Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson conducted "an unscientific poll" of journalists who have ballots for NBA awards and learned Derrick Rose and Tom Thibodeau are the favorites to win Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. Earlier this week, the NBA announced the recipients of the Defensive Player (Dwight Howard), Sixth Man (Lamar Odom), and Most Improved (Kevin Love) awards, which prompted Johnson to try figuring out when, exactly, the Bulls' point guard and head coach will take home some hardware.
Johnson learned that Coach of the Year tends to be announced around this time, with Thunder leader Scott Brooks winning the award one year ago Friday. Perhaps Thibodeau, whom Johnson's research revealed to be "the heavy favorite," will capture his award before the Bulls play their next postseason game.
The same holds true with Rose, as MVP winners historically learn of their achievement before playoff games. But because MVP is the most prestigious individual award, it tends to be announced prior to a second-round playoff game.
With a 3-0 lead in their series against the Indiana Pacers, the Bulls may not need to play another home game for a while. However, if Indiana wins Game 4, the Bulls would play Game 5 this coming Tuesday. If Johnson is right, Thibodeau's ceremony could occur prior to tipoff that night.