Tom Thibodeau takes the high road when asked about Phil Jackson
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: USA Basketball Men's National Team Assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau instructs Draymond Green #14 during practice on July 18, 2016 at Mendenhall Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images),LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: USA Basketball Mens National Team Assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau instructs Draymond Green #14 during practice on July 18, 2016 at Mendenhall Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Two longtime Chicago Bulls stars joined the New York Knicks this offseason, but the same can't be said for their former coach.
Point guard Derrick Rose was dealt to the Knicks, who signed free-agent center Joakim Noah just a few days later. However, the Knicks balked at the idea of hiring Tom Thibodeau to take over as head coach -- despite his name being mentioned prominently as a candidate. As it turns out, Knicks president Phil Jackson reportedly never even contacted Thibodeau about the job before ultimately hiring Jeff Hornacek.
But if you think Thibodeau is going to vent to the media about the perceived snub, think again. Thibodeau is the new head coach of the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves, and he isn't playing the "what if?" game and isn't going to take any verbal jabs at Jackson.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I'm not going there,'' Thibodeau said after Team USA's Olympic practice, per the New York Post. "I'm fine. I got the job I wanted. I'm happy. I wish them well."
In fact, Thibodeau went on to praise the new-look Knicks, with whom he served as an assistant coach from 1996-2003. Specifically, he expects big things from Rose and Noah.
"I think they're both great,'' Thibodeau said. "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."