Sixers aim to maintain focus after Harden trade

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau complimented Karl-Anthony Towns ahead of a preseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Thibodeau praised Towns work in both the NBA and with the Dominican Republic National Team.

“Watching the progress he’s made throughout his career, he’s as gifted as they come,” Thibodeau said.

“When you look at an offensive player, particularly a big, the skill set that he has, I think we all saw, to win the 3-point contest and stuff like that, there’s nothing he can’t do offensively. He has continued to get better I think. He had some injuries to deal with. I watched him play in FIBA [the World Cup, for the Dominican Republic], he played really well there. He’s really, really gifted.”

Sources indicate that Thibodeau would welcome coaching Towns, if given the opportunity. If Towns were to ever hit the trade market, New York would be among the bidders to trade for the veteran center.

The Milwaukee Bucks will strongly consider hiring Doc Rivers as head coach after firing Adrian Griffin.

The Philadelphia 76ers parted ways with Rivers after their second round exit. Rivers played collegiately in Milwaukee for Marquette.