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Bulls' Gasol thanks former head coach Tom Thibodeau with blog post

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Not everyone within the Chicago Bulls organization has a crummy attitude when it comes to Tom Thibodeau, who was relieved of his head coaching duties Thursday.

According to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson, many of the team's higher ups were not fans of the way Thibodeau was handling his roster. There were also at least three starters who reportedly bashed their coach in exit interviews.

It doesn't appear that Pau Gasol was one of them, though.

The five-time NBA All-Star took to his personal blog (www.PauGasol.com) to thank his former head coach with a heartfelt post:

Coach Thibodeau, (I) want to thank your trust and support this season. I am sure that his departure was a very difficult decision for the organization of the Bulls, but I am convinced that they have a solid plan for the success of the franchise. We all have high expectations for the coming season and will do anything to bring the ring to Chicago. Go Bulls!

Gasol averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds in 78 appearances during the regular season under Thibodeau, securing a spot as a starter on the Eastern Conference All-Star team in the process.

He appeared rejuvenated playing in Thibodeau's system after experiencing a lull of sorts during his last two years with the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol was a focal point in the offense with a usage percentage of 24.4 - the highest of any frontcourt player on the team.

The 34-year-old Spaniard won't have to wait long to find out who his new coach will be, though, as Iowa State's Fred Hoiberg should be taking over the reins soon enough.

The Bulls were bounced from the second round of the NBA Playoffs in six games by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling to The King for the fourth time in six years.

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