Thibodeau moves into spotlight

While instant gratification seems to be the norm these days, there are some who still believe in the old-school philosophy that good things come to those who wait. If that is the case, Tom Thibodeau must be a graduate of Patience University.

With nearly 30 years of coaching experience, including 21 in the NBA, on his resume, Thibodeau has finally received the opportunity of a lifetime—to be an NBA head coach. “It’s sure been a long wait,” chuckles Chicago’s new headmaster. “In the back of my mind, I always knew the chance to be a head coach would come. I thought, if I kept working hard and my teams continued to win, eventually something like this would happen. Some team would give me a chance.”
Tom Thibodeau

Thibodeau’s past teams have consistently ranked in the top 10 in team defense, earning the first-year Bulls coach a reputation of being a defensive guru.

The Chicago Bulls did just that, offering the highly regarded Thibodeau a three-year deal behind the wheel. But, upon agreeing to head up the Bulls in mid-June, Thibodeau was forced to practice a bit more patience, as he was deeply involved in another important venture with his the last employer, the Boston Celtics: The NBA Finals.

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The 52-year old also won’t have to express any regrets for leaving Boston to come to Chicago. He recently had a couple of other head coaching opportunities presented to him, namely from the New Orleans Hornets and the New Jersey Nets, but his main focus was the Bulls’ job even as far back as a couple of years ago, when his name first came up during the memorable opening-round Boston/Chicago playoff series, where nearly every game went into overtime. “I would not have left Boston if this wasn’t an opportunity to become a championship-caliber team,” he said. “The thing that stood out to me from that series was how hard the Bulls competed. And they had no fear.

“When you look at the future of the Bulls, it has everything—a great young nucleus, the ability to add through free agency, a great city. I certainly understand the great tradition and history of the team. Those were some of the qualities that made this job very attractive.”

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As for the players he’s inherited, here are some of Thibodeau’s comments for each:

* Joakim Noah: “I just love Noah! Look at the things he brings to the table—his passion, energy, rebounding. He has the ability to make other people better and he always plays to win.”
* Taj Gibson: “For a rookie to come into this league and play the defense he did last year is very impressive.”
* Luol Deng: “You always have to pay attention to Luol because he’s in constant motion. He hurts you in a lot of different ways—his midrange game, post-up game and slash game.”
* Derrick Rose: “When Derrick’s coming at you with a full head of steam, watch out! I know what it’s like to be sitting on that other bench when he’s got the ball in his hands. Believe me, it’s not a good feeling.”

When asked for his thoughts about Rose’s lack of calls from referees when attacking the basket, Thibodeau argues that from where he sat Rose had received plenty. “But, now that you mention it,” he laughs, due to his new position. “I do think that you’re right. Derrick needs to get more calls.”

Time will tell if the Bulls made the right call in choosing Thibodeau. Although it has taken him many years to move just one seat over on the bench, if he can get his new team to the next level, everyone in Chicago will be sitting pretty.