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Thibodeau wastes no time in setting the tone

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Jun 23

New Bulls Head Coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t hesitate when it came down to outlining some of the items he hopes to accomplish in the short-term future. Namely, he discussed setting a tone and establishing goals as his introductory news conference.

“There are five things I think we have to establish right away in terms of who we are,” said Thibodeau. “We’re going to be a defensive team, a rebounding team, a low turnover team, an inside-out team, and an unselfish team. I think that has to be clear and we’re going to establish that right from the start.

“Secondly, you have to build championship habits from the start,” he added. “How you practice and prepare yourself, whether it’s in the weight room, practice court or off the court, I think you should conduct yourself in a certain manner. Being part of this organization is very special and you have to take it seriously.”

For Thibodeau, the announcement of his hiring, which was delayed until his duties as the Boston Celtics Associate Head Coach ended, represented the culmination of his 21 years in the NBA.

“It’s been a long wait for me to get a head coaching job in this league and to be in this city with this team is a dream come true for me,” Thibodeau said.

Thibodeau added that he would not have left Boston if he did not feel Chicago was in a position to become a championship caliber team. He considered several factors, including players, front office and ownership, before making the decision to take the Bulls job. He passed on two other opportunities, with the New Orleans Hornets and New Jersey Nets, he confirmed on Wednesday.

“The thing that stood out to me was how hard they competed,” Thibodeau said of what separated the Bulls, citing Derrick, Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich specifically as he recalled past Chicago and Boston matchups. “They had no fear.”

When asked about his offensive philosophies, Thibodeau stated it will start with the Bulls’ defense and rebounding and getting it into the open floor.

“We’re going to try and attack and take advantage of the strengths of our team,” he said. “We want to get as many easy baskets as possible.”

Thibodeau offered high praise for All-Star guard Derrick Rose, who as a rookie led the Bulls in a historic first-round playoff series against Thibodeau’s Celtics that ended with Boston winning in seven games.

“Derrick Rose is a very special player,” said Thibodeau. “When he’s coming at you with a full head of steam, he’s very difficult to contain. A big part of his growth has to be on the defensive end for him to be a complete player. It starts on the ball if we’re going to be a great defensive team. It starts with him.”

Thibodeau added, “When you look at the future of the team, I think it has everything you would look for—a good, young, nucleus; in position to add through the draft and free agency; it’s a great city. I certainly understand the great tradition and history of the team.”

As far as free agency, league rules prohibit Thibodeau from commenting on the Bulls’ plans and/or targets until July 1. But he spoke as if what happens after that day was somewhat insignificant in terms of his decision to come to Chicago.

“When you take a job, you look at the players that you have,” he said. “That’s what made this job so appealing to me.”

Thibodeau did respond when asked how he might make his pitch for a player to join the Bulls.

“There is a lot to sell here obviously,” he said. “The rich tradition, great city, and a great young nucleus you can build around. There is so much to offer. I can’t imagine why any free agent wouldn’t seriously consider this team.”

In the coming days and weeks, the future of the Bulls will unfold via the NBA Draft and free agency. Thibodeau also has a coaching staff to round out. He has a number of candidates he wants to speak with regarding the openings, some of which are under contract with other teams.

“We’ll put a premium on teaching,” he said of that process, which he hopes will include former Bulls assistant coach Ron Adams, a close personal friend of Thibodeau’s. Another contact of his, Maurice Cheeks, has been mentioned as a possibility.

Audio — General Manager Gar Forman and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau meet the media at the Berto Center (Parts I & II – 06.23.10):

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