Do we need to sign on Tom Thibodeau as our next head before someone else does?

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I'm pretty sure that

1) Doc is under contract for next year,
2) Doc had at least a vague idea how old his kids were when he signed said existing contract (paying around $4 mil/yr?),
3) Doc stated publicly when he took the Celts gig that he would consider moving his family to Boston to be closer to them, but then didn't,
4) The appropriate thing to do would be for Doc to keep to his contract, as it binds both sides.

I'm also pretty sure that

1) Thibs was beat out for various head coaching gigs over the last couple of years to less than ideal alternatives,
2) Thibs has never been an NBA head coach,
3) There is likely a good reason for both 1&2 above,
4) Breaking in a new NBA head coach is not a recipe for title contention.

[celtics2]

Tom Thibs doesnt last 2 seasons as the Hornets' head coach. Bet.

I agree with you.

1 Contract would pay him much $$ and he would have the satisfaction of knowing some team would pick him up for his D genius. A no lose situation. He deserves the best after what he's accomplished with 3 aging stars and a bunch of underachievers. In my estimation the credit is going to the wrong employee. Doc has been saying he misses his family since day one. So move will ya.....

[snowball]

well, it's done, good luck TT.
New Orleans will be a better team with TT in charge.
Concerning Doc, wouldn't trade him for any other NBA coach.

[Chris]

well, it's done, good luck TT.
New Orleans will be a better team with TT in charge.
Concerning Doc, wouldn't trade him for any other NBA coach.

Link?  All I have heard is they made an offer.

[indeedproceed]

I actually think that New Orleans has a decent roster to pull off Thib's defense.  It is just the rest of it (the offense, managing egos, dealing with the Hornets' unwillingness to spend, Paul's annual injuries, etc) that will lead to his quick dismissal.

I completely agree with that...and if the team starts to tune him out for whatever reason...I do not think Thibs has the juice to rescue them.

[Evantime34]

I actually think that New Orleans has a decent roster to pull off Thib's defense.  It is just the rest of it (the offense, managing egos, dealing with the Hornets' unwillingness to spend, Paul's annual injuries, etc) that will lead to his quick dismissal.

I completely agree with that...and if the team starts to tune him out for whatever reason...I do not think Thibs has the juice to rescue them.

As far as the Hornets go: What they need to do is trade Collison. He deserves starters minutes and he won't get those with CP3. They probably could get back a solid piece for him.

I hope Thibbs can wait until after our season is over to make a move. If Doc leaves and we lose Thibbs before hand it will not be a good thing for our team.

[eighteen]

well, it's done, good luck TT.
New Orleans will be a better team with TT in charge.
Concerning Doc, wouldn't trade him for any other NBA coach.

Nothing is done yet, nor will it be until after the playoffs.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/05/no_offer_yet_fo.html

The real question this thread is supposed to prompt is that IF Doc were to leave (He has made some statements saying he is leaning towards it being his last year) then would you want to secure TT or bring in a New Head Coach who isn't part of what has been made these past three years and could disrupt team chemistry.

[Evantime34]

well, it's done, good luck TT.
New Orleans will be a better team with TT in charge.
Concerning Doc, wouldn't trade him for any other NBA coach.

Nothing is done yet, nor will it be until after the playoffs.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/05/no_offer_yet_fo.html

The real question this thread is supposed to prompt is that IF Doc were to leave (He has made some statements saying he is leaning towards it being his last year) then would you want to secure TT or bring in a New Head Coach who isn't part of what has been made these past three years and could disrupt team chemistry.

I vote secure Thibbs.

[Ohio Celtics Fan]

I'm not sure I like Thibbs as the head coach for Boston, like many others have pointed out, he's never been a NBA head coach, etc. etc.

However, if we're on the topic of finding new head coaches, if Doc is to leave... I really like Avery Johnson. I would be extremely happy if we could get him, I'm still scratching my head over him being fired in Dallas.

[Hoops]

Nothing is done yet, nor will it be until after the playoffs.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/05/no_offer_yet_fo.html

The real question this thread is supposed to prompt is that IF Doc were to leave (He has made some statements saying he is leaning towards it being his last year) then would you want to secure TT or bring in a New Head Coach who isn't part of what has been made these past three years and could disrupt team chemistry.

Well, if we're going to start from the assumption that Doc leaves at the end of the year, neither alternative looks particularly appealing to me. However, as great an assistant as Thibodeau is, I just don't think he's going to pan out as a head coach. I do think he deserves the opportunity, however. Just let it be somewhere else (like New Orleans). I'd bring in a new guy.

My short list might look like this:

Lawrence Frank
Ainge (unlikely)
JVG

[Neurotic Guy]

If location is not a variable (and it might be), I am not completely sold on the idea that Thib would prefer to have his first NBA head coaching job in this town under these circumstances.  IF the 'Impossible Dream' happens, Thibs would take over an aging championship team trying to sustain greatness through a transitional year.  This is a recipe for trouble.  That is, the only way Thibs looks OK is with another serious championship run -- anything less is a failure.  There is no 'making progress' or 'improving' here -- it is win or fail (at least I think that will ultimately be the majority perception).  I don't think I'd want this to be my 1st big gig if I were him.

[ToppersBsktball10]

I don't know why people assume that TT will be better than Doc.  He's a great defensive coach.  However, how is he at managing egos?  How is he with his rotations?  In his most recent chance to coach, he managed the team *horribly*, although that was only one stint.

I'd be fine with giving TT a contract that makes him "head coach in waiting" for whenever Doc retires, but I wouldn't encourage Doc to leave just yet.  Doc has his flaws, but these veterans need him.

I can't see Thibodeau dealing with egos whatsoever.

[eighteen]

BREAKING NEWS:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2010/05/doc-rivers-took-time-to-talk-with-family-last-night-in-lieu-of-latest-coaching-rumors.html

Are the Celtics putting pressure on Doc to make up his mind because of all these offers for tom thibodeau?

[eighteen]

Just posted on some ESPN guys Twitter account.

[eighteen]

Doc may be heading back to Orlando for good next time