Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen remains unpopular in the Chicago locker room, according to Sam Amick and John Hollinger of The Athletic.
Despite the Bulls players not liking Boylen, Chicago VP John Paxson remains a fan of Boylen.
League sources say that team president John Paxson remains a fan of Boylen’s tough-love approach despite the disappointing results thus far. Part of the blame for the slow start can also be shared by injuries to Otto Porter and Chandler Hutchison that left the team with no real small forwards. Boylen’s defensive scheme has drawn plenty of criticism, especially since it’s an odd fit for a big lineup that aside from Thaddeus Young lacks fleet-footed bigs.
But to be fair, Chicago’s 29th-ranked offense is the more pressing concern. Sources say Boylen remains unpopular in the Chicago locker room, which isn’t surprising given that his tenure began with a near-mutiny over his grueling practices and formation of the much-derided “Leadership Committee.”
It’s very doubtful the Bulls will fire Boylen. Paxson and GM Gar Forman love Boylen, even giving him a contract extension over the offseason for some reason.
Boylen had a mutiny on his hands last season and he’s already gotten into a little spat with shooting guard Zach LaVine after benching the high-flyer against the Miami Heat. LaVine responded to the benching with 49 points and a game-winning shot versus the Charlotte Hornets, but it’s pretty clear Zach and Boylen have a ways to go before they are on the same page.
The Bulls are 8-16 on the season. They are in the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
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