We can already stop speculating about the Knicks starting shooting guard.
Incumbent Evan Fournier was revealed as the frontrunner by , who said Tuesday the lineup requires the Frenchman’s specialty.
“We need shooting,” Thibodeau said. “The one thing I know with [other starters Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and ], we have to put shooting around them. [Center Mitchell Robinson] will give pressure around the rim. That’s what will force the defense to collapse. Evan’s proven — I thought the second half of last year he played really well. I like the depth we have at that position.”
So does that mean Fournier is the frontrunner?
“Yup,” Thibodeau replied.
It was a somewhat surprising development on the first day of training camp. Second-year guard Quentin Grimes is a Thibodeau favorite and considered a better defensive option than Fournier, especially with offensive-minded Jalen Brunson as the other starter in the backcourt.
But the Knicks plan to play at a faster pace this season and launch even more 3-pointers, as Thibodeau plans to continue to follow the NBA offensive trends.
“We became a top-10 in 3-point attempts last year. We went from [averaging] 30 to 37 per game,” Thibodeau said. “When you look at the playoffs, you look at the two teams that took biggest jumps in those areas — Dallas was one, they took more 3-pointers in the playoffs. And Boston as well. I think that’s the way the game is going. Continues to go that way.”
Thibodeau showed in his first season with the Knicks he can coach a stout defense without individual elite defenders. But they took a step back last season and Fournier acknowledged he struggled early.
“Last year, it took me a moment to really understand, ‘OK, what’s my role gonna be with this team? How can I help the guys and how can I be myself?” Fournier said. “I started the year very poorly defensively because I let my offense really impact my defense. I thought the end of the season was much better on both sides of the court. And I think it’s really gonna help me just knowing the guys. I’m gonna be myself. I’m gonna compete as hard as I can. I’m gonna be a good teammate.
“Because I was thinking about the offense and stuff, I played bad defense to start the year,” Fournier added. “That’s honestly a big mistake to make. It’s not this year at all. But once I found my place within the team, I thought everything was aligned and I started to play a lot better.”
Fournier, who is entering the second season of a three-year, $54 million contract, isn’t making predictions about .
“We’re about to find out,” he said. “I mean, I’m serious. It’s so hard to predict anything. [Brunson’s] obviously a good player. He can really drive the ball. He’s strong and physical. He’s another weapon offensively, so that’s good. But finishing games, especially you talked about being organized — it’s not necessarily about talent. It’s more about being on the same page.”
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