I’m not sure why so many media are saying ‘oh they’re a great regular season team, but that doesn’t work in the playoffs’ when they got all the way to the 3rd round last year. He obviously knows how to operate in the playoffs, he was part of the Celtics winning runs too. People act like this was their first time in the playoffs..

but if he has an achilles heel, I’d say it’s this heavy defensive style and these injuries. How many other teams have 3 starters down to injury? If this happens next year then the guy may have a ceiling like D’Antoni (superior offense, can’t win a championship)

Secondly, when he did leave the Celtics, he had two contracts ready for him to sign. A 3yr deal from the Bulls and a 5yr deal from the Hornets. Being a longer offer, Hornets offer had more money on the table but Bulls had more talent. Doc Rivers told Thibs that when you get the chance to coach Rose, you take it…plus it will lead to a bigger contract if you do well.

It seems reasonable he will get a few more years given his defensive success and strong organizational culture he has fostered within the Bulls. This is a good move to retain him at a limited cost before he commands a much bigger deal next year.

As a Celtics assistant I think he had chances into be a head coach elsewhere but knew it had to be the right situation with some decent players to work with. That’s half the battle right there.

Thibs has done a fantastic job, and has me cringing when I think back on the Bulls passing on Mike D’Antoni to sign Vinny Del Negro. The fact that it all led to Thibs coaching the Bulls makes those two seasons seem a distant memory. Couldn’t be happier with the results so far.