Of the stubborn misperceptions about coach Tom Thibodeau, one of the toughest to snap has been his supposed aversion to young players. ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, once commenting on whether Thibodeau would use Doug McDermott and/or Nikola Mirotic as rookies, said Thibodeau, “ hates rookies more than missed defensive assignments.” Wilbon was close. Thibodeau hates rookies because of missed defensive assignments.
As Thibodeau moves closer to securing a five-year deal to coach and be the general manager for the Timberwolves, it’s obvious he will have to make some changes in order to get this team to fit the mold he wants.