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Around SBN: 2012 Budweiser Shootout Entry List Released

Scott Skiles Fired

Just reported on WSCR.

UPDATE: Here's a link from 'ESPN.com news services', which is likely Ric Bucher stealing it from somebody.

UPDATE2: Bulls.com release. No mention of a replacement.

I'll be on my holiday trek soon, so just head for the comments section for further info as it comes along.

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Story from ESPN.com...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3167808

I am surprised, but I suppose something had to be done.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 11:36 AM CST reply actions  

just heard about it
almost killed myself racing to the computer.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 11:38 AM CST reply actions  

Paxson:

"Scott helped us in many ways during his time with the Bulls; most importantly, he helped this franchise get back to respectability."

Can't argue with that, even if it was time for him to go.

by Bayern Munich on Dec 24, 2007 11:39 AM CST reply actions  

Holy smoke!
"Have your-self ahhh mer-ry lit-tle Christ-mas...."

First speculation: Pax got damn tired of the bizarre lineups, the nonsensical buring of Thomas and Noah.  

Second speculation: Skiles wore down his players.

Third speculation: Bulls turn it around, but we all miss Skiles.

by Freethefro on Dec 24, 2007 11:40 AM CST reply actions  

sam's 10-15 game prediction
and Gilmore Rule reasoning sounded reasonable to me. But this is much better.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 11:40 AM CST reply actions  

I did not know that
I guess it wasn't a memorable firing for me because the team wasn't going to be competitive anytime soon regardless of the coach.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 11:46 AM CST up reply actions  

It will be very interesting to see if this
improves the team's performance.

As a fan, I certainly hope it does.

That being said, I wonder if the Bulls' problems stem from the limitations of its players, rather than the limitations of its coach.

Most regime changes are typically accompanied by an immediate, short-term improvement because the players are galvanized and energized by renewed hope. Old wounds and vendettas are forgotten. So I think we should see a much better Bulls' team over the next month. The question is whether that improvement will be sustained into the playoffs and beyond.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 11:44 AM CST reply actions  

It could be from limitations of both
and the coach is easiest to fix in the short-term.

Now there's an re-evaluation period in time for the trade deadline.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 11:46 AM CST up reply actions  

good point
on the evaluation period.  When does the deadline fall?

by Freethefro on Dec 24, 2007 11:47 AM CST up reply actions  

I agree with Arenas
I think a lot of our troubles start and end with players like Deng and Gordon (and to a lesser extent Hinrich) playing to "not make a mistake," which means they are too much in their heads (which leads to being distracted and tentative).  Maybe a bit of that fear of making a mistake was playing for Skiles (who jerked his line-up around so much, etc.), but a significant part is also their youth and their contract situations.  We need a coach who can (a) be relaxed enough not to put to much pressure on these guys, allowing them to play relaxed, and (b) be charismatic enough to pull the guys together and give them some focus.

by arjoseph on Dec 24, 2007 1:23 PM CST up reply actions  

So who do they go to on such short notice?
Boylan or Adams?  I can't imagine they could hire somebody outside the organization this quickly.  

by Freethefro on Dec 24, 2007 11:47 AM CST reply actions  

I am guessing they will have an intermin
coach from the current staff for two or three games. It will be hard to hire someone by Wednesday, especially given that it is Christmas.

Maybe Paxson has already already talking with candidates, though.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 11:49 AM CST up reply actions  

Pete Myers did the interim
job between Cartwright and Skiles. Boylan is a Skiles guy. Adams is a Pax guy.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 11:49 AM CST up reply actions  

I forgot about Pete
I always liked him as a player and I forgot that he did the carry-over.  I wouldn't mind him.

by Freethefro on Dec 24, 2007 11:52 AM CST up reply actions  

Pete Meyers
Is another guy who could take the job.  He could have a chance b/c it seems like he's the opposite of  General Skiles.  

I wonder how untouchable Paxson is?  Skiles has(had) the roster he does b/c of Pax and it's a limited one.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 24, 2007 11:51 AM CST up reply actions  

Here's an opportunity for a
Chicago reporter to actually serve some useful purpose.

I would like an article detailing the exact events and considerations that led to the firing.

I doubt it will happen, though.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 11:53 AM CST up reply actions  

never know
Brian Hanley exclusive from the Skiles ranch?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:10 PM CST up reply actions  

one bad part about the timing
is that hosting on the Score right now is Larry Holmes.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 11:48 AM CST reply actions  

One thing I like about this is the clean slate.
Nobody's a "favorite," nobody's in the doghouse.  Maybe Thabo turns it around, maybe Tyrus and Noah get more burn.  In short - this is the first time I've felt excited about the Bulls in awhile.  

by Freethefro on Dec 24, 2007 11:50 AM CST reply actions  

It is on the Bulls'
site now (no new info):

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/skiles_relieved_071224.html

P.S. Damn Tomcat for stretching the posting field beyond the edge of the page.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 11:51 AM CST reply actions  

And our next coach should be...
My initial thought is Mike Fratello. After Hubie left the Grizzlies if memory serves Fratello came in and lead them right to the playoffs. We could sure use some offense.  Who else is out there? Van Gundy's clearly not an option...

by bullsfaninla on Dec 24, 2007 11:53 AM CST reply actions  

Would have been better to keep Skiles
Fuck Carlisle and his dead ball ways!!!!!!!!!!

by snley on Dec 24, 2007 1:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Carlisle's another Skiles
Forget about Carlisle. This is the guy who defied Joe Dumars by refusing to play Tayshaun Prince, and Dumars immediately fired him. After he was dismissed, Larry Brown came in, made Prince an important piece of the Pistons and they won the NBA championship. Carlisle is a jerk who is arrogant and believes he knows it all. What a phony. Stay clear of that idiot.

by SlamDunk on Dec 24, 2007 4:57 PM CST up reply actions  

damn, yo

tell us how you really feel!

by Bayern Munich on Dec 24, 2007 6:52 PM CST up reply actions  

the Czar's offense
makes Jeff Van Gundy look like Don Nelson.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 11:59 AM CST up reply actions  

You have to hand it to Paxson
for being bold.

I definitely did not think he would pull the trigger this soon. I was wrong about that, though. It makes me wonder if there really was tremendous discord between the players and Skiles. Or if Reinsdorf handed down an ultimatum.

It's going to be strange to watch a game Wednesday with no posts about Skiles rotations. LOL.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 11:57 AM CST reply actions  

Secondary bonus:
the NY papers and fans will be howling for blood considering Pax's decisiveness versus the Knicks' perpetual quagmire.  If Skile's firing leads to Thomas' departure, this Christmas will be merry, merry, merry.

by Freethefro on Dec 24, 2007 12:01 PM CST up reply actions  

ha, the best part
would be seeing the reaction from Eddy Curry (who had 1 rebound in 24 minutes last night, btw)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:17 PM CST up reply actions  

A pat on the back for Matt and Blog-A-Bull
I think Paxon and especially Reinsdorf have been monitoring the feeling of the  real fans via this blog.
Credit Paxon for doing what was tough for him, but if I can recreate a scenario of what went I think went on in that meeting before the firing; I can see Skiles being rude to Reinsdorf when quizzed about complaints raised on this blog, complaints he can't really defend, and Jerry looking at him and saying, "who do you think you are? You're fired, damn you."

by SlamDunk on Dec 24, 2007 5:07 PM CST up reply actions  

I"m sure this will be shouted down
and condemned, but is there any chance the Bulls hire Larry Brown?

I am not saying they should, I am just wondering if they might consider it?

Bringing in Brown, yet another disciplinarian who has a history of alienating players, would be an odd choice to replace Skiles, who had a similar disposition.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 12:01 PM CST reply actions  

Another question while I am asking...
will the Bulls certainly hire an established, former NBA coach? Or is there a chance that they allow a newcomer like an assistant or college coach to have his first opportunity in the league?
"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 12:03 PM CST up reply actions  

nope
You actually missed Brown's biggest flaw: he only sticks around for 2 or 3 seasons. Reinsdorf isn't going to hire a guy who he'll have to negotiate a buy-out with later.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 12:05 PM CST up reply actions  

Larry Brown does not alienate players really
He is a disciplinarian who can wear them down, but most of LB's guys say they felt really close to him.

Don't listen to what the Pistons players and organization said about him when he left.  That was a unique situation in his career, and the front office had a massive agenda in running him off.

by tacojohn on Dec 24, 2007 12:05 PM CST up reply actions  

And what about the Knicks?
"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Dec 24, 2007 7:01 PM CST up reply actions  

What other moves coming?
Well, I wasn't one of the people FOR firing Skiles.    From my perspective, the players were the primary reason for the poor record this year.  Yes, I do agree that Skiles had some terrible lineups at times, but the players play has been terrible!  Everyone is physically playing under expectations (other than Aaron Gray maybe, haha).  Look at the shooting %!  Many of the losses early on were from terrible shooting %.  However, the last 3 losses have seemed to indicate that the team has lost faith in the coaching staff decisions and maybe even the team's identity.  Maybe this will be a good decision, but I was more for making trades than firing the coach.  What coaches are out there that can step in and coach the team better?

What player trades can we make to make the team better?  Please don't say Jason Kidd now that Skiles is gone.  The Bulls need to go a different direction in their current SG and need an all-star caliber low post scorer.

by Mattchoo on Dec 24, 2007 12:06 PM CST reply actions  

57 games is a long stretch for
an interim coach.

Would he be able to command the respect of the players for that length of time when everyone knows that he will likely be replaced?

I am not saying he couldn't, but it's one thing to consider.  

Is their recent precedent for that type of move?

I guess it really wouldn't matter if Paxson has already given up on this season.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 12:12 PM CST up reply actions  

"there" even
Jesus.
"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 12:13 PM CST up reply actions  

i think the respect comes from
knowing they're next now that the coach has been fired.

I'd be a lot more comfortable waiting until the offseason anyway, I doubt Pax has a replacement in mind...and getting some expensive 'star' coach doesn't really suit me either.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:14 PM CST up reply actions  

'star' coach doesn't really suit me either
Unless it was Phil master J....
He's probably laughing his arse off right now...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 24, 2007 10:33 PM CST up reply actions  

Top coaching candidates
  1. Hubie Brown
  2. Larry Brown
  3. John Paxon ( always thought he saw the game progression well when he used to do play-by-play)
  4. Mike Fratello
  5. Mike Krzyzewski ( probably never happen, but still think he would make a good pro coach )

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 24, 2007 12:10 PM CST reply actions  

Why Hubie Brown?
"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 12:12 PM CST up reply actions  

Hubie Brown
has tons of experience, 2 time NBA coach of the year, doesn't alienate his players, has experience coaching younger teams, and judging by his game analysis, still knows the NBA game as well as anyone.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 24, 2007 12:15 PM CST up reply actions  

he more-or-less quit last time
for health reasons. I'm pretty sure that's it for ol' Hubie.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:18 PM CST up reply actions  

and wasn't he mixing up players' names
on his last Bulls broadcast?  I think he's beyond his coaching years.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 12:24 PM CST up reply actions  

blech.
he'd make Norm Van Lier happy, they seem both old school uber-tough guys.

These suggestions make me really like the interim idea. Only Carlisle even gets me mildly excited.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:16 PM CST up reply actions  

Not a big difference between
Carlise, Brown and Skiles. All cut from the same cloth.  I too like the interim idea.

by EdNealy on Dec 24, 2007 12:18 PM CST up reply actions  

Carlisle
is a proven man that will automatically get respect from his player.

Same for Brown, it just seemed that they were at least more liked by the players

by Option27 on Dec 24, 2007 12:23 PM CST up reply actions  

Let's not get too excited about Carlisle...
Pax is known to like him, but he took a strong Pacer team and their record got progressively worse each year of his tenure. Like Skiles, not all Carlisle's fault, but this is not necessarily the impact solution.

by EdNealy on Dec 24, 2007 12:31 PM CST up reply actions  

Tell me more about Carlisle!!
His teams always seem to do well!!  I thought he didn't get along with some players.  Can he develop our young guys?

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 12:33 PM CST up reply actions  

He sucks the air out of the ball!
Carlisle's D is great, but the Bulls will be a great cure for insomnia if he takes over the team.

by snley on Dec 24, 2007 1:48 PM CST up reply actions  

oooo Pax as coach
that'd be interesting given the situation in New York. Like Isiah these are Paxson's players, he's picked them all.

Not a fan of Larry, he's too close to skiles. Noah, TT, and Thabo would def not get playing time. Lets not forget what happened to Darko.

Hubie could be a good choice if he's not too old...

by bullsfaninla on Dec 24, 2007 12:15 PM CST reply actions  

Is there anywone with ties back to the
championship years?  Reinsdorf did it with Ozzie on his other team.  Is there some former Bulls player (other than Pete Meyers) he might consider?

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 12:21 PM CST reply actions  

Stacey King.
He coached in the CBA or somesuch.

I know that would make everyone here very happy.

(If it isn't obvious, I'm kidding.)

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 12:22 PM CST up reply actions  

huh?
Ozzie never won a title as a player.

I don't think Reinsdorf cares that much about having a 'Bulls guy'. It's Pax's choice, anyway.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:25 PM CST up reply actions  

just going back to a former player who is
indelibly associated with the team.  

doesn't even have to be from the championship years.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 12:30 PM CST up reply actions  

VAn Gundy?
Has the defensive mind and has some experience with bigs...

by tyrus4prez on Dec 24, 2007 12:23 PM CST reply actions  

Van Gundy? Interesting
I would really miss his commentary - but would we then turn into a "Grind-it-out" and win 85-78 team with him?  Would he open it up?  
In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 24, 2007 12:28 PM CST up reply actions  

JVG said the Bulls need to run
I haven't been a huge JVG fan b/c he normally does slow it down.  But, during a recent Bulls game he was questioning why the Bulls didn't run even more as he identified that's what the team must do.  With his brother's success in Miami and Orlando going to an open court style, maybe JVG can learn a thing or 2 about running over the holiday.

by snley on Dec 24, 2007 1:51 PM CST up reply actions  

I think they have to bring in somebody
not associated with the team right now.  They need somebody with no history of loyalty to any player on the team.  We need a completely fresh evaluation.  Guys who should be playing aren't.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 12:28 PM CST reply actions  

Holly shit!!!!
This shocked me.  Was outside and my son ran out to tell me.  Ran to the computer.  This is the best site for something like this.  I am thrilled.  We need someone to develop the young guys.

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 12:28 PM CST reply actions  

Player reaction
I'm dying to hear comments from players now. No need to hold back any longer.

by Hiryu on Dec 24, 2007 12:31 PM CST reply actions  

It was the right move
Maybe now we can get Kidd. hmm..

by Hiryu on Dec 24, 2007 12:32 PM CST reply actions  

Somewhere....
Hinrich is weeping :)
In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 24, 2007 12:33 PM CST reply actions  

Hinrich?
Think of Duhon!

I hope Rush St. has late holiday hours.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:37 PM CST up reply actions  

Sedgewick's
Anyone who wants to wish Duhon well, might want to check out the corner of Lincoln and Armitage. He'll be @ Sedgewick's with all the other Dookies.
In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 24, 2007 12:41 PM CST up reply actions  

Maybe not.
How do you know that he was all that happy with Skiles? Just because Skiles favored him doesn't mean it went both ways.
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 24, 2007 1:05 PM CST up reply actions  

Carlisle is a possibility
I'm not really all that hot to see it but he has been successful.  I can't see Paxson hiring Brown, Van Gundy or Fratello.  Van Gundy & Fratello are two micro managing and Brown would start undermining Paxson 15 minutes after he got the job.

You could say that Carlisle is also to controling as a coach but not to the extent of those three.

I expect we will stay with an interim for at least a month while Paxson evaluates his personnel under a different coach. Whoever it is he will be taking a lot of direction from Paxson on player minutes.  

Ye OldeBull

by OldeBull on Dec 24, 2007 12:42 PM CST reply actions  

Strong jab
Firing Skiles was a good solid jab. Now they need to go for the knock out and get rid of Wallace.

by Incognito on Dec 24, 2007 12:44 PM CST reply actions  

Wallace

the only way they could really get rid of Wallace right now is to buy-out his contract and then cut him.  And even then, they don't get much immediate relief.  They'd still have his full salary on their cap until another team signs him, at which point they get 50% relief, if I read the rule correctly.

It's pretty hard to imagine any team trading for Ben's contract.  He isn't even playing at a level that would allow him to start for a playoff team, and he's owed $15 mil/per over the life of his contract.

by Bayern Munich on Dec 24, 2007 7:48 PM CST up reply actions  

don't think there's any merit
in 'being a Bull'.

Maybe it's someone Pax knows, but that couldn't save Bill Cartwright.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 12:50 PM CST up reply actions  

Bill Cartwright was the strangest hire
conceivable.  How can you have someone who can't be heard from 10 feet away be an NBA head coach?

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 12:59 PM CST up reply actions  

I think it will be somebody
who's currently an assistant on someone else's staff, that Pax already knows and trusts.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 12:48 PM CST reply actions  

We
need someone to develop our young talent.

by eross226 on Dec 24, 2007 12:52 PM CST reply actions  

Phil Jackson's proteges
have to start showing up sooner or later.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 12:53 PM CST reply actions  

The score ( Larry Homes)
is saying that the rumor is assistant coach Jim Boylan will become interim coach instead of Pete Myers.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 24, 2007 12:56 PM CST reply actions  

Boylan is an obvious choice for interm
He's Skiles right hand man and was also close to becoming the new coach for Indiana last year.

When I heard Skiles got fired, I just figured naturally that Boylan would take over.

by Option27 on Dec 24, 2007 2:04 PM CST up reply actions  

Of course!
I think the next move is obvious, let's get Johnny Red Kerr out of retirement!!

by cjurmann on Dec 24, 2007 1:02 PM CST reply actions  

WOW!!!
I never expected this so soon.
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 24, 2007 1:03 PM CST reply actions  

I'll go on record (this is the record, isn't it?)
as saying the Bulls will migrate toward a triangle offense, utilizing the passing big man talents of Aaron Gray, and hire a Phil protege.  

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 1:06 PM CST reply actions  

I'd rather see them
utilize the passing big man talents of Joakim Noah, but maybe that's just me.  Developing the first round lottery pick over the second round "steal" just seems more logical.  But do we even have the personnel for the triangle?  I don't see a point-forward in the Scottie Pippen / Luke Walton (in the LA incarnation of the triangle) mold.  We also don't have an MJ / Kobe type player for Phil's triangle.  I don't really see it working out.

by fundamentallysound on Dec 24, 2007 2:13 PM CST up reply actions  

It had to be done
He did a damn good job overall, and I'm sure he'll go somewhere else and do a good job this year, but it was obvious that he lost the team this year.  The Bulls are much too talented to be getting blown out every night.  I joked after the Houston game that they should wait until after Christmas to fire him, and I'm sure people will criticize the Bulls for doing it on Christmas Eve, but let's get real.  He's got a guaranteed contract; he's got that money coming in anyways.

by Big D on Dec 24, 2007 1:09 PM CST reply actions  

"do a good job NEXT year"
I don't know, maybe someone else will fire their coach this season and hire Skiles, but it might be best for him to take the rest of the season off and recharge.

by Big D on Dec 24, 2007 1:14 PM CST up reply actions  

WSCR reporter David Schuester
thinks that it's possible Pete Myers will be the 'interim-interim', and they may not even have an interim coach selected by Wednesday.

They're playing in San Antonio anyway, so maybe it's for the best.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 1:14 PM CST reply actions  

Welcome to the Bulls. Now go beat the Spurs.
That would be a great way of letting the new coach know how Viktor Khryapa felt when Skiles put him in the game to guard Lebron James.

by Big D on Dec 24, 2007 1:38 PM CST up reply actions  

Someone said that Paxson referred to Skiles
as "his" guy.  I'm not so sure.  Didn't Skiles go directly to Reinsdorf to get his deal...  bypassing Paxson?  I remember hearing a Paxson interview at the time in which he said he was suprised by Skiles' signing.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 1:18 PM CST reply actions  

huh?
maybe when he re-signed after the contract standoff. Skiles was definitely Pax's hire.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 1:20 PM CST up reply actions  

anyone else
want to see a non big name coach come in, but some young, bright assistant somewhere come in and take over?  i never understand why in sports teams dont take more chances on unproven guys as coaches and instead gravitate towards the same old coaches who've had 5 other coaching jobs before this.  plus, the obviously candidates of JVG and Carlisle seem to have similar styles to Skiles

by Mike C on Dec 24, 2007 1:21 PM CST reply actions  

I totally agree
A young coach who can have fun and help our players have fun again.

by arjoseph on Dec 24, 2007 1:36 PM CST up reply actions  

Skiles was that kind of coach when they hired him
Even though he has that short tenure with the Suns, he was still a young/players type couch.

Skiles took them from point C to B. Now they need a coach who is respected and gets them from B to A

by Option27 on Dec 24, 2007 2:07 PM CST up reply actions  

This team needs an offensive coach.
They have such a defensive mindset and skill set (think Hinrich, Duhon, Thabo, Thomas, Noah and Wallace especially), I doubt they'll forget how to play. I'll glad sacrifice a few "spots" on the defensive efficiency rankings if they could jump 10-15 in offense. I have no idea how this happens.

For some reason, Alvin Gentry, who has a bad record for offense as a head coach, strikes me as a decent candidate. But then, that's the classic "recycle shitty coaches" theory, so scrap that.

I just want someone who brings offensive basketball to the team.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 24, 2007 1:22 PM CST reply actions  

A breath of fresh air...
After watching all these games in silence and trying to find out what was wrong, I'm glad that the 'coach's fault' answer is finally out of the equation. The lineups I've seen this year have been so erratic I was hoping for something to happen. Now let's hope the players focus on playing again.
The Future is bright!

by Goostafer on Dec 24, 2007 1:23 PM CST reply actions  

you mean Del Harris?
I have no opinion on him, just confirming the name you're thinking of.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 1:30 PM CST up reply actions  

Listening to espn 1000 and the SCORE
and they are a bunch of ignorant jerks.  They don't know this team or basketball.  

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 1:28 PM CST reply actions  

Just Heard
from Brrrrruuuccceeee.. Boylan coach for rest of the year

by tyrus4prez on Dec 24, 2007 1:29 PM CST reply actions  

This team has a new core...
...in my opinion. While Hinrich, Gordon, Duhon, Deng and Nocioni were successful in making this a respectable franchise (forgetting the past two months), the real core is Deng, Thomas, Noah and gulp Gray. That's four guys 6-9 or taller, 23 & younger. They have different talents and different ceilings, but I think they'll complement each other well. Whatever coach comes in, needs to build on those guys, me thinks.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 24, 2007 1:31 PM CST reply actions  

I completely agree.
Paxson has moved the team more into the front court.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 1:32 PM CST up reply actions  

anyone got a link
to the audio of duhon's interview?

by Mike C on Dec 24, 2007 1:32 PM CST reply actions  

Was Duhon not done taking a swig
of something when they asked him that first question? LOL
"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Dec 24, 2007 7:15 PM CST up reply actions  

Hollinger
bricks it
Probably Skiles' biggest failing was that he stayed the course way too long instead of shaking up the lineup to reflect this year's new realities.

I completely disagree with that, especially since it's tied to the suggestion of playing Nocioni more. blech.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 1:34 PM CST reply actions  

Besides that paragraph on Noc
I think he pretty much nailed it on the head.  Everything else he said I agree with: (1) it's mostly the players sucking that has led us to our record; (2) the young bigs should be playing more; (3) we need to have better defensive effort; (4) Ben Wallace is no longer doing Ben Wallace things.

by arjoseph on Dec 24, 2007 1:44 PM CST up reply actions  

(3) is a direct reflection on Skiles
These are the same players that gave great defensive effort last year, so it's not like they're incapable of doing it (like the Knicks).  I don't think it's a coincidence that the Rockets game did him in.  How many wide-open layups did the Rockets get in the second half?  That's the sign of a team that's quit on its coach.

by Big D on Dec 24, 2007 1:47 PM CST up reply actions  

The Score just had Stephen Bardo
on, and he said that he thinks Ben Wallace gave up on Skiles which is why he's playing like this (i.e. 'listless').

Which I think says more about Wallace, but who knows maybe it inspires the corpse.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 1:48 PM CST up reply actions  

You're spot on...
If Ben W. is tanking as a result of his dislike for Skiles, it says a ton about him.  The "corpse" has been shockingly bad.

by EdNealy on Dec 24, 2007 1:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Didn't Wallace do that same thing
to Carlisle in Detroit? Or was that somebody else?

by CrashDavis on Dec 24, 2007 1:52 PM CST up reply actions  

Certainly says something about Wallace.
It was similar in Detroit with Flip if I recall. So if the next coach is like Skiles, you know it's not going to be any better. However, effort is obviously a fixable thing if that's the case. If the Fro is cool with the new coach, maybe he at least plays as well as last year, which would be something.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 24, 2007 1:54 PM CST up reply actions  

I thought I had read something
about Wallace being in favor of some personnel changes.  So maybe this WILL inspire him, who knows.

by Jaina on Dec 24, 2007 2:00 PM CST up reply actions  

Ben Wallace was terrible the last year
in Detroit.  If I remember, he also was a non-factor in the playoffs that year which they lost.  I was going to post a new get-rid-of-Wallace diary, but to my amazement Matt sensed this and was sitting next to me.  He grabbed my arm.  No new Ben Wallace diary.

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 2:32 PM CST up reply actions  

Of all the reasons to fire Skiles,
appeasing Ben Wallace is the least compelling. I hope that wasn't a factor.

Frankly, I don't want a coach who is going to kowtow to Wallace and play him regardless of whether or not he actually merits the minutes.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 2:37 PM CST up reply actions  

(4) if a 6'8 guy can't do Ben Wallace things
anymore, then there's no point in having him on the court.  Intangibles only interest me when accompanied by 10+ boards.

by EdNealy on Dec 24, 2007 1:53 PM CST up reply actions  

Agree with all of those points.
"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 1:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Our new coach
should be Stacy King

by chris44 on Dec 24, 2007 1:35 PM CST reply actions  

Wow.
I had my suspicions but I am still surprised. This will make the game I'm going to Friday much more interesting.

by cranscape on Dec 24, 2007 1:36 PM CST reply actions  

Forget about Larry Brown
His Agent is the father of Scott Skiles' agent, Keith Glass.  Larry Brown and Keith Glass basically grew up together as brothers.  

I guess anything is possible, but I seriously doubt Larry Brown would take any job after Skiles.

by hornhat on Dec 24, 2007 1:40 PM CST reply actions  

If Larry wanted this job
it wouldn't matter what his agent said.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 24, 2007 2:17 PM CST up reply actions  

Since when has Larry Brown
been loyal to anyone but himself? He's jump shipped on so many teams I doubt Loyalty is what drives Larry. He comes and goes as he pleases.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 24, 2007 2:51 PM CST up reply actions  

We
need a coach that wants to throw the ball inside and then work it back out. Skiles sees the game as a guard. Thats what hurt him.

by chris44 on Dec 24, 2007 1:41 PM CST reply actions  

In Duhon interview it was mentioned that
this was surprising, but that Skiles had lost the team somewhat.  He said that it would be strange to have Boylan as the interim as he has always been known to be Skiles' right-hand-man. Probably speaks to Myers.

by EdNealy on Dec 24, 2007 1:49 PM CST reply actions  

For those wanting young coaches
I think its a horrible idea. A young coach might bring a breath of fresh air to the team, but ultimately come playoff time, a coaches experience is just as useful as a players experience. I think during playoff time, coaching becomes a huge factor, the right plays, the right calls, right rotations and defensive matchups, the little intricate things. I felt skiles was pretty good with that kind of stuff.

A new coach would not be able to lead a team, and this bulls players dont have a true leader among them. A team needs a leader.

Of course the coach being the only leader is a horrible idea, thats part of the bulls problem (lacking a leader). However, for a player to step up to take that role might take more than a single season. The bulls need a coach who could take control, and at the same time teach the better players on the team how to lead, and do what skiles couldnt do in his years with the bulls...that is to let them finally go and do what they do. Skiles might have been TOO personal with his players. I always liked him as a coach, but i did question his ability to let the team earn thier championship.

Skiles i believe has been a huge weight on the bulls, one that has really trained the team into increasing thier potential, disicipline and work ethic. However, with skiles gone, hopefully that weight has been lifted and the bulls players (especially thomas, and perhaps gordon) can untap thier potential and abilities, and have freedom to play thier game. I feel its sort of like tyson chandler, who i think really was forged into a better player by skiles, but didnt get a chance to use those abilities until he was out of skiles' restrictions.

Hopefully this isnt a start of a rebuilding process, but more of an evolution among the same group of players.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 24, 2007 2:15 PM CST reply actions  

A good take on the news
its sort of differnt. Though the guy is usually negetive towards the bulls not matter what, i actually like the different thought he has.

http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/667185/24473818

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 24, 2007 2:25 PM CST reply actions  

What's the chance...
...(I'm guessing none) of a Wallace/Gordon/draft-picks double sign-and-trade for Gilbert Arenas after the season?

Oy!!! I love speculation

Arenas/Curry
Hinrich/Duhon (re-sign)
Deng
Thomas/Smith
Noah/Gray

I don't know. I'm playing around with stuff here, but I've been wondering the chances of getting him. Obviously, the Wizards probably want to re-sign Arenas, and I couldn't quite make out the Bulls' salary for next year...

Maybe Nocioni instead of Gordon. And sign-and-trade Gordon for something else.

Just wondering if it's something even possible.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 24, 2007 2:28 PM CST reply actions  

How about...
Wallace for Lafrentz and you don't resign Gordon.  Then you can make a move for Arenas and resign Deng.

PG: Hinrich, Du, Arenas
SG: Arenas, Draft Pick, Deng
SF: Deng, Noc
PF: Smith, Thomas, Noc
C: Noah, Gray, Smith

by Kemp @ Blog a Bull on Dec 24, 2007 2:35 PM CST up reply actions  

What?
I know mine isn't that likely, but yours is impossible. No way Portland wants Wallace. Lafrentz is signed through 08-09 so that doesn't help anyway.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 24, 2007 2:46 PM CST up reply actions  

You must wing it...
if you want to prevent Jameson Curry from being on your team.

by Kemp @ Blog a Bull on Dec 24, 2007 2:49 PM CST up reply actions  

huh?
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 24, 2007 2:50 PM CST up reply actions  

A joke.

by Kemp @ Blog a Bull on Dec 24, 2007 2:53 PM CST up reply actions  

I wish...
we could have gotten adelman.

by Kemp @ Blog a Bull on Dec 24, 2007 2:31 PM CST reply actions  

Ric Bucher is on ESPN News . . .
He says that the decision to fire Skiles was made b Jerry Reinsdorf, NOT Paxson.  He says Reinsdorf was concerned that the team wouldn't even make the playoffs this year.  Not sure I believe that, but that's what he says.

He also said that Jeff Van Gundy has no interest in going back into coaching right now.

by Big D on Dec 24, 2007 2:37 PM CST reply actions  

Hmmmm. That is very, very
interesting (if true).

It would also explain Paxson's surprising temerity.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 2:40 PM CST up reply actions  

1958 ChiTown had a great idea for a
story in a previous comment, 1958ChiTown post.  I hope there is one reporter out there who really can find the facts behind today's firing.  What really happened? Does Paxson truly want to play TT more?  Does Paxson have someone in mind?  When did Paxson start to think he needed to make a change?  It seems that the Houston game was the final straw.  Did Paxson think the players gave up on Skiles?  Let's hope there is at least one good reporter who can find this out.  I tend to agree with 1958ChiTown that the reporters in this city are wimps.  They do not have the courage or work ethic to dig out the facts.  All they can produce is a two sentence quote and some fluff.  This is a story dying to be told.

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 2:58 PM CST up reply actions  

This means a few things:
First, it confirms that Reinsdorf is a basketball guy with a basketball will that he imposes on the organization he manages; not just the clueless cash dispenser that Howard Schultz or Glen Taylor are/were.

Second, it means that Reinsdorf is more about winning than making money. If the Bulls miss the playoffs, they get into tanking territory, and even if they don't totally tank to land, say, Michael Beasley, they'd be in a good position to rebuild. This would be maximizing the money-making potential, as a young-but-improving team would be exciting, have low expectations and have a low payroll--the Bulls could jettison Deng and Gordon via sign-and-trades under the premise that they were horrible in their contract years (although there would still be the money owed to Noc, Kirk and Wallace).

Third, it seems for now a vote of confidence for Pax's rebuilding plan, since he seems to be signaling for a 'go-for-broke' run to the playoffs, which is kind of senseless, given the lackluster play thus far.

Fourth, it is also a vote of confidence for the Bulls, as the easier thing would have been to let the Bulls play out the string as a horrible team, only to be blown up at the end of the season.

I guess it could also mean that Reinsdorf truly feels that this Bulls team has not done right by the fans, and maybe he's truly fearful of alienating the fans. The boo-birds at the Rockets game certainly made their thoughts known.

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Dec 24, 2007 7:25 PM CST up reply actions  

Reinsdorf probably just said,
"It's either you or Skiles", because they've both stunk this year.  Easy choice for Pax.

by EdNealy on Dec 24, 2007 7:50 PM CST up reply actions  

To his credit, and consistent with his
character, Skiles is taking it like a "man":

"Hardly a day goes by that I don't demand accountability and stress results," Skiles told the newspaper. "Today was my day to be held accountable."

Skiles told The Tribune that he wasn't bothered by being fired on Christmas Eve.

"The fact that it's Christmas Eve is neither here nor there," Skiles told the newspaper. "The timing doesn't bother me. I'm not destitute."

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 2:39 PM CST reply actions  

wouldn't surpirse me

to see Skiles re-surface next season, or maybe in summer of 2009.  And he's young.

by Bayern Munich on Dec 24, 2007 6:58 PM CST up reply actions  

I want Scottie Pippin on the staff
for the duration of the season.  Then, at the end of the season, I want him hired as head coach.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 2:39 PM CST reply actions  

Huh?
"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 2:41 PM CST up reply actions  

double huh?
Remember the disastrous Pip player-coach era?
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm basing this idea
on the premise that I want a Phil Jackson guy, and Phil really wanted Pippin to coach with the Lakers this season.  Pippin turned it down for whatever reason.  Maybe he's ready to have another look at it now.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 2:49 PM CST up reply actions  

triple huh?
I don't recall the Lakers offering Pippen a job, and he hasn't been saying no to paychecks lately. I'm not sure what's so special about Jackson either.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 2:54 PM CST up reply actions  

Apologies. I cut myself off.
(Maybe you're saying to yourselves that I should have.)  He also played under respected championship coach Rudy T for a season in Houston.   I don't think anybody doubt's Pippins smarts or leadership charisma.  My suggestion is to give him some time on the job, almost like an intern, and see how everything meshes.  If it goes well, I can hardly think of a guy I'd rather have.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 3:03 PM CST up reply actions  

P-I-P-P-E-N
The Bulls already gave Pippen a trial run in 03-04 when he could barely play. It's likely Pippen would have secured a job with the Bulls if he had impressed anyone. Eating wings on the bench probably didn't do that.

To clarify my point about Jackson: There aren't many (any?) Phil proteges with NBA gigs. I suppose one could say Paxson is a 'Jackson Guy', but it's still a short list. You're not doing a very good job of articulating what's so special about someone who may or may not run a triangle offense.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 3:23 PM CST up reply actions  

the list grows
Pete Myers. 2 strong!
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 3:34 PM CST up reply actions  

Except that I don't like Pete Meyers.
Maybe there's nobody.  Maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic...wishing there was somebody out there connected to both Phil and Pax that could bring back some of the old magic.  The list of likely suspects is not long.  BJ Armstrong obviously is out.  Isn't Craig Hodges coaching somewhere?  Dennis Rodman recently said he wanted to get into coaching--in the WNBA, but still....  Will Perdue...he'd at least know what to do with Aaron Gray.

Setting nostalgia aside, are there no Phil protoges out there?  I already mentioned Jim Cleamons.  How about Kurt Rambis?  Magic hired him briefly, I think.  And he's been working under Phil for a number of years now.  Isn't he supposed to be next in line to get the Lakers job?

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 3:52 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't know if this is still up on Wikipedia
but someone edited Skiles's entry to say

Due to an extremely disappointing start to the 2007-8 season, Scott Skiles was fired from the Bulls on December 24, 2007. Their record at the time was 9 - 16. Skiles' career as Bulls coach is marked by an irrational love for Chris Duhon, Andres Nocioni, and other "scrappy" players. He is now hated by Jason Kidd, Tyson Chandler, Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah, and every Bulls fan with half a brain.

by Jaina on Dec 24, 2007 2:42 PM CST reply actions  

hilarious

some of the partisan Wikipedia posts are great, before they're taken down.  I once saw a paragraph on Nowitzki's Wikipedia page that said he was born a siamese twin, and killed his siamese brother at age 7.  It was taken down within a few hours.

by Bayern Munich on Dec 24, 2007 7:00 PM CST up reply actions  

Chris Broussard has weighed in . .
Remember, this is the same guy who wrote a month ago that the Bulls had quit on Skiles (which all the shitty Chicago beat writers immediately dismissed).  It's an Insider column, so I'll just post the part where he talks about possible replacements.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3167938&name=broussard_chris

Paxson should talk to Mark Jackson, and stay away from Larry Brown.

Other good candidates are Rick Carlisle, Paul Silas, Terry Porter (he got shafted in Milwaukee), Dwane Casey (he got shafted in Minnesota), Brian Shaw.

If I were Paxson, I'd see if Kenny Smith of TNT is interested.

Also, while I'm not sure how interested this guy would be, I'd try and talk to Mike Budenholzer, the Spurs' No. 1 assistant. He's learned from the best, having been in San Antonio throughout Gregg Popovich's tenure.

by Big D on Dec 24, 2007 2:42 PM CST reply actions  

ha!
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 24, 2007 2:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Budenholzer would be perfect...
had the Bulls drafted LaMarcus Aldridge.  Oh, that's right, they did.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 2:47 PM CST up reply actions  

Rosenberg of the Trib comes down
hard on the players. I tend to agree with some (though not all) of what he writes:

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/rosenblog/2007/12/chicago-bulls-b.html

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 24, 2007 2:47 PM CST reply actions  

Sniff Sniff
No one noticed when i posted this

http://www.blogabull.com/comments/2007/12/24/123314/93/147?mode=alone;showrate=1#147

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 24, 2007 5:56 PM CST up reply actions  

Holy Shit
I liked Scott Skiles...O well they should hire
Stan Van Gundy. (Just throwin names)
youtube.com/angryasianace

by AngryAsianAce on Dec 24, 2007 3:18 PM CST reply actions  

Or I mean Jeff Van Gundy, -.-
Hes the one that took the rockets to 50-32 last year right?
youtube.com/angryasianace

by AngryAsianAce on Dec 24, 2007 3:22 PM CST up reply actions  

crazy coach idea
what about hiring a foreign coach? Its only a matter of time before it happens. Noce's argentinia coach perhaps? Euro ball tends to be more team oriented with jump shooters and no low post presence.  And that's what we got

by bullsfaninla on Dec 24, 2007 3:19 PM CST reply actions  

Sergio Hernandez
is the name of the Argentina head coach.  It is kind of an off-the-wall idea, but hey they need somebody.  And he does have an Olympic gold medal to his credit, and has worked with Noc.  

Wikipedia's page on the Argentine team names him, but apparently he doesn't have his own page.  

There are a few interviews of him floating around online, he sounds bright enough.  But the language issue might be problematic.

How about Croation team coach Jasmin Repe ?  Coached professionally in Croatia, Poland, and Italy, and I think he speaks English.

by Bayern Munich on Dec 24, 2007 7:23 PM CST up reply actions  

David Blatt an American
who coaches in Europe.  He was the coach of the Russian national team this summer.

by Scotter on Dec 24, 2007 7:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Hernandez
he is the same coach who ordered the foul of jose calderon-- an 80% FT shooter-- in a tie game with like 10 seconds left in the world championships last year, is he not?  if it is the same guy theres not a chance in hell he will ever get a shot in the states.  that might've been the single worst coaching decision in the history of basketball

by Mike C on Dec 25, 2007 12:50 AM CST up reply actions  

Lute Olson
Hall of Fame Coach taking the year off from the University of Arizona.  He would be great at developing our young players while holding them accountable.  As high a basketball IQ as any other coach that has been mentioned, plus he is the man.

I only hope that the new coach leads to a fresh evaluation of the team's talent ie more ben gordon less hinrich.  Ben is our best offensive player but ever since his rookie year Skiles has been an albatross around his neck, reluctantly elevating him to the starting lineup, while keeping him on a short leash.  

BG,Deng, Tyrus and Noah are the future of this basketball team.

by Zac23 on Dec 24, 2007 3:43 PM CST reply actions  

The foreign coach
would be a good idea if we were in a rebuilding stage.IMO

by eross226 on Dec 24, 2007 3:47 PM CST reply actions  

wow
I'm glad you're happy with your 'dynasty bulls' DVDs you apparently received for Christmas, but there are other ways to do a coaching search.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 4:05 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't know, Matt.
The first thing you do is throw every name on the table you can think of that even makes the tiniest bit of sense.  

Then you start eliminating them.  

I think a case can be made for Laimbeer to at least get past the first cut.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 4:50 PM CST up reply actions  

based on today
maybe we could set a floor on at least having candidates who've recently worked in the NBA and are not 80 years old

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 24, 2007 5:02 PM CST up reply actions  

John Wooden
Should be the bulls new coach

by Zac23 on Dec 24, 2007 8:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Why would Noc be miserable?
(Except for the losing)

I sometimes wonder about these guys' sources.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 4:48 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't have any inside info
but I can assume that just because you get playing time doesn't mean that you are thrilled with the team's situation or coaching or whatnot.  

by cranscape on Dec 24, 2007 4:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Great insight from the article
I would like to know the specifics of what Skiles does to these guys.  I sense what is important and interesting is what we do not know.

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 5:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Noc in interviews
has always shown that he knows his own limitations as a player.  Chris Duhon may enjoy being trotted out like a show dog, but I could understand Noc not being in love with it.    

by Scotter on Dec 24, 2007 6:17 PM CST up reply actions  

The Bell
will toll for Paxson, unless he is fortunate and lucky as Danny A. in Boston..

He'll need a home run, because he has made some really bad moves within the last 2 years.

by exult463 on Dec 24, 2007 10:21 PM CST up reply actions  

Kendall Gill is saying he's sure
the players went to Paxson and told him they "couldn't play for this guy anymore."

Gill said that's exactly what happened on the Suns when Skiles got fired from there.  

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 5:46 PM CST reply actions  

Link?
"My jumper's so smooth it will seduce your girlfriend." -1958ChiTown

by NittanyBull on Dec 24, 2007 5:55 PM CST up reply actions  

I just watched
CTL and they had Norm V. and Kendall Gill on there. They showed some footage from the Berto today. They talked with BG, BW, Lu and Kirk. None of them seemed upset what so ever about Skiles being let go. Kirk said he thinks this is what this team needed.

Kendall said it is his opinion that a group of the players went to Pax and said they could not play for Skiles any more. Melissa Isaccson said that was her take on the situation too.

They also said they thought Pete would be the interim coach.

Will be interesting to see how things go on Wed. night.

Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 24, 2007 5:53 PM CST reply actions  

Sue - Did they say anything about
what Skiles did to get so many of the players upset?

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 5:57 PM CST up reply actions  

How about sucking with more suckitude than anyone
ever? Plus as mentioned before, it's easier to fire the coach than trade underachieving players or replace the GM that you've handed the franchise's car keys to...
"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Dec 24, 2007 7:30 PM CST up reply actions  

No, but Kendall made reference back
to his one year playing for Skiles on the Suns, and he said that's what happened there.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 7:41 PM CST up reply actions  

Not in so many
words but Norm or Kendall said they thought one of the things was playing a player 40 minutes one night and then leaving him on the bench the next three games. Kind of what some on here complained about.
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 24, 2007 9:56 PM CST up reply actions  

Damn that was quick
On my blog (http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com) Sunday I asked who would go first Pax or Skiles I guess we found out today, I am not surprised but we should also remember who assembled this team. I have updated my blog with my opinion please check it out. I am wondering if we will see Jeff Van Gundy as a replacement?
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Dec 24, 2007 7:08 PM CST reply actions  

Merry Christmas to all...
and for those of you with young kids, here's a site http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.htm where mock NORAD radar installations and satelites track Santa as he makes his treck westward around the globe.  It's quite well done, put together by volunteers from all the service branches.

by alec on Dec 24, 2007 7:38 PM CST reply actions  

My choice for coach - - *JOHN PAXSON*
Here is my reasoning:
  1.  Pax plays players, who he recruited, the way he wants  
  2.  Paxson develops theses guys the way he wants
  3.  If we don't improve Pax gets first hand knowledge who we should keep and who we should get rid of
  4.  Skiles needs to be paid and this doesn't add another salary
  5.  I believe Paxson is an excellent communicator and the players are likely to respond to him
  6.  If this doesn't work out he hires a new coach next year
  7.  This could light a barn-fire under this team
Despite Riles and Isiah as coach/GM failures, this still makes the most sense to me.

by chgobr on Dec 24, 2007 8:45 PM CST reply actions  

ok
I'd be cool with Pax taking the reins

by Zac23 on Dec 24, 2007 9:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Well
Who makes the plays for the bulls to run, who figures out the defensive matchups and figures out what plays should be used when. I dont think "Just anybody" could it, i think coaching a team is more than just setting up the rotation, and the more time paxson spends with the team training and practicing and looking at game footage, the less time he can do research on free agents, future players, possible trades. I dont think paxson will coach cuz being gm and coaching at the same time...somethings gotta give.
im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 24, 2007 9:09 PM CST up reply actions  

I have no
reason to believe Paxson has any coaching experience.  The GM role was handed to him on a silver platter.  

by exult463 on Dec 24, 2007 10:26 PM CST up reply actions  

It's telling that with 218 comments,
not one wastes time defending Skiles and saying this is a mistake.  Most people didn't even take time to reflect before naming replacements.  These are the Bulls most die hard fans here, and it's pretty clear that Paxson made the right decision from the reactions.  

Personally, ever since Skiles tanked the Toronto game with 1.5 quarters still left, i've felt sick watching them play.  Skiles has been coaching like he was under no pressure to win games in the present and could afford to tank a whole season in order to teach Tyrus and then Noah a lesson about who's in charge.  Watching him start Nocioni and Smith against Boston, including in the second half, convinced me that he just doesn't care about the outcome of games.  It's win his way, or don't win at all.

Screw that.  Everybody... the fans, the owners, and even the players... wanted the Bulls to do everything in their power to win every game.  The Rockets game was the first game in history where I could watch it until the end, but turned it off in the first half and deleted the tivo recording.  I checked blogabull later to see that we had lost.  

Skiles is the type of coach to get the most out of people who don't have loads of talent or experience.  However, he was never cut out to coach a group of veterans or develop young players with great talent.  His only method of developing young talented players is beating them into submission using playing time as his weapon.

by rexisourqb on Dec 24, 2007 9:07 PM CST reply actions  

Perfect assessment of Skiles
You nailed it on the head. Couldn't put it over better. Petty and vindictive, that's Skiles. Willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way, even if his actions are detrimental to the team winning.

by SlamDunk on Dec 25, 2007 3:50 AM CST up reply actions  

Stacey King
As head coach. That would be awesome. Bring in Norm Van Lier to teach defense.

by gobulls1124 on Dec 24, 2007 9:08 PM CST reply actions  

Norms Slogan
Its not about wheter we win or lose, its about 48 MINUTES OF INTEN-SITAY!!!!!!
im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 24, 2007 9:10 PM CST up reply actions  

My biggest worry right now
is Ben Wallace.  If he wasn't on the team right now, i'm positive that any new coach would come in and make sure the best players play.  But how does a young coach come in and feel he has the pull to limit Wallace's minutes?  This is a man with a championship ring and defensive player of the year award.  Someone who has worked and hustled harder than anyone in the game to get what he has.  Even an experienced coach would theoretically have to hold Wallace up as an example of what he wants from players.

Sit back and picture any coach coming in and saying, "Ben, you haven't been performing, so i'm going to limit your minutes."  Can you imagine Wallace not becoming a locker room cancer?  Hell, he already did it once with Flip Saunders when Flip wanted to take him out at the end of games because of his free throw shooting, and when Flip wanted to run zones instead of man to man.  It's also been pretty clear that he was even disgruntled lately under Skiles.

Best case scenario is that Ben starts to play like his old self and no choices have to be made. As someone pointed out though, that would speak volumes about Ben if he only sucks now because he's not trying.

Now, I've got to pick Tyrus Thomas up for my fantasy team. He always puts up great numbers when he plays, but for some reason he hasn't been getting minutes recently.

by rexisourqb on Dec 24, 2007 9:26 PM CST reply actions  

wow
that'll teach me not to hit refresh on BAB at least twice a day.  Seems like there is a lot disinformation out there, most of it perpetrated by the usual suspects around here.  Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Dec 24, 2007 9:42 PM CST reply actions  

Farewell, Scott Skiles
I was very surprised that the Bulls made this move now.  I liked Skiles.  I thought his tenure overall was very solid and sometimes brilliant.

His substitution patterns, however, were a joke, as has often been lamented around here.  I would have thought that Pax would have given him the year to turn the ship around, but the number of blowouts this year, plus the extremely erratic substitution patterns, may have just been too much.  I am interested to read about the dirt when it gets out.

In the meantime, good luck to you, Mr. Skiles.  It was a privilege watching you coach (if you excise about 40 games from the analysis over your Bulls tenure).  I'm sure you will not be unemployed for long.

Now things get interesting . . .

Noah is a hussle machine, and Matt Duhon is our best guard.

by preverbal on Dec 24, 2007 11:35 PM CST reply actions  

From the Trib:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-071224chicagobullsfirecoachscottskiles,0,6113811.story?coll= chi_tab02_layout
No one player got Skiles fired, although it was instructive when Ben Wallace was asked Monday how he would characterize his relationship with Skiles. Wallace laughed.

"How would I characterize my personal relationship with any coach?" he said.

Wallace is said to have told Paxson last week, "He quit on us, so we've quit on him."

Thus apparently the reason for the timing.

Maybe Wallace will actually start playing like he gives a shit now.  If he doesn't, then the biggest problem for the new coach is going to be figuring out how to bench someone who's the highest-paid player on the team.

by Big D on Dec 25, 2007 12:30 AM CST reply actions  

No kidding
OK, I've read three things now.
  1. That comment by Wallace to Paxson
  2. KC had a clip that a Reinsdorf, Wallace, Arn Tellum, Paxson meeting occurred
  3. Wallace taking the team and giving them a talking to after it got the news of Skiles getting the axe.
I think it's going to be incredibly difficult for any coach to come in here under those circumstances and not be under his thumb.  Which is a bad thing because Wallace hasn't done anything to show he deserves or is capable of wielding that kind of power.  

I think it also makes Paxson's role and power pretty uncertain.  I read he's saying the young guys need to play more.  I read Wallace (and also mentioned, Joe Smith) unhappy with their roles.  That sounds to me like a recipe for conflict.

by Sports2 on Dec 25, 2007 7:37 AM CST up reply actions  

This is not over
Pax more or less stated he'd talk to the asst. coaches and figure out a short term goal...
Then Comcast says one of those assts. will coach for the remainder of the season - which basically throws in the towel for this year.
And THAT doesn't make sense, or else why wouldn't you wait until the season is over to fire Skiles?

Deep down I think one or more of the following:

  1. Pax has another coach idea up his sleeve and is closer than he's letting on...
  2. Pax was perhaps concerned about losing his own job and felt pressured to make a move...
  3. There are still trades that are going to happen, but this team had clearly gotten away from Skiles and he still needed to go...
  4. Perhaps during the trade discussions, Kobe stated behind doors that he would and/or could not play for Skiles, and this is just the beginning of chapter 2 and he may yet still play in Chicago...
Whatever the case(s) may be, I just feel like there is still much more to come....there HAS to be.

Firing a coach from a situtation this messed up, at THIS early in the season when it could still be salvaged, and expecting that's all they plan to do when there's so much more than coaching issues at hand....

I wouldn't buy THAT for a dollar...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 25, 2007 1:33 AM CST reply actions  

While it may be the right move now...
In the long run, hireing an inferior coach (overall, i consider skiles a very talented coach), might prove to be a bad idea. The Bulls will obviously do better imidiatley following the new hireing because the team needed to be shook up to bring back some intensity.

However, an entirely new style of play and a whole new system is going to come with the new coach and that might not work out well. I think skiles is a tallented coach who tries to win the right way. A combination of contract issues, missed jumpshots, a loss of intensity, and some questionable rotations have killed the first half of the season. I hope this new coach trying something too radical doesnt kill the second half. Farewell Skiles...

by T MaK on Dec 25, 2007 1:39 AM CST reply actions  

Mark Jackson
Broussard brought it up in his ESPN blog, but nobody has really talked about it as a possibility.  For some reason, he seems like a great fit.  He's always seemed very on-the-ball with his commentary, he's got the smarts of a PG, the players would respect him, he's not a retread.  Maybe he doesn't have much (or any?) coaching experience, but everyone starts somewhere, and I don't doubt his ability.  Another guy that I like a lot who might be an option is Greg Anthony.

by arjoseph on Dec 25, 2007 2:49 PM CST reply actions  

I'd much rather pluck
some assistant coach who's actually coached than a tv commentator.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Dec 25, 2007 5:02 PM CST up reply actions  

I also like Mark Jackson.
He oozes self confidence.  He's got a great, great playing resume...but in the end I lean toward agreeing with bullshooter.  I think the team needs someone with coaching experience on some level...although, a very experienced assistants staff could take some of the organizational stuff off a neophyte coach's shoulders.

by alec on Dec 26, 2007 4:05 PM CST up reply actions  

What's Mark Price up to?
He would fit the Scott Skiles/John Paxon gritty, smart, tough pg persona.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 26, 2007 5:06 PM CST reply actions  

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