There’s a new leader of the wolf pack, reports are coming out that former Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is finalizing a deal to become the Team President and Head Coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The reports say that the Wolves inked a 5 year deal with Thibs, this is big news for a team filled with young potential players and will benefit the faces of the franchises in a major way.
Why It Makes Sense
Thibs has always been credited for the defense his teams put out, he now inherits a team that has been lacking in that department. The last 2 seasons the Wolves finished 28th and 30th in defensive efficiency, in his five years as the head coach of the Bulls they were always ranked in the top 10 defensive team, and twice they were ranked number 1. Thibs now has his hands on a team that has Rookie of the Year (It hasn’t been announced yet but let’s be honest, no one is winning that award over KAT), Karl Anthony-Towns who averaged 1.7 blocks Per Game this year, he also gets last years winner Andrew Wiggins whose length makes him a prototype perimeter defender that Thibs loves to have, and the supremely athletic Zach Lavine who averaged 14 points and 3 assists this season. This trio will make the Wolves attractive to free agents, and they will be even more fun to watch with Thibs at the helm.
Photo Credit: FoxSports
There is no doubt Minnesota will improve on the defensive end. The offensive end should not be an issue, this team is talented and can be explosive. With another top 10 pick in their sights any glaring holes that they may have can be addressed via the draft and through free agency.
Expectations
This is the perfect situation for coach and president Thibodeau, there is no immediate championship expectations, he has 3 young players that he can mold into stars and has a top pick with some cap room. We can expect a busy off-season as the team attempts to sure up positions of weakness.
Realistically the Wolves can expect to finish in the top 20 for defensive efficiency and to win more than 30 games next season. Bottom line this hiring is good for both sides and we can expect to see great things from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the near future. Winter is Coming.
Tweet your thoughts! @TheLeftoversSPD
