Jim Boylan was promoted Thursday to interim head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who fired Scott Skiles on Monday after the team’s disappointing start.
Boylan was in his fourth season as an assistant under Skiles and has 14 years experience in the NBA but none as head coach.
“Jim has paid his dues as an assistant coach and has his own ideas on the way he wants us to play,” Bulls general manager John Paxson said in a statement.
Boylan said his coaching influences include Al McGuire, Jud Heathcote, Mike Fratello, Brian Hill and even the man he’s replacing.
“I’ve tried to steal from everybody,” Boylan said.
As a player, Boylan helped lead Marquette to the 1977 NCAA championship.
Rockets’ McGrady out two games.
Tracy McGrady will miss Houston’s next two games to rest his ailing left knee.
McGrady is expected to return for Houston’s game against Golden State on New Year’s Eve.
Heat doctors to examine Shaq, Williams.
Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal and point guard Jason Williams were listed as day to day, after both had nagging injuries checked out by team doctors.
O’Neal got treatment on his achy hips. Tests performed on Williams’ sore left knee did not reveal any major problems.
Spurs’ Barry injured.
San Antonio Spurs guard Brent Barry, a 13-year veteran, will miss up to two weeks after tearing a muscle in his left calf.
