Knicks Bulletin: ‘How I play is very random. I think I shot the ball twice’

New York debuted in victory at Charlotte and it looks like everybody knows what they need to do.

If Sunday was a preview of what’s coming, things couldn’t have been much better for a first go at an entirely new team built around two superstars in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, two high-octane-defense wings in OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, and a relentless do-it-all dog in Josh Hart.

The Knicks beat the Hornets 111-109 in the team’s debut this preseason, one that also featured Towns donning the Blue & Orange uniform of the renowned New York basketball squad. Nobody in the starting five excelled, but the bench was ruthless and things kinda clicked from the get-go, which is great considering the absolute revamp the roster suffered in a span of a few weeks this offseason.

Here is what coach Tom Thibodeau and a few players (including living NYK legend Taj Gibson!) had to say after yesterday’s affair.

Tom Thibodeau

On the Knicks’ preseason debut:

“I figured it would be a little choppy and there are little areas we need to clean up. They need time obviously, so I wanted them to get their feet wet.

“The season opener is right around the corner, and we need to get to it.”

On the team’s ball movement against the Hornets and missing easy layups:

“We will take a look at that. It’s timing.

“Some sequences were good; some have to do better. Some of it is directing [the ball] to the wrong area. That’s communication.

“We can clean that up, and we have to clean that up”

On the need to get early reps so all systems click before the regular season:

“I think it’s important for us because Mikal obviously is new, KAT hasn’t played with these guys, and OG played in a very limited amount of time.

“Basically, you’ve got a new starting five that has to get acclimated to playing together.

“And then we have a different bench, too, so those guys have to get some work together as well.”

On Tyler Kolek, Landry Shamet, and the rest of the second unit:

“I thought (Kolek) gave us good minutes”

“Those guys play fast and they play hard. I thought Deuce’s ball pressure got us going.”

Karl-Anthony Towns

On his offseason conditioning after undergoing left knee surgery last March:

“I train tremendously hard in the offseason, so I’m ready for whatever this season has in store for me.

“Missed a couple days of training camp. It was the work I put in the offseason that paid dividends, especially early on.”

On adjusting to playing with new teammates:

“I know their talents, so it’s a matter of playing with them. Finally getting to put a Knicks jersey on and playing 5-on-5, that was really cool.”

On his new start in New York and what the franchise has built of late:

“These guys are all super, super special and they are all very talented and they put the work in.

“The coaches put us through drills that allow us to work on our skills and our timing.

“Every day, it’s just learning each other’s tendencies and continuing to improve. That is really what is the key for us.”

On creating an on-court connection with teammates:

“I’ve never had to do it before. So for me, every day, brick by brick, building something special, learning each other. Learning each other’s tendencies.”

Jalen Brunson

On the Knicks’ new lineup:

“It’s new for KAT, but it’s new for a lot of other players as well. We’ve got to get everyone up to speed. It’s a new team, different pieces, so we have to make sure we focus.”

On developing chemistry with teammates:

“It’s definitely going to take time, but when people are willing to do what it takes to win, it’s going to flow at some point. We’re talking consistently, we’re on the same page, and we’re excited to be teammates.”

Josh Hart

On his role with the Knicks after hoisting just two shots on Sunday:

“At the end of the day, my job isn’t to go out there and score 20. It’s not to go out there and force things offensively and try to make things happen.

“My job is to rebound, defend at a high level, offensively kind of be a connector, get into the lane and find guys for open shots, get the rebound, push the pace, and get us easy transition buckets.

“I don’t worry about shots. The shots will come how I play. How I play is very random. The shots will be there. I think I shot the ball twice [Sunday].”

On what it will take from him and the Knicks to win the chip:

“At the end of the day, I don’t think any team’s won without several people sacrificing.

“If that’s me sacrificing points, I will gladly do that.”

On the Knicks’ mindset:

“The thing that’s going to make this team good and can make it special is we don’t care who scores and who gets the assist, who gets the statistical numbers.

“We all want to win. We’re all willing to sacrifice to make that happen. I think that’s something that the character of the team will be good for us.”

Taj Gibson (Charlotte Hornets Player)

On his long-term goal of becoming a head coach:

“It’s there. But one thing before I do, I want to be extremely good at my craft. That’s why I was taking most of the coaching clinics in the summer. Just working and getting a feel for guys and getting a feel for different things in the coaching field. Even if it’s not coaching, if it’s management. Just learning all facets of the trade.”

On potentially coaching with Tom Thibodeau (who would like to hire him) in the future:

“Just being around his staff all these years, I already know what to expect.

“I got a real head start as far as coaching and understanding [with Thibodeau]. It just comes down to scheduling and putting the work in.”