Fansided

5 reasons Tom Thibodeau will win a title with Timberwolves

By Tom West

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls reacts to an officials call during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 7, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls reacts to an officials call during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 7, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 24: (L-R) Taj Gibson (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 24: (L-R) Taj Gibson (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3. Thibodeau can maximize the Timberwolves’ defense

During his days as head coach in Chicago, Tom Thibodeau established the Bulls as an elite defensive unit. With the fire and grit of Joakim Noah to lead the frontcourt and wings like Jimmy Butler on the perimeter, Thibs ensured his team were the best they could be on defense, even if they didn’t always have a healthy, MVP-level Derrick Rose to rely on as their scorer.

From 2010-11 until 2013-14, they ranked in the NBA’s top five teams for defensive efficiency, largely thanks to Thibodeau demanding constant effort from his players, his knowledge of how to cover pick-and-rolls, and his overall emphasis on that side of the floor.

Beyond a technical standpoint, the tough, defensive nature that Thibodeau would instil in Minnesota has immediate value.

With a center like Towns to anchor the paint, an elite defensive point guard in Rubio, and the talent of Wiggins, Thibodeau already has a few key pieces in place through his starting lineup. If he can improve some of the others, too, such as Zach LaVine and Shabazz Muhammad — who both lose their assignments and positioning at times — it won’t be long before the Timberwolves leave their current ranking of 27th in defensive efficiency behind.

If Thibs sparks the same kind of improvement throughout the bench as well, and maximizes the ability and versatility of the starting lineup (Towns can already switch onto agile guards), it’s scary to think how good they could be in a few years.

Next: 2. Thibodeau creates more attraction for free agents

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