I suddenly got really annoyed with this coaching “search” – probably right after Matt reminded us all that Pax had 7 MONTHS to try to at least narrow down his list which, apparently, included every assistant coach in the NBA. And also Mark Jackson.

The draft is June 26. There are 2 clear candidates for the number 1 pick that are completely different players. This is the most important decision Paxson will make for the franchise and he would be absolutely stupid not to use the time he’s allowed to investigate every possible option (including various trades). It’s not simply taking one player over the other either. The entire roster is part of the discussion. Paxson probably has a preference at this point, but what possible benefit is there to publically acknowledge that? As soon as the choice is public, you potentially limit your options (not a good thing).

The coaching search has people frustrated. Fans, particularly on this board, and the media are screaming about the time he’s taking to make a choice. “He’s had 5 months!” “How could he not have been prepared for this????” Does anyone actually believe he didn’t have a list of people in mind for the job during the season? Of course he did. That doesn’t mean you don’t take your time to interview candidates. Some of those candidates aren’t available at the moment and others likely did not interview well. This is a pretty important decision also and you don’t simply hire a coach so your fan base feels like you’ve done something.

The only coach that’s been hired that people thought was a good fit was D’Antoni. From the outside, he would have been my choice, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a whole bunch of questions surrounding him. Blame Paxson or blame Reinsdorf for letting him go to the Knicks if you like, but it’s not like they just missed hiring Phil Jackson or Greg Popovich. The reality is that there are no perfect candidates out there at the moment. When you’re in a situation without an obvious answer, then why not take your time and investigate your options throughly? Can anyone honestly say it’s cost the Bulls anything to this point?

Is no longer important because I don’t like to think of indecisiveness. I just know that he will draft Derrick Rose (a fan favorite) and pick a good coach (who exploits the strength of the roster, primarily Derrick Rose).

These are two points Pax already pointed out (resonate with the fans and the players), so we can rest. Pax has always been consistent and a man of his word. Fortunately, in this situation he has no where or place to deviate from his words!

June 26, Derrick Rose will be a Chicago Bull and the selection of a coach will be one of Paxson’s most important decisions ever.

And not because Joey Dorsey said so here: http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2008/05/roses-college-t.html

But I’m wondering why Dorsey is saying this. Could his “inside source” be Rose himself, telling Dorsey that he’s going to let Paxson know of his desire to play outside of Chicago? I don’t see why Dorsey would say something like this, especially seemingly at the expense of his guy.

Think about it. Rose will be onset with high expectations for an organization still without a coach and for a starving and disgruntled (rightfully so) fanbase. In terms of being set up the best for success, I wonder if he thinks Miami would be better for him, and if guys like Dorsey and Stephen A. are spreading these rumors on behalf of D. Rose.

I am naturally pessimistic about the Bulls outlook after this past season and the past shortcomings of the organization and I hope this doesn’t come to fruition because it would be heartbreaking.