Obi Toppin: B+

The Knicks’ energizer bunny had all but forced Tom Thibodeau’s hand into playing him more, despite the disappearance of his three-point shot. Toppin comes in and without a single play run for him changes the complexion of the offense, upping the pace and finding angles for open dunks where none should exist.

He still has his share of defensive miscues and low-impact nights, but was ultimately instrumental to the bench’s success this year.

Alec Burks: A-

At different points this season, Burks has been a reserve, a starter, a lead initiator, and a spot-up third option, fluctuating between these roles without drops in production or fit among the rest of the roster. He’s shooting 40 percent from deep and has saved the Knicks' skin on more than a couple occasions, something you’re lucky to get out of a complementary piece.

Quentin Grimes: A-

Maybe an A- is too much given his overall impact on the team, but when a late first round rookie brings a sense of consistency and expectation to a supposed playoff team whenever he checks in, how do you not reward it? Every time Grimes is on the floor, he defends and shoots the bejesus out of the ball, and makes you want more Grimes minutes.

Taj Gibson: B+

Once again, Gibson has stepped in during a barrage of injuries to the Knicks’ centers to provide some veteran defense. He’s shooting much worse from the field than in previous years, but at the ripe age of 36 there’s no reason to expect much more. An added wrinkle is his newfound willingness to step out and shoot the corner three.

Tom Thibodeau: C+

How much of this season’s disappointment falls on Thibodeau? He can put his players in better positions on the court, but can’t make Randle’s mid-range jumper magically reappear. His vaunted defense falling off a cliff is hard to ignore.

The Walker benching turned out to be a whiff, but on a positive note, he’s done a good job of closing with whoever is playing well in spite of age and contract size. The locker room and culture have seemingly held resilient despite the losing. Many Thibs-related complaints were made last year as well, so they’re baked in.

It's hard to place Thibs anywhere but down the middle of the road. He has this season’s second half to either step into oncoming traffic or get moving toward the promised land.

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