Tom Thibodeau Comments on Coaching Timberwolves, Watching Bulls, More

New Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau is already busy, as he is back in Chicago this week to take in the NBA Draft Combine.

Thibodeau, hired by Minnesota on April 20 to also be the team's president of basketball operations, appeared to be excited to again be part of the NBA grind following a one-year absence, according to CSN Chicago's Vincent Goodwill.

“It’s been a whirlwind. All of a sudden you get hired and have a lot to do,” Thibodeau said. “It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to the challenge. We have, I think, the best young core of talent in the league, but we have a lot of work to be done. And we’re looking forward to it.”

Back in Chicago, Thibodeau commented on the Bulls' disappointing 2015-16 season. He noted Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott and Derrick Rose all had solid campaigns, but he was upset when Joakim Noah went down after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

“You never want to see that. Having been here, I know how important he is to the team. That part was hard,” Thibodeau said, per Goodwill. “I think if he didn’t get hurt, it would’ve been a great season for them.” 

Despite a contentious relationship with Chicago's front office, Thibodeau still has a solid relationship with some of his former players, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda:

Minnesota has a bright future with a young core that includes future stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Guards Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio can also help the Timberwolves excel in fast-break situations.

With a top-10 draft pick coming up on June 23, Thibodeau's first big decision is only weeks away. If he can nail that, Minnesota could be a perennial playoff team by 2018.