New York Knicks first-round picks Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley are among the best-conditioned players so far in training camp, head coach Tom Thibodeau said on Thursday.
Toppin, the eighth overall pick, has worked extensively on his conditioning leading up to the start of the season. He has worked with Knicks assistant coach Kenny Payne and even set a team record for the best time in some of the conditioning drills.
Meanwhile, Quickley said on Wednesday that he thought the speed of the game was much faster than initially thought but has worked on adjusting to the pace. He seems to be making great progress in that area based on Thibodeau’s comments.
“Our two young guys, obviously, they have a lot to learn, but in terms of commitment and conditioning, they’re really impressive,” Thibodeau said. “The vets that have stood out the most are Julius [Randle] and Kevin Knox.”
Thibodeau added that, given the shortened offseason, some players will be in better shape than others and that it is still a work in progress. The Knicks have four preseason games and will develop a plan to gradually ramp up players ahead of the start of the regular season.
New York begins preseason play on Friday vs. the Detroit Pistons.
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