Thibodeau excited to see Rose, Noah in New York: 'I think it's good for them'
Few people know better than Tom Thibodeau just what the New York Knicks got this offseason.
The former longtime Chicago Bulls head coach thinks the change of scenery for two of his old disciples - Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah - will be a boon both to them and the Knicks.
"I think they're both great," Thibodeau told Marc Berman of the New York Post on Tuesday. "They've already proven themselves. I think it's good for them. I think it will work out. They got a good team. The way (Carmelo Anthony) plays, (Kristaps) Porzingis, Courtney Lee, they're going to be good."
Thibodeau coached Noah and Rose for five seasons from 2010-2015 (though Rose spent nearly half that time on the shelf), during which the Bulls compiled a 255-139 record, made the playoffs each season, and twice finished with the Eastern Conference's top record.
"Mentally, they are experienced," Thibodeau said. "When you have veterans like that, it adds a lot to your team. They know how to play. They've been in big games. They're unselfish and play to win. That's a big plus.
"They're tough guys. They've been through a lot. … Those guys are well beyond (my advice). You got to remember: Derrick's from Chicago. Joakim is from New York. They can handle it."
Back in the spring, before he was hired as coach and president of the Minnesota Timberwolves, there were rumblings that Thibodeau himself might end up in New York.
Anthony reportedly favored him for the then-vacant job (since taken up by Jeff Hornacek), and believes Thibodeau would've accepted an offer had one been put forth. But Knicks president Phil Jackson reportedly received a poor recommendation from Thibodeau's spiteful former employers, and didn't reach out.
Thibodeau spent seven years as a Knicks assistant from 1996-2003, and would've gotten to reunite with Rose and Noah if given the opportunity to return. Still, he says he isn't bitter about not getting a call.
"I'm fine," he said. "I got the job I wanted. I'm happy. I wish them well."