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By this time next year, Tom Thibodeau could be a head coach in the NBA again. Despite what was a messy divorce over the summer from the Chicago Bulls, most agree Thibodeau is too good at what he does to be unemployed for long.

But for now, the man who helped the Boston Celtics to a title as an assistant, and led the Bulls to the playoffs year in and year out, is helping out a few of his friends around the league.

This is where the Utah Jazz come in. Thibodeau was at Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, sitting next to former coach Jerry Sloan. He's also been to practice this week, offering Jazz head coach Quin Snyder advice on a few of his defensive sets.

"He's just a friend that I've known and respected for a long time," Snyder said. "He and [Jazz general manager] Dennis [Lindsey] were together in Houston. So anytime you can connect with with people like that in the profession that's as good as he is, it's a great opportunity."

Snyder also has known Thibodeau for an extended time, calling him the "Dean" of defense.

Thibodeau was the defensive mastermind behind the Celtics' title team of 2008, and moved on to the Bulls, where he led that franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals. He was fired this past summer as a long feud with the Bulls front office boiled over. Still, he's considered one of the top coaches in the NBA.

"I got a chance to work with him a little bit through Team USA," Jazz point guard Trey Burke said. "So it's great to be able to see him here. I got a chance to say hello to him, but it's always been great to see coach."

Practice, practice

The Jazz used Tuesday as a recovery day and Wednesday as a hard practice day, as they have until Sunday to prepare for another shot at the Blazers.

Friday will be Utah's open practice at EnergySolutions Arena, and the team is expected to scrimmage as well.

Withey rising

Utah cutting center Jack Cooley greatly increases the chance of Jeff Withey making the opening night roster. Withey has been a pleasant surprise in the preseason, with his ability to block shots and be a defensive presence under the basket. The Jazz have been playing him and Tibor Pleiss in a backup role to Rudy Gobert.

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