A popular perception around the NBA is that Bulls' cCoach Scott Skiles comes with an expiration date.

The theory is Skiles pushes his players hard, and it works for a while, but they eventually begin to tune him out. Now some critics have concluded that could be an explanation for the Bulls' 3-10 start this season.

Asked about the issue following Thursday's practice at the Berto Center, Skiles stated confidently that it doesn't exist.

"I've never personally thought I ever even came close to (going over) an edge," he said. "You've got to be careful. If a team trades a player and a player says things, you've got to be careful what you're buying into. That's just the nature of pro sports."

Skiles was referring to repeated negative comments in the past from guard Jason Kidd, who spent two years with Skiles in Phoenix. The Suns' demise in 2001-02 coincided with the trade that sent Kidd to New Jersey for Stephon Marbury.

"Now, if I had people every day, my assistants and so forth, tell me, 'Hey man, you're getting near the edge. You've got to knock it back a few notches,' then I would put some credence into it," Skiles added. "But I haven't, and I don't. (The criticism) doesn't bother me hardly at all anymore."