Celtics Hire new Assistant

[FLCeltsFan]

Celtics will hire Tom Thibodeau to fill out the assistant coaching staff.

www.bostonherald.com/blogs/celtics/

The Celtics will be hiring Tom Thibodeau as their new assistant coach, according to league sources.

The Salem State product has most recently been an assistant with Houston. It was announced he would join the staff in Washington, but after two days working with the Wizards this summer, he balked on the agreement when it came time to sign the deal.

Interestingly, Thibodeau’s contract with the Celtics is for just one season — a term he reportedly sought.

Thibodeau was on the Celtic radar when Tony Brown left the club on a contract issue after this season. Depending on which side you believe, Thibodeau either turned down a Boston offer or one was not made. The point was moot when he took the Washington job under Eddie Jordan, but his representative tried to rekindle things with the Celts when the D.C. situation dissolved.

It took a while to get things going again, mainly because Doc Rivers had committed to speaking with other potential hires, but things ended up working here out for the New Britain, Conn., native

[BCHISTORIAN]

this is extremely good news. finally someone dedicated to defense

[Roadrunner]

But, I didn't think we could play any HARTER on defense?

[FLCeltsFan]

First, a KP for being very punny, RR.

Second, here is a comment that a Rockets fan posted on LOY's place that got me quite excited about Thibodeau coming.

Take it from a Rockets fan (that happens to be a Kendrick Perkins fan from his high school days), you are going to love Tom Thibodeau. He is one of the best big man's coaches in the league. He will work wonders for player development. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I think he's the best assistant coach in the league, including Donnie Nelson. He's certainly the best assistant coach at developing players. Congratulations Boston, you've got a gem.

[DERRENMATTS]

Hmmm... so we have Clifford Ray, whose impact we have already seen in Big Al's development, and now we have Tom Thibodeau, another coach who excels in player development, who also happens to be a defensive guru? This is too good to be true.

Now is the time for Ainge to invest in a young star caliber big man to replace Al Jefferson, and have our 2 big man coaches go to work. Perkins, Powe, and Big Baby are nice, but they don't have the star potential that Jefferson has. It'll be good to see Perk, Powe, and BBD develop under these coaches and be solid players in the rotation--that'll help us big time.

So will Doc give Thibodeau the keys to the defensive end?