#Knicks mailbag: Tanking is not an option under Tom Thibodeau

In 2002-03 the Knicks won 37 games with a group of ragtag veterans and wound up picking ninth in the lottery (Michael Sweetney). LeBron James, Melo, D Wade and Chris Bosh went Top 5. Word is the 2021 draft is loaded with stars and the Knicks are interested in chasing the eighth seed with some veterans. Will history repeat itself? — Nick

It’s been recent habit for Knicks fans to root for the tank and play the young players heavy minutes even if they don’t give the club the best chance of winning. The newly hired old-schooler Tom Thibodeau is all about winning — tanking being a curse word.

But if any season is ripe to vie for a top lottery seed and not the eighth seed, you can make the case it’s the 2020-21 season. Who knows if there will be fans allowed inside the Garden to chant “sell the team”?

The 2020 free-agent class and 2020 draft, to be held Oct. 15, has been viewed as weak. Knicks president Leon Rose said only two draft-eligible players “stand out” with parity existing thereafter. He was probably referring to just coveted point guard LaMelo Ball and Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards. The Knicks are seeded sixth in the Aug. 20 lottery and could fall to No. 9 or 10.

Free agency might be even weaker if Anthony Davis opts in with the Lakers because of the salary-cap reduction due to lost BRI (Basketball Related Revenue). Another high lottery pick in 2021 and a shot at a sexy free-agent class — headed by Giannis Antetokounmpo — might be a play.

The 2021 draft headed by Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr., Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Suggs and Evan Mobley might not be the worst thing to shoot for if Thibodeau develops his young stallions.

However, after seven straight losing seasons, owner James Dolan wants victories. That’s why David Fizdale was fired so quickly after a 4-18 start. Tanking was not an option and Rose wants to prove his mettle and show free agents the Garden’s winning culture has been restored. That’s why Thibodeau is here and Kenny Atkinson became an also-ran.

Why are some writers suggesting Carmelo Anthony is the answer? Is it not wiser to go forward instead of backwards? — Paul

With Rose, his former agent in charge, and Thibodeau as head coach, Anthony is in play. Thibodeau, as the Bulls coach, lusted after Anthony during 2014 free agency.

Former Knicks president Steve Mills wanted no part of Anthony after Anthony forced a trade and didn’t open up his wish list. (Anthony had a no-trade clause). It still worked out. The Knicks netted what turned into second-year center Mitchell Robinson, selected with Oklahoma City’s second-round pick in 2018.

There is strong belief the Brooklyn-born Anthony would want to finish his career as a Knick and play for Thibodeau, whom he has publicly praised. He showed up to the Orlando restart bubble for Portland in terrific shape, earning the nickname “Skinny Melo.” Anthony is down to the 230-235-pound range and can’t remember the last time he was that light.

Anthony said he adopted “a very intense, very healthy diet” because Portland wanted to see him back at small forward. That would be the perfect fit in New York since the Knicks traded Marcus Morris.

At best, Anthony can start at small forward and be a key mentor for Kevin Knox. At worst, he grumbles about not starting, struggles on defense and becomes too much of an isolationist.

Will the Knicks allow (Thibodeau) to pick his assistants or will the organization select them? — Leroy

I reported this past week that the front office prefers to pick some of the new staff — Mike Miller and Mike Woodson being a preference.

Thibodeau knows Miller through Jeff Van Gundy and comes highly recommended. Miller was on Van Gundy’s Team USA World Cup qualifier staff. Woodson and Thibs have never crossed paths. We also reported Thibodeau is willing to change up on his past beliefs about picking his own guys.

Is it realistic to expect the Knicks to have an all star coaching staff: Thibodeau (head coach), Kidd and Atkinson (assistants)? — Jean

Forget Kidd. Why would the California native leave LA? It’s a healthy debate whether Atkinson would want to be top assistant somewhere as he waits for another head-coaching opportunity, especially for his hometown team. But such an arrangement would put too much pressure on the head coach if something goes awry. Who knows what shakes out in Philadelphia and Houston later this summer for Atkinson?