Skiles allows Wallace to finally sweat in peace

The Chicago Tribune reported today that Chicago Bulls' head coach Scott Skiles has agreed to allow Ben Wallace wear a headband for the games during the season. Skiles stated that the team still has the "no-headband" rule in place but left the decision in Wallace's case up to the players. Skiles has always been in favor of the mantra that "the team is more important than any individual" and the Bulls success over the past four to five seasons has been due to an outstanding work ethic imposed by Skiles.

If this lenient act by Skiles gives Wallace incentive to actually try during his usual 30-35 minutes per game, that's great. I've always been on Skiles' side in this fight because Wallace had to have known before he signed his $60 million dollar contract that headbands were a big no-no with Skiles.

All headgear aside, hopefully Wallace has been working on two things over the offseason: passing and free throw shooting (fundamentals every player in the NBA should possess). I'm not sure why the Bulls chose to give the offensively-challenged center the ball so frequently when he had his back to the basket but they did - and it usually ended in either an air ball or a turnover.

I do know one thing about this rule and it has to do with Skiles not taking the blame if Wallace doesn't improve his play. If this is Skiles' move so he doesn't get the heat when Wallace doesn't perform like he is being paid to, Skiles is a genius. All he has to do is point to that piece of cloth on his head and say "Hey - we are breaking rules for this guy and he isn't even breaking enough sweat to properly use the stupid thing."

Well played Skiles, well played.