Tom Thibodeau is a candidate to become the next head coach of the New York Knicks. Time away from the game has provided simplicity for one of the league’s most-respected coaches.
On the Woj Pod, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Thibodeau talked about what he’s learned from traveling around and observing different teams over the past NBA season.
Thibodeau isn’t just a candidate for the Knicks. The Nets and Rockets are also reportedly in the mix for his services.
What he brings to the table is experience and credibility. His Chicago Bulls were a defensive juggernaut when he was their head coach. The Boston Celtics’ championship in 2008 — the one Kevin Garnett reminded us afterwards that “anything is possible” — had Thibodeau’s imprint all over it as their associate head coach.
Often criticized for working his players too hard — especially in Chicago — Thibodeau touched on each of his coaching stints, what he took from them, and what steps he’s taken to get more in touch with the league’s present style of play.
What could be Thibodeau’s greatest lesson learned, to date, arguably is from his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He held the dual role of coach and team president.
“I don’t think I would want to do that again,” he said while adding later, “the thing that’s hard too when you’re in that position is with the agents and with the players and contracts, I think that’s very difficult to do.”
In Minnesota, the team reached the playoffs, in his second season there, for the first time in 14 years.
But the team’s chemistry began to falter shortly thereafter and Thibodeau was ultimately fired.
The time away from the game has apparently brought Thibodeau a level of clarity we all need at points in our lives.
“When you have people that are smart and have character and work well together, good things can come out of that. You want to share the same value system,” Thibodeau said. “Every situation there’s going to be challenge. When I went to Chicago, basically it was a .500 team. I went to Minnesota, it was a rebuilding team. I’ve been through highs, been through lows. All those experiences have helped me.”
This could be the ideal time for Thibodeau to jump back into coaching. He has the credibility, the experience, and the respect of his peers. His time in Minnesota brought added humility.
In today’s NBA, where being able to relate to players on and off the court is a must, it will help to have been through the ups and downs.
For Knicks fans, looking to get deeper insight on Thibodeau, this interview provides a thoughtful perspective from him.
If new Knicks’ team president Leon Rose decides not to bring back interim head coach Mike Miller, Thibodeau’s name will be among the list of potential names for the job.
