Nets Interested in Thibodeau?

Posted by Brian Robb on Apr 20, 2010 76137 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F04%2F20%2Fnets-interested-in-thibodeau%2FNets+Interested+in+Thibodeau%3F2010-04-20+16%3A30%3A12Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D7613

The C’s top assistant Tom Thibodeau has been caught up in the prospective head coach rumor mill for the past two offseasons. Today’s report out of Tuesday’s edition of the New York Daily News indicates this year will be no different, with the New Jersey Nets kicking the tires on the defensive mastermind:

Thorn hinted the Nets will likely reach out to former Knicks assistant Tom Thibodeau, who is currently associate head coach to Doc Rivers in Boston.

One of the most respected assistants in the league, Thibodeau’s name comes up regularly whenever a head coaching job is available, and sources say that he would be interested in the job. Without naming him, Thorn revealed several reasons why Thibodeau could be a perfect fit in New Jersey, including the fact the Nets are looking for “somebody who has a defensive presence.”

Thibodeau is considered one of the top defensive minds in the game. During his years as Jeff Van Gundy’s assistant with the Knicks and the Rockets, both teams were among the stingiest in the league. The Celtics have also been a top defensive team during Thibodeau’s three seasons in Boston.

Thorn also indicates in the piece, he would like to have a new head coach in place by the NBA draft on June 24th.

After being passed over in several head coach openings in the last few years including Sacramento and Philadelphia last year, you can’t help but feel that this guy’s opportunity is waiting for him somewhere out there. A team like New Jersey, who is largely in need of a defensive overhaul, would be well served with Thibs.

Here’s my question though for Celtics fans. With Doc Rivers potentially on his way out at the end of this season, does Danny Ainge have to strongly consider handing the reigns over to Thibodeau if Doc bows out of Beantown? And would that be a wise move by Danny or would is this team in need of a completely new voice and authority, after a tumultuous regular season.

The outcome of these playoffs will undoubtedly be the true indicator of that question, but it’s an interesting nugget to consider as we look ahead to this offseason.