Fred Hoiberg had some rocky moments in his first full season as the Bulls coach, but he thinks experience with some stronger personalities will help him succeed this season.
Guard Jimmy Butler and Hoiberg were a part of one of the more memorable feuds in the NBA last season. Butler criticized Hoiberg's mild-mannered personality and asked for his coach to "coach us harder" after losing two games in December. But the second-year NBA coach feels the two have made strides this offseason.
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"Jimmy and I have had a lot of conversations," Hoiberg said (via CSN Chicago). "There’s a lot of things (that happened) last year. The big thing was the comment after the New York game. … We got it handed to us, and the comment was made.
"I don’t see any issues with Jimmy Butler and I. The biggest thing as a staff is we have 15 guys that we gotta coach and hopefully put them in situations and utilize their skill sets and get the most out of them."
Hoiberg believes the additions of veterans Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo will not only help the team, but also their presence won't cost some of the younger players playing time.
"The biggest thing is we have multiple playmakers now, we have guys who can get in and break down the defense," Hoiberg said. "That’s the most important thing to have on an NBA roster is multiple ballhandlers, multiple playmakers. Bigs who are gonna set screens and put pressure on the rim.
"Rondo is a point guard who I think will thrive in the system we like to run and then to get Dwyane, we didn’t have to give up any of the young pieces in the process," Hoiberg said. "We’re able to stay competitive with players with championship experience. To pair those two guys with Jimmy Butler, it’ll be a dynamic and exciting backcourt."
The Bulls will have their work cut out for them in the fast-rising Eastern Conference and Central Division. The Pacers and Pistons improved this offseason, and of course the Cavaliers will be tough. The Bulls have the talent to make the playoffs, but they will need to stay healthy and buy into Hoiberg's scheme.