Glen Taylor bet big on Tom Thibodeau
By Ken Bradley
Minnesota Timberwolves’ owner Glen Taylor bet big on Tom Thibodeau: Did Taylor learn new tricks or just bet again on the wrong hand?
Tom Thibodeau hasn’t expressed interest in the top ten NBA rappers, which would concern me if Glam Slam hadn’t’ closed. He’s aware NBA All-Star players have more value than all the potential on the playground. He’s the Alpha Dog of the present and a reflection past cards delt and lessons learned.
Da Kahn
David Kahn is the only Timberwolves executive to serve as General Manager and President of Basketball Operations, neither Tom Thibedeau nor Flip Saunders held both tiles. Although, Kahn never coached which is a debt we can never repay.
Kahn had two chances to pick the greatest shooter in NBA history in Stephen Curry and instead he picked Jonny Flynn-Tastic and Ricky Rubio, whose fears include, shooting near and far from the basket.
I wouldn’t trade my Spaniard’s distant stare, in favor of Mr. Curry’s 43.8 career 3-point accuracy for a burlap-sack of NBA titles. Sharpshooting will never be as appealing as Ricky’s longing gaze for Catalonia.
The Baby-Faced Assassin has nothing on the Johnny Flynn-Tastic, whose three seasons in the NBA can’t be matched by Steph’s cute little All-Star bracelets. Chef Curry’s appreciation for men’s jewelry will never replace my fondest for Jonny’s lost potential.
Da Kid
I’m a big Kevin Garnett fan, which is a small but dedicated club.
However, it’s no secret Kevin Garnett served as shadow GM and President of Basketball Operations (KGMPBO), which shadiness David Kahn can’t even claim. Such influence resulted in him having no other choice than to trade himself to the Boston Celtics for a handful of players oozing with potential.
More from Dunking with Wolves
- The dream starting 5 for Minnesota Timberwolves 5 years from now
- Anthony Edwards’ latest accolade is a great sign of things to come
- In an OT thriller, Team Canada snatches Bronze from Team USA
- Timberwolves start, bench, cut: Mike Conley, Shake Milton, Jordan McLaughlin
- Which Timberwolves roster additions have upgraded the bench?
KGMPBO signed the number seventh and eighth best NBA rappers Joe Smith and Troy Hudson according to Collin Robinson and Stereogum. These illegal and bad contracts weakened the team for years to come. T-Hud’s, 2007 album Undrafted, which sold almost 100 copies and Joe Smith’s The Beginning as Joe Beast, fans still can’t forget, because they never listened to their albums.
Rapping ain’t easy, and player decisions should not be made by men that shower together.
After twelve seasons with the Twolves, KG’s decision resulted in him winning an NBA title with the Celtics. A shrewd decision, that has been emulated by many NBA stars since and a lesson learned by Taylor.
The Timberwolves have more top ten first round picks than playoff appearances and tanking hasn’t been proven to be a smart strategy.
Glen Taylor placed a big bet when he signed Thibedeau to a five-year, $40 million contract last season as head coach and President of Basketball Operations.
Thibs is more keen on winning than waiting, as Sam Amick of USA Today reported. Thibodeau had this to say about potential:
"If you’re waiting on potential, you’re waiting on losing. We can’t wait on potential any longer"
Tom Thibedeau has been given such control is a reflection of lessons learned by Glen Taylor. Da Kahn was given the reigns and Taylor learned that betting on an unproven executive isn’t a winning strategy. He staked Da Kid and was schooled in letting others bet with his money.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: Best and worst case scenario for Justin Patton
Taylor put all his chips in on Thibs. We will learn if old dogs learn new tricks or if he bet again on the wrong hand.