Big Ben’s headband makes triumphant return

October 2nd, 2007 | Posted by PostmanR

Scott Skiles is a bit of a disciplinarian. He’s hard-nosed, man. Just when you thought the NBA was full of highly-payed lazy players who value the dunk over defense, along came Skiles to set your ass straight. The guy wouldn’t even let Ben Wallace wear his headband last year. It caused a bit of a ruckus. But no longer, friends.

“We still have a no-headband rule,” coach Scott Skiles said. “I just left it up to the guys who have been here if they wanted to make an exception for Ben. I was fine with it. They were fine with it.”

That a piece of fabric could elicit questions and expend brainpower felt odd on the eve of a season in which the Bulls are expected to challenge for the Eastern Conference title.

But the fact that, 11 months removed from Wallace’s insubordinate act of wearing a headband during a game, everybody encircled for a group hug underscored the harmony that defined the end of last season and should continue in the franchise’s 42nd season.

“I think it takes a coach who is willing to adapt a little bit and listen to his players, understanding the big picture is winning,” general manager John Paxson said. “Scott’s one of the best coaches in the league. There’s no doubt in my mind. And he’s able to adapt. It’s really a non-story. But the fact that Scott has looked outside maybe a personal belief, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

No word on whether or not Skiles is going to continue to let Joakim Noah wear socks with sandals, but I’d assume that has been outlawed as well. Remember kids: Scott Skiles is HARDCORE.