JJ Redick could add a veteran coach to his Los Angeles Lakers staff this offseason, one who led his team to the conference finals a few weeks ago. The Knicks stunningly fired Tom Thibodeau, creating an opening for the former head coach to join a staff elsewhere if he so desires. Due to the timing of New York letting Thibodeau go, there are no other head coaching vacancies around the league.
Thibodeau spent five years with the Knicks, helping turn them from a bottom-dweller into a top team in the East. The defensive-minded coach transformed the team's defense into one of the best in the league, but that script flipped after the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. New York's new starting five was one of the best on paper, but not on the court. Thibodeau's refusal to change the starting lineup until Game 3 of the ECF was widely criticized, and rightfully so.
After the Knicks' season ended, a reporter asked Jalen Brunson if Thibs was the right coach for New York. Brunson couldn't believe that was even a question. The Athletic reported that Thibodeau had the backing of Leon Rose, president of basketball operations. Nobody thought the coach's time with the Knicks would come to a close after he helped lead them into a territory they hadn't been in for 25 years.
Thibodeau is basketball-obsessed. He's married to the game — literally. It's hard to see him wanting not to be part of another staff by the time the 2025-26 season starts. Given that there are no head coaching jobs for him to interview for, the Lakers could consider adding the 67-year-old to Redick's staff.
Tom Thibodeau would be a good addition to JJ Redick's staff
Redick became the Lakers' head coach without previous coaching experience (unless you count him coaching at the youth level), but with a plethora of knowledge and a high basketball IQ as someone who spent 15 seasons in the NBA. His first season at the helm was a success, from navigating injuries to the league-altering Luka Doncic trade. There were some road bumps along the way, but that comes with the territory of being a rookie coach.
Bringing Thibodeau in wouldn't be for him to take over for Redick if LA were to fire him. The Lakers love Redick. Having Thibodeau around for at least a season would add an experienced voice to the bench who could focus on elevating the defense. Thibodeau has experience working with star-level players in one of the league's largest media markets as well.
Redick brought in a new staff last summer, headlined by former head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks, after he was hired. He and the Lakers could make an addition this offseason, as long as Redick doesn't let Thibodeau's strategy of playing starters high minutes rub off on him even more.