Cowley: Thibodeau and Bulls seem to be headed for a breakup

The only guy being played too much is the one with the 7.2 PER.

 

Interesting thought. I don't recall anything like this ever being done before. Have to believe that Thibodeau's contract has some language in it that would block this. Then of course there's the fact that the Bulls don't have their own D-League team.

 

OK, make hi a bench coach and ignore his input

 

An oldie but goodie.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/rosenblog/2008/06/new-bulls-coach.html

 

Whatever. By far the most likely scenarios are that Thibodeau stays on to coach the Bulls next season or he is fired. The Bulls have never hesitated to fire a head coach and eat some money. I think the idea that they'd screw Thibodeau around in order to get a 2nd-round pick or two is ludicrous, but that's me.

I agree with those who say that, if he's fired, there's a good chance that another team signs Thibodeau to be their Head Coach. I disagree with those who say that he'll have his pick of jobs. Like most head coaches not named Popovich, Thibodeau's shown himself to be a mixed bag. If I had a team that needs to go from bad to competitive, Thibodeau's your guy. If you have a veteran-laden contending team that needs to take that championship step, Thibodeau hasn't demonstrated that he's the right guy for the job.

 

If two teams make him an offer, he has his pick of jobs.

I think he'll have his pick of maybe 15 jobs or more.

 

I think you're out of your mind.

 

You'll come around to my way of thinking on this.

He'd be awesome for a lot of teams, particularly younger ones that haven't figured out how to win.

The excellent GMs and coaches in the league love the guy. Our management? Not in that league.

 

No, I don't see what you gain from any mid-season firing. And as you mention, there is still the possibility that things click with the roster before the playoffs. That's not going to happen with a new coach. More importantly, I think you need to wait until the off season and get a feel for who is available. It seems like the best way to find NBA coaches now is usually through the pool of assistants, and not through the carousel of ex-NBA head coaches. Rick Adelman would be an amazing hire, but he doesn't seem to want to coach anymore. Maybe Scott Skiles, if the front office thought they could run it back with him again? Other than that, there aren't a ton of ex-coaches who would get me excited about the upcoming season.

I agree that trading Thibs is a long shot. Where's he going to go? San Antonio, Miami, Houston, GS, Atlanta, Washington, Toronto, Milwaukee, Pacers, Detroit, NYK, Memphis, LAC, Dallas, and Portland are all probably out as possible destinations. You have Cleveland and OKC, but I never got the feeling that either Durant or James liked Thibodeau, especially James. Watching team USA ball, it looked like he had a good rapport with Boogie Collins, so maybe Sacramento? The truth is, regardless of how prodigiously talented Thibodeau fancies himself (and may actually be), job openings with contenders where the culture fits are a rare bird. Thibodeua may have to spend a year away from the game if he wants to immediately coach a contender.

 

I agree with TBF. This is a great coach and I'd like him and the front office to be able to work together with some give and take each way.

The fact of the matter is, as good as This is as a tough, smart coach who gets the most out of his players, the injury factor has been a concern and players have gone into the playoffs seeming worn out rather than energized.

 

You know where I'll bet you see Thibs next season? Utah Jazz. He would have three bigs in Gobert, Exum and Canter; two decent swingmen in Hayward and Burks; and two explosive point guards in Exum and Burke. He could turn that core into a playoff team next season, and a contender the following.

 

I don't get it. From the article:

Wasn't this the off season where Reinsdorf nixed D'Antoni, and Del Negro, Dwane Casey and Thibodeau were prime candidates? Two of those guys would have been solid picks. The Bulls hired a terrible option but their approach was right, crying from Rosenbloom aside. And Reinsdorf was wise to nix D'Antoni.

 

My impression is that Thibs is considered to be one of the top coaches in the NBA. Team USA coach and has won a coach of the year for a reason.

As for the veteran-laden team question, I wonder what Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen would say if asked. It would be an interesting question to hear them answer. Yes, he hasn't demonstrated winning a title as head coach. I guess we should try to snag Coach Spo if that's the requirement.

If its GarPax vs Thibs, Thibs is the real asset that helps you win NBA basketball games. GarPax are average at best. Pax especially.

But, that's not how it works of course. Thibs would be the one to go. Paxson seems to have a job for life and will either actually strangle or fire coaches who don't play the players the minutes he wants them to.

If they replace Thibs with another Del Negro though, that would be a huge step back. Let's hope they don't make another decision like that.

 

Their approach was right?

I don't think Vinnie was as bad as many do, but the guy had no coaching experience whatsoever. D'Antoni was hugely successful in Phoenix with Steve Kerr as GM. Thobodeau was an elite defensive coach with the right jib and his teams played the "right way."

 

I don't know, Bulls with Booz. Kings have that weird owner who is dedicated to playing up tempo ball. That's not remotely Thibs' thing. PJ is never going to abandon the triangle either. Orlando is a good fit. Thibs could work defensive wonders with Vucevic/O'Quinn/Harris/Oladipo and Payton. But again, Utah and Orlando are both steps back, right? Neither of those teams are likely contenders. I'm not sure Thibs would prefer those type of jobs over waiting a year and seeing what opens up.

 

If he can pick his assistants and play the team the minutes he wants, it might not be a step back in his mind.

Also, coaching Rose the next few years might not be the best situation in the world. That remains to be seen. His massive deal along with aging Gasol and Noah, well, it might be time to abandon ship if they flame out this season in the playoffs.

Rose / McDermott / Mirotic core going forward.... well... I don't know about that right now.

 

Kirk will be in that core for years.