I’ve been following this story closely ever since there was word that Tom Thibodeau has flicked the Bulls front office’s ear one too many time. And I was wondering. Tom Thibodeau has done just a good a job as Scott Brooks has done over the years. I was one of those people who criticized Brooks for lack of strategy and play-by-play planning. Doing nothing but basic screens and isolation plays. I would’ve hated to be a OKC fan.
But Tom Thibodeau is a different story. He’s a good game manager. He’s just occasionally rough when it comes to players. Some people might suggest that the injuries that some Chicago players suffer is because of fatigue caused by Thibodeau’s high demand.
Grantland’s Zach Lowe touched on Thibs’ situation, saying that Thibodeau’s confidants believe that he’s gone when the season concludes.
The minutes issue drove a well-documented wedge between Thibodeau and the front office. There were playing time edicts, a mysterious yoga instructor who suddenly had a ton of say-so over playing time, the bitter firing of genius assistant Ron Adams, a contract extension that sat unsigned, and endless rumors of a cold war. Somehow, grown men who work at finding ways to put an orange sphere through a circle proved unable to have a prolonged civil dialogue over mundane basketball issues.
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.
Thibodeau shouldn’t be fired. But then again I wanted Brooks fired. Call me a hypocrite if you want but Thibodeau is a way better coach than Brooks.
