Oklahoma City Thunder Should Go All-In on Tom Thibodeau as Their Next Head Coach
The Oklahoma City Thunder would be wise to wait out the Chicago Bulls' playoff run and do whatever it takes to make Tom Thibodeau their next head coach. While his offensive philosophy has been criticized at times, Thibs is the kind of experienced defensive tactician who can shore up OKC's biggest weakness and get the most out of an elite roster.
| Year | CHI Opp. PPG | Bulls' Defensive Efficiency | OKC PPG | OKC Off. Efficiency |
| 2014-15 | 97.8 (9th) | 101.5 (11th) | 104 (4th) | 104.5 (11th) |
| 2013-14 | 91.8 (1st) | 97.8 (2nd) | 106.2 (5th) | 108.1 (7th) |
| 2012-13 | 92.9 (3rd) | 100.3 (5th) | 105.7 (3rd) | 110.2 (2nd) |
| 2011-12 | 88.2 (1st) | 95.3 (1st) | 103.1 (3rd) | 107.1 (2nd) |
| 2010-11 | 91.3 (2nd) | 97.4 (1st) | 104.8 (5th) | 108.6 (4th) |
Oklahoma City relieved Scott Brooks of his duties last week after seven seasons and is in the midst of its first legitimate coaching search since the team moved from Seattle in 2008. Brooks coached all but 13 games in the Thunder's franchise history, compiled a 338-207 regular-season record and is 20th all time with a winning percentage of 62 percent.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, University of Florida coach Billy Donovan is the favorite to replace Brooks, but his lack of NBA experience makes him a risky hire for a team determined to win now. Thibodeau, on the other hand, has turned Chicago into an annual title contender with a hard-nosed approach and a commitment to defense.
However, that recent success hasn't come without reported tension between Thibodeau and the Bulls' front office. Due to the two parties alleged inability to see eye-to-eye, Grantland's Zach Lowe believes Thibs isn't long for the Windy City:
"People close to Thibodeau are convinced the Bulls will fire him after this season, though the front office has always played down the tiff in terse public statements."
Bleacher Report's own Ric Bucher adds that, while there has been no confirmation from the Bulls that Thibodeau will be sent packing, people close to the beleaguered coach are reportedly looking at other options.
With Kevin Durant a free agent next summer and Russell Westbrook hitting the market a year later, there is a greater sense of urgency in OKC. While a rookie coach like Donovan or Iowa State's Fred Hoiberg could work out, the Thunder can't afford to take that kind of gamble. The team needs someone with Thibodeau's track record to pick up where Brooks left off.
Experience
If the Bulls decide to give Thibodeau his walking papers this summer, the Thunder will be hard-pressed to find another candidate with his credentials. In five seasons as Chicago's leading man, he has built a 255-139 regular season record (64.7 percent, 13th all time) leading his team to the postseason every year, despite battling key injuries every season.
He also has plenty of championship experience. Prior to taking over the Bulls, Thibs was an assistant under Doc Rivers with the Boston Celtics from 2007 to 2010. During that three-year run, the C's made two NBA Finals appearances, winning it all in 2008. Their defensive prowess during that time can be seen below.
| Year | Opp. PPG | Defensive Efficiency |
| 2009-10 | 96.6 (5th) | 101.1 (5th) |
| 2008-09 | 93.4 (3rd) | 99.4 (2nd) |
| 2007-08 | 90.3 (2nd) | 82.2 (1st) |
The 57-year-old was also Jeff Van Gundy's right-hand man in JVG's stints with both the New York Knicks (1996-2003) and Houston Rockets (2003-07). The '98-'99 Knicks team made it to the Finals, but lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Beyond his success as both a coach and assistant, Thibodeau's commitment to basketball has earned kudos from players like Durant. Here's what KD had to say about Thibs back in 2013 after meeting him during a workout with Derrick Rose in Los Angeles, per ESPN.com's Nick Friedell.
"He's all in. He's one of those guys that, he relates to the players but he's a no-nonsense type of guy. I had a nice little talk with him for about 30 minutes leaving the workout and he really put that into perspective for me as a player. I learned a lot from talking to him. He's been around the game, he's been around so many great minds, won championships with Boston. He's had so much success with Chicago so he's a bright coach and I learned a lot.
"
With the Thunder moving on from someone as beloved by his players as Brooks while Durant ponders his future, it is important OKC brings in someone capable of commanding respect with a history of handling pro talent.
Donovan, for all of his success with the Gators, will need time to make the transition from the college ranks. Can the Thunder afford to spend a portion of Durant's contract year watching Donovan or another inexperienced coach adjust to the increase in competition?
Entering a pivotal season in the franchise's history, the Thunder don't have time to worry about any potential growing pains.
Defense
The Thunder's defensive woes came to light this season, as the club finished with a defensive rating of 103.1 (16th in the NBA, per ESPN's Hollinger stats) and allowed 101.8 points per game (24th). Injuries certainly played a role in those shortcomings. In each of the last two seasons, OKC finished in the top five in defensive efficiency.
Still, Oklahoma City needs a coach that can maximize the potential on defense to go along with its elite offensive firepower.
Prior to this season, the Bulls never finished worse than fifth in defensive efficiency with Thibs at the helm. Even in what may be considered a down year in Chi-town, the team still ranked 11th with a rating of 101.5. In the playoffs thus far, Derrick Rose and Co. are the NBA's top stoppers. In fairness, the Bulls are playing the Milwaukee Bucks, who are dead last in offensive efficiency among the 16 teams to make the postseason.
Thibodeau has a knack for getting the most out of his players defensively. Thirty-four-year-old Pau Gasol, in his first run with the Bulls, posted the best defensive rating (101) of his career this season. Last year, Jimmy Butler earned second team all-defensive honors and Joakim Noah took home Defensive Player of the Year.
In OKC, Thibodeau would have a four-time shot-blocking champion in Serge Ibaka, an emerging post presence in Steven Adams, an underrated perimeter defender in Andre Roberson and the game's most athletic point guard in Westbrook.
The real testament to Thibodeau's skills would be whether he can bring out the best in the Thunder's less-accomplished defenders, such as center Enes Kanter. Kanter was an offensive force during his 26 games in Oklahoma City (18.7 points, 11.0 boards), but the club gave up 110.4 points per game with the big man on the floor, per NBA.com.
What if Thibodeau could help Kanter like he did with Gasol?
For all of the upside to a Thibodeau-Thunder pairing, there are a few issues that might make the fiery coach hesitant about Oklahoma City.
After reportedly butting heads with Chicago's front office, would he want total control of his team in his next gig or would he mesh well with Presti? Would Durant and Westbrook's upcoming free agency scare him away from OKC? Would he prefer a situation with less pressure to win immediately such as the Denver Nuggets or Orlando Magic?
If none of those potential obstacles worry Thibodeau, he would be the right man for the job.
As we've seen with the Golden State Warriors this season, you get a team that's an NBA favorite when you combine a dynamic offense with a leader who can take your defense to another level. The Thunder have the elite scoring Thibs has always wanted, while the grizzled coach is the defensive strategist the team definitely needs.
If he becomes available this summer, Tom Thibodeau is the right choice to take over as the Oklahoma City Thunder head coach.
The pairing of the Thunder's star power with Thibs' proven track record and defensive acumen is just what the team needs to reach previously unseen heights. As for Thibodeau, a potential move to Oklahoma City would give him a fresh start after the drama that surrounded his tenure with the Bulls, while also allowing him to still compete for an NBA championship.
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