Del Negro Close to Hot Seat?

The Bulls have been shorthanded, but coach Vinny Del Negro could soon be on the hot seat.

Chicago lost 110-78 to the Raptors on Saturday night and they are 7-11 through their first 18 games.

The Bulls have lost seven of their last eight games and trailed by at least 19 points in six of those seven losses.

"In a perfect world, of course," Del Negro said, when asked if he needed more effort. "But Jannero is out there limping. I have Lindsey (Hunter) in a bucket of ice trying to heal his foot. We have rookies trying to find their way. We don't have the bodies.

"You're going to have days like this. I love the challenge. I love the competition. It makes me sick to perform like that. But are you going to give up or go fight? I'm a fighter. I'm going to battle and do whatever I can to help. And the guys have to do the same."

Piston Boris wrote:I'd say that Chicago's troubles stem from a couple of reasons: not replacing Gordon's 20 ppg, not having quality depth to cope with injuries, and frustration with adversity.

Tough situation for Chicago.