Harrison Barnes (Photo : Pool | Getty Images Sport)
The biggest news in the NBA for teams looking ahead to next season is the hiring of Tom Thibodeau by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The significance cannot be exaggerated as Thibodeau adds integrity and strict professionalism to a team which has two of the most talented players.
This was reiterated by ESPN Insider when their panel of experts weighed in on the possibilities and implications of Thibs helming Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony Towns.
David Thorpe mentioned that Thibodeau "was not only the best and lowest-risk coach available, he's also one of the four or five elite coaches in the league, period." He also stated that if Thibs coached the T-Wolves this season with the current roster, he could have brought them to the playoffs. He's certain to bring them to the post season next year.
But what makes the era more exciting is that Thibs is also the President of Basketball Operations. While some of the experts had misgivings about it, the idea of Thibodeau along with two top talents will give top free agents some reason to consider Minnesota when they were not even an afterthought prior to the hiring.
They are quick to curb the enthusiasm by declaring that the Wolves will not sign Kevin Durant, but there are realistic targets that could really help the team.
Insider Jeremias Engelmann identified Nic Batum as a player who could really give a boost to this young team. Batum had a career resurgence with the Charlotte Hornets under coach Steve Clifford but the chance to work with Thibs and mentor the two first overall picks (and likely Rookies of the Year) might be too tough to pass up.
Batum is fast becoming a coveted free agent even after he got injured in their playoff series against the Miami Heat. CBS has named him as the "modern wing that every NBA team needs." His versatility was showcased in his Hornets stint and not a few teams took notice.
Bradford Doolittle suggested Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors. Barnes is not even the fourth option on his current team but his skill set could make him the primary scorer or at least share the honors with Wiggins. Barnes is a restricted free agent so the Warriors can match the Wolves offer.
While these are just attempts at second-guessing what Thibodeau would do, it is no secret that he really wants veterans on his team. The Insiders also mentioned that there are many trade options for Thibs because the Wolves players are talented and are still on rookie contracts.
