5 reasons Minnesota Timberwolves must hire Tom Thibodeau
By John Buhler
3. Perfect for Timberwolves’ young roster.
Given the high-octane effort Thibodeau teams usually showcase on the defensive end, it makes a great deal of sense for him to inherit a roster of young and exciting players. A team of also-ran veterans wouldn’t buy in to his coaching philosophies on the defensive end, as they will try to extend their dwindling careers by not fighting for the ball on every defensive position.
While it could prove problematic at the end of the decade, for now the Timberwolves’ future is blinding bright, as the bulk of their roster is 25 years of age or younger. Towns is 20, Wiggins is 21, LaVine is 21, and Rubio is only 25! Outside of Garnett and Tayshaun Prince, no player on the Timberwolves has more than five years of NBA experience.
Having a young corps is ideal for what Thibodeau will want to do defensively. The players will have the youthfulness to play in his all-out defensive scheme. While that is the area of the court where Thibodeau specializes, he will inherit a team that finished 12th in the NBA in team offensive rating, averaging 106.5 points per 100 possessions.
Will the Timberwolves have to adapt their strategy once the young corps enters their late 20s and early 30s? Yes, but Thibodeau would easily have five years to build, mold, and shape this team even before Towns, Wiggins, and LaVine enter their prime. Minnesota has so much raw talent already on its roster and will get another top-10 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. It’s up to Thibodeau to create something truly special in the Twin Cities with his great coaching tactics.
Next: 2. The NBA's preeminent defensive guru.