Boozer revealed his unhappiness with lack of fourth-quarter action.
Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has insisted that he will select the players he thinks give him the best chance of winning, after comments from Carlos Boozer earlier this week in which the forward complained about not receiving more fourth-quarter minutes.
Thibodeau was speaking after Chicago’s win against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday and he offered a reminder to Boozer and the rest of the roster that he is the man in charge and will make decisions which he feels will help the team.
“You guys, you’ve been around a long time,” Thibodeau said, according to ESPN.
“This is four years now — I’m not changing. I’m going with the guys who I think give us the best chance to win, I don’t care who they are. So when we hit that six-minute mark it’s based on what we’re doing and what we need, and that’s the way it’s going to be.”
Boozer aired his frustration publicly after the loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday, revealing that although the coach makes the decisions, he would like to be more involved in the final period of games rather than sitting on the bench.
The forward responded with 19 points and 12 rebounds against Phoenix, and although Thibodeau was pleased with his contribution, it is clear that he will not tolerate any remarks outside of the team and wants his players to remain focused and together.
When asked directly as to whether he was specifically talking about Boozer, Thibodeau replied, “I don’t work like you guys,” he said.
“What’s next? Something that was said a week ago? That’s gone. When I say fragmented I’m talking about our team and the game when it’s not going our way — not staying together. Trying to get out of a hole.”
The Bulls are currently 24-24 for the season and sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, although they are still just a game-and-a-half away from the third seed and will be looking to finish the regular season strong in order to boost their chances in the playoffs.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, speculation continues to link them with a move for New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, although there has been no confirmation of any talks from either party that a deal could be made prior to the February 20 deadline.
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