Tom Thibodeau has not yet been hired as the New York Knicks head coach, but he is operating as though he will be manning the bench next season.
Marc Berman of the New York Post reported on Friday that Thibodeau, widely considered as the favorite to land the Knicks job, has already begun watching the team's game tapes.
Thibodeau, considered the leading candidate, is passing away the time poring over Knicks game film as he awaits a possible job offer, according to an NBA source.
It is characteristic of Thibodeau, known for having his teams as well-prepared as any coach.
Tom Thibodeau has wasted little time getting down to business in the event Leon Rose and Co. name him the next head coach of the Big Apple franchise.
To recall, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported in May that Thibodeau had already begun assembling a coaching staff. Now, it seems he is getting down to details.
Thibodeau will be entering uncharted territory should he get the Knicks job.
The former Boston Celtics assistant got his start in head coaching with the Chicago Bulls, eventually transforming the Windy City franchise into one of the most successful teams in the Eastern Conference.
But Thibodeau also had the luxury of taking over a roster that already boasted former No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose, as well as high-energy guys like Joakim Noah and Luol Deng.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were in a less ideal situation when Thibodeau arrived in 2016, though the T-Wolves also had a former No. 1 pick in Karl-Anthony Towns who had already emerged as a star.
New York does not boast the same talent level as either of those teams. But perhaps Thibodeau's grittiness and commitment to defensive effort can play a role in rebuilding the Knicks' culture.
Regardless, Thibodeau seems intent on identifying potential strengths and weaknesses as he hopes to be hired in the coming weeks.
Follow Us
Subscribe