Now that the Bulls are getting healthy, management will take a critical look at coach Fred Hoiberg’s performance, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times.
Chicago is off to a 5-19 start, 14th in the Eastern Conference, but much of that record has been compiled with a depleted roster. Lauri Markkanen made his season debut last night after recovering from a sprained right elbow. Kris Dunn and Bobby Portis, both sidelined with knee injuries, are making progress and are expected back soon.
That will kick off a crucial portion of the schedule for Hoiberg, who isn’t guaranteed to keep his job for the rest of the season, Cowley states. The front office will consider wins and losses in its evaluation, but most important will be the development of the team’s young core of players.
This is the fourth year in Chicago for Hoiberg, who has compiled a 115-155 record so far with just one playoff appearance. His five-year, $25MM contract is guaranteed, so he will be paid in full even if he gets dismissed early. However, Cowley notes that the organization owed Tom Thibodeau $9MM when he was fired, so money won’t be a concern.
The final decision will be up to owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who will gather input from GM Gar Forman, VP of basketball operations John Paxson and COO Michael Reinsdorf. Unless the team improves quickly with a healthy roster, Cowley isn’t optimistic about Hoiberg’s chances.
Can’t wait
They need to fire Garpaxberg ASAP
Well, Cowley is incompetent himself, don’t believe anything he says. Ever.
I wonder if Reinsdorf would sell the team to help divert some of the inheritance tax
Funny how the front office is the same year in and year out, with no great success, and it’s the COACH that’s to blame.
Hoiberg is the real deal. Firing him would be another dumb move in a history of dumb moves for this franchise.
The NBA should make a rule: every time you fire a coach, you get a demerit. Every time you make the playoffs, you lose a demerit. Get to five demerits, and you have to sell the team. Get rid if the worst owners real quick.