by Rommas on Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:45 pm
After Game End Of Season Press Conference
Scott Skiles
Before I answer some of your questions, I have a few statements to make. We, the Chicago Bulls have had a very successfull 2005/2006 season, we have had our fair share of ups and downs, players leaving, asking to be traded and many more. Winning 50 games this year supassed my highest expectations and winning the first round of the finals was just the capper. I am proud of my guys, I can safely say that my guys put in 110% everynight they stepped out onto the floor and will be doing so for many years to come. I'de like to thank my coaching staff, the players and the loyal Bulls fans, without them we wouldnt have gotten to where we are right now, and next year we hope to go 1 better and go all the way, you may now ask questions.
Press
On this series, how hard was it to try and find a way to stop Jermaine O'Neal?
Scott Skiles
Well we couldnt stop him, and thats the bottom line, we tried our best defensive big man in Tyson [Chandler] on him, but he kept getting good looks on the low block and every shot he put up seemed to go in, going into tonights game he had only missed 8 shots in 3 games, you cant let an All-Star player do that to you when you have the kind of fire power Indiana has or youll suffer the same fate we did.
Press
If Kirk was healthy would you guys have been able to beat the Pacers?
Scott Skiles
Its to late to dwell on things like that now, we beat Miami without Kirk, Chris [Duhon] did a pretty good job in trying to fill in for Kirk, but it just wasnt enough, we need Chris to improve on his shot selection and scoring rate, I think only once of twice while he was starting that he reached double figues, which is pretty disapointing, but on the other hand he was averaging 7 assists and led the team in steals.
Press
On the topic of scoring how did you rate Ben Gordons play off performance?
Scott Skiles
He was our play off MVP without a doubt, I am very proud of the way he performed this season, he's been working very hard to become an allround player, his numbers have been improving steadily and I cant wait to see how much he improves next year.
Press
What kind of a roll will Tim Thomas play next year?
Scott Skiles
We are hoping to re-sign him within the next couple of weeks, he has expressed frustration a few times over the course of the year, he's a veteran and doesnt want to be stuck behind a rookie in the roatation, but I think we did a good job with incorporating him in the starting line up against Indiana and he repaid us with a great effort, so im hoping he plays a big roll for us next season.
Press
Will you be looking at the free agent pool this year?
Scott Skiles
Of course, you're a fool if your not, we need a big, a defensive big. Tyson is carrying to much of the load down low. Mike Sweetney has been tried at Power Forward and has done a good job, but he is neither offensive or defensive, so we will be open so any deal for a big man.
Press
Will you try and draft a young big first?
Scott Skiles
Yeah, there are a couple of young guys that I like, if they slip down to where we like to then I will have no quams about it, we have 4 of our starting 5 set in stone, we need a Power Forward and we need depth.
Scott Skiles
Thanks to everyone who has supported the Chicago Bulls this season, I hope to see you all next year!