The New York Knicks are having real headaches in this start of the season. In addition to the lack of adaptation of their new signings Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, they only have one healthy center in their rotation right now.
And that one center It is Taj Gibson, who at 36 is saving Tom Thibodeau’s ballot from the physical problems that Mitchell Robinson and his partner Nerlens Noel carry.
Young Mitch had to retire in the third quarter against the Pacers, and Nerlens Noel is again injured by a recent knee sprain.
And the box score It rarely reflects Gibson’s true contribution, as he had just 2 points on 0/2 shooting from the field last night; but what does not count is his claw and his defense, his good nose for rebounds or the +22 that the Knicks registered with him on the court.
“Carrying New York on your chest is enough,” Gibson pointed out when NY Post. “I just try to get out there and play hard, understanding the ups and downs of the season. Many teams go through them and we were in a little bump, especially at home. We were trying to make a difference, but we knew it was going to be a tough game. I’ve been in this league for a long time, so I trust my instincts a lot, “he explained.
The center position is being a problem for the Knicks with Robinson at half throttle after coming out of a serious injury, and against Charlotte he limped off the track, being able to play only 15 minutes with a minus 14 on track.
We’ll see where it is. I don’t think it’s anything serious, ”Thibodeau admitted of Robinson’s condition.
This summer he has gained too much muscle mass and he is not being that dominant and agile player under the boards with great ability to sink it or block blocks. Neither is Noel, a defensive anchor last year and who has only been able to play three games due to injuries to the hamstrings and knee.
“We are monitoring him very closely. As he is allowed to do more racing and conditioning, I think he will improve as the season progresses, “explained the coach.
Robinson has played 13 games with figures of 6.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 25 minutes per game. For his part, Taj has played in nine with 3.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.
(Cover photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)