As relief washes over Bulls fans — the team finally has a coach, and a good one at that — it’s probably worth briefly discussing the “connection” between Tom Thibodeau and LeBron James.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports writes: “World Wide Wes has been telling everyone that he believes LeBron James is leaning hard toward signing with the Chicago Bulls. … Just know this: It wasn’t until Tom Thibodeau — who swore he never again wanted an agent — signed with William Wesley’s CAA that the Chicago Bulls grew serious about the coach’s candidacy. … Something pushed Bulls officials to get on a plane, fly to Los Angeles on the eve of the NBA Finals and meet with the Boston Celtics assistant coach. Within 48 hours, the Bulls had a deal for Thibodeau to become their head coach. For several weeks, the Bulls had chances to interview him. They never did. … Only now, Tom Thibodeau has a three-year contract to coach the Chicago Bulls.”
Conspiracy theories? You ain’t heard nothin’ yet.
In his live blog of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, ESPN’s Bill Simmons wrote: “1. LeBron repped by Leon Rose (CAA), Bosh repped by Henry Thomas (CAA). LeBron’s mentor? Uncle Wes (aka, William Wesley). 2: This spring, Uncle Wes becomes a CAA agent for college/pro coaches. Quietly signed Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau a few weeks ago. Thibodeau = longtime mentor of Sec. of Education Arne Duncan (big Bulls fan, once Chi. supe of schools). Duncan = buddies with boss Barack Obama (also a big Bulls fan, on record as hoping LBJ goes there), they play pickup hoops together all the time. Jerry Reinsdorf = Bulls owner and unabashed Obama suckup. Thibodeau signs with Wes. Never mentioned for vacant Bulls job until a few days ago. Gets it within 72 hours.”
So, essentially, Simmons believes that his country’s president and secretary of education are exerting influence to get LeBron James to Chicago…and the hiring of Thibodeau was part of that.
Seriously: Could LeBronmania get any crazier?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are cleaning house — firing coach Mike Brown and “accepting the resignation” of GM Danny Ferry — so LeBron will stay. There are talks of Free Agent Summits, of Pat Riley trying to convince LeBron and Chris Bosh to play in Miami for less money and possibly sweetening the deal by returning to coaching. And now, if you believe the scuttlebutt, the President of the freaking United States is getting involved. And I’m not talking about his “LeBron would be a good fit with the Bulls” comment, I mean directly involved.
It’s like every rumor that gets reported is bigger than the last. What’s next? Will archeologists discover a new Dead Sea Scroll that tells us where God himself wants LeBron to play?
But for all these rumors and theories, nobody is any closer to knowing where LeBron James will be in 2010-11.
I can see the logic behind the WWW theory and that at least makes sense to report because that story might actually hold water(at least a small puddle). But Bill Simmons’ idea about the Sec. of Education having some kind of influence in a line of people that will be influencing Lebron is beyond ridiculous. Bullshit. Load of crap. Completely unbelievable. Poppycock even. And how does Jerry Reinsdorf being an “Obama suckup” classify in any way as relevant fact? Is Simmons actually insinuating that Reinsdorf just realized that Obama wants Lebron and that will be the thing that makes him pursue him? Really? Reinsdorf wasn’t going to go after the third best player in the league until Obama stepped in and commanded him do do it? I know you are just reporting what other people are writing Matt but something tells me that Simmons got a little jealous with everyone else having all these credible sources to report on so he just decided to make shit up knowing that everybody would read anything related to the subject of Lebron’s free agency.
I don’t know about a true conspiracy of this magnitude, but that was what I have said all along.
*NY City, Spike, and Knicks fans wanted Lebron.
*NJ, Russia, and Jay Z wanted Lebron.
*Cavs and Craig Ehlo wanted Lebron.
But when the President of the US wants Lebron to play for the Bulls – that has real meaning. It is like an unofficial way to serve the President, and LBJ’s street-cred would be off the charts. If it were Bush, count him out.
OMG, now I’ve heard it all. Of course it could be true. Reality can be stranger than fiction. I wish the draft and FA was over so we don’t have to listen to the “conspiracy theories”. I am ready for basketball. The Bulls have a potentially good head coach. They should have an improved roster no matter what happens this off-season. I am ready for the next step in the Bulls return to revelance.
That was taken totally out of context. Bill Simmons was joking about that whole Obama thing. It was Tongue in Cheek. He was talking about it to Ric Bucher in a joking manner. Sarcasm people it’s not a new thing.
@ Max –
I don’t see any comments that lead to everyone believing the story.
I was referring to the post in general…….
So, essentially, Simmons believes that his country’s president and secretary of education are exerting influence to get LeBron James to Chicago…and the hiring of Thibodeau was part of that.
Seriously: Could LeBronmania get any crazier?
So no Ryan, my comment was not directed at you or anyone other than the guy who wrote this Blog.
I can’t stand Obama but if he gets LeBron to the Bulls it’s worth putting up with 4 years of his BS.
I love rumors..another thing I love..is Cleveland blowing things up. First their coach then their GM..and now they’re seeing what value Delonte West and Mo Williams have on the trade market..I could tell them straight up right now..poo poo!
One is a head case and a depression away from suicide the other is full of himself and probably thinks he’s better than Kobe and LeBron combined..all the while he copies Ben Gordon’s ‘Bulleyes’ everytime he made a three. There value is nothing Cleveland but I’m sure New York will try for them to make LeBron feel at home.
1)Obama is a basketball fan so he has a right to least say who he wants to see LBJ play for if LBJ does go to chicago will it be because of what The President of the USA said maybe and then again maybe not.
2)These are only rumors even if LBJ himself says he is coming to Chi still could change his mind til he signs on the line of contract
3)Only one thing is for sure in this years free agency the bulls have a great team and they will get some good or great players to add on to there team this year that is a fact only question is who they will get that is all in the air
4)what ever LBJ the bulls will still be very good top four team in my predictions for sure.
5)Our new coach was not my top choice but he is our coach so I shall wait til I see what kind of results he has to say how I really feel about his hire to the bulls but I will go on record and say that VDN was here two years and in my opinon he over achieved with the injuries he had and made the playoff 2yrs in a row and had giving the Celts and Cavs a run for there money so I am gonna miss VDN I hope we (the bulls ) did not make the wrong choice letting him go.
6)Last but not least does anyone think if paxton does not get the bulls the players they should get to help the team ala been wallace do you remember him , I think paxton should be fired immediately no hesitation I hope Jerry also reads my blog cause he in the end has the final word of who stays and who goes and who comes so all we can do is wait and see. Peace
Ok, I’ve had it, LOL. Will someone make this official already!?!! Just say we have him or we don’t, end of story. Let’s move on with our lives and just worry about surrounding the core players! Jiminy Christmas!
Its simple, if Lebron wants to win multiple titles he comes to Chicago. If he wants the money he stays in Cleveland. If he wants to be the most marketed person in sports, if he already isn’t, he goes to New York. New Jersey is the wild card since they have a nice 1,2 punch in Lopez and Harris, along with a new arena. It will get interesting.
I just finished consulting the free agency crystal ball and it told me that Lebron is most likely to stay in Cleveland or go to Jersy. Wade is out of the question too. Maybe we should gear up for the summer of Durant…that’s if the Thunder don’t extend him.
I hope they are right because I still don’t see it happening.
I agree, it would be nice to see King James play in a Bulls uniform next season but, I am also having some doubt that he mate not come here. I can see other good quality player coming here like Bosh or Joe Johnson.