The New York Knicks have managed to continue their momentum even after starting center Mitchell Robinson broke his right hand two weeks ago. With veteran big man Taj Gibson also nursing a sprained ankle, the Knicks are a bit shorthanded in their frontcourt rotation.
Amid the Knicks' health issues, backup big man Nerlens Noel has been serving as a bright spot for the team thus far. In fact, Noel managed to hold his ground as he notched eight points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks through 39 minutes against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.
Given how the Kentucky product is playing as of late, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau believes that he has the right amount of weapons in order to win more games moving forward, even with the injuries. While DeMarcus Cousins' name has been bandied about in rumors, Thibs deflected any decisions regarding impending roster moves to the direction of Knicks president Leon Rose:
“That’s a Leon question,’’ Thibodeau said, via Marc Berman of the New York Post. “We have more than enough on the roster so we’ll figure out a way. We have guys that can play multiple positions and then we’re going to have to take care of the rebounding, gang rebound. Everyone has to contribute in that area.’’
At the same time, Noel also sent a message to his Knicks opponents who are looking to go at him in their coming games:
“If you don’t know, you’re going to find out,’’ he claimed. “I’m protecting the rim by any means. It’s a great aspect to my game I try to play at a high level. Just do enough to change the game. Just come in and find out.’’’
After a 109-90 victory against the Pistons, Tom Thibodeau and his men have further improved to a 6-2 record with Noel in their starting lineup, ultimately accounting for an 18-17 record and the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. With a three-game winning streak, the Knicks are looking to hold their ground as much as possible until their big men return to their lineup in the weeks to come.
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