One reason I've never been a huge fan of
Scott Skiles is the way he calls out his players in the press. Case in point:
Tyrus Thomas, a semi-permanent resident of Skiles' doghouse. Before Tuesday's game (yet another dismantling, this time
at the hands of the Nuggets), Skiles took exception to the way Thomas runs the floor -- or doesn't run the floor, as the case may be. From the
Chicago Sun-Times:
''We ask [Thomas] to sprint the floor,'' Skiles said. ''To my knowledge, in his career, he hasn't done it one time -- not one time. You guys, sit and watch the game tonight. If he gets in there, is he jogging or is he sprinting the floor?"
Not one time? That's Skiles' argument? I'd write it off as hyperbole if I wasn't convinced that Skiles actually believed it, but
it's just not true. Maybe he doesn't do it
enough, but he's done it before. Unfortunately for Thomas, though, he didn't exactly make a case for more playing time when he finally did get into the game on Tuesday. What did he do? Let
Sam Smith tell you in his latest TT takedown piece for the
Chicago Tribune:
The first time Thomas touched the ball, he committed a turnover, stripped as he tried to drive. On the next possession, he committed an offensive foul. Then he fouled Carmelo Anthony on a drive. All this within 42 seconds before he was yanked in favor of rookie Joakim Noah with the Bulls down 18-8.
Is Thomas struggling because of an overall lack of focus? Or is he simply distracted knowing that he has to be perfect in order to avoid that great big hook Skiles is trying to nab him with from stage left? Obviously the coach believes the former, but I'm sure the latter comes into play more than anyone realizes.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-21-2007 @ 8:43AM
tboo said...
Skiles came to play EVERY game. His determination and hussle defined his character and career. As the Coach, if he is calling someone out (white, black or yellow) - who is getting paid huge sums of money - for not giving what he believes is 100%, then that is within his job description to do. I am sure he has already tried the private talk approach... why should he walk on eggshells?
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11-21-2007 @ 10:52AM
Caleb Page said...
Scot Skiles is a idiot and a maniac. I gaurantee the Bulls will go where this year until the management is dismantled and Skiles is fired. The Bulls is a joke; they just don't have a team, no low post player. I can see why no one wants to play for that team. The Bulls have lost their two best low post because of not being able to get along with Scott Skiles. This man has divided the locker room and pit players against each other. Calling out your player publicly is very irresponsible.
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11-21-2007 @ 11:14AM
matt said...
why should scott skiles walk on eggshells?
not necessarily eggshells...but he needs to learn to lighten up sometimes...not every player responds to the whip, some need carrots
as a teacher it is generally assumed to be incredibly ass backwards to relate to all of your students the same way...different students need different techniques
i assume it's similar with basketball players...different players will respond to different techniques...skiles players have yet, so far to respond to his techniques
this is just basic human nature, regardless of how much you are being paid
and this is from a skiles supporter, who went to his alma mater and lived through his coke problems in the 80's (yah, he was arrested)
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11-21-2007 @ 11:32AM
Tha Butcher Of Naples said...
Hey Teacher Matt,
I sure would not want my kids in your class. You don't even know how to start a sentence off with a capital letter, ie W instead of w!
Reply
11-21-2007 @ 11:40AM
matt said...
it's the internet my friend
who cares
Reply
11-21-2007 @ 11:42AM
matt said...
other grammatical errors i made
not capitalizing "i"
no periods at the end of sentences
over use of ...
no sentence fluency
starting a sentence with the word "and"
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11-21-2007 @ 3:56PM
Bucky Wunderlick said...
You know who else was a great player who brought it every night? Isiah. It's so obvious but it has to be said again: good players don't necessarily make good coaches. Whenever the Bulls are skidding, all Skiles can seem to do is blame his players for a lack of hussle. Or a lack of discipline for not wearing a headband, or something. They will never reach the next level with him as the coach.
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11-21-2007 @ 4:54PM
ron said...
Maybe Tyrus just feels like it does not matter what he does or does not do Skiles will be all over his rearend anyway. I cannot believe the young man came into the NBA saying I don't care if I make it or not. Remember Skiles got run out of town on a rail when he coached in Phoenix.
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11-21-2007 @ 5:55PM
Seattle Mike said...
Whats a coach supposed to do when he can't get a player to focus on the game? When Tyrus is 'into' the game he is very good, but most of the time he's just going thru the motions. He has talent, so why is he cheating the team and the fans by not using it? Skiles did the same Tim Thomas. He couldn't reach him and he was traded. I expect the same will happen with Tyrus.
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11-23-2007 @ 5:04AM
Bobby said...
Scott Skiles sounds like a racist trying to bait Tyrus Thomas into being the fall guy. Blacks are lazy...where have I heard that one before. Skiles needs a scapegoat and it looks like Thomas is it. How else will he cover up his coaching inadequacies. Now I understand why the players had him kicked out of Phoenix. Scott Skiles/Doug Collins are interchangable. Both are a pain in the rear.
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