Point guard situation again top priority
NEW YORK — A make-or-break season for New York’s young point guards starts with their “important” offseason.
Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., both lottery picks three years ago, left much to be desired last season while shooting a combined 37%. For Smith Jr., the struggles were intensified and frustrating. For Ntilikina, the offensive woes were a continuation of a trend. Both left the impression they need a turnaround to last in the NBA, especially since they can become free agents after the season. And while there’s clearly potential in both 22-year-olds — in Smith Jr. as an explosive scorer, and in Ntilikina as a lockdown defender — Thibodeau is already the fourth NBA coach for each player.
“I’m getting to know both guys and like what they’ve done so far,” Thibodeau said after the third day of New York’s group practices at the Tarrytown practice facility. “They got to continue to work. There’s oftentimes ups and downs for young players, there’s a learning curve they have to go through, and some experiences will be better than others.
“They both have had some good moments in the league. You want to build a consistency in how do you get there you have to do it through your work you have to learn from the experiences, and you have to be disciplined. And so, hopefully we can get there this is a very important offseason for both players.”
Thibodeau’s history suggests he can extract potential, at least for those players willing to work. Youngsters like Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah blossomed under his watch in Chicago. Jimmy Butler developed into arguably Thibodeau’s greatest success story, progressing from a 30th pick to a superstar now leading Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Even Thibodeau didn’t expect this from Butler.
“I’m thrilled for him. It’s a great story. It’s a guy who was drafted 30th. And made himself better each and every year and continues to do so,” said Thibodeau, who coached Butler in Chicago and Minnesota. “Even now an established All-Star he still works incredibly hard. He plays very unselfishly. He plays to win. He’s not about statistics. I knew that from the start with him. I never envisioned him being this good. I always thought he’d be a good player. But he’s made himself into a superstar because of his intelligence, talent and work ethic. Obviously he’s learned a ton in his career. He’s a guy who constantly studies and brings out the best in himself and best in his teammates.”
Ntilikina personifies ‘team player’ but offensively must improve to push beyond spot player. Smith Jr. brings more athleticism and natural talent but slammed into a mental wall last season. Both were in-andout of the rotation despite their high draft positions, and it reached the point that Marcus Morris, the team leader at the time, lobbied with management to get Smith Jr. more playing time, sources said.
Now without much time to assess and teach during this minicamp, Thibodeau is trying to instill a mindset and glean information about how the players respond. It’s important for the Knicks to understand what they have at point guard before the draft, free agency and trade season. Thibodeau figures to be a part of the roster-building decisions.