Scal back from Europe, looking for work

by Alex Sonty on Dec 6, 2011 10:07 AM CST

Last year's 12th-13th man Brian Scalabrine two-month contract in Italy is up and after a relatively good run, he's elected to come back to the States without a job, rather than re-sign overseas. And his coach in Italy isn't too happy about it. Also, I'm not the only one who wants him back with the Bulls.

Scal's not even a serviceable NBA player, but there's no question that he'd be an asset to any Bulls team coached by Tom Thibodeau. Kelly Dwyer agrees:

After all, each of Scal's NBA coaches has lauded his professionalism, and his work with the Chicago Bulls last year as a type of player-coach should not be dismissed in the slightest despite just 88 regular season minutes played.

In helping Tom Thibodeau explain his defensive schemes to a young Bulls team last year, Scalabrine played a strong role with the team that ended the season with the NBA's best record. If I can put on my Bulls jersey, pantsuit, and beer-helmet (I own none of those, but would love the helmet) for a second, I would love to see Scalabrine on Chicago's bench again this year, and you know I'm more than mindful of his advanced (or box score) statistics.

Scal can make a hell of a lot more at the end of a bench as an NBA veteran this year, but at which point is it in his interest to put all of his eggs in the basket of the opportunity to join Thibs' coaching staff at a much cheaper price to the Bulls franchise? This is really what Scal has to consider, as there's likely more demand in his skills as a specialist coach in a suit than an NBA veteran in a suit.

NBA teams have to know that this is his only true value to a team, but -- again -- never underestimate the way stupid GMs can inflate the value of average players, let alone bad ones. So, Scal returning to the Bulls may end up costing the veteran minimum, as more teams implementing intricate help schemes may pay Scal players' money to coach a young defensive anchor.

The value in Scal with the Bulls isn't in Scal's production, but in the further education of Joakim Noah, Omer Asik, and Taj Gibson. And, hey, we all know Carlos Boozer can't get any worse.

Tweet Comment 21 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Scal-A-Brine!!! Clap Clap Clapclapclap

"Bud Light."
--Chris Carpenter, asked to name his favorite pitcher

by Brigade17 on Dec 6, 2011 10:15 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

yeah, that's reason enough not to sign him as a player

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 6, 2011 11:27 AM CST up reply actions 5 recs

Not sure if you're joking or serious (i'm sure a little of both)

But I’m 200% serious: THEY SHOULD NOT SIGN HIM FOR THAT REASON.

(and they should go ahead and change, or get rid of, that stupid ass Big Mac thing while they’re at it. now’s as good a time as any since the fans might be distracted by, you know, good basketball)

Recovering...

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 6, 2011 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Italian Coach

His comments were kind of harsh and kind of surprising to me. Would figure a guy like Scal who probably wants to get into coaching would be more professional, wonder if there is another side to story

by NY Chicago Fan on Dec 6, 2011 10:19 AM CST reply actions

"a guy like Scal who probably wants to get into coaching"

I believe Scalabrine was interviewed on this point and responded that he’d actually like to get into broadcasting more than coaching.

by jpx7 on Dec 6, 2011 11:02 AM CST up reply actions

Better money for sure

But coaching could help him get into TV/radio analysis. As much respect as he has, there’s a mascot avatar he may need to overcome.

Follow me on Twitter.

by Alex Sonty on Dec 6, 2011 11:07 AM CST up reply actions

True: he could see coaching as an avenue to higher-profile broadcasting opportunities.

He’s, at the very least, got to be an upgrade to Mark Jackson in either capacity.

by jpx7 on Dec 6, 2011 11:16 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

If he was the Blue Mamba I'm sure the Italians would let him do whatever he wants

I can predict the future using Norm Van Lier's crystal balls.

"Sam has a tendency to denigrate reports coming from any reporter who didn’t also cover the day Naismith first put up the peach baskets." - snley

by NBA Observer on Dec 6, 2011 11:17 AM CST up reply actions

If we pay him the vet-min...

but call him a “coach” instead of a “player”, what would that do to our salary cap situation?

by Doshi on Dec 6, 2011 11:16 AM CST reply actions

nothing, since coaches aren't on the cap

but you probably don’t want to make Scal one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the league.

I’m never in favor of the Bulls philosophy of paying for pseudo coaches, from Scal to Lindsey Hunter, to Pargo (though he’s more paid for locker room humor than coaching, so we’ve read).

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 6, 2011 11:27 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs