Chicago Bulls: Take a Look at Flip, It Can't Hurt

Although Doug Collins has recently surfaced as the front runner to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls, there is apparently something that is keeping them from pulling the trigger on this deal. 

This is obvious by the fact that GM John Paxson is waiting on owner Jerry Reinsdorf's approval.  While waiting, Paxson has recently brought Chuck Person back for a second interview. 

Well maybe they should wait a little longer and take a look at Flip Saunders, who as everyone knows, was recently fired by the Detroit Pistons.  After all, Flip has never missed the playoffs when he has coached a team for a full season.

Saunders also has led teams to four conference finals, including three straight in Detroit.  Although he did initially have first round woes with his Timberwolves, he eventually led them to the Conference Finals in the West. 

Actually, the 1996-1997 T'Wolves have plenty of similarities to what will be the 2008-2009 Chicago Bulls.  The T'Wolves were a rather young team that was just learning to play together. 

They had rookie Stephon Marbury, second year player Kevin Garnett and fourth year player Tom Gugliotta all in the starting lineup.  Plus twelve of the sixteen players on their roster that season had less than five years of experience.  Only one had more than ten years of experience. 

This is very similar to the Bulls 2008-2009 roster where 13 players will have five or less year’s experience.  Only one player (Larry Hughes) will have ten or more year’s experience.

The main reason I bring this up, is that traditionally Doug Collins has been a veteran’s coach, who hasn't worked that well using young players.  See John Hollinger of ESPN's Page 2 article from May 29, 2008 to get the run down on that. 

As Hollinger points out, Collins consistently has sat young players for washed up veterans that perform poorly.  Collins lacks a trust in young talent and has never really played young guys or developed them to their true potential.  As Hollinger points out, and as the numbers above show, this could be a problem for a still very young Bulls team. 

On the other hand, Saunders has dealt with young talent and brought them along, not just to the playoffs, but on to great careers. 

Look at Kevin Garnett.  Saunders took over during Garnett's rookie season while remaining his head coach for nine more years.  Could you imagine what he could do with Michael Beasley down on the block?

I'm not saying that the Bulls have to go with Flip Saunders, nor am I completely against Doug Collins.  I am just saying to give him a shot.  Flip belongs in the league, he is a great coach.  Even if he can't deliver us to Title town right away, at least he'll put us back in the playoffs. 

Plus, he can't be any worse than the last guy we brought over from Detroit, Ben Wallace you worthless waste of space.