Kevin Garnett’s ‘problem’ with Knicks’ Jaylen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns minutes

The New York Knicks they currently sit third in the Eastern Conference, led by strong play Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. It’s also hard to forget to mention the play of Josh Hart, Mychal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau plays all five players heavy minutes, which is no surprise when you look at his record, but could be detrimental to the team.

Kevin Garnett recently spoke about what he sees as the problem with the current state of the league and the minutes the Knicks play starters play.

“My only problem with a lot of traditional stuff is that it doesn’t download the latest update.” Our league is fast. …The results are 130 to 140 (points). The average is 120. It’s the All-Star (Game) s–t. “The pace of the league is why we look at it that way,” Garnett said on the Ticket & The Truth podcast.

“On top of that, nobody told Tibbs – including the players.” If I’m Karl-Anthony Towns or I’m (Jalen Brunson), I pull Tibbs into the room and say, ‘Listen.’ It’s a player’s league, they can take it off. Still, Thibs is so stubborn I don’t know. But it will have to be something. Because you can’t go against the Bostons, Cleveland and not have a bench,” Garnett continued.

When it comes later in the season and the playoffs get closer, there is a chance that the heavy minutes could catch up with them and they are too tired to be at the level they need.

Are the Knicks starters playing too many minutes?

Tom Thibodeau has always been known for playing his starters heavy minutes and keeping them in games that have already been decided. While the Knicks may be winning these games, in the long run it could affect them and their performance late in the season. Michal Bridges is one of the players that Thibodeau plays a lot, as he is a solid defender and can produce on the offensive end as well.

The only way things can get better is if the Knicks can improve their bench, which isn’t in the best shape right now. It’s hard to say what they need specifically, but another winger might be the best fit for them. Mitchell Robinson is still recovering from injury and could help Karl-Anthony Towns when he returns, and Cameron Payne has been a solid backup to Jalen Brunson.