The New York Knicks have a reputation as a gritty, defense-oriented team under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Known for his preference for seasoned, defensive-minded players and for his relatively short rotations, Thibodeau isn’t exactly known for leaning on rookies. However, the Knicks’ 2023 rookie class is full of potential, and the question remains: can these young players carve out a spot and make an impact in a Thibodeau-led system?
This season, the Knicks introduced a few intriguing rookies who could theoretically offer depth and versatility to the lineup. Headlining the class is undrafted free agent guard Jaylen Martin, who has already showcased his potential with the G League’s Westchester Knicks. Alongside him, the Knicks picked up several other promising rookies, including talented but under-the-radar players who could be developed over time. With the team pushing for a deeper playoff run and looking for fresh energy to complement their stars, the rookies might have a shot at seeing minutes—but it’s up to Thibodeau to decide if and how they fit into the rotation.
Tom Thibodeau’s approach to coaching is well-documented. He prioritizes defense, discipline, and experience, and tends to rely on a core group of players he trusts implicitly. Last season, he consistently used a nine-man rotation, leaving little room for younger, unproven players to gain experience. While this approach helped the Knicks secure a playoff spot, it also left many questioning if his reluctance to experiment could hinder the growth of young talent within the organization.
Thibodeau has made exceptions for standout rookies in the past, such as Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley, both of whom earned spots in the rotation by proving their readiness on defense and showing the ability to execute Thibodeau’s system. Grimes and Quickley also added a shooting element that complemented the Knicks’ offense. However, for rookies in this year’s class to find their way onto the floor, they’ll need to show that same dedication to defense and prove they can contribute without sacrificing the team’s balance.
Jaylen Martin is the rookie with the highest chance of contributing to the Knicks this season. Although he went undrafted, Martin’s athleticism and scoring potential have made him a standout in the G League, where he’s shown flashes of his ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions. If Martin can demonstrate a readiness to adapt to the Knicks’ defense-first identity, he could be an interesting addition to the wing rotation, especially if the team needs a burst of energy off the bench.
Another rookie worth watching is Jacob Toppin, who brings versatility and length. At 6’9” with strong athleticism, Toppin has the physical tools that align with Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy. His ability to stretch the floor, albeit in limited college appearances, could make him a valuable asset if he continues to develop in the G League. However, Toppin would need to prove his reliability on both ends to break into Thibodeau’s rotation, given the coach’s preference for players who can contribute defensively.
The Knicks also have rookies such as Nathan Knight, a forward with a nose for rebounds and an ability to defend the rim. If Knight can show enough discipline to keep up with the pace of NBA defenses, he could offer Thibodeau a big-man option off the bench, particularly when dealing with foul trouble or in certain matchups. However, it’s still unclear if he can bring the level of defensive consistency required to crack Thibodeau’s rotation.
The biggest hurdle for these rookies will be Thibodeau’s strict rotation strategy. Unless the Knicks are hit by injuries or face games where they can afford to experiment with lineups, it’s unlikely that rookies will see substantial playing time. Thibodeau is known to stick to players who he knows and trusts, and unless a rookie clearly outperforms a rotation player in practice, there may be limited opportunities.
Another issue is that Thibodeau’s coaching style demands a high level of defensive intelligence and awareness. Rookies typically need time to adjust to the NBA’s defensive speed, and without patience from the coaching staff, it’s difficult for young players to settle in. The Knicks’ rookies will need to show they’re quick learners and adapt well to Thibodeau’s demanding defensive schemes if they hope to see minutes.
Finally, the Knicks have a roster filled with established players in key roles, including RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Mitchell Robinson, all of whom command significant minutes. This leaves few gaps for rookies to plug into without taking minutes away from proven contributors. The Knicks’ depth this season may mean that their rookies end up spending most of their time in the G League, at least in the early part of the season.
Despite these challenges, the Knicks’ rookies could still play a role, particularly as the season progresses. If the Knicks secure a playoff spot early or face injuries in the rotation, there could be opportunities for the rookies to step in. Additionally, the G League has proven to be an effective development pathway, allowing players to hone their skills and adapt to the speed and style of professional basketball.
Moreover, if a rookie can stand out in practice, Thibodeau may reward them with occasional minutes, especially in matchups where their skills are needed. For instance, if Martin’s scoring and athleticism continue to develop, he could be a useful option when the Knicks need additional firepower on offense.
The Knicks’ 2023 rookie class has potential, but finding room to contribute under Tom Thibodeau is no small feat. Known for his loyalty to veteran players and reliance on tight rotations, Thibodeau doesn’t often provide rookies with immediate playing time. However, if these rookies prove themselves on defense and display a readiness to buy into the Knicks’ system, they may be able to earn the coach’s trust over time.
For now, the rookies’ best path is to excel in the G League and capitalize on any opportunity that arises, showing Thibodeau they’re prepared to play at a high level when called upon. Whether or not they find significant roles this season, the experience gained under a demanding coach like Thibodeau could prove invaluable as they develop and prepare for future seasons with the Knicks.