New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reportedly has not let go of his desire to have two big men in the starting lineup. ESPN Senior NBA insider Shams Charania stated on October 10th that Tom Thibodeau is considering starting Mitchell Robinson at center when he returns in 2025.
Charania’s statement is most likely true, as Thibodeau believes rim-protecting centers are vital to his defensive system. Fred Katz of the Athletic stated in 2022 that Tom Thibodeau had a rim-protection obsession.
Thibodeau obsesses over rim protection. He builds defensive schemes around it. And it works well as a foundation for his teams. The Knicks were inconsistent at guarding the perimeter last season but still finished 11th in points allowed per possession. Thibodeau might remind you they allowed the fewest points in the paint of anyone in the NBA, too.
Tom Thibodeau’s Defense
Tom Thibodeau’s desire for rim protection is evident on film because he uses the center position as the second line of defense in his system. In this system, players are responsible for guarding their individual assignments until an opposing player gets near the free-throw line.
If an opposing player gets near the elbow, a teammate comes over to provide help. The help defense is intended to keep the ball out of the paint. For example, former Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr dribbled the ball up the court late in the 4th quarter against the Knicks on January 23rd.
Once Smith reached the three-point line, he handed the ball off to Mikal Bridges, who stood on the left wing. Smith proceeded to set a quick off-the-ball screen, allowing Bridges to separate from his defender, Donte DiVincenzo.
The separation allowed Bridges to take a few steps toward the top of the key before turning the corner to try to attack the basket. However, New York Knicks big man Precious Achiuwa was waiting for him at the free throw line, forcing Bridges to kick the ball out to the perimeter.
Mitchell Robinson’s impact
Thibodeau’s desire to protect the rim makes Robinson an ideal starting center for his team. Robinson has held opponents to 57.7% shooting in the paint since the 2020-21 season on 20.9 attempts. He has been a driving force behind the team, being first in paint field goal percentage, holding opponents to 55.9% shooting on 40.2 attempts.
Opponents have averaged 44.9 points per game in the paint vs. the Knicks, the fourth fewest in the league. Despite the Knicks’ success in the paint, Tom Thibodeau’s obsession with rim protection leaves them open to three-pointers. Opponents have averaged 35.8 threes per game vs. the Knicks, ninth most in the league.
Tom Thibodeau playing Karl-Anthony Towns at power forward
Opponents are shooting 35 % on those attempts. Given Thibodeau’s defensive system, it would be a bad idea to Karl-Anthony Towns at power forward. Towns has a slower reaction time, making it harder for him to contest perimeter shots properly. For example, Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin had the ball on the right wing early in the first quarter vs the Timberwolves on December 16, 2023.
Toppin stepped towards the right, acting like he would attack the basket. Consequently, Towns shuffled his feet to the left to cut off the lane to the basket.
Toppin immediately stepped back, but Towns could not recover in time. As a result, he attempted to make an open step-back three.
Opponents have shot 39.1 from behind the arc on 5 attempts since the 2022-23 season. His defensive field goal percentage has been 3.3% worse than the league average.
Towns is a much better defender when he is underneath 10 feet. Towns is holding opponents to 55.3% shooting since the 2022-23 season on 5.9 attempts. The defensive field goal percentage is 3.1% better than the league average.
Therefore, if Tom Thibodeau insists on starting Robinson, Towns will have to guard smaller wings on the perimeter, setting him up to struggle. As a result, Thibodeau’s ridged philosophy is a roadblock to the team’s championship hopes.
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