Former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said his experience in Chicago was “90% positive” and he has no bitterness toward GM Gar Forman or executive John Paxson over his firing, relays K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter links). Thibodeau, who now coaches the Wolves, met with the media this afternoon in advance of tonight’s game in Chicago. He had a record of 255-139 in five years with the Bulls before being let go after the 2014/15 season. Thibodeau added that he would like to have a face-to-face meeting with owner Jerry Reinsdorf. “Jerry was great to me,” he said. “I’ve got great respect for him. At some point, I’ll sit down with Jerry.” (Twitter link).
There’s more news from the Central Division:
- It might be time for the Pacers to look for a taker for Monta Ellis, writes Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star. The team was sharp Monday night in a lopsided win over the Hornets as Ellis was sidelined with an injury. Ellis is having his worst season since he was a rookie, but the Pacers have been reluctant to pull him from the starting lineup after signing him to a four-year, $48MM deal in 2015. But Ellis, Paul George, Jeff Teague and Myles Turner all need to control the ball to be effective, and coach Nate McMillan said Monday, “There’s only one ball.”
- Glenn Robinson III made a strong case to replace Ellis in the starting lineup, according to Mark Montieth of Pacers.com. Robinson scored just three points Monday, but had six rebounds, three blocks and no turnovers. He said his goal is to earn a regular spot as a starter. “It’s sad to see Monta out, you never want to see anyone injured, but I want to take advantage of this opportunity again,” Robinson said. “I definitely want to be a starter in this league and I think I can help this team out, bringing energy and being ready to play every tonight. Energy is the biggest thing we need in the starting lineup.”
- Pistons owner Tom Gores considered his team “the missing family member” in Detroit sports, relays Harvey Araton of The New York Times. The franchise announced last month that it will leave Auburn Hills and return to downtown Detroit for the 2017/18 season.
Major overreaction for one game. If Glenn can keep performing yes make that move, but it can’t be due to just one game starting. It’s also unfair to shit on Monta when he’s honestly tried to do things differently with the Pacers. IT may not be working well for him, but it’s not due to a lack of effort. Yes it’s probably time to move on from him, he shouldn’t have ever been signed, but still don’t fault him for trying to adapt to what Indy wants from him.
Indiana needs help defensively. Jeff Teague and Monta Ellis in the backcourt is not a good combo. I’d consider letting Monta and Thaddeus Young come off the bench. Their defense on the bench may become an issue, with those guys plus Al Jefferson, but I think it still gives them a little more balance. They also have too many small combo guards that can’t play defense. With that being the case, they need Paul George to defend the way he is capable of, more than they probably need him to carry them offensively
Reinsdorfs in a home with Paxon and K. Williams doing the changing duties. Just send a note Thibs and hope one of the f those two boneheads read it to him