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Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau by no means took a liking to ahead Kevin Knox and his stint with the workforce since being a 2018 lottery decide got here to a merciful finish Thursday with his trade to the Hawks.
Kevin Knox Sr., Knox’s father who performed extensive receiver for Florida State and the NFL’s Payments, stated some members of the franchise had raised eyebrows over why Knox by no means obtained an opportunity with Thibodeau.
“That’s an incredible query for Tom Thibodeau,’’ Knox Sr. instructed The Publish when requested why he felt Knox didn’t get a glance. “I feel we turned the nook. All people might see the development of a younger Kevin Knox the place he wasn’t actually a defensive legal responsibility. I feel Tom Thibodeau did an incredible job serving to Kevin be a greater defensive participant. Sooner or later, I feel he did grow to be that. He’s at all times had that stroke and so it grow to be puzzling all through the group on why he wasn’t taking part in Kevin.”
Certainly, Knicks normal supervisor Scott Perry was behind drafting Knox at No. 9 in 2018, when the workforce president was Steve Mills. Present president Leon Rose in all probability didn’t have the funding in Knox’s success. In line with a supply, some membership personnel thought Knox ought to play.
Knox Sr. received’t blame Rose.
“It may be [a factor] however on the finish of the day, it’s not the president who calls the performs,” he stated. “It’s not the president who makes the substitutions. The president hires a coach. This coach right here clearly felt he can win video games with out Kevin Knox. To have the ability to go to a different workforce, you may’t assist be excited as a result of you may have the chance to have an opportunity to play significant minutes.”
Knox, who hasn’t talked to the media since preseason, is claimed to be thrilled on the commerce, which can deliver him nearer to his hometown of Tampa, Fla.
“There’s not many miles on the Rolls Royce,” Knox Sr. stated.
Within the commerce, the Knicks received Cam Reddish, who requested out of Atlanta to get extra taking part in time, however has landed in the same logjam.
“Kevin’s excited,” Knox Sr. stated. “He sees alternative there, a extra fast-paced offense to play with a degree guard in Trae Younger who’s an All-Star. He will get within the lane and kicks out to folks for open pictures. Kevin’s actually excited to be coached by Coach Nate [McMillan], a confirmed coach who performed within the league.
“Since he’s been within the league, Kevin’s had three coaches, two presidents, new teaching staffs. Nate sees a breath of contemporary air for Kevin.”
Knox has performed in simply 13 video games this season.
“We have been in search of a distinct alternative to play,” Knox Sr. stated. “Hopefully we have now discovered a coach who believes in us and the expertise and talent units Kevin Knox has. It’s a reduction.”
Knox was faraway from the Knicks’ rotation early final season, then by no means obtained a crack at it in 2021-22.
The ultimate straw, nevertheless, got here final month when, after COVID-19 wracked the workforce, Knox was wanted as a backup energy ahead and delivered in opposition to the Bucks and Warriors. Then, he obtained COVID-19 and upon his return, was again on the finish of the bench.
“He got here into the sport after not taking part in and in opposition to Milwaukee, he goes 5 of 12 from 3,’’ Knox Sr. stated. “The following sport he’s 9 factors and 7 rebounds, then we don’t see Kevin anymore. I do know it was very puzzling to us.’’
“The agent Aaron Turner talked to Atlanta GM [Travis Schlenk]. It is a commerce each events wished. Atlanta will get a first-round decide and a younger participant who is similar age as Cam Reddish. We recognize the chance.”
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