CHARLESTON, S.C. — Karl-Anthony Cities was “flabbergasted” when instructed he was being traded.
He had spent 9 seasons with the Timberwolves, an eternity within the NBA that represented his total skilled profession till this week.
But when Cities was pressured to relocate, the Knicks are definitely a snug touchdown spot.
The middle is from the New York space, with a deep and emotional connection to MSG, courtesy of his mom.
His former agent, Leon Rose, runs the entrance workplace. One other high government, William Wesley, had shut ties to the Kentucky Wildcats program throughout Cities’ stint there and stays a household buddy.
Then there’s the coach, Tom Thibodeau, who guided Cities throughout 2 ½ seasons in Minnesota, a partnership that turned turbulent on the finish however was subsequently mended.
Each side appear excited a few reunion of two males sharing a standard objective.
“I feel over time you simply be taught loads about one another and mature,” Cities mentioned Thursday in his first feedback since being traded. “Clearly our relationship has been good. I feel that for us, we simply need to win. I feel none of you all doubt Thibs placing the work in and desirous to win. So our conversations are all about profitable and doing the very best we are able to do each single day.”
Following Thibodeau’s ouster in Minnesota in 2019, there was a telling remark from Cities that the alternative coach, Ryan Saunders, created a friendlier setting and Thibodeau’s remedy of younger gamers was “a slap within the face to their growth.”
No matter else would possibly’ve been taking place behind the scenes, Cities revealed final season he and Thibodeau “squashed” their beef years in the past in a one-on-one dialog.
A supply mentioned Thibodeau was absolutely behind buying Cities, who arrived in a swap for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, a protected first-round decide and two future second-round picks.
Collectively in Minnesota, Thibodeau and Cities maxed out with a first-round playoff exit.
In New York, the expectation is at the least the convention finals — the identical place Cities reached final season alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
“He’s much more skilled,” Thibodeau mentioned of Cities. “I feel all these experiences teaches you numerous. He’s been by numerous various things now, so he’s bringing all these experiences right here.
“I feel as with most gamers, now he’s had expertise being deep within the playoffs. He is aware of what that’s like. As a lot as you attempt to put together for it, till you undergo it, you don’t absolutely perceive what it’s and I feel his understanding is way additional alongside now than it was his second yr within the league, and his talent set is so distinctive. I feel he suits properly with everyone.”
Cities, who was pressured to overlook the opening periods of coaching camp whereas the commerce was finalized, mentioned his familiarity with Thibodeau ought to be a bonus.
He understood, as an illustration, what a Thibodeau apply seems like earlier than it occurred once more Thursday.
“It was nice,” Cities mentioned with a smile. “A Thibs apply.”
“I feel it provides us a bit of little bit of a head begin,” Cities added. “I do know the offense that he runs, I know how that he likes to play protection and I do know what he expects from his gamers. I simply assume it provides us a bit of little bit of a head begin.”
With Cities’ addition, the Knicks are title contenders if they’ll in some way get previous Boston.
It’s the truth they’re ignoring in public statements, selecting as a substitute to undertake the “magic is within the work” mantra that has additionally outlined the Thibodeau period.
Cities fell in line in Day 1, an indication that he and coach are in concord.
“I feel most significantly to get to a place like [the conference finals], it begins now,” Cities mentioned. “It’s not in the course of the season. It’s not, you begin turning up within the second half of the season or after All-Star break. It begins now. You’ve obtained to place the work in now. You’ve obtained to get your physique, your thoughts ready to play basketball that deep into the season. So simply staying centered, engaged on our self-discipline, engaged on our habits. I’m simply right here to amplify everyone as a lot as attainable.”
