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Thibodeau’s role w/Wolves: ‘It’s about alignment, not power’

Tom Thibodeau, center, addresses the media and a gathering of fans after he was introduced as the new Minnesota Timberwolves NBA basketball head coach Tuesday, April 26, 2016, in Minneapolis. Listening, left, is Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, and right, new general manager Scott Layden who was also introduced .(AP Photo/Jim Mone) Tom Thibodeau, center, addresses the media and a gathering of fans after he was introduced as the new Minnesota Timberwolves NBA basketball head coach Tuesday, April 26, 2016, in Minneapolis. Listening, left, is Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, and right, new general manager Scott Layden who was also introduced .(AP Photo/Jim Mone)

By Associated Press April 26, 2016 1 min read

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Tom Thibodeau is coming to the Minnesota Timberwolves with more influence than he’s ever had. But he says the dual roles of president of basketball operations and coach do not make him the czar in Minnesota.

Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden held their introductory press conference on Tuesday. And Thibodeau, the former Chicago coach, says the power structure is “about alignment. It’s not about power.”

Thibodeau and Layden envision a collaboration similar to what Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford have in San Antonio to help take the Timberwolves from a team that has missed the playoffs for 12 straight years and make them into a contender in the Western Conference.

Wolves owner Glen Taylor says he brought in Thibodeau and Layden because he saw the opportunity to build a championship contender over the long haul.