Van Gundy credited Thibodeau, the 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year, for playing his top players big minutes last season and offsetting that with shorter practices.

“What wins and what loses is exactly the same thing today as it was before. You’ve got to get more (quality) shots than your opponent. It’s really simple. And being new school or old school, that’s not really the question. It’s what’s the best playing group, scheme or whatever.

“One of the best things they did last year was they stayed old school. Like, in minutes, (Thibodeau) is willing to play his guys more. And thus they’re in better shape and I would argue that they don’t get hurt at the rate that lesser conditioned athletes do.

“Plus, he’s got his best player out there playing against back line players or end of the rotation players. I think that’s smart on his part, that’s giving them the best chance to win. And tied into that, is, from what I gather -- and I’m not there on a daily basis -- he paces them in a different way so they don’t practice as long or as hard as maybe they once did.

Just like the other night, they give Kemba Walker, who I’m sure they’re rightly concerned about his health, they give him a night of rest not to play in an exhibition game. The guy (Thibodeau) is smart, he’s trying to win and he’s doing something that really hadn’t been done in New York, consistently, for quite some time, which is to win.

“And I think part of that is his always thinking of what’s best for his team – not worried if it’s old school thoughts or new school thoughts but just coming to the conclusion of what’s best. And I really admire his dedication and his determination. What’s he like, 63, 64? And he still has a fire and to use a worn out, cliche. ... He coaches with this fire and chip on his shoulder that I find, I think it’s fascinating, after so long in coaching and so much success, the burning desire he has for success on a nightly basis is fun to watch.”

KNICKS EXPECTATIONS

Van Gundy and Jackson also offered their thoughts on the 2021-22 Knicks:

Van Gundy: “I think they lost some important members of their regular season success last year. I think Bullock was a huge loss. I loved how he fit with their team. He can catch and shoot, he can cut. And he guarded on a nightly basis. Didn’t need the ball. Never dribbled. I think when you get to the playoffs, you need more guys that can go off the bounce. So they signed Kemba. The one thing about he and Rose as a combination; the only concern is the size defensively from Kemba but the health, I think the health is such a huge component of their regular season success last year. Their health was terrific and I think their bench was terrific. If you have injuries, you’re going to have to work into the bench and lessen the bench’s strength. I think a successful season, I think they could be easily a lower seed, a much lower seed, and be a better team. Because I think the East has improved. But I think if they qualify for the playoffs and they win a round, it would be incredibly successful. I still think they have a lot of work to do on their roster.”

Jackson: “I agree with Jeff, you lose Bullock and people made fun of my statement during the Phoenix-Lakers game when I said they’re going to miss Elfrid Payton. What I mean by that, and Jeff can attest to this, is the competitive spirit of players. Some guys you don’t play for three or four games and you call on them, they’re ready. No matter what you want to say, he had a successful season last year competing and being part of a group that changed the culture. Those guys got a lot done.”

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