Vinny Del Negro’s Job on the Line

This is what happens when your team is unexpectedly 7-13, and has lost four in a row, with an average margin of defeat of nearly 21 points per game: “Whether or not Vinny Del Negro is to blame for this sudden deep lull, an absence of effort reflects poorly on the coach. So his future probably depends on the Bulls showing up ready to play Friday against Golden State. They complete a stretch of four games in five nights against Boston on Saturday, which has a chance to be ugly. If the Bulls lose by 30 again this weekend, change is probably inevitable. I’d say keep an eye on the middle of next week, because general managers like to pick a soft part of the schedule to switch coaches. That way, the new guy snares a couple wins and it looks like everyone’s a genius. Next Tuesday, the Lakers come to town for another blowout alert game. After that, the Bulls get New York, Atlanta and Sacramento at home, Knicks on the road, three-day holiday break, then New Orleans and Indiana at home.”