Tom Thibodeau’s Next Change Could Be At Center Of Knicks

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has already made one notable change to the starting lineup, removing point guard Kemba Walker from the regular rotation and replacing him with Alec Burks.

Now, a potential move to the frontcourt could be in the works, with Nerlens Noel replacing Mitchell Robinson at center, as relayed by Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Robinson was wearing a blue starter’s jersey during Tuesday’s shootaround, prior to the game vs. the Spurs, Berman noted. Thibodeau, however, was mum on if a change is coming.

“Still mulling,” he told reporters. “Just thinking about everything.”

The Knicks (11-12) have lost three straight and it only makes sense for Thibodeau to find something that works to try to get them back to the playoffs.

Roibinson is averaging a career-low 6.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in 20 games. He told reporters that he is still struggling with stamina after a lengthy rehab following a foot injury.

Noel has appeared in 10 games and is averaging 4.2 points and 5.9 rebounds.

Clearly, any change to the pivot for the Knicks would be for defensive purposes. That’s an area power forward Julius Randle recently said could use some work.

“We gotta look ourselves in the mirror and decide what we want the season to be,” he told reporters. “I know what I want it to be. I know what the guys want it to be. But we have to commit to it.

“I say it all year, I’ll continue to say it. We’re going to win games with our defense. That’s who we are. We’re not the superstars, three four superstars on the team like Brooklyn or all these other teams. We’re a team.”