The New York Knicks confronted a critical wrestle final season with Mitchell Robinson’s harm.
The middle suffered an ankle harm and stood by him virtually the whole marketing campaign, showing in simply 17 video games.
With out Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ protection would have been extra susceptible to rim assaults. Their general defensive rankings remained robust via teaching and personnel changes, however the presence of Robinson’s paintwork made them a top-notch defensive unit.
Karl Anthony Cities shouldn’t be identified for his defensive talents, and he’s a weak spot uncovered throughout the playoff recreation, making his absence extra apparent.
The Knicks tried to take care of the depth of the middle, however have been rejected by a important goal.
Daniel Tayce, a former Boston Celtics heart who performed for New Orleans final season, rejected the Knicks regardless of a private name from former coach Tom Thibodeau. As an alternative, he signed in Europe as Monaco.
Theis defined his reasoning, not as Robinson’s harm insurance coverage, however moderately centered on taking part in time and future NBA alternatives.
“We might have gone to the Knicks, for instance, however it was due to insurance coverage that Mitchell Robinson returned from an extended harm. And I spoke to Tom Thibodeau, like what we did with PJ Tucker,” Theis revealed.
The veteran heart wished to keep away from conditions the place restricted time might probably undermine his future NBA prospects.
“For me, ‘Now, should you’re sitting for the remainder of the 12 months, what about summer season alternatives?’ So, ‘Okay, I am going to go overseas, go to Europe and play, play nice, I might need a greater likelihood.’ That was my intention and the concept behind it. Simply take into consideration Europe and see what it’s,” he added.
All through the NBA profession, Theis has established itself as a trusted backup heart. Final season, with the Pelicans, he averaged 4.3 factors, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists, offering a gradual contribution.
Theis is acknowledged for his excessive basketball IQ and talent to function inside defensive schemes. His addition might have had an excellent profit to the Knicks’ rim safety points.
Nevertheless, the situational function didn’t enchantment to him in comparison with the European alternative providing extra substantial playtime.
This resolution proved logical from Theis’s perspective, as he performed greater than quarter-hour per recreation in Europe, registering double-digit scoring performances.
His selections illustrate the challenges NBA groups face when providing a backup function to veterinarians who can nonetheless contribute in different methods.
The rejection additionally pressured Robinson to discover different choices for larger depth as he hopes to return to full well being as New York signed Gershon Jabcele this summer season.
