The Chicago Bulls could be targeting Iowa State’s Fred Hoiberg if they decide to fire Tom Thibodeau.
One of the biggest narratives this NBA season has been the frosty relationship between the Chicago Bulls front office and head coach Tom Thibodeau. There is some speculation that the Bulls could be ready to move on, and if that is indeed the case, Marc Stein of ESPN.com says they already got a target in mind.
"It is widely — and I mean widely — believed throughout the league that Fred Hoiberg, whose Iowa State Cyclones were bounced in the first round of the tournament Thursday by UAB, is the top choice of the Chicago Bulls to replace Tom Thibodeau in the event that the Bulls and Thibs indeed part company at season’s end."
Hoiberg led the the Iowa State Cyclones to a 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament before being unceremoniously sent home by UAB in the round of 64. At Iowa State Hoiberg is trying to compete with some elite programs like the Kansas Jayhawks with substantially less resources.
In the NBA with Chicago he takes over one of the best teams in one of the country’s biggest markets. He could potentially get one of the league’s best players in Derrick Rose, but he has struggled to stay healthy for any significant stretch. He also inherits a team that continues to win despite Rose’s absence.
With a coach that could get along with the front office, the Bulls could be a new team going forward.
Hoiberg has experience in Chicago. He played for the team from 1999-2003 in the immediate post-Michael Jordan era.
Thibodeau would likely be an incredibly sought after commodity if the Bulls were to cut him loose. NBA teams will be lining up for his services.
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