Skiles' truth about Thomas spoken with good intentions

Maybe we've become so used to spin control, we aren't equipped to handle the truth from an NBA coach.

Scott Skiles has been a straight shooter since joining the Bulls in 2003. Ask his thoughts on a player and he'll give you the real answer. Reading between the lines is usually not necessary.

In past seasons, for example, Skiles was always willing to discuss Ben Gordon's shortcomings as a player in the media, causing some people to assume there must be a rift between Skiles and Gordon.

That wasn't the case at all. Skiles always appreciated Gordon's strong work ethic. The coach was simply being honest when he'd list the ways Gordon could improve.

At the same time, since Skiles directed fewer comments toward Kirk Hinrich, some labeled the point guard the "teacher's pet." In reality, Hinrich probably received more "direction" in practice than any of the Bulls.

Another episode of "teacher's pet syndrome" could be developing. Since training camp began, Skiles has been quick to praise Joakim Noah's work habits, while providing long lists of things Tyrus Thomas should be doing better. Thomas was removed from the starting lineup in Saturday's preseason win over Indiana in favor of second-round pick Aaron Gray.

So Skiles must love Noah and hate Thomas, right?

Thomas has so much natural athleticism, he could probably work half as hard as Noah or Gray and still be a better player. But it's easy to envision a scenario in which Skiles gets so caught up in Thomas failing to reach his enormous potential, the Bulls' coach forgets which player would best help the team.

Don't worry about it, Bulls fans. Once again, the perception doesn't match reality in this case. Team insiders insist the coaching staff is very happy with Thomas' progress. It's just that when Skiles is asked about the second-year power forward, he tells the truth.

"I realize the world we live in," Skiles said. "If you're not blowing smoke up somebody, then that means automatically you don't like them. I think it most often means the exact opposite, much like it means with your own kids.

"You can't tell them what they want to hear all the time. You've got to balance that with the truth, balance that with discipline, whatever it is. That's he way you go about it. That's how guys get better."

Thomas realizes he has room to improve. In fact, he's met with Skiles a few times this month to discuss where he stands.

"We've been talking more than last year, which is good," Thomas said. "We talk like once a week. I feel like it's a good working relationship."

Sooner or later, Thomas needs to be the Bulls' starting power forward. He has the ability to turn the team into a legitimate title contender. But as Skiles has said many times, he wants Thomas to earn playing time by understanding the schemes and playing hard on every possession.

Noah, meanwhile, could have a tough transition to the NBA. He has a very thin build and appears to get knocked off balance easily inside the lane, not unlike what used to happen with Tyson Chandler.

The big difference, though, is Noah understands the game after winning two NCAA championships at Florida. Like most of the college-skipping fraternity, Chandler had plenty to learn when he reached the NBA. Noah has already found ways to contribute in preseason, leading the team in rebounds with 6.2 per game.