The Chicago Bulls are still alive in the current NBA playoffs and one has to wonder what could be going on in head coach Tom Thibodeau's mind. Whatever he is doing to remain focused is truly impressive especially with talk that he is set to be relieved after this season, regardless of how the Bulls' campaign turns out.
And with that though in mind, don't expect Thibodeau to be out of the coaching circle soon. Together with Scott Brooks, Thibodeau is expected to be hot commodity once the NBA season ends and multiple teams are going to try and make a pitch at the embattled Chicago coach.
It is no secret that the Bulls and Thibodeau have a soured relationship and his firing is practically imminent. But the Bulls' loss could be another team's gain with reports that the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic have Thibodeau on their shortlisted candidates for their head coaching vacancies.
If Pels do pursue Tom Thibodeau, they'll be at front of the line to pry him from Bulls. No one else offers chance to coach an Anthony Davis
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 12, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">The Pelicans recently fired Monty Williams at the helm and have reportedly set their sights on Thibodeau. With rising Anthony Davis in need of a proper mentor, Thibodeau could very well guide Davis to blossom even more.
However, one has to look back at the Monty Williams firing. After leading the Pelicans to the playoffs, it seems uncanny to see a coach get the boot just like that. Owing to his experience in Chicago, could it be déjà vu in New Orleans?
Then again, Thibodeau can also look into the Orlando Magic job, something that could reminisce him on how he was able to transform a young Chicago Bulls team of old into the competitive squad they are right now.
With their original choice Billy Donovan out of the picture (Donovan accepted to be the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder), the Magic are looking for a new head coach as well.
And at the top of the list are reportedly Scott Skiles, Scott Brooks and Thibodeau. Whatever happens, Thibodeau is expected to be unemployed for just a short span of time.
