Mikael Bridges recently ignited the debate over game time, urging Tom Thibodeau to use the team’s bench players more.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Knicks star approached Tom Thibodeau, suggesting to scatter more minutes across the team’s bench units.
This news tapped into concern across New York Knicks fan, who have been worried about Thibodeau and his infamous heavy on-court reliance amongst his starters.
Mikal Bridges revealed that the New York head coach expressed openness about the idea, although there have not been many changes from Thibodeau since.
New York’s starting five remains atop of the 29 other teams in terms of on-court play, as each one is playing 35 minutes average or more per game. Both Bridges and Josh Hart remain as workhorses, the duo are tied for most minutes played thus far this season (37.6).
For former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, Bridges’ comments are a clear indication that the 28-year-old and the rest of the starters need a much needed breather.
In the latest segment of his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, the ex-NBA star sent his concerns over the fatigue level that the Knicks starters are experiencing under Thibodeau.
“Mikael Bridges is tired. This guy ain’t missing games since high school. Jalen Brunson ain’t say he’s tired but injuries will tell you that he’s fatigued, that you dealing with something.
“We just don’t have opportunities to take time away from the game to cater to these [problems].”
Bridges calling out Thibodeau also caught the attention of Stephen A. Smith. The ESPN personality, who is a lifelong Knicks fan, didn’t hide his concern at this issue as he went on to criticize the New York mentor.
The Knicks are standing strong thus far as the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 squad (45-27). They also finally clinched a postseason spot for the third-straight year.
But their chances for the NBA title is on a shaky spot as Jalen Brunson remains under recovery from ankle injury. Without the franchise guard, they went 5-5 over the past five games.
“[Bridges] didn’t say he wanted to sit out, he said we got other guys who should be getting ready for playoffs as well,” Anthony argued.
“We don’t have to play that much. Let’s build them up, to get ready for the playoffs. That’s the political answer.
”The other side of it is ‘I’m tired as s___, what we doing man?
”I read between the lines”.
Anthony ultimately does not expect too much to change, with Thibodeau already adjusting somewhat.
He added: “Thibs been Thibs forever, he adapted to what’s going on today. He understands I’m dealing with different types of players, different types of personality, I’m going to have to give some type of leeway,”
The Knicks have an important battle ahead of them as a championship contender, but their biggest threat may come from within as their bodies might fail them when it matters the most.
