KAT: Thibodeau historic previous helps transition to Knicks

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Karl-Anthony Cities says his initial response used to be shock upon learning he had been traded from Minnesotahis NBA home for 9 years, to Novel York.

Composed, the four-time All-Star used to be all smiles Thursday all the strategy by his first chunky day with the Knicks, joking with coach Tom Thibodeau toward the cease of the group’s coaching camp workout. Cities and Thibodeau dangle historic previous together from their time in Minnesota, a familiarity that Cities stated would possibly maybe well well support him and the Knicks jell a limited more fleet than in style after such a blockbuster deal.

“I believe it affords us a limited bit bit of a head originate,” Cities stated of his relationship with Thibodeau, who coached him for two and a half of years with the Timberwolves. “I do know the offense he likes to race. I do know the approach he likes to play defense and what he expects from his gamers.”

Building familiarity alongside with his teammates can also clutch a limited longer, even though Cities made clear that All-NBA guard Jalen Brunsonthe group’s captain, knew exactly who he used to be.

“The first ingredient I did used to be breeze up to Jalen and launched myself to divulge, ‘Hi, my title is Karl.’ Because I do know that used to be a fight for him,” Cities joked, alluding to Brunson’s media day statement Monday wherein he coyly stated he didn’t know any individual named Karl. The commerce wasn’t official at that point, so Knicks gamers had been cautious to no longer impart too powerful about their soon-to-be teammate.

Cities deflected most questions about his capacity on-court match Thursday, even though gamers equivalent to Brunson and Josh Hart had been commence in announcing that his addition will fundamentally shift the offense by spacing the floor and allowing the Knicks to exhaust a five-out attack.

For his part, Cities stated playing for his blueprint of beginning-condominium group will be a boon for his non-public lifestyles.

“I hobble so to leer my grandmother more, and I will gape my niece and nephew grow up,” stated Cities, including that his phone hasn’t stopped buzzing with texts from visitors within the Novel York condominium who are satisfied to dangle him abet.

Hooked in to the likelihood of repeatedly playing at Madison Square Backyard, which would possibly maybe well well dangle meant the arena to his tiresome mother, Jackie, makes him emotional.

Thibodeau stated he used to be angry to dangle the opportunity to express a more seasoned version of Cities.

“He’s gotten plenty more skills. He’s now been deep within the playoffs and knows what that’s esteem,” Thibodeau stated. “As powerful as you are making an strive and prepare for one thing esteem that, until you plow by it, you don’t completely realize what that’s. His realizing is so powerful further alongside now than in his 2d 365 days within the league. And his talent announce is so outlandish that it matches successfully with each person.”