Surgery eases Thibodeau's pain

[nwfisch]

Chicago Bulls: Knee replacement surgery eases Tom Thibodeau's pain - chicagotribune.com

Being of single-minded focus, Tom Thibodeau is preparing for next season as if there isn't a lockout. Whenever that ends, expect the reigning Coach of the Year to be healthier and prowling the sidelines with even more gusto.

That's because Thibodeau underwent partial right knee replacement surgery on July 13 to fix a painful arthritic condition dating to an injury from his playing days at Salem (Mass.) State.

Thibodeau tore cartilage in college and had his meniscus completely removed during the ensuing surgery, leaving bone to basically rub on bone for the last 30 years. Colleagues said the condition began affecting what little sleep Thibodeau bagged last season. Befitting the tough-minded team he led to a league-high 62 victories and Eastern Conference finals berth last season, Thibodeau never discussed the situation, even making light of it on Thursday.

"It's my kicking leg," he said, in reference to his custom to stand virtually the entire game and occasionally object to calls.

Thibodeau, 53, did turn serious when discussing the benefits the surgery will bring.

"I worked out every day in Boston and my previous (NBA) stops," Thibodeau said. "I didn't work out last year. It's good to do so again."

Indeed, Thibodeau, who said he's virtually pain-free, has been lifting weights and exercising on an elliptical machine at Berto Center. Without a lockout, Thibodeau might be working out alongside players. And several talked during last season about how much Thibodeau's hands-on, individual approach with offseason workouts helped them.

The lockout prohibits Thibodeau from working out players and talking about them, leaving him to joke his knee surgery wouldn't be a story without the labor woes.

"I'm approaching everything the same way, preparing as if the regular season will start on time," Thibodeau said. "I'll make adjustments later if necessary."

This is the first downtime Thibodeau has experienced since going to training camp as associate head coach with the Celtics in October 2009. That team went to the 2010 NBA Finals, and Thibodeau joined the Bulls directly after that.

 

[scottiepippen1994]

Maybe Thibbs can play at the 2guard position for us, you know with his new knee and all we should be ready to go..:admin:

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

I honestly worry about this guy. Single, doesn't seem to have a life outside of basketball, and now he can't coach. That's not the greatest combination of things.

 

[scottiepippen1994]

I honestly worry about this guy. Single, doesn't seem to have a life outside of basketball, and now he can't coach. That's not the greatest combination of things.

He probabely sleeps with a clipboard while hugging a basketball wearing lipstick.

 

[Crystallas]

I honestly worry about this guy. Single, doesn't seem to have a life outside of basketball

99 Problems, but a ***** ain't one.

Sounds pretty good to me. Plus he's got basketball.