Source: Hiring not factor for James

[JCM]

The selection of Tom Thibodeau as the next head coach of the Bulls is neither a plus nor a minus in Chicago's pursuit of prized free agent LeBron James, a team source said Monday.

The Bulls were told by a few people close to James that the hiring of Thibodeau would not influence his decision on coming to Chicago one way or the other, and that after reports surfaced that John Calipari might be a candidate for Bulls coach, James let it be known he did not want to be part of those decisions for any prospective team unless it involved someone he really did not like.

Though Thibodeau reportedly signed with CAA Sports, the agency of James' agent Leon Rose and associate William Wesley, the Bulls have a policy of not dealing with coaches' agents and Thibodeau did not have an agent until the end of their talks with him.

Thibodeau was high on the list of Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf from the beginning, and the Bulls had hoped to interview the Celtics assistant right after the Boston-Orlando Eastern Conference final, which they thought would happen soon after the Celtics took a 3-0 series lead. But the Magic won the next two games and the interview had to be postponed.

Bulls general manager Gar Forman and executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson rushed to Los Angeles to interview Thibodeau -- who was there for the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals game -- only because Thibodeau had interviewed and received offers from other teams that were expecting a prompt answer.

With Forman and Paxson liking what they heard in the interview, and Reinsdorf satisfied with what he heard from Thibodeau in a phone conversation, the decision to offer him the job was made quickly.

i knew that the thibs singing didn't have that much effect on our chances landing lebron. but then again, you never know.

 

[USCChiFan]

Not surprising IMO. James will play where he can win the most championships, whether that be Cleveland or Chicago.

 

[JCM]

yep, it comes down to what James wants.

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

yep, it comes down to what James wants.

True, what he 'wants' is important..but what he 'needs' is even more important. He wants a lot of things to happen. (including the bounty on West lol)

The things he truly 'needs' are championships, a better bball town & genuine respect all around. The only way he gets that is if he leaves for a real bball team/town. I'm not saying we're the #1 spot...but c'mon be honest. Anywhere but Cleveland lol.

 

[JCM]

True, what he 'wants' is important..but what he 'needs' is even more important. He wants a lot of things to happen. (including the bounty on West lol)

The things he truly 'needs' are championships, a better bball town & genuine respect all around. The only way he gets that is if he leaves for a real bball team/town. I'm not saying we're the #1 spot...but c'mon be honest. Anywhere but Cleveland lol.

yep, if only he will to hear ya. lol.

 

[Anytime23]

Its all gonna be about the roster. Not the money, not the coach. LeBron will get his money regardless and with two titles, he will make a lot more. Word around Miami is that Pat Riley is trying to convince Bosh AND LeBron to come to Miami and take less money. I hate that guy.

 

[JCM]

Thibodeau Gives Bulls The Edge With LBJ?

Thibodeau Gives Bulls The Edge With LBJ? - ESPN Video - ESPN

 

[BigP50]

LeBron will not give any idication of where he is going but I do think the Thibodeau hiring will help us.

 

[JCM]

yes it could hep us.

 

[Anytime23]

It might help but it certainly wont hurt us.

 

[MRN]

You gotta figure just getting someone in there, so he knows what he's walking into is a plus.