Tom Thibodeau Loves 'Everything!' About New York Knicks Sixth Man Immanuel Quickley
New York Knicks point guard Immanuel Quickley is about to embark on the most important season of his four-year NBA career.
Quickley is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is set to become a restricted free agent at season's end. If it were up to Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks would probably sign him to an extension.
"I love Quick," Thibodeau said (h/t SNY). "Everything about him. The best part is that he's serious. He loves the gym, he loves to play, he's always working on something. (We) couldn't ask for anything more."
But that isn't all that Thibodeau loves about the Sixth Man of the Year. He also appreciates his selflessness.
New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley and coach Tom Thibodeau
© Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY
"I think he's been able to put that aside," Thibodeau said regarding Quickley's contract situation. "I think his agent handles that, he locks into basketball and that's where his focus lies, his team [and] winning."
New York management faces a deadline of Oct. 23, two days before the team's regular season begins, to offer Quickley an extension.
Last season, Quickley averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists for the Knicks in his best statistical campaign to date. His efforts were rewarded with a runner-up finish in the Sixth Man of the Year vote behind Boston's Malcolm Brogdon.
Quickley is a restricted free agent at season's end, meaning the Knicks can match any offer he gets on the open market. But after the Knicks signed Jalen Brunson to a massive deal in the summer of 2022, the decision is more complex. The Kentucky alum is reportedly seeking a nine-figure deal in his first trip into free agency.
But if Quickley keeps working in the gym and continues to improve and impress Thibodeau, the Knicks may have no choice but to bring him back regardless of the price.
Quickley and the Knicks are back in preseason action on Saturday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG2).
