Tom Thibodeau

[Lipoli390]

Glen Taylor left no doubt where he's at with Tom Thibodeau. First, you can tell he's frustrated with Thibodeau's judgment as PBO when it comes to Butler. Thibodeau indicated that the Wolves spend too much time trying to persuade Butler to stay. Obviously, that was Thibodeau's plan, which predictably failed. Second, Glen clearly has Thibodeau on probation right now and he expects results sooner rather than later. I'm guessing Glen keeps Thibodeau for the entire season, but it things get really ugly before then, I can see Glen letting him go sometime during the season. Note the following excerpt from the Star Tribune:

Now Taylor's attention has turned to the Timberwolves' players and staff who remain. The owner addressed coach Tom Thibodeau's job status, telling the Star Tribune he will be evaluated going forward without listing specific goals for success.

"OK, you now have your team," Taylor said. "We made the trades. These are guys that you like, and let's see what we can do."

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Taylor is taking the stance I thought he'd take. While most of us agree that how Thibs handled the Butler situation was a fireable offense and he should have been gone already, Taylor is exhibiting a more measured approach. I think if we miss the playoffs, he's gone.

[kekgeek]

Taylor is taking the stance I thought he'd take. While most of us agree that how Thibs handled the Butler situation was a fireable offense and he should have been gone already, Taylor is exhibiting a more measured approach. I think if we miss the playoffs, he's gone.

Now I have turned on thibs but I'm fine with him finishing the year and if he makes the playoffs he might keep his job. Because if we make the playoffs that means the Butler trade was a good one, towns and/or Wiggins took the next step and Okogie was a good pick. Thibs has a chance to keep his job.

Lip you might be able to speak more to this. A minnesota writer (can't remember his name) tweeted that Thibs and Glen hugged and had huge smiles on their faces at the end of Wednesday game. (He might of been trolling)

Just curious if you saw that

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Taylor is taking the stance I thought he'd take. While most of us agree that how Thibs handled the Butler situation was a fireable offense and he should have been gone already, Taylor is exhibiting a more measured approach. I think if we miss the playoffs, he's gone.

Now I have turned on thibs but I'm fine with him finishing the year and if he makes the playoffs he might keep his job. Because if we make the playoffs that means the Butler trade was a good one, towns and/or Wiggins took the next step and Okogie was a good pick. Thibs has a chance to keep his job.

Lip you might be able to speak more to this. A minnesota writer (can't remember his name) tweeted that Thibs and Glen hugged and had huge smiles on their faces at the end of Wednesday game. (He might of been trolling)

Just curious if you saw that

That was certainly a "pressure relief" win if there ever was one, but now that some time has passed we need to put a 7 point home victory over the Pelicans in perspective. But I get the celebratory hugs. Heck, I was looking for someone to hug, but everyone was asleep!

[AbeVigodaLive]

While I think Thibodeau botched the Butler situation enough to be fired... Glen Taylor isn't an innocent bystander here.

[Lipoli390]

Taylor is taking the stance I thought he'd take. While most of us agree that how Thibs handled the Butler situation was a fireable offense and he should have been gone already, Taylor is exhibiting a more measured approach. I think if we miss the playoffs, he's gone.

Now I have turned on thibs but I'm fine with him finishing the year and if he makes the playoffs he might keep his job. Because if we make the playoffs that means the Butler trade was a good one, towns and/or Wiggins took the next step and Okogie was a good pick. Thibs has a chance to keep his job.

Lip you might be able to speak more to this. A minnesota writer (can't remember his name) tweeted that Thibs and Glen hugged and had huge smiles on their faces at the end of Wednesday game. (He might of been trolling)

Just curious if you saw that

I didn't see that particular hug. But Taylor hugs everyone. He's hugged Thibodeau before and always talks with, smiles at and greets Thibodeau warmly every game. So I wouldn't read too much into that.

I think it's clear Taylor would like to keep Thibodeau. Firing Thibodeau would be costly and would be an admission by Taylor of his own failure hiring Thibodeau in the first place. In the meantime, Glen will probably continue embracing his head coach personally on the bench for as long as he's here. But if the team doesn't make the playoffs this season, I think Thibodeau will be gone.

[Lipoli390]

While I think Thibodeau botched the Butler situation enough to be fired... Glen Taylor isn't an innocent bystander here.

Absolutely right, Abe. It was Glen Taylor's responsibility to fire Thibodeau for his malfeasance. Failure to do so is entirely on Taylor. But of course, that goes right to the heart of the problem that with this organization -- Glen Taylor. He hired Thibodeau even though even I could see the folly in that decision. He gave Thibodeau both the PBO and head coach positions, is highly problematic in any situation. He had to know about Butler's trade demand back in May, yet he simply let his top executive, Thibodeau, do nothing. So yes, Glen Taylor is far from innocent in all of this. My point is that Glen's guilt deepens with each passing day he stays with Thibodeau. But we'll see. Maybe Thibodeau has undergone an internal transformation. :)

[60WinTim]

I think it is noteworthy some of the changes we have seen in Thibs this season. The 3-point shooting, a less noticeable demeanor on the bench, and players comments on a "more relaxed?" Thibs off the court.

Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks?!?

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I think it is noteworthy some of the changes we have seen in Thibs this season. The 3-point shooting, a less noticeable demeanor on the bench, and players comments on a "more relaxed?" Thibs off the court.

Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks?!?

Sounds like someone who knows this could be the end of the line if he doesn't change his ways. While it may be too late here, may be his change of methods/demeanor will prevent him from frightening other teams away when he's looking for his next job.

[crazy-canuck [enjin:18955461]]

If we are in the playoff hunt and our defense improves while continuing to play the space and pace game, do we keep him?