What Thibodeau can do for the Wolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have come a long way since featuring Kevin Love as their star player. They have made the correct moves when it comes to draft day to get the talent they now have on their roster.
Flip Saunders had a vision with this roster, and Sam Mitchell could not get the job done to fulfill that vision. Tom Thibodeau was brought in by owner Glen Taylor to change the Timberwolves’ franchise for the good, forever. There are many aspects to Thibs’ coaching that will be extremely beneficial for the franchise.
Some are even saying the Timberwolves could be the NBA’s next great power after the Golden State Warriors. There would have to be a lot to go exactly right to make that happen, but only time will tell how the players will mature and learn Thibodeau’s coaching techniques. Thibodeau was once regarded as one the best coaches in basketball in his tenure with the Chicago Bulls from 2010-2015. He won the NBA Coach of the Year award during the 2010-2011 season, but was ultimately dismissed by the team after injuries seemed to be the Bulls’ demise year after year. After a year off, Thibodeau will be the head coach and head of basketball operations for a team that has been extremely hungry for success for over 20 years.
Thibodeau has one of the best basketball minds in the NBA, and his teaching and dedication to the game will do wonders for a very youthful but talented Wolves roster. His defensive tactics have been ranked as one of the best in the league, and that is something the Wolves are continuing to work on to become more consistent. Thibodeau may be the best recipe for success for the young Wolves, as he will work with everyone on the roster to reach their true potential on both sides of the ball. Karl Anthony-Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach Lavine and Shabazz Muhammed are just a few names that Thibodeau brought up during his introductory press conference to maximize their talents.
There are not many glaring, huge holes to fill in the Timberwolves’ roster, as the talent is all there. Some supporting cast may be added to an inconsistent bench, as Thibodeau may look to add another back-up point guard next to Tyus Jones. In his time with Chicago, Thibodeau was known to turn average point guards into playmakers. C.J. Watson, John Lucas III, Nate Robinson, Aaron Brooks and D.J. Augustin were all players who made tremendous impacts on those Bulls’ teams. Thibs could look to acquire someone to their status once more, as it would be best for him to work with the roster he has and continue to make it blossom. There could not have been a better team for the Connecticut native to walk into, and the Wolves will not regret getting the best option available.
What is left to work on besides the mesh of chemistry and Thibs’ system is defense, perimeter shooting and bench production. The Wolves were ranked towards the bottom of the league in all respective categories, and as Thibodeau has stated previously, to win games you must take care of business on both sides of the ball or else all is for naught. Between Taylor, Thibodeau and new General Manager Scott Layden, all is there to maximize the true potential in Minnesota’s franchise. Flip was also mentioned by Thibodeau in his opening press conference.
“This roster was not put together by chance, there was a vision,” Thibodeau said. “It was Flip’s vision. It is important that we continue to follow that.”
