Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez seems to have a bit of sympathy for Fred Hoiberg, who was relieved of his head coaching duties earlier this month after a 5-19 start to the season.
Injuries played a role in Chicago's sluggish start, to be sure. However, Bulls president of basketball operations John Paxson said Fred Hoiberg's firing was less about the team's record and more about the “energy and a spirit” that they seem to be lacking.
During Monday morning's media availability, Robin Lopez noted that he wishes Fred Hoiberg got a chance to coach with a healthy roster. And though the Bulls are still struggling, the former Stanford Cardinal says he has no issue with the coaching style of Jim Boylen who took the head coaching duties after Hoiberg's dismissal.
Robin Lopez praised Fred Hoiberg and said he “wishes Fred had been given opportunity” to coach healthy roster.
He also said he has no issue with Jim Boylen’s style and said Bulls have coachable players regardless of style.— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 10, 2018
Bulls swingman Zach Lavine had similar sentiments for Hoiberg after hearing of his firing.
“It's tough,” LaVine told ESPN. “I texted [Hoiberg] right afterward and let him know that I appreciated him and thanks for all the hard work. Because at the end of the day, Fred is a great dude and you respect that.
“You know he did a good job here. He was under some circumstances that he can't control.”
The Bulls are coming off an embarrassing performance. In fact, their 56-point margin of defeat against the Celtics on Saturday was the largest in their 53-year history.
Chicago will have to put Saturday's loss in the rear-view mirror, though. Try to learn from it and move on. There is no time to dwell, as the Bulls are scheduled to host the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. Tip-off inside the United Center is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.
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