Knicks coaching candidate Thibodeau answers critics

While admitting he has to “keep adapting as time goes on,” Knicks coaching candidate Tom Thibodeau defended some of the criticisms leveled at him, including overplaying his star players and draining them come playoff time.

In an appearance on ESPN this week, Thibodeau shot down critics of his taskmaster ways not being current enough.

The Post reported Thibodeau will be sought by Leon Rose if the new Knicks team president doesn’t keep interim coach Mike Miller. Multiple insiders believe Thibodeau is the favorite. The Post also reported this week the Nets and Rockets should have strong interest in him.

“I think we all have questions to answer as coaches,’’ Thibodeau said. “The big thing is, oftentimes there’s things that are being said where there’s no validity to them, they’re being painted by people that have never even been around you. And then I would say to all those people, the facts are what the facts are. To look into the facts, to do your research, to look into the numbers and to also talk to former players, the guys who have played for me. I think if you did that, you would find what the truth is.

“There are certain things that I do believe in. But as we all know, our league is always changing. It never stays the same and it never has, nor will it ever. So you have to keep adapting as time goes on.”

Thibodeau’s winning percentage stands at .589. In his five seasons in Chicago, Thibodeau’s percentage was .647. Even in a failed stint in Minnesota, he managed to break the Wolves’ 13-year playoff drought in his second season (2017-18).