How could I root for the Knicks? Weren’t they the Bulls rivals? A New York team? Well, they are a New York team; I actually love New York. I don’t have any complex towards them; typically I don’t like their teams, but… nothing against the city. Love NYC; love Chicago more, but… it’s all good. Bulls rivals? Well, I guess we can use that term loosely… the Bulls owned the Knicks; I don’t have to remind you of how many times we’ve sent them home in the postseason vs the one time they got us with an assist from Hue Hollins do I? The reason I can root for the Knicks is easy; I love Thibs.
The Bulls should have never got rid of him; it’s right up there with moving Jimmy Butler. Damn the Bulls have done some stupid shit, and then you wonder why we are where we are. The Butler trade was an epic fail, but this isn’t about Jimmy, although is it possible he comes back to Chicago? And play for Billy Donovan? Ha! This is about New York Thibs. He’s got those boys playing; it reminds me of when we were on our track to get #7. He has an absolute dynamic point guard; Brunson and Rose are two totally different players, and I’m not hear to tell you I’d take Rose all day over him, I’m saying they’re both awesome floor generals. I really like Brunson’s game. Yeah, the blow by and stop so the defender can run into him gets a little ridiculous, but other than that, really solid player; he should have got some more traction in the MVP race IMO.
I like the Knicks team in general, mostly because they’re playing hard for Thibs; he demands it. Only a certain type of player can play and succeed under him; no divas allowed… no complaining about practicing too hard… no whining about load management… and YES, you DO have to play defense. No, you’re going to play a lot of minutes, and you’re expected to play hard in ALL of those minutes. I know, I know… culture shock for today’s NBA. But this is the exact reason why I like this team. They are playing Thibs ball; they play defense. They hustle. See how many offensive boards they get? That’s a big, big sign of hustle. Yes, it’s that heart, hustle, and muscle that we got very familiar with during the Thibs era; I miss it.
Honestly, nowadays, the way Thibs does it is frowned upon; another reason why I like him so much. Talk about blue collar… yeah, his team is blue collar. You got the 3 players from Villanova who are absolutely thriving under him. You got an in season acquisition that perfectly fits the Thibs mold with OG… defensively awesome, and offensively, not too bad; you see him pass up the open three to dunk in Embiid’s face? Wow! But how can you pass up an open three pointer?!?! Blasphemy in today’s NBA. Yes, you still need the three, and they get some of that too, but they’re tough. Tough enough to eventually beat the Celtics? I hope so.
Hey, the Knicks haven’t won in forever too; I guess we can let them get another. It is kind of cool to see all the old Knicks in attendance, although I’ve probably hated all of them at one point or another. Their fans are nuts; I always appreciate crazy ass fan bases… I can relate. But most of all, I want to see Thibs win it… with HIS team… HIS way. If Rose didn’t get hurt, he would have already had a ring; I’m convinced of that. Now, he has another chance, and I’m supporting him… while still cursing out the Bulls front office who shipped him away. Go Thibs!
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