Bulls, Collins discuss vacancy

By Wire Services  |  May 30, 2008

Doug Collins, who guided the Chicago Bulls and a young Michael Jordan from 1986-89 but couldn't get them past Detroit in the playoffs, has talked with the team about returning as coach.

"I have spoken with Bulls management recently about their head coaching vacancy and will resume conversations after the conclusion of my work for TNT in the Western Conference finals," Collins said yesterday from Los Angeles, where he was working Game 5 of the Spurs-Lakers series. "There is no agreement in place."

During a pregame interview on TNT, Collins said he talked with Bulls general manager John Paxson and team owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

"I have not been offered. I have not accepted," Collins said.

"Jerry Reinsdorf has been a friend of mine the last 20 years, so he and I have spoken on a lot of occasions over the last 20 years . . . the whole thing is there's interest on both sides."

Collins added that as soon as the Western Conference finals were over, "we've agreed to sit down and talk to see exactly what is there."

Chicago has had a vacancy since interim coach Jim Boylan was fired after the end of a disappointing 33-49 season. Boylan had replaced Scott Skiles, who was fired on Christmas Eve of last year after the Bulls' surprisingly sluggish start.

Websites for the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune said Collins would fill the Bulls' vacancy.

Floppers beware

According to Newsday, commissioner David Stern will institute a policy next season in which players who flop in an attempt to draw fouls would be fined. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Stern dismissed giving referees the power to assess technical fouls for flopping or incorporating a point system in the same manner as flagrant fouls.

The source said flopping has been one of Stern's biggest pet peeves when it comes to the game. The source said his intention is to hit players in the wallet early and often, starting with the preseason. The hope is by midseason players will have gotten the point. The league will use NBA officials who already keep tabs on games throughout the league to monitor flopping. Those individuals will present to the league videotape of plays that are viewed as flops and the league will determine whether or not to assess a fine.