Theus enjoys his return
Reggie Theus probably has every right to be remembered more fondly by Bulls fans. But he arrived in Chicago just after the Jerry Sloan-Norm Van Lier era ended and departed a few months before Michael Jordan was drafted.
The No. 9 pick of the 1978 draft, Theus averaged 18.8 points and made two all-star appearances, but the Bulls reached the playoffs just once during his six seasons.
Still, upon returning Saturday as head coach of the Sacramento Kings, Theus had fond memories to share.
"Once a Chicagoan, always," Theus said. "Fans here have always made me feel like this is home for me. I felt a little sappy driving up, because I said, 'Wow, my first time back in Chicago as an NBA head coach.' It was a nice feeling."
Theus even poked some fun at the Bulls' relative lack of popularity in the pre-Jordan days.
"How many times in a person's life are you in a stadium where they're chanting your name? All 6,000 that were there?" Theus said with a laugh. "As a rookie, I got a standing ovation at a Michael Jackson concert. Those are pretty incredible things for a young guy. I think some of the greatest fans in all of sports are here in Chicago."
Theus also referenced his reputation for enjoying the Chicago nightlife. Asked if he ever pictured himself as an NBA head coach while playing for the Bulls, Theus replied, "No, I was too busy hanging out."
Deng day-to-day: Luol Deng, who sat out against Sacramento, said he'll try to practice Monday and may be ready to play by Tuesday when the Bulls host New York.
Trainer Fred Tedeschi called Deng's status day-to-day with tendinitis and he doesn't believe there is much risk of rupturing the Achilles tendon at this point. Rest and stretching was prescribed, while Deng will wear an orthotic device to keep the tendon stable.
"Today he had some pain going up on his toes and pushing off," Tedeschi said Friday. "We know if he pushed through it right now, we're probably setting up the stage where we get into this vicious cycle (of the injury recurring) and we don't want that to happen."
Theus seeks energy: Before taking over the Kings last summer, Theus' coaching experience was two years as head coach at New Mexico State and two seasons as an assistant at Louisville under Rick Pitino.
Asked the most difficult aspect to being an NBA coach, Theus gave a thoughtful answer.
"I coach my guys hard. I respect them, but I coach them hard and I believe I have to have more energy than they do," he said. "Overall, I think it's important because if I'm asking them to come out and put it on the line every night, then they have to see me putting it on the line also."
Pippen plays again: Former Bulls star Scottie Pippen played two games for Torpan Pojat in Finnish League in the past few days, collecting a total of 21 points and 16 rebounds. Pippen also said he's interested in being an assistant coach in the NBA, but would prefer to jump right in as a head coach.