How does Thibodeau keep injured LaVine in the loop? 'Yell at him daily'

Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau, with a smile, said he has a way to keep injured Zach LaVine feeling like part of the team.

March 22, 2017 at 10:22PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A moment of levity (I think) from Wednesday, when injured Wolves guard Zach LaVine met with the media for the first time since he tore his ACL in early February.

First, head coach Tom Thibodeau answered questions about LaVine, including one about what the team has done to make sure LaVine still feels like he's part of the group.

"Yell at him daily," Thibodeau said with a smile before adding, "no, he's done a good job. Whatever your circumstances are, you make the best of them. This is an opportunity for him to maybe look at the game through a different lens. It's a good opportunity to study not only our team but the league."

At least the coach is self-aware enough to know he yells a lot.

LaVine was then told of Thibodeau's comment and laughed. "The first time I got back, he almost poked me a little bit and said, 'I ain't yelled at you in [a month]. Let me get some frustration out.'"

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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