The Pelicans are targeting several high-profile candidates to replace the recently fired Monty Williams, including Tom Thibodeau, reports John Reid of the Times-Picayune. Thibodeau is under contract with the Bulls but there have been numerous rumors that suggest he will leave Chicago after the postseason.
Pelicans targeting Tom Thibodeau in head coach search, per report
The Pelicans could be one of many suitors for the current Chicago Bulls’ coach.
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Thibodeau is known as a defensive coach, which is exactly what the Pelicans need. They finished 22nd in defensive rating despite having a strong interior pairing in Omer Asik and Anthony Davis, a dreadful mark that almost cost them their ticket to the playoffs. Thibodeau has a history of turning even bad defenders into passable ones who defend as a collective. If he can do that in New Orleans, the offense is there to do more than back-end into the postseason again next year.
Thibodeau will likely have other offers if he gets forced out of Chicago. His reputation as a defensive mastermind who can make the most out of the talent available makes him a fit on a Magic team that has a lot of young pieces but no identity. But given the Pelicans' reported interest -- New Orleans also courted Thibodeau before hiring Williams -- and the opportunity to coach the league's brightest young star in Davis, it's tough to imagine that another job would be more attractive.
Of course, Thibodeau would have to leave Chicago first. The latest rumors suggest the differences between him and the front office are irreconcilable but the Bulls are still alive in the playoffs and a conference finals berth over the rival Cavs could potentially ease the tension.
Until Chicago’s fate is decided, Thibodeau will be involved in a lot of rumors. We can now add the Pelicans to the list of teams waiting for the fallout.
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