It’s been a long time since the Minnesota Timberwolves have been the talk of the league during the NBA playoffs, and they were just that on Wednesday.
No the Wolves are not in the playoffs, but they did make the league’s biggest news of the day and they hope that news helps them return to the NBA’s postseason sooner rather than later.
Minnesota hired former Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau as their new coach and president of basketball operations. It’s the newest chance for the Wolves to erase a decade of franchise nightmares left etched in Minnesotans memories by names like Kurt Rambis, David Kahn and Jonny Flynn.
While Thibodeau is far from a sure thing to succeed, he’s definitely getting the support of fans and media alike.
I couldn’t be more excited about Tom Thibodeau and Scott Layden coming on board with the @Timberwolves! The future is so bright!
— Dave Benz (@davebenz) April 20, 2016
ESPN’s Marc Stein says that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor had his eye on Thibodeau – a former Wolves assistant (1989-91) – for some time.
Sources say Wolves owner Glen Taylor has been eyeing Tom Thibodeau for months and, one week into the offseason, is landing his top target
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 20, 2016
Thibodeau spent five seasons as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, compiling a 394-255 record. He was fired following the 2014-15 season in a controversial move by the Bulls.
That move has led some experts to believe that having the authority over personnel was important for Thibodeau.
.@aschNBA of https://t.co/fBlzbo3Dmk talks about the reported hiring of Tom Thibodeau by the Minnesota Timberwolves. https://t.co/lWjXbaRsVm
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 20, 2016
Tom Thibodeau wanted total control in Minnesota, and he got it. Now the 'Wolves have a strong coach, leader to develop a rich talent base.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) April 20, 2016
Even a few current NBA players (who aren’t on the Timberwolves) seem pro-Thibs:
My money on Thibs! https://t.co/qDedGryr12
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) April 20, 2016
@JaredDudley619 agree
— Marcin Gortat🇵🇱 (@MGortat) April 20, 2016
Here is some of the other reaction on from others on social media.
Thibodeau. Towns. Wiggins. LaVine. Rubio. A high draft pick. An owner who will spend money. @Timberwolves can't help but be good soon.
— Jim Souhan (@SouhanStrib) April 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/RealNirajP/status/722844898693660673
Tom Thibodeau and Spurs assistant GM as GM? Yeah, the Timberwolves are making amazing moves.
— Tyrone Williams, J.D. (@TyroneWilliams_) April 20, 2016
Six NBA head coaches in this group, including Timberwolves' newest per reports. #Nineteenninetyninetyone pic.twitter.com/EyKlw8bNo1
— Steve Aschburner (@AschNBA) April 20, 2016
