The Chicago Bulls made a coaching change in the offseason, replacing Tom Thibodeau with Fred Hoiberg, because the franchise thought there was a toxic work environment.

"Fred has done a great job," Bulls president and chief operating officer Michael Reinsdorf said. "It's a process. I didn't expect we'd come out and win every game. Derrick (Rose) missed all of training camp (and) he's just rounding into shape — he still has vision problems.

"I can just tell you this: I talk to the players and they are ecstatic about the atmosphere and structure that is at the Advocate Center and on the court. Fred connects with the players. He connects with everyone he talks to because of his experiences as a player, executive and coach at the college level."

The Bulls are 5-3 to begin the season.

"It would be a mistake for anyone to judge what this team can do based on Nov. 11," Reinsdorf said. "Fred still doesn't know what the perfect combinations are. What I really like about his coaching so far is there have been a couple of games when he made adjustments maybe he hadn't planned on. But once he saw how the game was flowing, he made changes.

"Sometimes when a player isn't playing well, you kind of know it and it's an opportunity for someone else. But the great thing about Fred is it starts over after the game. Fred gives you another opportunity.

"I'm real excited he's playing 10 players right now and getting a feel for different combinations. Personally I don't know what's going to happen in a couple of months, but he's doing the right thing now — learn as much as you can about this team."