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Tom Thibodeau Addresses Knicks Injuries, Depth

The New York Knicks have a need for depth amidst injuries.

Jeremy Brener

May 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) wrestle for the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
May 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) wrestle for the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks have had their depth tested over the course of the season with injuries plaguing the entire roster.

With Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson both missing time, it allowed for Jericho Sims and rookie Ariel Hukporti to see some action. Injuries to Cam Payne and Miles McBride early in the year allowed for Tyler Kolek to get some minutes.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about how important depth is in the NBA.

“There’s nothing you can do, really, to prevent the injuries," Thibodeau said h/t Posting and Toasting. "They’re going to happen. That’s why you have depth on your team, so when someone gets injured, you go to the next person, and that’s why your practices are important, your preparation is important. [Injuries and depth] really gave us an opportunity to look at different guys. Jericho Sims got in and played really well. Tyler Kolek has given us some good minutes. So it’s the next guy get in there, and that helps to develop your team. Over the course of the season, you need everybody. And that’s what we want our team to be.”

Thibodeau knows first hand how important it is to have depth, especially after the roller coaster he went through during the playoffs back in the spring. That's why the Knicks went out and signed players like Cam Payne and Matt Ryan to keep the team filled with talent.

Now that these players are getting healthier, it allows for the depth to take somewhat of a back seat. But those players need to stay ready because they never know when another opportunity for them to shine will arise.

The Knicks are back in action tonight against the Detroit Pistons. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET inside Madison Square Garden.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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