It’s going to become a circus this summer in the NBA. There will be free agents aplenty trying to maximize their values and get a big contract or maybe get a short deal and get a bigger contract in 2 years and now there’s even some drama around the NBA draft and the New York Knicks.
One thing that can make this summer a complete sideshow is the coaching carousel that is bound to start spinning very soon. The first available job was filled in no time after the Oklahoma City Thunder fired Scott Brooks and quickly hired Billy Donovan away from Florida. That was followed up by the New Orleans Pelicans getting rid of their coach that led them to the playoffs, Monty Williams, with no clear successor in sight.
Brooks has all but removed his name from any potential coaching hires but it appears he wasn’t the prime subject this summer anyway when it comes to coaching. The one prospect that NBA teams are salivating over appears to be a man who hasn’t even lost his job yet. Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is the most talked about coach in the NBA right now and everyone has all but thought of it as a foregone conclusion that he is out of the ‘windy city’.
The Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans are the 2 teams that have been talked about the most concerning coach Tibs but now, according Jordan Schultz of the Huffington Post the Los Angeles Lakers could be linked with coach Thibodeau.
Being told that the Lakers will be pursuing Tom Thibodeau. Byron Scott has just the one year left. Lakers would be paying four head coaches.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 20, 2015
I would assume Thibs would be interested in Laker job but don't know either way. Have to think #2 pick in the draft helps.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 20, 2015
Being told Thibs taking his time: wanted to see draft lottery, etc. Still employed by Bulls, who are waiting on Fred Hoiberg.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 20, 2015
If the Lakers do hire Thibs, that would be 3 head coaches on payroll, not four… My apologies.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 21, 2015
This would be a huge game changer for the Lakers. Coach Thibodeau has been highly regarded as a great defensive coach for years as many people know. The only issue is, the services for Thibodeau are being sought after by many teams without coaches right now. He seems to be the lynchpin in most coaching searches as teams are waiting to let the dominos fall.
Which brings up a valid point brought up by NBC Pro Basketball Talk’s Dan Feldman. This could also be a quick note slipped out by someone close to multiple situations for the betterment of their side.
But keep in mind how many people have incentive to leak this story – whether or not it’s true:
– Kobe could be trying to spark something. If Kobe wants to play for Thibodeau, creating unrest between Scott and Lakers management might be a good way to kick-start the process of switching coaches.
– The Lakers could be floating this story without truly intending to pursue Thibodeau as a way to appease Kobe.
– The Bulls could be trying to build a bidding war for compensation for Thibodeau, who’s still under contract with Chicago. The Pelicans and Magic are interested in the coach, but as New Orleans looks elsewhere, the Bulls lose leverage.
– And Thibodeau could be trying to drum up competition to increase his salary.
