The Minnesota Timberwolves, from a sheer talent standpoint, own the NBA’s most attractive coaching vacancy.
And they’re apparently pushing to fill that void with Tom Thibodeau.
Lots and lots of Tom Thibodeau.
Per ESPN.com’s Marc Stein:
Footnote on the Wolves' coaching situation: Sources say Minnesota is the party pitching the coach/team president scenario, NOT Tom Thibodeau
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 18, 2016
Most important factors to Thibodeau as he considers job opportunities, sources say, are strength of roster and team's commitment to winning
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 18, 2016
This reeks of a low-key desperation play from the Timberwolves. If they really want Thibs but are worried he might accept a position with a bigger market (Washington) or more established team (potentially the Raptors if they get bounced by the Pacers), slinging the combination of power that comes with being the coach and team president is a good way to jump out ahead of the pack.
Of course, following the passing of Flip Saunders, the Timberwolves do have an opening for a new prez. This could just be them trying to cross two items off the agenda with one person. They could also truly believe that Thibs is the right for this job—both of these jobs.
He is a defensive mastermind, and the Timberwolves struggled mightily on the less glamorous end of the floor. He holds clout around the league from his days in New York as an assistant, Chicago as a head coach and with Team USA basketball.
Still, making the jump from coach to a coach-president isn’t easy. There is no telling if Thibs is a good enough judge of talent to construct a roster from the ground up. The Timberwolves make it easy for him, since their core is already in place, but assuming presidential duties is still a leap. Having that power will surely appeal to him. Time can only tell if this will be the right play by Minnesota—or if Thibs accepts the team’s overtures at all.
