The other thread was getting a little long so I figured it was a good time to start a new one. Not really sure what to expect this year. Pre-season won't tell you a whole lot, but I was happy to see his improvement in game 2. Obi brings an energy and excitement level to the Knicks, especially at the Garden that Randle never will. But, Thibs is Thibs, and Randle's getting paid a lot of money. Thibs always falls back on the "Defense" statement, but the Randle is a bit overrated on defense as well. In addition, with Brunson running the show, Randle will get fewer touches, so do you need a guy making that much who will no longer be the main focal point? The Knicks move the ball better when Obi is in. Randle has skills, but I just don't think the Knicks are better when he's in vs Obi.
So, at this point, Thibs being Thibs, and Randle being paid big $, I don't see a lot more minutes for Obi. I think they will go up a bit, but Randle's still going to pull down 32 minutes at least. In the end, seems like one of them has to go, but the Knicks front office seems to have no desire to really move Randle or Obi, and it's easy to keep Obi on his rookie contract and not worry too much about it. This all only works so far, because Obi is a great team player and will do whatever it takes to make the Knicks successful.
So, at this point, Thibs being Thibs, and Randle being paid big $, I don't see a lot more minutes for Obi. I think they will go up a bit, but Randle's still going to pull down 32 minutes at least. In the end, seems like one of them has to go, but the Knicks front office seems to have no desire to really move Randle or Obi, and it's easy to keep Obi on his rookie contract and not worry too much about it. This all only works so far, because Obi is a great team player and will do whatever it takes to make the Knicks successful.
