By his own admission, the Bulls have found success with Carlos Boozer glued to the bench during money time. That doesn’t mean, however, that Boozer isn’t frustrated with head coach Tom Thibodeau’s preference for a more defensive-minded lineup in the fourth quarter. Per the Chicago Tribune:
“I think I should be out there, but it’s (Thibodeau’s) choice,” Boozer said at Monday’s morning shootaround at Sleep Train Arena. “I play. I don’t coach. So he decides that. But honestly, he’s been doing that a lot since I’ve been here, not putting me in the fourth quarter. Sometimes we win, more times than not we don’t. But that’s his choice.”
Boozer played 21 minutes, 34 seconds with four fouls on Saturday in New Orleans, a Bulls’ loss. He logged 25:40 in the trip-opening victory at San Antonio.
“It’s very frustrating, especially when I’ve got a great game going or what have you,” Boozer said. “Obviously as a competitor, you want to help your team win and especially when the game is close, you can do things that can help your team win. And not being out there, all you could do is really cheer them on. But that’s his choice.”
“It’s very frustrating, especially when I’ve got a great game going or what have you,” Boozer said. “Obviously as a competitor, you want to help your team win and especially when the game is close, you can do things that can help your team win. And not being out there, all you could do is really cheer them on. But that’s his choice.”
Thibodeau often plays Taj Gibson down the stretch. He also has been closing games with D.J. Augustin and Kirk Hinrich for offensive purposes because of the multiple pick-and-roll options.
“He knows that,” Boozer said. “He’s aware of that. I feel great, body feels great. I think I’m very productive in the limited minutes that I am getting so I can do even more if I was out there more. But as long as we’re winning, that’s the main thing. But yeah, I do want to be out there in the fourth quarter. Let’s make that clear.”
