Evaluating 10 possible NBA landing spots for Tom Thibodeau in 2020-21

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NBA, Tom Thibodeau (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Longshot options

There are some rosters in the NBA that play well to Thibodeau’s coaching strengths on the defensive end. As the league has progressed over the last five years, it’s a bit redundant to say that athletic teams thrive under Thibodeau’s system.

Defensively, he likes his team to force players towards the baseline, as opposed to funneling them to the middle towards a shot-blocking center. That creates an extra defender with the out-of-bounds line and creates difficult passing angles. It also means defenders have to rotate to seal the edge and then scramble to cover passing options.

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On pick-and-rolls, Thibodeau had a history of dropping coverage to encourage a mid-range jumper. But the NBA has evolved a pull-up 3s are becoming a better option for players.

Later in his Minnesota tenure, after Jeff Teague was particularly vocal about how they defended pick-and-rolls, Thibodeau adjusted and the Wolves began pressuring pick-and-rolls. That is likely an adaptation he will carry with him to his new job.

With that in mind, here are a few situations that are rather intriguing.

Charlotte Hornets

The roster is sure to change with so many young players but anchored by Devonte’ Graham, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington, there’s a good young nucleus to build around. The Charlotte Hornets are in need of a center and appear to be a few pieces away from becoming a playoff contender. James Borrego is in the second year of a four-year deal, and the Gregg Popovich understudy has already been impressive with schemes on the defensive end, rendering this an unlikely landing spot.

Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant is a tantalizing prospect and likely Rookie of the Year winner. Paired with Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies have a lot to like, and were off to an impressive 32-33 start under first-year coach Taylor Jenkins. The likelihood of Jenkins being replaced for Thibodeau is low but should Jenkins land a job elsewhere, Thibodeau could slot in.

The only situation where this may occur is if Popovic, 71, decides he’s ready to retire after missing the playoffs for only the second time in his 24-year, Hall of Fame coaching career. Jenkins interned with the Spurs in college and got his pro coaching start within the organization. Despite never playing college basketball, Jenkins is a rising star as the second-youngest coach in the league at 35.

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Orlando Magic

The promise of Jonathan Isaac as a two-way NBA player is captivating. His 6-foot-11 frame and ability to defend any position on the floor will play anywhere but would be lethal in Thibodeau’s system. Pairing with upstart point guard Markelle Fultz is a solid tandem for the future. But this is only an option should the Orlando Magic move on from Steve Clifford, who has two years left on his contract. His team was on pace to make the playoffs for the second straight season, and fourth time in seven in Clifford’s coaching career including Charlotte. But he’s exceeded 44 wins in a season once (48 in 2015-16) and never made it out of the first round of the playoffs.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers are gridlocked by the salary cap but have a roster that competes at the highest level in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Al Horford, Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson is enough to draw the ire of anyone. Philadelphia has a decision to make with Brett Brown if he’s the right guy. The team has won 50 games each of the past two seasons but couldn’t make it past the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Brown’s contract runs through the 2021-22 season.

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Phoenix Suns

There’s some familiarity with Thibodeaux and point guard Ricky Rubio. But the core of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, paired with combo forward Kelly Oubre Jr., creates an intriguing option. But would the young players be open to Thibodeau’s style? And would Phoenix Suns’ general manager James Jones move off of Monty Williams after 65 games (25-39)? Not likely.

Washington Wizards

Scott Brooks had one losing season before getting to Washington Wizards but injuries have hampered the roster and that result has been the same the last two years. The Wizards could give him the final year left on his deal in 2020-21 with the likelihood of John Wall joining Bradley Beal in hopes of making a playoff run as they did in Brooks’ first two years in the nation’s Capitol.

The coronavirus pandemic likely hampers all opportunities of a coach being fired as owners have lost funds of their businesses like Americans everywhere. But even at the college ranks, firings happen. Wake Forest recently fired Danny Manning, who was owed around $15 million if bought out, though the school disputes that.

Regardless, that’s a lot of cash that teams would be doling out for someone who would have no influence on the organization. Until the country rebounds economically, it’ll be hard for teams to justify firing a coach.

So let’s look at the four most-likely options for Thibodeau.