The New York Knicks’ red-hot start to the season has fizzled out and the team now finds itself amid a worrying stretch. Mired by a three-game losing streak, the Knicks have slipped down to 11th place in the Eastern Conference, prompting head coach Tom Thibodeau to make some changes
Via Greg Joyce of the NY Post, Thibodeau is considering making some changes to New York’s lineup for Tuesday’s clash with the San Antonio Spurs, but added that he’s still “mulling it over.”
Tom Thibodeau said he’s considering lineup changes for tomorrow night, but declined to specify since he’s still “mulling it over.” #Knicks
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) December 6, 2021
This comes on the heels of Thibodeau’s surprising decision to completely exile veteran point guard Kemba Walker from the rotation. Walker joined the Knicks as a free agent on a two-year deal worth nearly $18 million during the offseason, but didn’t have the best impression on his new club.
Across 18 games, Walker, 31, recorded season averages of 11.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting at an efficient 41.3% clip from three-point territory. Still, Thibodeau didn’t feel the former Hornets star provided enough value to maintain a spot in the rotation.
Following Walker’s removal from the team’s plans, there could be another player following suit, though it’s unclear whether or not this coming lineup change will be as drastic as the last.
The Knicks have lost six of their previous nine games, and a season that once looked destined for a solid run in the playoffs now sees New York fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament. Hoping to light a fire under his struggling side, Thibs is going to shake things up in order to achieve the results he covets.