The Cleveland Cavaliers had a solid defense this season, ranking in the top 10 for most of the year.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to get the job done when it mattered most.
Following the elimination in the second round against the Indiana Pacers, executive Koby Altman pointed out that the Cavs need more toughness.
With that in mind, analyst Emmett Golden has an interesting proposition for the front office.
He said, if Tom Thibodeau was willing, the Cavs should strongly consider adding the former New York Knicks head coach to Kenny Atkinson’s staff.
Golden said he believes Thibodeau would bring defensive toughness, grit and grind with him.
“Would you like to see Kenny Atkinson, if Tom Thibodeau was open to it, bring in Thibs to be part of this coaching staff? … [Thibs is known for his] toughness and all that stuff that we said the Cavaliers lacked and needed. Why not bring Thibs to the coaching staff? … Good cop, bad cop. I think you need good cop, bad cop on every coaching staff,” Golden said, via ESPN Cleveland.
Should the Cavs add Thibs to their coaching staff? Both @egoldie80 and @JRCherry3 think it could help add some toughness to the team… pic.twitter.com/aRH2uDCBI2
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 3, 2025
Thibodeau is specifically one of the best defensive coaches in the game, but as a head coach, he has at times been unwilling or unable to learn from his mistakes.
It seems like he runs his players into the ground, which often leads to exhaustion and injuries, which may have led to his recent firing by the Knicks.
As an assistant, however, that wouldn’t be the case.
He was the architect behind the Boston Celtics’ defense in 2008, helping head coach Doc Rivers win a championship with his in-series adjustments.
Of course, it will depend on whether the Cavs can show some teeth and be tougher in the playoffs.
But as Golden pointed out, Thibodeau has always been very good at bringing out the best in his players.
If the Cavs can’t bring in different players, they may at least try to change their mindset.
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