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Lets get right to it:
Tom Thibodeau signs four-year extension in Chicago.
Months after agreeing in principle to a four-year extension on October 1st, Tom Thibodeau confirms that he has finally signed the $17.5 million deal that will keep him in Chicago through 2017. According to ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell, Thibodeau told the media, “As I said before it’s a non-issue. It’s taken care of.”
The finalization of the contract has been anticipated for months and secures the Bulls’ success for the future. On March 19th, 2012, Thibodeau became the fastest coach in NBA history to win 100 regular season games. Thibodeau’s .691 winning percentage in three seasons ranks him favorably to Gregg Popovich’s .674 atop all active coaches.
Grant Hill says this will probably be his last season.
From azcentral.com’s Paul Coro: Grant Hill has indicated that he will likely retire after the season. “Strong chance,” Hill said. “I’m leaning toward it. I want to get to the end of the year and off-season and think about it but I’m pretty confident that’s where my mind is right now.”
Hill has only played in only 27 games this season in Los Angeles after signing a 2-year, $4 million contract last off-season. When asked about choosing to join Los Angeles over Chicago and Oklahoma City last summer, Hill responded, “I have no regrets. It’s been a great experience.”
Hill, a seven time All-Star, was a co-Rookie of the Year in 1995 with Jason Kidd. In his 18th year in the league, Hill had his brightest moment of the season back on February 10th when he shut down Carmelo Anthony in the fourth quarter of a 102-88 Clippers victory. After coming off the bench for an injured Caron Butler, Hill managed to limit a streaking Anthony to just four fourth quarter points. After that game, Vinny Del Negro told reporters, Grant was the difference in the game.”
Reported unrest in the Clippers’ locker room
Speaking of Vinny Del Negro and the Clippers…
According to the Los Angeles Times’ T.J. Simers, there is trouble brewing out in “Lob City.” Among things of note, the piece says that DeAndre Jordan is growing restless with Vinny Del Negro and his inconsistent distribution of minutes. Moreover, in Sacramento, Griffin and Jordan had a heated exchange on the bench. Simmers writes, “Griffin told Jordan he best never again stare him down as he did when Griffin failed to give Jordan a good pass for a dunk.” Moreover, the piece alleges that Griffin and Jordan are both growing tired of Chris Paul’s relentless demands on the court.
While the piece does praise Del Negro for managing his deep rotation well throughout the season, it is clear that Los Angeles could use stronger leadership from their head coach at this point in the season. With frustration mounting, the once-electrifying Clippers now look poised for an early playoff exit.