http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/more-reports-eventual-thibodeau-bulls-split-appear Last week a report from Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher stated that third parties connected with Tom Thibodeau already were exploring options for next season. Now another report has surfaced from a reputable outlet regarding Thibodeau's unclear future with the Bulls. According to Grantland's Zach Lowe, "people close to Thibodeau are convinced the Bulls will fire him after this season, though the front office has always played down the tiff in terse public statements." Lowe cites the ongoing battle between Thibodeau and the Bulls front office regarding playing time, minutes, and the firing of assistant Ron Adams -- not to mention management dealing Luol Deng last season. [NBC SHOP: Gear up, Bulls fans!] Thibodeau, who finished seventh in Coach of the Year voting this season, would surely have a list of suitors. The Magic, Nuggets and Thunder all are looking for head coaches, with more potentially on the way. If Thibodeau does part ways with Chicago he wouldn't be out of a job long.
We all remember how Ron Adams was let go... Well, where is he now? http://www.fresnobee.com/2015/01/22/4343504/warszawski-valley-native-ron-adams.html We'll be reading about Thibs doing great things elsewhere while we struggle to match his record for years to come.
Or he won't be fired or he'll move on and the Bulls will do just fine or... Folks gotta write about something I suppose. Personally, I'd rather read, write and talk about these playoffs.
Yes, yes, yes! I mean, look, can having five NBA players on the court instead of four for six minutes result in a plus-minus of one or two points? I think it absolutely can and these games are tight. I still think you're on safe ground if you are a Thibs-o-phille and you believe his coaching strengths are worth his idiosyncrasies. But there's no question that the idiosyncrasies matter.
The other 5 guys were turning the ball over. By the time Kirk played, the Bucks had 10 more FGA than us. If there is one thing Kirk is still ok at, it's not turning the ball over. I don't think Kirk was an automatic substitution.
Depends on the circumstances. I'm not expecting him to play much, if at all. The Bucks' trapping zone forced a bunch of turnovers, and keeps Pau from getting looks in the paint. Fortunately for us, the Bucks can't keep up the intensity for 4 quarters. I'm quite sure Thibs isn't blind, is very sophisticated at viewing the game unfold, and wants to win more than playing a bad player entitlement minutes. This isn't the regular season...
Thibodeau should start Hinrich at PG...it would totally screw up the Bucks' defensive game plan. Edit: No Denny, I'm not serious.
FWIW, I don't think Hinrich's minutes has anything to do with entitlement. I think when Thibs views players he has a history he sees that history and not the present, to a certain extent. Like, Thibs still expects Hinrich to perform like he was able to three years ago.
Thibs sees him in games and practices. I'm satisfied he's seen enough of Kirk. Kirk hasn't been played a lot for months now. At one point Hinrich was averaging roughly 30 minutes per game. He finished at 24. From Jan 30 until now, Kirk played 24 or more in just two games. Even so, he played more than Thibs probably wanted. Both Rose and Jimmy missed a lot of games.
Credit where credit is due, you were right that Kirk was out of the rotation and only playing situationally. I thought for sure that he'd be back in the rotations.
