Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 reasons to not be pessimistic about the future
By James Grieco
3. Getting rid of Tom Thibodeau has course-corrected the team’s atmosphere
Tom Thibodeau left Chicago largely as a vindicated man; fans and the media blamed the Chicago Bulls’ troubles on the franchise’s comically inept front office, led by Gar Forman and John Paxson, who are despised by their own fans on a level unto itself. When Minnesota bestowed Thibodeau with the dual president of basketball operations-head coach role in 2016, most praised the move.
Fast forward less than three years and Thibodeau is now reviled nearly as much as GarPax. Beyond the role Thibodeau played in engendering the Jimmy Butler mess through both his failure to communicate and an unmatched stubbornness, the fun and relaxed atmosphere the late Flip Saunders had restored in Minnesota was shattered the minute Thibs let out his trademark grumbles from the sidelines.
Other than his former Bulls Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson, the majority of the roster did not push back against Thibodeau’s firing in early January. Some, such as Towns, noted the shocking timing of the move, but the team seemed fine with the decision.
A few days after Thibodeau’s firing, Minnesota color commentator Jim Petersen went on the Raised By Wolves podcast to discuss the team’s future; Petersen, a universally beloved figure all around the league, didn’t hold back:
"“It was a difficult 3 years … when [Thibodeau] was let go, I just felt like so many people were let out of prison … it literally was so oppressive. Everybody was kinda walking around on eggshells all the time.”"
Interim head coach Ryan Saunders may not be leading the team to many wins — although that is hardly his fault due to the team’s rash of injuries — but he has been helping to restore a professional culture where staff aren’t disrespected and half the team isn’t upset with their playing time.
Andrew Wiggins picked the music to play at today’s Wolves practice — all Drake.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) January 10, 2019
Wiggins said it was the first practice “probably since college” that he has had music play at any practice.
Current general manager Scott Layden will likely get the boot as well once the season ends, meaning the Timberwolves will have a fresh chance to pick a front office and coaching staff that will set the franchise up to maximize KAT’s talents and bring some pride to Minnesota.