Thibs is pretty much getting crucified in the media and on RealGM for his handling of injuries, particularly Rose's. It seems like GarPax have been unscathed. I don't get this. With Rose's back spasms, he was cleared by the docs to return when he was able which translates to me to mean that he's unlikely to do any serious damage by playing. Rose wanted to give it a go in the Hornets game and Thibs was happy to oblige, though he played Rose only 22 minutes. Rose felt worse the next day and hasn't returned. Fans and media have skewered Thibodeau for using Rose at all in a game that the Bulls would have won without Rose (not sure how they're so certain, but they are). I have a tough time being mad at Thibs because he ain't a doctor and his main focus isn't on the long-term view. GarPax need to focus on the long term. Here's how I think the responsibilities should be divided: - Doctors need to not only advise on the chances of serious injury, but also on the chances of further aggravation that could extend the length of downtime. - Assuming the doctors clear a player to play, the front office needs to make the decision on whether to leave it completely up to the player and the head coach (day-to-day) or take a more conservative approach. As you'll recall, when Noah was released to return a couple seasons ago, Paxson, based on doctors' advice, placed restrictions on Noah's minutes. VDN ignored these limits, leading to the infamous choking incident. - If a player's status is day-to-day, it's the player's job to be honest with the head coach about how he feels and whether he believes he can be effective on the court. - I see the head coach's role as fairly limited. If everyone above have given the green light, particularly for a your best player, the only reason I can see for not putting the player on the court is if, in warmups, you see something you don't like. The same is true if the head coach sees something he doesn't like during the game. Absent seeing bad things, a head coach may be expected to limit the player's minutes if the game provides the opportunity, but that's about it. No doubt about it, Rose didn't look right in the Hornets game. It wouldn't surprise me if Thibs told Rose that he looked kinda stiff out there and Rose admitted that he was having trouble getting the back loose. Not sure whether something like this led to Rose's low minutes or simply the fact that the Bulls eventually built a 20+ point lead in the 3rd quarter. Also, we don't know whether GarPax gave Thibs any minutes limit for Rose. I assume that the doctors told all the other parties that coming back too soon could aggravate Rose's back. I don't have a problem with Rose or Thibs for giving it a try. Certainly with hindsight, I wish GarPax would have been their conservative selves.
There isn't a real separation of duties here. The team wants Rose to play. They pay doctors to assure Rose plays as much as possible, even disregarding some amount of risk. The team pressures/orders Thibs to play Rose - the fans aren't paying to see Lucas III. Rose is best off finding a doctor he can hire himself who absolutely has just his interests in mind.
