The New York Knicks didn’t hold back from signing a slew of veteran players this offseason to help build out the roster and provide experience and knowledge for the younger players on the team.
Rookie RJ Barrett will benefit significantly from the influence of players like Julius Randle and Marcus Morris, two seasoned players who understand the ins-and-outs of daily preparation and what it takes to succeed in the NBA.
However, the most underrated veteran signing for the New York Knicks was undoubted, Taj Gibson. Even though training camp is still a month away, the Knicks players haven’t been shy, ensuring they keep in contact and train together to build chemistry.
Gibson has been at the forefront, according to the NY POST:
“We want to prove people wrong.” “But the message is already there: Let the work show for itself.â€
“Everybody’s in the group chat, everybody’s talking, everybody’s getting together to work out together,†said Gibson. “The eagerness in guys [has stood out], guys are committed, guys are going to let the work show for itself.â€
Gibson is expected to be a mentor for the youngsters, but specifically for rising center, Mitchell Robinson. The second-year big man will learn a ton from the 10-year veteran. Gibson’s ability to score and gather rebounds is something that Robinson will surely learn from. He needs to work on minimizing early fouls and increasing his confidence guarding smaller offensive players.
The New York Knicks are getting a proven player in Taj Gibson:
Gibson has reached the playoffs eight times in 10 years, showing his experience and wisdom in succeeding at the NBA level. At 6-foot-9, Gibson signed a two-year, $20 million deal to play in New York. The expectations on his shoulders aren’t excessive, as he’s primarily coming into to be a mentor and help minimally on the court.
At this point in his lengthy career, Gibson seems ready to being molding younger players and helping the next generation succeed.