

Asked specifically about Quickley’s ability to reach the line, Thibodeau added, “Quick, to his credit, is an excellent student of the game. He took advantage of it. Frankly looking at all of the fouls from last year he was actually fouled.


Thibodeau was not surprised that Derrick Rose, who also played for him in Chicago and Minnesota, revealed on Monday that he expects to be the substitute playmaker for newcomer Kemba Walker this season.

“He’s always been like that,” said Thibodeau. “He was like that when he was in high school. You talk to the people he played with in high school – there are games where he didn’t shoot the ball. He is the [NBA] MVP at 22 and he was the same guy. He was totally selfless, happy for his teammates, whatever his teammates did.

“Anyone who’s played with him – the same thing we said about Kemba, we could say it about Derrick. His teammates have always loved him because he always cared about them. He’s always been a team guy first, he’ll do whatever you ask him to. And that’s what makes it special.


Thibodeau said goaltender Luca Vildoza “is in a boot” with a foot injury originally suffered in the Summer League. His salary of $ 3.325 million for this season is not guaranteed.

“What we’re looking at, we have a place on the open list. And so right now you’re relying on the guys who are available and can help the team the most, ”said Thibodeau. “We have the whole camp to figure this out. “

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