NEWSLETTER
Yesterday, I ate my weight in cheese and potatoes … and I’m proud of it.
• Sunday Funday.
https://twitter.com/BN_Bulls/status/1305252012318240772?s=20
• Unfortunately, the Bulls didn’t end up joining the party, but at least we know it’s only a matter of time before they do. According to ESPN’s Adrain Wojnarowski, first-round interviews were completed right around the same time former OKC head coach Billy Donovan came on the market. If Chicago’s interest in Donovan was legitimate – and visa versa – chances are the two sides have already talked. What that means is the list has likely been cut down and final conversations are on the way. While the Bulls don’t have to rush to any kind of decision, it’s important to note that the competition continues to grow. The Houston Rockets and Mike D’Antoni will not reunite next season, which means there is yet another team that can take away a possible Bulls candidate thanks to their superior roster.
D’Antoni will be considered among a group of candidates for the Philadelphia 76ers coaching opening, sources tell ESPN. D'Antoni was an assistant for several months under Brett Brown before accepting the Rockets job four years ago. https://t.co/MeoUrwWADm
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
• For what it’s worth, Chicago’s head coach job is arguably the least attractive on the market. I mean, by no means should we consider the Bulls opening a *bad* one – after all, we’ve heard reports that many candidates are interested – but the franchise can’t offer the same star-power that others can. Indiana has Sabonis and Brogdon; Houston has Harden and Westbrook; Philly has Simmons and Embiid; New Orleans has Williamson and Ingram. I’d say the closest team to the Bulls would be the Thunder. Oklahoma City’s roster is better, at the moment, but they’re reportedly heading toward a full-blown rebuild. Chicago can potentially offer a quicker turnaround in a much bigger market.
• The other perks to the Chicago job include lots of flexibility and somewhat low-expectations (to start). With Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley still evaluating the talent on the current roster, there is a good chance fewer eyes will be on him/her when it comes to the win-loss column. Not to mention, the new coach will be the first major hire of this new front office, which means he should be given quite the long leash. I don’t think either is the type to standby someone doing a bad job, but the new coach will have a ton of support from management to their career. As for the flexibility, the new coach will know that the Bulls will likely look substantially different in the coming years, and he/she can potentially be a part of that transformation. Chicago will have max-level cap space after this offseason, and nothing is off the table when it comes to trade inquiries and roster moves. The new coach will have a lot to work with, and it should make for quite the fun role.
• Anyway, if I had to rank the head coach openings, I’d go: Houston (immediate contention possible), Philly (could be a trainwreck, but if you find a way to make the Simmons-Embiid combo work, there should be a huge payoff), New Orleans (great young roster with massive upside), Indiana (very solid roster that can easily make the playoffs), Chicago (young pieces to work with + major flexibility), Oklahoma City (A lot of upside with draft stock, but will have to go through hell for a bit).
Which open NBA head coach job is the best one?
Chicago
Houston
Indiana
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
PhiladelphiaUse whatever criteria you want to determine "best".
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) September 13, 2020
• After the Bucks lost Giannis Antetokounmpo sounded totally confident that he’d be in Milwaukee for years to come. Now … I’m not so sure.
ESPN Sources: MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's 3-hour lunch with Bucks co-owner/governor Marc Lasry on Friday covered the season, how Bucks can improve roster, Lasry confirming willingness to spend into luxury tax and agreement they’ll talk again after Giannis returns from a vacation.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 14, 2020
• I hope you’ve been watching some Nuggets basketball recently. If Karnisovas can bring similar talent and instill a similar culture in Chicago, color me a very happy camper.
Impressive resiliency by Nuggets to force a Game 7 vs. Clippers. Doubled them up in second half.
Somewhere, Artūras Karnišovas nods knowingly.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) September 13, 2020
• I’ve seen this plenty of times but it’s never not awesome.
Coby White in high school with the nasty poster! pic.twitter.com/0Z6z9G53a8
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 14, 2020
