Vinny, Benny. Benny, Vinny.
The Bulls introduced Vinny Del Negro as their new head coach today. The choice isn't particularly inspiring but I'll take it. Vinny doesn't have any coaching experience, but he's Italian and he's got great hair. At least that's what I got from his interview with Mac, Jurko & Harry today. Not that there was anything wrong with the questions asked, mind you, but those were his responses. Check out my rough transcript:
Q: This team was very undisciplined last year. Players showing up late, taking charters to college games (etc, etc) What steps do you plan on taking to distill discipline into this organization?
A: Did I mention I was Italian? Don't you worry about discipline.
Q: You seem to have a lot in common with the last coach, Scott Skiles, what key differences will you bring to the organization?
A: Well, I have a lot more hair, for one.
What's not to like? I told you they got the best guy. He's Shecky Del Negro.
Seriously, though, I'll take the young blood over a veteran coach that's never won anything. I'd take an experienced winner over Del Negro, but when my choices are a retread loser and an unknown like Vinny, I'll go with the unknown. There's always that teensy weensy chance that he'll be the next Red Auerbach. (Never minding the excellent chance that he'll be the next Tim Floyd.)
Besides, it's not like this deal will cost the Bulls anything. Del Negro only has two guaranteed deals on his contract, ridiculously low for a head coach (in any profession.) This deal screams "you're the best we can get! but we're still not sure you can handle the job so we're gonna save some money!" It's no wonder D'Antoni didn't give the Bulls a chance to counter and Collins bolted before the offer was finalized. They didn't want to embarrass Jerry.
Go Bulls! I think.