Tom Thibodeau looking for Bulls’ bench to get it together
BY SETH GRUEN For Sun-Times Media October 11, 2012 8:50PM
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Updated: November 13, 2012 6:34AM
The Bulls’ players aren’t taking an alarmist view on the bench’s abysmal shooting in the fourth quarter of their 92-88 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in their preseason opener.
After all, the reserves have gone through a major overhaul and will take some time to jell.
For coach Tom Thibodeau, it can’t happen fast enough.
“It better be fast,” Thibodeau said. “And that’s the nature of the NBA.
“The reality is the games are going to start in a month and we have to be ready. This is a league about change. Every year you have a new roster and there’s always trades and there’s injuries. So it’s how quickly you can adapt to those changes that will determine your success.”
Right guys
If anything will aid the Bulls’ second unit in its transition, it might be experience. Many of the reserves are veterans and NBA journeymen who are used to adapting to different systems.
“You’re always looking for the right type of characteristics in your guys because it’s a lot more than just talent,” Thibodeau said. “You have to evaluate how smart a player can play, how tough he can play, how disciplined he can be, how he can fit into a group.”
Back to school
Friday’s game in Champaign marks the first of two for the Bulls on college campuses. They will play the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 26 in South Bend, Ind.
“We’re not really worried about being in Champaign,” point guard Kirk Hinrich said. “Obviously, there will be a lot of Bulls fans there.”
