New Bulls Coach Fred Hoiberg: 'I Love This Roster'
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Inside the unfamiliar confines of the Advocate Center, new Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg admitted that he still can't find his office, but that's not all that feels different.
As Hoiberg sat before the assembled media during his introductory press conference Tuesday, he could still be reminded of his playing days in Chicago from 1999-2003, spotting the banners that have made this franchise prestigious. In the room were chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Gar Forman, his former and now current bosses.
In part because of his late night devotion to watching hoops, Hoiberg has a bit of familiarity with the Bulls' roster, too, and it's something that has him excited for his future in Chicago. His new five-year, $25-million contract asks him to bring success in 2015-'16 and beyond.
"I love this roster," Hoiberg said. "I love the versatility of the players, the different lineups we're going to be able to play."
A coaching change was inevitable for the Bulls, as general manager Gar Forman and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson struggled to work with Tom Thibodeau. Last Thursday, Thibodeau was fired after five years of playoff appearances. Chicago failed to reach the NBA Finals in the Thibodeau tenure, but the brass believes Hoiberg can get the Bulls over the hump.
"He'll be a fit with our players and our team," Forman said. "He was the right guy to maximize the potential of this basketball team."
While Hoiberg was certainly busy coaching Iowa State for the past five seasons, he managed to watch the Bulls whenever he could, especially during the recent playoff run. He recognized a team that was one LeBron James buzzer-beater away from a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Hoiberg's known for his innovative offensive sets, and his Iowa State teams had a tendency to run up and down the court -- something he plans to continue in Chicago.
The Bulls offense runs through point guard and former league MVP Derrick Rose, whom Hoiberg sees maximized in his system.
"It'll be great for Derrick," Hoiberg said. "Derrick is a guy that's at his best when he's playing downhill.
"He's as good as anybody in the world at being that guy."
The most important pieces to the puzzle are in the Bulls' backcourt, with Rose and Jimmy Butler, who endured a rift at the end of this past season, as Dan Bernstein reported.
"I'm excited about Jimmy obviously getting out and running the wings," Hoiberg said. "Jimmy's an attack player. If you can get him the ball on the run, on the move and attacking the basket with pace, it's an ideal system for him."
The Bulls' improvements will largely have to come from within because of their salary cap situation. Rose and Butler will be expected to play at high levels, and second-year players like Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott will be expected to improve.
Despite the question marks and obstacles -- none more important than how the Bulls can get past LeBron James -- Hoiberg believes the Bulls should think big.
"I think, absolutely," Hoiberg said, "this team is ready to compete for a championship."
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.