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NY Knicks: Analyzing Tom Thibodeau’s history with player development

By Yash Shrivastava

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls gives instructions to Derrick Rose #1 during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on February 22, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 110-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls gives instructions to Derrick Rose #1 during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on February 22, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 110-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 11: Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on as head coach Tom Thibodeau talks in a timeout during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 11, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 11: Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on as head coach Tom Thibodeau talks in a timeout during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 11, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Thibodeau Player Development: Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine may be the only young player on the Timberwolves that enjoyed playing under Thibodeau, despite only playing 47 games under him and being packaged in a trade after tearing his ACL.

When Thibodeau was fired from the Timberwolves, Lavine had this to say about his former head coach, per the Chicago Sun-Times:

"“Mr. Thibs … he should damn well be coaching somewhere, that’s for sure.’’"

Lavine had a career year under Thibodeau and transitioned from being an energetic role player to a focal point on offense. He averaged a career-high 18.9 points along with 3.4 rebounds and three assists on 45.9% shooting from the field. Lavine began to shoot the three more under Thibodeau, nearly doubling his three-pointers attempted from the season before at 6.6 attempts. He shot an efficient 38.7% from three.

Lavine’s offensive game looked more polished, and he had added many attributes to his offensive arsenal, making him a multi-dimensional scorer. Lavine acknowledged his sudden transformation and credited Thibodeau’s belief in him:

"“Yeah, he traded me, but for that one season, he did coach me, he gave me an opportunity. He put the ball in the hands of 20, 21-year-old kid and said, ‘Go hoop.’ That’s bigger than the business of basketball.’’"

Lavine had the lowest usage percentage of his career under Thibodeau but improved his scoring by 4.9 points. Thibodeau helped Lavine become a better offensive player and improved his ability to score off the ball, which alluded Lavine early in his career.

Much like Thibodeau’s development of Jimmy Butler, an opportunity and trust in a player can go a long way. Lavine has become one of the league’s most dangerous scorers and is coming off a season where he averaged 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with the Bulls.

Lavine’s stats can be considered a case of “empty calories” as well, and he has never been known for his defense. Still, the jump in Lavine’s offensive arsenal under Thibodeau is very encouraging. Lavine still has the fondest memories of Thibodeau and raves about his coaching style, per the Chicago Sun-Times:

"‘‘[His] style works,’’ LaVine said in February. ‘‘He’s not a beat-around-the-bush type of guy. . . . Once you buy into his coaching, I mean, look at the track record. It’s pretty damn good.’’"

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