Thibs looks forward to working with 'best young roster in the NBA'

A full year of rumor and speculation ended Wednesday when Tom Thibodeau - the biggest name in the NBA coaching free-agent ranks - chose the Minnesota Timberwolves as his next address.

Given the Wolves' tantalizing core of young players, that did not come as a big surprise.

"I started my career with the Minnesota Timberwolves and it is an opportunity to rejoin the organization at a time when they have what I believe to be the best young roster in the NBA," Thibodeau texted to the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda. He added, "I look forward to a winning culture that Minnesota sports fans can be proud of."

Related: Why the Timberwolves paid top dollar for Tom Thibodeau

Thibodeau's hiring figures to accelerate the development of the Wolves, who boast soon-to-be NBA Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns, reigning winner Andrew Wiggins, and other youthful pieces including Ricky Rubio and Zach LaVine. Minnesota's first-round pick this year is top-12 protected.

Former New York Knicks general manager Scott Layden joins the Timberwolves as GM, although control over player personnel rests with Thibodeau, who also becomes team president.

The 58-year-old Thibodeau began his NBA career with the Wolves in their inaugural season in 1989, serving as an assistant coach until 1991. He also looked like this at the time: