Camden wrote:According to our very own insider, Lipoli, Thibs isn't a Flip guy and we shouldn't hope for that to happen because it has no chance.
I wish he would have answered my question, however. What makes Joerger an appealing candidate for Flip, but not Thibs?
There's conflicting info then (which isn't uncommon with insiders) because Flip said they requested talking to Thibs last year, but were denied. Why would he bother if he wasn't on that list?
Camden wrote:According to our very own insider, Lipoli, Thibs isn't a Flip guy and we shouldn't hope for that to happen because it has no chance.
I wish he would have answered my question, however. What makes Joerger an appealing candidate for Flip, but not Thibs?
There's conflicting info then (which isn't uncommon with insiders) because Flip said they requested talking to Thibs last year, but were denied. Why would he bother if he wasn't on that list?
I believe Thibs is interested. I think he sees Towns, Wiggins and Rubio and thinks:
"Hey, there's a good core there. I could use those three to set up my bomb ass defense. I also have my general in Kevin Garnett? My intensity would only be supported and replicated by that crazy man? Sign me up. There's also the wildcards in Shabazz Muhammad and Zach LaVine. I love guys that get down and dirty for me; Bazz is that guy. LaVine's got all the tools to be a stud. Maybe if I yell at him enough like a drill sergeant he'll reach his potential. I bet he responds to tough love. Not to mention they're all young and impressionable so I'll be able to develop them how I want to develop them. They'll be MY guys. And the best thing is this: expectations are low. This franchise hasn't been to the playoffs in over a decade. They just won 16 games last season! You're telling me I get a healthy Rubio, improved versions of Wiggins/LaVine/Muhammad/Dieng and the No. 1 overall pick to go with steady veterans Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic? Hot damn. Think about the reaction I'd get if I could get that team to 40 wins next year by some chance. Anywhere else and I'd be in deep shit. In Minnesota, I just became the savior of Northern basketball! Wait 'til you see what I can do with this group!"
Camden wrote:According to our very own insider, Lipoli, Thibs isn't a Flip guy and we shouldn't hope for that to happen because it has no chance.
I wish he would have answered my question, however. What makes Joerger an appealing candidate for Flip, but not Thibs?
There's conflicting info then (which isn't uncommon with insiders) because Flip said they requested talking to Thibs last year, but were denied. Why would he bother if he wasn't on that list?
The cynical explanation is that Flip knew the Bulls wouldn't grant permission. The less cynical explanation is that Flip was doing his due diligence at the behest of Glen Taylor and I can see how that might include trying to at least talk to one of the League's top head coaches who was rumored to be on the outs with Bulls management.
As for Joerger, I wouldn't necessarily believe reports that the Wolves offered him the job. In any event, I can see where Flip would see Joerger as a less-established and less head-strong head coach who would be more of a "company guy" and easier to work with than the fiercely independent Thibs. Maybe he was offered the job but at the time he didn't know we'd end up with the NBA's rookie of the year. I don't believe Hoiberg was ever pursued by the Wolves.
I really have no idea who's on Flip's short list other than Izzo. I'm not sure who I'd have on my list. I probably would have pursued Hoiberg, but I'm not convinced he'd be better than Flip. I just don't think Flip is ready to turn over the reins to anyone right now. And I'm ok with that. Let's see how he does next season with some more talent and hopefully a healthier roster. I'd really like to see him add Malone or someone similar to the coaching staff. But I'm not holding my breath. Nevertheless, I still have faith in Flip as our head coach in the short term.
I wonder how excited Bulls fans were when Doug Collins' assistant was named HC or Spurs fans when the GM was named HC? Getting the named splashy guy is fun at the time of the hire, but it's not always the best move. I don't know what the best move is. I'm also sure it won't be a big name coach that will bring a lot of fan fare. I wonder if Malone would be the best move.
CoolBreeze44 wrote:I'm going to come to Grey's defense here. I understand where he is coming from I think. I'm not picking on any one poster, but the anti-Flip rhetoric has gotten carried away, His offense needs to be extended to the three point line, but it's not the worst offense ever concocted. His teams on this 2nd tour with the Wolves have been awful defensively, but he HAS had some good defensive teams in this career.
Fact is he's done more as a head coach and gone farther than the flavor of the day - Thibs. He's a very bright guy who isn't the greatest coach of all time, but you could do a lot worse. I'm not sure who could have gotten this Wolves team to do a whole lot better last year. Maybe Bill Musselman or the Wizard of Westwood himself.
I see similarities between Bill Musselman and Thibodeau.
And I still find it ironic for the Wolves to fire Musselman because he won TOO MUCH.
I am pretty sure Flip's hesitation with Thibs is based on two things. One is Thibs tough love attitude, and how it would fit with some of our younger players like Wiggins, Shabazz, Bennett. I also think Thibs history with the FO in Chicago is something that all teams will take into consideration.
I myself would take Thibs based on his defensive acumen, and the fact that KG would likely be able soften the transition. I also don't see Thibs taking a year off. I think he will find at least an assistants job somewhere. Ideally Flip could take Thibs on for the season as an assistant and step down next year letting Thibs take over.
My understanding on the Musselman firing had more to do with a philosophical difference in player personnel, and what system they should be playing. From the very start drafting Pooh Richardson didn't fit with the grind it out style that Musselman liked to use.
