Thibodeau The Frontrunner For The Bulls

[JCM]

New Orleans’ interest in Tom Thibodeau has caused the Bulls to step up plans to interview the Boston assistant. They are hoping to meet with Thibodeau when the Celtics-Magic playoff series ends, if not sooner.

Some league sources suggest Thibodeau has become the frontrunner for the Bulls job. Ex-Portland and Philadelphia coach Maurice Cheeks remains a strong candidate, while former Nets coach Lawrence Frank has slipped. The Bulls held informal talks with both Cheeks and Franks this week during the Chicago predraft camp.

If any coach is going to get LeBron James’ attention, it might be Thibodeau. He designed the defense that helped Boston eliminate the Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. The Bulls think they have a chance to sign the two-time MVP as a free agent this summer.

Thibodeau joined the Celtics in 2007-08, the year they won the NBA title. Boston currently holds a surprising 3-0 lead over Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

An NBA assistant for 18 seasons, Thibodeau worked under Jeff Van Gundy in both New York and Houston. He has also held jobs in Minnesota, Seattle, San Antonio and Philadelphia.

Those who know him well say Thibodeau has been anxious for a chance at a head job in the NBA. He's known as a tireless worker who can draw up strategies as well as anyone. He's also been popular with the Celtics players.

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[tbo41fan]

Booooo!

 

[JCM]

yeah i dont really like the guy, but he is a damm good defensive minded guy.

its kinda crazy since alot of people say that he is a good guy and a assistant coach. thing is, what has kept him form getting a job?

 

[tbo41fan]

good defense is all we need once we get lebron! lol

 

[tbo41fan]

and lebron helps there too. lol

 

[Lex L.]

yeah i dont really like the guy, but he is a damm good defensive minded guy.

its kinda crazy since alot of people say that he is a good guy and a assistant coach. thing is, what has kept him form getting a job?

Ive read that front offices worry that he's too intense and doesnt communicate well with players.

 

[JCM]

good defense is all we need once we get lebron! lol

yeah, but i really hope that if we do get him, he atleast has some good offensive plays under his belt. im getting a feeling that he is not that good at offensive plays. he has had some good interviews in the past of coaching vacancies but hasnt got the jobs. see thats what bothers me about him.

 

[JCM]

Ive read that front offices worry that he's too intense and doesnt communicate well with players.

oh yeah, i didnt know that about him. maybe he lacks in that category as a good communicator. that is always real important.

 

[tbo41fan]

good communicator is essential!

 

[JCM]

good communicator is essential!

yep, just look at what happened to skiles, he was as good as it gets at x's and o's, but his team quit on him and didnt go to well afterwards. Turd Wallace and LH hated skiles.

 

[tbo41fan]

yep...you cant lose your team like skiles did

 

[waldo7239117]

I srill would rather have callihi however you spell the name (Hentucky coach). I think if the Bullls ask for an interview they can sign him with all the reporst saying he is staying in college. But they won't do that.

 

[tbo41fan]

*Calipari

Idk if I want him either

 

[USCChiFan]

I still don't see why they're not considering Byron Scott. He'd be a great coach for the Bulls

 

[tbo41fan]

I agree

 

[JCM]

I still don't see why they're not considering Byron Scott. He'd be a great coach for the Bulls

yeah i like him too, he has played with magic, and has coached kidd and paul. pretty ok PG's id say.

also i will want calipari for one reason, and that reason is because he a good recruiter. and did i mention that he is good friends with lebron.

 

[tbo41fan]

ahh...well calipari just got a little more appealing. lol

 

[BigP50]

I just want the search to be over.

 

[USCChiFan]

Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau has emerged as the frontrunner for the New Orleans Hornets’ coaching job and an offer could be forthcoming in the near future, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Hornets are moving toward formulating an offer for Thibodeau and don’t want to risk losing him to another team with a coaching vacancy.

Sources say it’s been an excruciating process because general manager Jeff Bower and president Hugh Weber have also been impressed with their other finalist, Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams. Sources say Hornets point guard Chris Paul(notes) has also been an advocate for the Portland assistant coach.

Nevertheless, the Celtics’ success in the postseason has again crystallized Thibodeau’s strength as a defensive coach.

Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf has been effusive in praise of Thibodeau to league friends, and New Jersey Nets GM Rod Thorn has him on his short list of coaching candidates. The revitalization of the Celtics in this postseason, especially a defense that Thibodeau oversees, has been a boon to his head-coaching candidacy.

Thibodeau has interviewed for several jobs over recent years, including Philadelphia, Detroit and Sacramento, but has yet to land one. It’s unclear whether Thibodeau would immediately accept an offer or wait for the chance to meet with the Bulls once the Celtics eliminate the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals.

Even with the future of Celtics coach Doc Rivers uncertain, sources say Thibodeau has been given no assurances he would be a strong candidate to replace him. Rivers has been contemplating leaving the Celtics with a year left on his contract and return home to Orlando to spend more time with his family.

Thibodeau in lead to land Hornets' job - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

This can't be good for the Bulls

 

[BigP50]

I saw a piece on ESPN about him, seems like he would be a good fit.