On the eve of the NBA Finals, league sources said Bulls management flew to Los Angeles to interview Celtics associate head coach Tom Thibodeau for their head coaching vacancy late Wednesday. The meeting hadn't taken place as of nearly 10 p.m. Chicago time Wednesday, but sources said both general manager Gar Forman and senior vice president John Paxson were in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, the New Orleans Hornets offered Thibodeau their head coaching vacancy, adding the stipulation he must decide by Thursday's Game 1. The New Orleans Times Picayune reported the Hornets would turn to Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams should Thibodeau decline. Thibodeau, considered the architect of the Celtics' defense, also has been linked to the Nets' coaching vacancy. The Bulls' interview would suggest credence to multiple media outlets, including the Tribune, reporting the vacancy represents Thibodeau's first choice. It's unclear where Thibodeau stands on the Hornets' offer and whether or not he asked for an extension on his decision. The Bulls had discussed the opening informally with Thibodeau previously, but by some accounts, Wednesday would mark the first formal interview in the nearly month-old search to replace Vinny Del Negro. http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/06/bulls-fly-to-la-to-interview-thibodeau.html
So this means Hornets aren't getting him? I saw they gave him ultimatum of accepting the job before game 1. I'd be happy to see him go to Bulls, but wonder if LeBron would want to be coached by him?
Well, I feel better about this hiring than I did about the VDN one. Assuming we get a star FA or two, I think I would have preferred someone with more name recognition (Doc Rivers, George Karl, Doug Collins, etc) than someone who's going into the job for the first time. That said, I can't think of another assistant who has more credentials than he does, and he seems to have a very good reputation around the league, although I'm not sure how much that extends to the league's players.
He got high praises from Kobe and other stars. So I'm sure he's likable to everyone basically in the league. Imagine if you got LeBron and Bosh in the process, I would say automatic Finals appearance for the Bulls. Rose, LeBron, Bosh + average players >>> Kobe, Pau, Bynum + average players
I like this signing! He will continue to stress defense. From what I have been reading, he is bringing a nice staff with him.
