Re: REPORT: Alvin Gentry, not Fred Hoiberg, favorite to replace Tom Thibodeau
I have a lot of problems with some of what's in that article. Especially the talk of Fred's struggle in the post season.
But that tweet about the top priority for the next Bulls coach is managent compliance is scary for anyone who has options IMO.
One of the most interesting takes I have ever heard on the potential for Fred to the NBA was Paul Allen's. He was being interviewed by Ken Miller about whether he would make the jump a few years back. PA said he felt Fred would never jump, and cited some issues he had with management in the T-Wolves organization as souring him to the NBA. I guess there was one guy in particular that Fred had a hard time dealing with, but no name was given. I know this, Fred will never have the level of control he has now in the NBA. If that is important for him, then its a big plus for ISU, and a big negative for the Bulls as their front office seems like a total cluster ****. He may be good friends with some folks over there. I have some really close friends that I wouldn't want to work with in a million years.
I think all of us can sympathize with that. I work for a small company. I've absolute control of my work day and own schedule and any "work place policies" are routinely ignored as long as you finish your tasks, take care of clients, find new ones, etc., that kind of stuff. I've had chances to go to bigger, better-known firms (and probably for more pay) and passed simply because being sucked into a corporate behemoth and cube land doesn't sound fun.
Fred's the King of Iowa right now. Fred says jump, JP asks how high. Chicago? The powers-that-be are going to see him as just another middle manager. Autonomy and freedom (and the responsibility that come with it, but also the *direct* credit, sink or swim) are much preferable to having layers over you (owners, GMs, players) in the NBA who are going to take the credit for success but blame you for any failure. As happens in any hierarchical organization. Going from Fred to "Hoi... who?" within the institution (including fans) won't be easy.