Henry will take over as head coach of Windy City Bulls
The Chicago Bulls decided to play musical chairs with their coaching staff, spanning the city and suburbs.
Charlie Henry has been named the new head coach of the Windy City Bulls, a member of the NBA's developmental league. Starting this season, the former D-League will be known as the G-League, thanks to a sponsorship from Gatorade.
Last year's Windy City coach, Nate Loenser, will head back to the West Side and fill Henry's spot on Fred Hoiberg's NBA coaching staff.
Henry has been a Bulls assistant coach for two years, moving with Hoiberg from Iowa State in 2015. A native of Canton, Michigan, Henry played college basketball at Madonna University in suburban Detroit. He spent a year as a graduate assistant at the University of Utah and one season as a video intern for the Indiana Pacers before joining Hoiberg's staff at Iowa State in 2013.
The Windy City Bulls will begin their second season at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates on Nov. 4 against the Westchester Knicks. The WC Bulls went 23-27 in their inaugural season.
In other personnel news, the Bulls named former NBA guard Shawn Respert director of player development. Arnold Lee was named assistant athletic trainer.
Bulls acquire Pondexter:
The Bulls agreed to a one-sided trade with New Orleans on Thursday, a team source confirmed. The Bulls will get veteran forward Quincy Pondexter, plus cash and a 2018 second-round draft pick.
The purpose of this deal is mainly for the Pelicans to lower or eliminate their luxury tax bill. Pondexter hasn't played at all the past two years because of persistent knee injuries. He has one year left on his contract at $3.8 million.
During a television appearance in his hometown of Fresno, California, Pondexter said he has been working out this summer and is hoping to play next season.
It's not clear if the Bulls will release Pondexter or keep him on the roster to add some experience. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 7.2 points for Memphis and New Orleans during the 2014-15 season, the last time he played.
Markkanen stars in Finland:
The most significant news for the Bulls on Thursday was rookie Lauri Markkanen leading Finland to an 86-84 upset victory over France at the European championships in Helsinki.
The 7-foot Markkanen finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds, hit 9 of 15 shots and scored most of Finland's points down the stretch and in overtime. Former Bulls forward Joffrey Lauvergne scored 4 points for France.