Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 versatile coaches to replace Tom Thibodeau
By TJ Bain
3. Stan Van Gundy
Stan Van Gundy (SVG) is the former head coach for the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat, most recently being fired by the Detroit Pistons.
Van Gundy likes to run a fluid offense and doesn’t like to play dominate ball (Reggie Jackson wasn’t a fan). As Gundy as the coach, you can expect more off-ball screens, in-out passing, and little use of iso-plays. SVG loves to play gritty defense and gives the young players minutes who are ready. That would astounding to hear as all Timberwolves fans are dying for Josh Okogie to get more minutes.
Spending 12 seasons as head coach in the NBA with Pistons, Heat, and Magic, compiling a record of 523-384 with a .577 winning percentage; Van Gundy took teams to the playoff eight times and reached the NBA Finals with the Magic in the 2008-09 season. That is a pretty impressive record for a coach and getting star players such as Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard to play at full potential at such a young age.
SVG was the former President and Head coach for the Pistons the last four seasons turning that franchise completely around. The Wolves have the players that would fit SVG schemes and could do wonders with KAT’s game defensively. A no-nonsense kind of coach is exactly what this young Wolves team desperately needs, but not in that authoritative Thibodeau way. Good strong defensive principles are the foundation for why his teams in the past are always in the playoff picture.
Ultimately, SVG may not be the best option because of how similar his style may be with Thibs, but all three of these ideas may be better than the Wolves current situation.
The time for change is now for this franchise, and owner Glen Taylor knows that he starts with the coaching staff. If the Wolves can make the proper changes, they could be a legit playoff team.
dark. Next. Is Andrew Wiggins right about the fans?
Unfortunately with Thibs, as his former self when it comes to defense, the fans and everyone around the NBA knows that it is only a matter of time before his departure happens.