It’s the first day of training camp and CP the Fanchise is here with all the latest news from day one.
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Check out some of the biggest takeaways from Knicks Media Day and yesterday’s show below:
Thibs gives Mitch update!
Although Mitchell Robinson wasn’t given the green light to return fully from his injury, Coach Tom Thibodeau said that he’s doing what he can every day and calls his progress “encouraging”. He said alot of Mitch’s practice this offseason has come in the film room.
The organization even has him shooting from a chair to not put unnecessary strain on his foot. Robinson has also been handling in the chair and stationary shooting. Thibs also talked about Robinson’s conditioning and strength training. Mitch has been making use of the bikes and has put on great strength in the weight room.
According to Thibs, the injury gave Robinson a chance to step back and see the bigger picture. He claims that Mitch has realized the importance of training and preparation which would signify growth in his maturity as a player and a person, an area where many people held concerns for Mitch.
Thibs did not downplay Robinson’s importance to the team and highlighted his performances against what he called quality teams and believes what he brings to the team is unique and valuable.
CP is not worried about the length of time that it has taken Mitch to return. He explains that foot injuries with seven-footers can have lasting effects and it is better to be cautious with it. He believes that the depth the Knicks possess at the center position, with Nerlens Noel, Taj Gibson and even rookie Jericho Sims, means that they can take all the time they need to ensure that Mitch is back to 100%.
Thibs talks Kemba Walker
Thibs also talked about the newest addition, Kemba Walker. He spoke about how great it is to have him for the team saying that all of his former teammates and even front offices loved engaging with him and he was a great guy to have around. He stated that this was important as his role as a solid locker room guy would fit right in with the other veterans on the roster like Gibson, Rose and Noel and believes that his addition and play would help the development of young players like Immanuel Quickely, Obi Toppin and Kevin Knox.
Commitment to the team was stressed by Thibs, he believes that everyone starts the season the same but as it goes on many teams start to drop off and he knows the Knicks cannot afford to do that. CP agrees with this and believes that the commitment of this team was pivotal to the success they had last season and the signings of Fournier and Walker were great on paper but we will see how they develop.
Julius Randle talks decision to re-sign with Knicks
Julius Randle spoke to the media about his decision to sign an extension with the Knicks. He stated that it was always his desire to help turn the organization around and he felt that this contract extension gave him financial stability and allowed the organization to build around him.
He stressed that winning a Championship with the franchise was his goal and his trust in president Leon Rose and the rest of the Front Office heavily influenced his decision. He spoke about how he enjoys coming to work every day and enjoying playing with his teammates. He claimed he wants to retire with the franchise and he’s very happy to be where he is.
CP believes that Randle’s big step up offensively last season was not a fluke. He believes that the shots he was consistently hitting were too tough to be a fluke. CP’s not hiding the fact that he wanted to trade Randle before the start of last season but is excited to see how Randle can improve on last season with the addition of more help on the team. He doesn’t see Randle as the number one option on the team long term but he does view him as a vital piece of the puzzle and a building block moving forward.
How are you feeling after the first day of training camp? Let us know in the comments below!
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps heading into the regular season. Also, make sure to check out the reaction to Media Day below!
