A popular theory for the Bulls' disappointing start is that players are tuning out fifth-year Coach Scott Skiles.  According to the players, however, this is not true.

"I don't think that's true," guard Ben Gordon said. "Everybody here knows what he wants. We all know what we're supposed to do and how we're going to win games, and that's to get back to what made us successful in the past. I don't think anybody is tuning him out."

"I guess that happens at this level. But with this team, we haven't experienced that. Guys are just frustrated with losing. When you're losing, nobody is happy and nobody wants to deal with it. It comes down to coaches and players, all of us, trying to do what we can to help us win more games. If we win, you won't hear all that speculation."

Both publicly and privately, players say Skiles and his staff are more direct than domineering. They say Skiles holds people accountable but does so fairly and with open communication.