Statistics show the Bulls lead the NBA in players logging 13 or more consecutive minutes. In last season's regular-season finale, Noah logged 42 minutes in an overtime loss despite the Bulls already having secured home-court advantage for a first-round playoff series. I don't know which is worse. =========================================================== Whether players are emboldened after embracing the big-picture approach or reacting to the fifth season of the same message, Thibodeau has experienced more pushback this season. Thibodeau seemed eager to offer Noah's minutes limit of 32 as an example of being hamstrung. Management might point to the 17 times Noah has exceeded that limit — five more instances came in overtime, which, staff sources said, is overlooked — as a need to protect players from Thibodeau. Noah was so upset about not playing down the stretch Sunday that he uncharacteristically declined to address reporters. Much more at the link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...management-clash-spt-0317-20150316-story.html
If he expects us to believe it, it's an insult to our intelligence. We're supposed to believe that he can't keep track of a player's minutes to make sure he can play in the last 5 minutes if needed? The alternative is worse, though - that Thibs really can't keep track of a player's minutes during the game? He knows going in that Noah can only play 32 mintues.
The surprise may be that with the starters together for just 19 games and a 15-4 record, the Bulls sit where they do — as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Although with Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson injured and after five losses in six games, they're trending the wrong way. (FIRE THIDIOT!) Management has placed minutes restrictions on players in Noah and Derrick Rose coming off surgery as well as Kirk Hinrich. Meanwhile, Thibodeau's idea of the big picture is having his post-practice film queued up properly. What kind of effect has the philosophical clash had on players? Noah was so upset about not playing down the stretch Sunday that he uncharacteristically declined to address reporters. (Noah WANTS TO PLAY) This isn't about pacing a team. You can't last as long as Thibodeau has without knowing how to do so, and Forman has publicly praised Thibodeau's ability in this regard. The Bulls again didn't practice Monday and haven't since March 4, a decision most playoff teams make at this stage of the season. (WTF)
