Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald reported that the Bulls have hired Sidney Green as a big man coach. I know, I know…you’re probably wondering, “Sidney who?” But believe it or not, Green was drafted by the Bulls in the 1st round (5th pick, 5th overall) of the 1983 NBA Draft. Of course, there’s more to it than that.
According to McGraw: “[Green] spent 10 seasons as a head coach at the college level, at Southampton, North Florida and Florida Atlantic. He was an assistant at Indiana during Mike Davis’ final season in 2005-06. During his 10 seasons an NBA player, I don’t remember Green as a classic big man, but more of an athletic power forward with a face-up jumper. Maybe that doesn’t matter, since the Bulls’ only true low-post center is Aaron Gray. There are a couple of connections with the current Bulls. Green played with Vinny Del Negro in San Antonio for part of the 1992-93 season. He also knows Joakim Noah very well, because his son Taurean was Noah’s teammate on Florida’s two championship teams. Taurean Green played for the Bulls’ Las Vegas summer league entry in July.”
McGraw also had a chance to speak with Green, who said: “(I’ll teach) the fundamentals of the game. Being a head coach in college, I’m going to pretty much do what I’ve asked my assistant coaches on my staff to do: Do what you do best and understand the cause of our organization and that our success is bigger than ourselves individually. Bring more tenacity and defense and make sure the players follow coach Del Negro’s script.”
The main fundamental I’m worried about is blocking out, since the Bulls were one of the worst defensive rebounding teams in the league last season. Hopefully Green will put Joakim, Tyrus and the rookies through Protecting The Defensive Boards 101.
More Sidney Green:
Basketball-Reference.com profile
Hoopedia entry
Wikipedia entry
This all makes sense. Good move by Paxson and the organization. Obviously shows a true commitment to the finding the right type of coach for the personnel we have here.
Hopefully, Coach Green will help solidify Tyrus’ game in the post. Recently saw Tyrus and he looked like he may have put on about 8-10lbs. Couple that with learning the fundamental aspect of blocking out, and we may see a much more aggresive play in the post on both ends of the court for Tyrus – which by the way he never really learned how to do. Here is where the one year of college ball and no true big man mentor has set his game back. If this all adds up, plus the fact that he’ll be playing for the money this year I’ll go safe. Prediction: 16pts. 8reb. 3blks.
Now on to Joakim…he’s the wildcard in terms of the Bulls and here’s why. Clearly when Joakim is on the court, the Bulls are a better defensive team. He’s the focal point on the defensive end of the court and sets the tone on D. Problem last year, besides his mental lapse at the start of the season, was that fouls plagued him. Quick fouls, early fouls, 2 in the first Joakim, have a seat. Clearly, after the sit down Joakim had with his pops midseason last year woke him up. Winning background, won 2 championships in college. Joakim knows how to work and win! His issue early last season was not being focused and not bringing it everyday. Once he woke up, we started seeing a very productive Joakim, climaxed by great play in the playoffs. He may not have a great post game at this point, but he works and despite the awkward look, hits his free throws.
Working with Green, whose accustomed to quick active play in the post and fundamental positioning, which helps you avoid ticky tac fouls in the paint, should equate to Joakim staying on the court longer. More productive defense…yada…yada…think you get the point here.
Prediction: 10pts. 13rebs. 3blks. 2stls
Good move. Can’t wait to see how this guy improves Big Sexy’s game.