Breaking the Habit

By Joe Tidei

Habit: a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance.

Have you ever heard of the phrase 'winning has become a habit?' That's exactly what head coach Tom Thibodeau is trying to create with his young Bulls team.

In Thibodeau's first interview with the media after he was introduced as the Head Coach this summer he explained some of his X's and O's strategies and his journey as an assistant coach. The part that caught my attention though was when he talked about developing championship habits from day one. Habits that include practicing hard, focusing on each game as it comes and playing unselfish basketball. The most important habit Thibobeau mentioned though had to be implanted from the heavens above; 48 minutes of intensity (RIP Norm Van Lier). Up by thirty points or down by thirty points it doesn't matter. When you step on the floor for him you had better execute and you'll be on the bench (see Carlos Boozer). An unrealistic expectation for every game? Possibly, but you can't fault the thought process of trying to achieve perfection.

Thibodeau is an intense individual who eats, breaths and sleeps basketball. That hyperbole might be cliché', but there's no question basketball is his life. When he steps on the floor he becomes a general about to lead his troops into battle. Thibodeau doesn't do this strictly for show or for himself. He approaches the game the way he does in hope that it will trickle down through his team. He's trying break bad habits that were learned under Vinny Del Negro. He's trying to create a championship environment through a routine of professionalism that will become involuntary because that's what habits are; involuntary actions. When they are engrained into each individual they become natural actions that occur without thinking.

Thibodeau coaches his team as if it was a college program. He's always teaching, always talking and always aware of what is going on. He may be coaching professionals, but you are never to old to break bad habits which include lack of focus and energy, standing around on offense, not putting bodies on rebounders and slow defensive rotations. Thanks Vinny!

Thibodeau is a coach that understands offensive lulls and bad shooting nights, but he demands consistent intensity and defense. Offense is often a law of averages. Defense is the law of effort and sometimes your best offense is a good defense.

The NBA is known as a players league. It's also the only sport where getting one player can completely change your franchise around or cripple it (see LeBron James). It has become isolation an based league and guards have started to dominate what was once a big mans game. In an era lacking fundamentals Tom Thibodeau is preaching and demanding the lost art. Play defense, rebound, move the ball offensively and you'll find yourself in positions to win on a consistent basis. Good habits are made through repetition and there's no doubt that Thibodeau has his guys on a diligent schedule.

Thibodeau often looks like a raving lunatic on the sidelines, but there is a method to his madness. Right or wrong he has a reason for everything he does and each decision is calculated. He demands accountability from his team and they appear to be buying in to what he's selling. There is still a ways to go before they get where they want to be, but they are on the right, I mean, fast track. The Bulls are currently 11 games above .500 and for the first time sine the dynasty they had a winning record on the circus trip. That's a fast track indeed for a first year coach.

Thibodeau has appeared to flip this team upside down and it started with breaking old habits. No longer will they be unprepared going into games and no longer will there will be acceptance of lackadaisical play or incompetence. His blue print is simple. Play hard, stay focused and expect good results in return. Play uninspired and expect to lose while sitting on the bench. Thibodeau isn't content on just reaching the playoffs. As he said in his first press conference he's trying to build habits; championship habits.