Tom Thibodeau may be on the sidelines this season, but don’t mistake that for a man ready to hang it up. The 68-year-old former Knicks head coach made it clear during a recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio that he’s already eyeing his next opportunity.
“I love the game,” Thibodeau said. “Obviously I’m preparing for the next opportunity. So hopefully I’ll be ready for it.”
That’s classic Thibs - all business, all the time. This marks just the third season since 2010 that he hasn’t been calling the shots for an NBA team.
His coaching journey has been a steady cycle of intense stints and brief pauses: five seasons in Chicago (2010-15), a year off, then Minnesota (2017-19), another year away, and finally the Knicks from 2020 until this past offseason. If the pattern holds, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Thibodeau back on an NBA bench sooner rather than later.
He’s a coach who lives and breathes basketball, and that fire clearly hasn’t dimmed.
Around the League: Dunk Contest Developments
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is going to look a little different this year - and not just because of the high-flying creativity we’ve come to expect. For the first time in a while, Mac McClung won’t be part of the festivities.
McClung, a three-time dunk contest champion, won’t be going for a fourth straight title in 2026. His father, Marcus McClung, confirmed the decision, saying there wasn’t one specific reason behind it, but rather a combination of factors that led to the choice. “Not going to be four in a row,” Marcus said via text.
Still, fans won’t be completely left in the dark. McClung hinted on social media that he’ll be releasing the dunks he had prepared for this year’s contest - a little consolation prize for those hoping to see him defend his crown. The 27-year-old guard is currently suiting up for the Windy City Bulls, Chicago’s G League affiliate, and remains one of the most electric dunkers in the game, contest or not.
Meanwhile, another familiar name won’t be taking flight this year either. Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, who competed in last year’s dunk contest, also declined an invitation to return. The rookie explained that the decision was about taking care of his body during a critical stretch of the season.
“They did ask me, but unfortunately I’m going to decline this year,” Buzelis said. “I’m trying to listen to my body and this stretch of games coming up is going to be very important for us.”
It’s a mature decision from the 6'10" forward, who admitted he didn’t prepare as well as he would’ve liked last year - squeezing in only a couple of practices before the event. The dunk contest is more than just a few highlight-reel moments; it’s a demanding showcase that takes a toll on the body, especially during the grind of an NBA season.
Eastern Conference Trade Deadline Watch
As the trade deadline approaches, front offices across the Eastern Conference are sharpening their pencils and working the phones. Keith Smith of Spotrac has broken down the financial and strategic outlook for all 15 teams in the East, offering a comprehensive look at each team’s cap situation, trade exceptions, draft capital, and potential moves.
Whether it’s a contender looking to bolster its bench or a rebuilding team trying to flip veterans for future assets, the trade deadline is always a pivotal point in the season. Smith’s analysis provides a roadmap for what to expect - and which names might be on the move.
Draft Radar: Keaton Wagler Rising Fast
Keep an eye on Keaton Wagler. The Illinois guard has gone from under-the-radar recruit to a projected lottery pick in the span of just a few months. John Hollinger of The Athletic dove into Wagler’s breakout freshman season, highlighting how the 2026 draft landscape is already being reshaped by his rapid rise.
Wagler’s combination of poise, shot-making, and two-way potential has scouts buzzing. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill up a box score - he changes the feel of a game. With performances like the ones he’s putting together in Champaign, it’s no wonder he’s climbing draft boards in a hurry.
From coaching comebacks to dunk contest shakeups and rising draft stars, the NBA’s midseason stretch is anything but quiet. And with the trade deadline looming, the action is only just heating up.