Chicago Bulls: 5 Midseason Takeaways From 2016-17

4. Hoiberg’s Communication Needs A Little Work

Prior to the start of the 2015-16 season, Hoiberg decided that Joakim Noah — a veteran player who had been in the starting lineup since midway through his second year in the league — would be better suited coming off the bench.

Not only that, Hoiberg also stated that Noah was the one who approached him about that idea. The caveat here is that Noah later denied the story, thus putting the then rookie head coach and veteran big man at odds early on in the season.

This season, a similar situation has taken place between Hoiberg and Rajon Rondo. Despite going out of his way to praise Rondo shortly after the Bulls signed him during the offseason, Hoiberg benched Rondo for five-plus games.

While Hoiberg advised that he and Rondo had discussed the situation, Rondo expressed that he received feedback from one of the assistant coaches, but he never got lengthy explanation from the second-year coach.

It is said that if we don’t learn from our missteps, then we are doomed to repeat them, and that is exactly what appears to be taking place with Hoiberg in regards to how he communicates with his players.

Here’s to hoping that the two sides can continue to find a way to be cordial with one another as the season plays out.