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Report: Gar Forman Shoots Down Notion That Tom Thibodeau's On Hot Seat

(CBS) Contrary to a report published recently, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau isn't on the hot seat, general manager Gar Forman told Chicago Sun-Times writer Joe Cowley on Wednesday.

"No, it's a non-story," Forman wrote in a text to the Sun-Times.

As the Bulls have lost six of eight games and sit fourth in the East at 27-16, Thibodeau's come under fire for his demanding nature in practice and games, with some believing he's wearing down the team. There's no doubt Thibodeau rides his stars for big minutes and pushes his team hard, but the issue drew more attention Tuesday, when NBA writer Chris Sheridan reported that Thibodeau is on the "hot seat" because he's "simply too hardcore, too much of an oddball personality, and runs his best players into the ground both in practices and games."

In addition, Thibodeau had originally called for practice Tuesday, but then reconsidered and called it off after the Bulls had played three games in four nights.

On Wednesday at practice, Thibodeau appeared to be affected little by the outside noise.

"Care less," Thibodeau said.

In other Bulls news, Joakim Noah (sprained ankle) and Mike Dunleavy (jammed ankle) each returned to practice Wednesday. Dunleavy was a full participant, and Noah was a limited participant. Both are still considered day-to-day.

The Bulls host the Spurs on Thursday night.

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