The Chicago Bulls haven’t committed to anything publicly regarding the fate of head coach Jim Boylen. Yet multiple insiders have hinted strongly that he is all but gone. That is unless ownership, who still likes him, were to intervene personally in the process. That doesn’t seem likely as the Reinsdorfs have preferred to stay out of the basketball operations unless absolutely necessary.
Boylen has done nothing to warrant keeping around. His two years with the team were marked by lots of losing, questionable game management, and tense relationships with some of the core players. Nobody is disputing he’s tried hard to change the culture but this is a business of results. He didn’t get them. So he’ll have to go.
The question is for whom? Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has it on good authority that VP Arturas Karnisovas has two men in mind with one being a clear favorite.
“Sources have told the Sun-Times that Philadelphia assistant coach Ime Udoka is the front-runner to become the new head coach, with Toronto assistant coach Adrian Griffin also right there on the doorstep.
Karnisovas and Eversley are very familiar with both men, and each is more than qualified for the position. It’s a win-win, but it’s also a process.”
Jim Boylen can’t offer what Ime Udoka can to the Bulls
Just take one look at Udoka’s resume for an idea of why the Bulls are interested. The man played 12 years of professional basketball in various countries including the NBA. He was part of the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trailblazers. Then after retiring, he became a Spurs assistant, helping them win another championship in 2014. The man was personally groomed by future Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich for seven seasons before he made his way to Philadelphia.
The guy has championship credentials. Not to mention he has experience playing overseas. Another advantage that undoubtedly appeals to Karnisovas. He’s 42-years old and ready to run his own team. There really aren’t any arguments to make against him. He’s a solid all-around choice. All the Bulls have to do is pull the trigger.
