Perfect Center For Thibodeau Defense
Tom Thibodeau’s defensive principles are what led the New York Knicks to so much success during his first season as head coach. They were among the best defensive teams in the NBA throughout the season and Turner would help cement that.
Thibodeau’s defense is predicated on having a center that can protect the rim. Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel both did that and Turner can as well.
The former Longhorn led the NBA with 3.4 blocks per game during the 2020-21 season, the second time in three years he has done it. He led the league with 2.7 blocks per game during the 2018-19 season.
As was the case with Robinson and Noel, Turner can also switch out onto the perimeter when need be. He is athletic enough to hold his own out there, but he really makes his impact as a rim protector.
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While he isn’t a great rebounder, averaging only 6.6 per game in his career, the Knicks have strong rebounders at other positions in RJ Barrett and Julius Randle. But, at only 25-years old, there is hope Turner can improve in that area, especially with the Knicks’ coaching staff who worked wonders with Robinson when it came to rebounding as well.
