When the Timberwolves hired Tom Thibodeau for two titles, the NBA trended toward coaches powerful enough to handle general-manager decisions as well.
Two years later, that trend has reversed.
Atlanta removed Mike Budenholzer’s presidency a year ago and now he coaches in Milwaukee. The Los Angeles Clippers did the same last summer with Doc Rivers, but extended his coaching contract through 2021. Detroit fired Stan Van Gundy from both jobs and, last week, announced Dwane Casey as its new head coach.
Yet, Thibodeau remains as both the Wolves president of basketball operations and coach.
He and San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich now are the league’s only coaches who hold ultimate decision-making power, although you could argue Popovich’s unique relationship with Spurs General Manager R.