Pau Gasol, who earned his first starting All-Star berth in the first season of his three-year deal with the Bulls, used his blog on his website to thank Tom Thibodeau.
"Coach Thibodeau, (I) want to thank your trust and support this season," Gasol wrote. "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."
Gasol supported Thibodeau publicly at several points during the season.