The Verdict On Del Negro Is Still Out

February 1st, 2009 by Andy Morris

In a year where the head coach of a team is the first to go in the first sign of turmoil, Mr. Del Negro even has to be surprised he remains the head coach of one of the most prestigious organizations in the NBA. The Bulls have marched the thin line of meritocracy for much of this season despite having one of the youngest talents in the league. Considering all the coaches that have been a victim of the merciless chopping block (Sam Mitchell in Toronto, Randy Wittman in Minnesota, and Eddie Jordan in Washington to name a few) Vinny Del Negro should be indebted for still having retained his job.

Del Negro was not the popular vote when considering the possible coaching contenders with names such as D’Antoni floating in the midst. Despite his lack in coaching experience, on paper Del Negro would be considered a good choice because of his experience as a player, scout and executive. John Paxson, the executive vice president of the Bulls organization, invested a great deal of trust in the well spoken leader, Vinny Del Negro. Consequently, his merit hasn’t transpired onto the court. Del Negro has led the Bulls to 18 wins almost halfway through the season having lost a few heartbreakers.

So with seven different coaches being canned before the halfway point of the season, why is Del Negro still the man in the windy city and delaying payment for those who have backed him for the chop in NBA betting? A quote from John Paxson at Del Negro’s press announcement as head coach, “This is going to be a growing process for Vinny as a coach…” Paxson has reasonable patience for Del Negro’s rookie mistakes, which may be his undoing as well. With much of the season still to come, Del Negro has a lot to prove. Now here is the question: will the Bulls be scrutinized for keeping Del Negro far past his due or will the other seven teams around the league be criticized for jumping the gun on firing their coaches?

The writer, Andy Morris, is a consultant on NBA bets