This is as distracting as trade talks

I feel embarrassed. They make those jerseys tired.

If they don't recover from this there is going to be some real problems. This will be reguarded as one of the biggest flops in Chicago Sports history. Personally I have tired of the whole Scott Skiles crap. I think the Bulls need a stable coach who doesn't constantly freak out like Ditka did in the depressing 90's of Bears football. They need a real point guard and mentally tough players who wana win everytime don the black and red. Time for Paxson to step up and show some guts. He's too nice. This is a discrace for a once proud legacy. Now even Kobe is making fun of the Bulls. Just unreal.

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:07 AM CST reply actions

we need a Dave Wannestedt?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 12:08 AM CST up reply actions

No but a coach with a mustache would really

make the players take notice.

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:11 AM CST up reply actions

you have a point.

Too bad we missed the boat on Stan Van Gundy.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 12:20 AM CST up reply actions

Pornstars don't count.

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:29 AM CST up reply actions

Bulls mental toughness

I think this group of players has plenty of mental toughness. After 3 bad weeks of basketball they have no mental toughness? That's a bit of a knee-jerk reaction to a bad start.

With they way this group has performed in the previous 2.5 seasons, I think they have exhibited that they are among the toughest squads in the NBA. Hinrich and Nocioni are clearly tough. BG has been resilient despite being jerked in and out of the starting line up throughout his career. Deng has never complained about anything.

And this has all persisted throughout Skiles tenure; which is probably equal parts developing mental toughness and then eroding it down to the bone.

I think that we have mental toughness in spades. Just don't confuse that with being good - which is the current problem.

Wrecked 'em? Damn near killed 'em!

by mdmnd9294 on Nov 20, 2007 9:11 AM CST up reply actions

and....

Tyson Chandler got hurt. Just a reminder how much the 'younger, better Ben Wallace' would've helped during the end of last season, when he was also hurt.

(Not that this is a good time in the Wallace vs. Chandler debate, just pointing out that people are way to quick to pan these things)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 12:08 AM CST reply actions

I'm of the opinion

Chandler never would have performed the way he did last year for the Bulls. If we hadn't traded him, we would have had another year of lamenting the fact he'd regressed so badly.

by Jaina on Nov 20, 2007 12:12 AM CST up reply actions

Nahhh

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:14 AM CST up reply actions

Once again I think Skiles is to blame with

Chandler. He would dog him. Skiles doesn't even have a mustache. Chandler does so now tell me whos more Chicago. I was a big Chandler fan really. I guess it's be cause my best friend is 6'7 and I remember how long it took him to figure being tall.

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:19 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah but read on dude.

Chandler has been a force inside for the Hornets since the middle of last season, regularly getting double-doubles in points and rebounds.

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:13 AM CST up reply actions

middle of last season...

until he got hurt.

I do like Tyson Chandler a lot, but one of the many reasons he was shipped out was the injuries, that's all I was saying.

Another reason was the Skiles doghouse thing, which is looking less valid seeing what's happening to Tyrus.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 12:18 AM CST up reply actions

Oh, and this especially isn't an indictment

on the Wallace acquisition since Wallace is also now hurt, and not even with the courtesy of being out.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 12:20 AM CST up reply actions

I don't know dog because late at night...

sometimes I wonder and I dream of like Posey going up for a dunk and there is Tyrus and Tyson and they both freaking block the crap out of a dude, at the same time and it's really tweaking people out going to the hoop. I just see them swatting balls like in Blue Chips.

This is how I feel it really sums it up!http://youtube.com/watch?v=Jz1ZvOcmBQs

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:27 AM CST up reply actions

well

I don't want to get into what you're right about versus wrong about here but good god you pick apart anything you disagree with and are a total apologist for anything supporting what you agree with. You like Pax at GM so you defend the Chandler trade because Chandler had injury issues. Well Chandler got traded because we signed Wallace to take his place and Wallace was hurt at the beginning this season. And you could argue that a healthy Wallace was almost as nonexistent in the playoffs against Detroit as an injured Chandler would have been.

I agree with you about a lot of this stuff but it's pretty obnoxious to read all your Skiles love and then read you claim Skiles is regressing when he benches Tyrus for no reason after we saw Skiles bench Gordon for no reason for 2 or 3 years.

by theundergroundman on Nov 20, 2007 6:20 AM CST up reply actions

I'm a complicated dude.

It's not about who I like and don't like, they've done good things and bad.

But the Wallace-Chandler thing isn't meant to be judged now but for 4+ years, and it's my opinion that the Bulls 'won' year 1.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 9:14 AM CST up reply actions

Ah, here's where were different...

though, perhaps, not only here. With me, it's all about who I like or don't like. And right now I like you all, including young master hscs, and even his Petroclus.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

You also can't forget about the championship

experience that Wallace was expected to bring to the Bulls. On paper, this idea makes a lot of sense: you've drafted a bunch of young guys with championship experience outside of the NBA, so why not make a big free-agent splash by signing the one guy that personifies how hard work leads to an NBA championship?

Meanwhile, this was also a great opportunity to purge the roster of one of the last remaining vestiges of the troublesome Krause rebuilding program.

I actually liked Chandler a great deal but mentally tough he was not. What do you expect with the guy coming straight out of high school.

Most amusing, however (in retrospect), is the widespread belief that he'd be something like Kevin Garnett:

http://nbadraft.net/profiles/tysonchandler.htm

Note specifically the following direct quotes: "can shoot the ball well"; "has exceptional agility and touch"; "Can knock down shots all the way out to the college three point line".

I thought the Bulls were back... turns out they're just a back end...

by bullhockey on Nov 20, 2007 4:45 PM CST up reply actions

Don't forget

Adjust Chandler's offensive production for the "Chris Paul Effect". Chandler basically gets points off dunks and layups thanks to Chris Paul and perimeter threats from Mo Pete and Peja Stoynotgonnaspellitright.

The rebounding and blocks are almost entirely Chandler's production.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

If you believe in Win Shares

Wallace had 22 last year, Tyson had 22. But I am of the "Tyson would've sucked on the Bulls" camp. I think it's a wash, and the veteran leadership was important, though its current effects is dubious.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 20, 2007 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

Correction

Tyson had 23

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 20, 2007 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

why

is it always Wallace vs. Chandler?

they could have easily both been on the team and I think that would have been just as logical a front court pairing as the current Wallace and Thomas which you guys love so much.

Or we could have waited and traded Chandler and gotten more than we got for PJ Brown (nothing)

by JSlakov on Nov 20, 2007 12:56 PM CST up reply actions

that's true

although one answer is the Bulls are too cheap (or frugal or smart) to have two $10+m no-offense centers.

Tyrus makes far far less than Chandler, and is already a better offensive player.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

So Matt what now?

What should the Bulls do with this. I mean the solution is to win but they don't seem to wana really care about that. The Bulls had every Chance in the world to go up by 20 on the Lakers in the first half. For whatever reason the lost energy and there was no fight left. Thats what I don't understand is how can you have no pride at all? How can you just let somebody steal the food off your plate? This team just doesn't represent a Chicago Bulls team to me. I want people who care and have pride. I know it's Cheesy but what now?

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 12:38 AM CST reply actions

Trade Hinrich

Jason Kidd for Kirk Hinrich and change.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

Its never good

playing in a back to back, even if its in the same city, you can lose your legs.

by Kemp @ Blog a Bull on Nov 20, 2007 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think I ever want to meet

someone who considers Jamal Crawford a borderline all-star.

by KT on Nov 20, 2007 5:53 AM CST reply actions

You can't tell that Crawford is a borderline star?

Heck he has led New York to a 2-7 start.

by boerwinkle on Nov 20, 2007 7:56 AM CST up reply actions

crasy knick fans

I'm surprise Knick fans love Crawford. His game is the same tired no hesitation jump shooting at 40% with flashes of dribble penetration. His defense is terrible as well.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

Isn't Crawford in Isiah's dog house now?

You know you have problems if Isiah puts you in the doghouse.

by upther on Nov 20, 2007 8:05 AM CST reply actions

The Skiles/Paxson Propaganda Machine

bears an uncanny and uncomfortable resemblance to the sinister Rove/Cheney methodology. Or maybe we should consider them artists--impressionist picture painters, giving just enough false and misleading information to allow us, the fans, to draw erroneous conclusions...like Chandler's "small hands," and Crawford's "low basketball IQ."

I listen to them. I hear what they tell us. And I immediately wonder, "What are they really saying?"

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 9:19 AM CST reply actions

well you picked some crappy examples

you think either of those conclusions were wrong?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

I was just about to say

the same thing...I kinda agree with his theory, but his examples weren't too great.

One that does come to mind though is Adrian Griffin's "calming affect" or "craftiness"...ugh

by ScottieCartwright on Nov 20, 2007 9:41 AM CST up reply actions

Sam Smith's articles on Tyrus Thomas . . .

Do bear a striking resemblance to the Swift Boat ads.

by Big D on Nov 20, 2007 9:41 AM CST up reply actions

Thank you.

I finally was able to sneak in a political reference that Matt didn't censor. (However, I must admit I had a back-up post at the ready.)

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 9:56 AM CST up reply actions

yeah you're a real Lenny Bruce.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 9:58 AM CST up reply actions

I wish.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

Speaking of superstars

The move that bothers me more than anything during this rebuilding period was the non-move to trade up in the draft to get Wade because Pax didn't want to give up Donyelle Marshall in the package...

by Hiryu on Nov 20, 2007 9:39 AM CST reply actions

I haven't heard that one

I was always under the impression that the Heat really liked Wade. Marshall ended up getting traded that season too.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 20, 2007 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

There were reports we has trying to trade with

the Raptors.

rose/Marshall the 7th pick for the 4th pick and maybe something else.

But it's not a confirmed fact, and I'm pretty sure the Raptors GM has said that he wasn't doing a trade. Trade speculation is such a cheap way to criticize a GM - like all the Kobe stuff, most of the rumors just aren't true but speculation fueled by people with adgendas.

And speakin of GMS - Dumars picking Milicic insted of Anthony, Bosh or Wade?

by KT on Nov 20, 2007 9:48 AM CST up reply actions

why would Toronto want Rose back?

Didn't the bulls just get those two from Toronto? That doesn't sound all that plausible.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 20, 2007 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

No, Rose came to the Bulls from Indiana

And Pax traded him and Marshall to the Raptors for Antonio Davis.

But all of those draft/trade rumors are murky, and hard to know what the truth because the GMs generally don't say.

by KT on Nov 20, 2007 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

thanks you for the correction

those were dark days in bullfandom.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 20, 2007 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

i was always

under the impression that Paxson thought that Wade was going to fall to #7, thus he didn't think he really needed to move up

by ScottieCartwright on Nov 20, 2007 9:49 AM CST up reply actions

yeah...

I remember a bunch of mock drafts had Miami picking Maciej Lampe. I know Wade may have gotten them a championship, but I still think they missed out. They could have had 2 with the Polish Thunder (I assume that is his nickname?)

by CatBrains on Nov 20, 2007 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

Crawford, I believe

didn't begin playing organized basketball until his junior year in high school. After his senior season, he was named player of the year in his state, and was subsequently offered a scholarship to Michigan. He left early to enter the draft. So, yes, I believe there is a basis in fact for the propaganda. He was lacking in basketball experience when he came to the Bulls. However, I also think Jamal Crawford is an unusually bright person. I think he's figured it out. All it took was a little time and some coaching (cue the obligatory Isiah Thomas jokes here). I look at his departure as one of the failures of Bulls' management.

And Chandler's hands? I think that is a joke. The too-little-handed Chandler has become a stalwart defensive player not only for the US national team, but also one of the rising young teams in the league. I look at Chandler's departure as another of the regrettable failure's of the Skiles/Paxson management tandem.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 9:51 AM CST reply actions

I'm sure he's great at crossword puzzles

but Jamal Crawford still sucks (ok, average), and hasn't changed in the least his whole career. I do notice in this early season that he's turning over the ball more. So there's that.

There are plenty of more valid things to criticise (like the handling of Chandler) than Jamal freaking Crawford.

And Chandler's hands weren't just some joke at a physical limitation, he was a turnover machine on offense. Otherwise nobody would care about his hands.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 9:56 AM CST up reply actions

If you mean

Crawford figured out how to shoot 40 percent, averages 5 assists to 4 turnovers and doesn't play defense I totally agree.

by CrashDavis on Nov 20, 2007 10:02 AM CST up reply actions

The best that can be said

about Jamal Crawford is that he's no Stephon Marbury. And if Eddy Curry had worn purple he would be Grimmace's twin brother. I loose no sleep over these guys wearing other jerseys.

Chandler was extremely prone to turnovers and fouls; both areas in which Ben Wallace was a big improvement last year. In a few years, who knows?

Wrecked 'em? Damn near killed 'em!

by mdmnd9294 on Nov 20, 2007 10:13 AM CST up reply actions

What?

The only Jamal has going for him in the Knicks is the fact that their roster has a handful of players even worse than him. Therefore, he spares himself the scorn because writers and fans are forced to pan Marbury, Jeffries, Curry, and Jerome James.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

I'll defend Crawford

because I like Crawford. He was always one of my favorite interviews. I thought he was smart, funny and entertaining. I thought he handled the incredible level of B.S. he faced from the Bulls with exceptional grace, especially considering he was such a young guy.

I realize none of this stacks up against your claims of his being an average at best basketball player. However, I think it's also fair to argue that Crawford is practically a perfect example of the whole Jerry Krause "athlete over player" syndrome that Paxson saw it as his duty to immediately purge from the Bulls' roster.

But are the Bulls better off for having given up Crawford? I say no.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 10:14 AM CST reply actions

click on 'reply to this' when replying.

Without giving up on Crawford they wouldn't have gotten under the cap. Which....was used on Ben Wallace, but that's a seperate argument.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

also

to me, saying Jamal Crawford is good because you like him is little different than Sam Smith saying Tyrus Thomas sucks because he doesn't like him.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 10:29 AM CST up reply actions

I did,

but my damn comcast has been having so many disruptions that I lose my link and then get it back without ever realizing it was gone. My apologies.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

Are you Sam Smith?

by CrashDavis on Nov 20, 2007 10:29 AM CST up reply actions

because someone is a good interview

isn't a good reason to keep him on a team.

by KT on Nov 20, 2007 10:30 AM CST up reply actions

I read your statements

you wonder why you get repeatedly slammed here and then you say shit like this. It boggles the mind. The bulls would have been better off because Jamal gave interviews you liked? WTF kind of asinine logic is that. He's more of an example of undisciplined athlete that Pax had to rectify. Does Crawford even start for that Knicks team? When he even sniffs an all-star spot, I'll reconsider whether that was a good trade or not.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 20, 2007 11:21 AM CST up reply actions

Here's the thing, bullshooter,

I know why I get slammed...and, between you and me, I don't mind it at all. I think your opinions, and the opinions of nearly every other poster on this site are good, solid, well thought out, enlightening even, and yes, often entertaining. Even hscs, who routinely savages me--I'm as delighted as anyone else here to read his responses. What else are we doing here? Matt runs a great site, among the best of its or any type I read or post to.

And more to the point, can I not say I like Jamal Crawford because I found his interviews entertaining? I think it's valid to observe that I was sorry to see him go for other than purely basketball reasons.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 11:37 AM CST up reply actions

sure you can say that

but if the pretext of the conversation is "how do the bulls become champions again," (which most of them are around here, at least implicitly) then arguing that Jamal shouldn't have been traded because he gave an interesting interview is silly.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 20, 2007 11:54 AM CST up reply actions

Silly, I don't mind.

Truthfully, I believe the reason the Bulls got rid of Crawford was that he was asking for an undeservedly large contract. The Bulls weren't willing the pay. The Knicks were. Done deal.

I think Paxson liked Crawford as a player, too, just not enough to pay him like a superstar...which he wasn't, and more than likely never will be.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

Crawford is not a good player

He may give a fun interview, I don't know, but he is not a good basketball player.

Its fine to say he picked up the game late, but he plays stupid. He has always played stupid, and I have never seen any indication that he will one day play smart.

Sure its fun to watch him three times a year when he scores 35, but he is not a guy who is going to help you win many games.

My favorite metric of a team's quality is the often underappreciated "win/loss record"

by preverbal on Nov 20, 2007 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

yeah but what's getting me

is that we're all here talking about the Bulls, yet you seem to want to talk about yourself and how you relate to others here. Which I don't want to read, since I couldn't care less about any of yous beyond your Bulls incites.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

Look it over.

It's almost strictly in response to personal attacks.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

seems to me you're opening yourself up

to personal attacks by injecting 'you' into everything you say.

Unsolicited, you've already made known you don't like Cheney/Rove, do futures trading, like to veer off in meandering odes to springtime, made a super-bold prediction and loved telling everyone how right you are, and are whiny.

So take my word for it, nobody cares who you are. Just say something about the Bulls.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

and this latest example is the most egregious

because now valuable space is taken up talking about you and your history here. So congrats for baiting me into it. Next time just email.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 1:32 PM CST up reply actions

Eh... you're too hard on yourself

and perhaps even alec.

These diversion are occassionally enjoyable when all other talk has reverted to the form of "The Bulls currently suck! Who could they have kept/traded for that would have made them not currently suck?"

by CatBrains on Nov 20, 2007 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

Denver presents

an interesting analogue for the Bulls. Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin are Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas. BG is our version of their Iverson. Deng is our Carmelo. And we both have utterly forgettable point guards. The sad thing about this comparison is that the Bulls lag the Nuggets at every turn.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 11:14 AM CST reply actions

eh, interesting analogy

if anything, the Bulls are Denver "lite". Noah IS not and WILL not be Camby though. Camby can actually hit something that is further away than 3 feet. I've seen him hit 3s, not to mention he has a pretty consistent jumper.

Gordon has the better outside shot, but has less success driving than AI has. Definitely doesn't get to the foul line as much.

Martin and Thomas?? Eh, kinda similar if I squint my eyes really tight I guess...K-mart has a better and more consistent shot.

Carmelo can actually drive, dribble, and create his own shot...all things that Lu has trouble doing. He IS getting better, but he's far from Carmelo.

by ScottieCartwright on Nov 20, 2007 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Reading through your post

I suddenly realized that our guys lack all of the things that initially made me oppose to any Kobe trade talks.
Funny how 10 bad games changed my entire point of view.

by Outsidergua on Nov 20, 2007 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

Nuggets in the WC

My view is that this Nuggets roster in the EC would be a top 4 team easy. They lack the point guard, but AI and Melo can create their own lanes to space the floor. Nuggets lose when they shoot poorly just like Chicago though. So in some areas, the teams are very similar.

Carmelo is a perennial MVP candidate. Deng isn't anywhere close to this.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

I really like their roster

and think they'd be the top team in the East. And they could be a top team in the West even, if things go right.

Luckily it hasn't gone right, as Atkins and Nene are hurt. And we should all be thankful Nene won't be around to toss around the Bulls bigs.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

Bigs,

Do we have any bigs playing for us? :)

by Outsidergua on Nov 20, 2007 3:52 PM CST up reply actions

Deng is a good guy who tries hard, but

Carmelo is a freak of nature, simple as that. He's bigger, stronger, has better vertical leap, and has an outside touch that simply can't be taught. I actually don't like his basketball style (even less his personal style), but I just can't deny that he's got future MVP written all over him, in terms of potential and possessing all of the tools.

Deng doesn't even have future All-Star written all over him; it's totally up for debate until fans start voting for him in droves.

Just to give you some perspective, BJ Armstrong made an All-Star team. So did John Starks. Remember Dana Barros?

The fact that Deng hasn't even whiffed an All-Star selection should indicate just how far off we are to compare him to Carmelo.

They play the same position, that's about it. Their games are completely opposite as well--Carmelo posts up, hits outside shots, and power slams; Deng hits primarily mid-range jumpers.

Different planets, plain and simple.

I thought the Bulls were back... turns out they're just a back end...

by bullhockey on Nov 20, 2007 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

Of course, on the positive side

of the ledger for Chicago is that the Bulls are younger at every position, and as such, have a chance to exceed the Nuggets at every position. How likely that is, I don't know. Carmelo and Iverson may be too dynamic for any team to top.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 11:19 AM CST reply actions

I just want to shoot well

We're shooting 37% from the field in our 7 losses. Our highest percentage in a loss was 42%.

I just want to see better shooting. The Nuggets will give you open looks. They're really looking to make you shoot the ball rather than trying to deny you shots. Only Camby is an effective defender on their roster. The rest of the team relies on steals to change possession of the basketball.

Nocioni should post Kleiza every possession. Get Kleiza in foul trouble to eliminate his 3pt shooting.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 12:35 PM CST reply actions

Another thing I want to watch for

is how Karl uses his rotaion. Again, somewhat like the Bulls, Denver has a number of players that are very close in ability though different in their style of play. I haven't seen them this year, but just from their team stats it looks like quite a few players get a decent amount of pt.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

They can't beat the Spurs

A draw, drive, and kick offense can blow the Nuggets out. Chicago doesn't really have any players that command a double team though, so the open shots have to come from constant dribbling and flashes to the rim.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 1:09 PM CST up reply actions

yea ive seen em play a few times this year

they dont really have the right role players to fit in with melo/iverson/camby. he can play kleiza with them, but then he essntially plays the 2 and gets torched on D. same thing with playing JR who can shoot but cant guard anyone. diawara can play some D but is useless offensively. with nene out najeras been logging some nice minutes at the 4. mainly their problem is figuring out how to pair in the backcourt with iverson. atkins seems like he'll be an ok fit there when he gets back, but again hes not too stellar defensively. personally i thought this team shouldve went out and got posey in the offseason. hes a little big for a 2, but all this team needs their 2 to do is hit open jumpers and guard the other teams best swingman, which he can do. should be a big night for gordon

by Mike C on Nov 20, 2007 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

They slept

You have to wonder why more teams didn't show stronger interest in Juan Carlos Navarro. Memphis got him on the cheap when they're are a half dozen franchises in the NBA that truly suffer from having no real point guard solution.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 1:36 PM CST up reply actions

because owning his rights

didn't mean he would sign for the team. I figure Memphis (with his buddy Pau) was one of the few teams that could convince him to leave Europe.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

What I want from the bulls - hope

To win in the NBA your GM needs to have a high basketball IQ, have a plan and stick to it despite criticism. The other piece is luck. I truly believe Paxson was set to pick Wade but Miami surprised us. You need luck to get a Lebron or D Howard. Will TT become a mini - Garnett or a Theo radcliff? We don't know. I do know Adrian Griffin and Joe Smith are what they are with no dramtic upside. The analogy fits for Tyson Chandler and Ben Wallace. You cannot grow 5-6 inches on Wallace or take 6 years away from his age.

I know I screw-up because I tend to like trades where we get young guys with potential. This leads to big mistakes. I was one of the few idiots to like the Elton Brand - Chandler trade. I thought we would end up being mediocre if we kept Brand and thought it was worth the risk to take an athletic Chandler. Bad move! We go from possible mediocrity to pathetic.

Chandler for Wallace - I don't do it. But Chandler isn't setting the world on fire and continues to have injuries. He is just younger and less expensive with some upside. Wallace is at the end of his career.

Paxson got us back on track. He got rid of Jalen Rose. He traded horrble contracts with Jamal Crawford. Jamal is a borderline star in the eyes of the borderline human being - Isaih. TT and Noah for Curry - I would do it again in a heart beat.

Skiles is a concern. He alienates too many players. He needs to understand he is in the fox-hole with the guys he is ripping apart.

I desperately want us to win tonight but I honestly don't see us winning the way we have been playing. I do need "hope" to root for this team. Adrian Griffin doesn't work. TT, Noah, even Grey at times would help.

by chgobr on Nov 20, 2007 12:58 PM CST reply actions

mark it down

the bulls may not win tonight, but you can bet your bottom dollar they improve on that 37% shooting thing. denver plays negative defense and i look for a big night from gordon. and if hinrich doesnt break out tonight he never will; if you cant score being "guarded" by the likes of jr smith and iverson, your never gonna score

by Mike C on Nov 20, 2007 1:08 PM CST reply actions

Right now, the Bulls have the worst

season shooting percentage in team history!

That being said, we are only nine games in. I have to believe they will eventually surpass the 98-99 record low of 40.1%.

SUCK IT SABAN!

by 1958ChiTown on Nov 20, 2007 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

Is Deng back tonight?

SUCK IT SABAN!

by 1958ChiTown on Nov 20, 2007 2:06 PM CST reply actions

as far as I've seen

No.

Too bad the KC blog is out of commission for now.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

The Tribune

should just substitute yours instead. Although talk about censorship...it makes KC's blog almost worthless.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, what the heck happened

to the Trib's attempt to join the 21st century? Did KC and Sam Smith have a catfight or something? I was beginning to be really impressed with the fact that the Trib had a blog. Anyone have any info on this?

I thought the Bulls were back... turns out they're just a back end...

by bullhockey on Nov 20, 2007 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

There's

only so much Tyrus bashing one can write.... Oh no, I think Sam secretely reads our blog and now I just challanged his journalists skills, be prepared for a dousy tommorrow on how Tyrus couldn't spare a square...

by tyrus4prez on Nov 20, 2007 4:46 PM CST up reply actions

Paxiles regime AHAHA

Makes it sound like the Bulls are a 3rd world country... well at leat they're playing like one.

Can't wait to see Melo torch these CHUMPS tonight for 40 points. Add in AI's 20 and 15, and its gonna be a hell of a show. I would recommend everyone to watch.

What's the difference between a steakhouse and the United Center? One serves people steak, the other is filled with a bunch of dead Bulls.

by vlad001 on Nov 20, 2007 2:15 PM CST reply actions

Oh, that reminds me!

Laker loss = Vlad Vban.

Vlad will be remembed as an annoying pain in the ass, and now that the Bulls are indeed now terrible, his goal of endlessly preaching Bulls pessimism with exclamation marks and capital letters has been validated.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

Vlad, you have only scant hours

before Matt drives a stake through your heart. Give us now, while you still have blood and breath, you last will and testament.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 2:39 PM CST reply actions

too late for Vlad

I think his last comment was apt, regardless.

You're breaking the rules again. No nomimating, no voting, no mentioning. Also implied is no taunting.

You guys keep breaking the rules and I'll stop the game.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 2:50 PM CST up reply actions

This is off topic, and I apologize for that,

but I don't believe this thought merits its own diary.

Thus far, while the Celtics have been excellent, I have been really impressed by the play of Orlando. Howard is a physical anomoly.

Of course, Orlando also started fast last season, so we'll see how they fare over the course of 82 games.

SUCK IT SABAN!

by 1958ChiTown on Nov 20, 2007 3:04 PM CST reply actions

And didn't Jameer Nelson

also have to settle for no new contract? Or did he sign?

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

nah

He signed,and from what I remember it wasn't too much money. Sam Smith applauds.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 3:21 PM CST up reply actions

"Dwight Howard is a physical anomaly"

Now you too can be a physical anomaly!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-dwighmask-htmlpage,0,5204329.htmlpage?col l=orl_sports_basketball_magic_mezz

My favorite metric of a team's quality is the often underappreciated "win/loss record"

by preverbal on Nov 20, 2007 3:35 PM CST up reply actions

So he signed for something

inline with what a sportwriter makes...like Mitch Albom.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 3:43 PM CST up reply actions

At which point should we know the season is over?

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 3:52 PM CST reply actions

When people start talking about Jamal Crawford

and the failures of Paxson not getting D Wade who never seems to be healthy.

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

Is there any

reason to watch the game tonight while Skiles is coach?

by exult463 on Nov 20, 2007 4:04 PM CST reply actions

'my bulls' email

says A-Drain is still in the starting lineup.

So the answer is...not really.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

I was disappointed to see that too

though the last one did say Tyrus would be in the lineup..

by Jaina on Nov 20, 2007 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

If

Pax gave the ok to this move,h e should be fired as well. Our starters are strugling so in place of Deng we give them the worse offensive player in the game...I believe they are over thinking this too much!!

by tyrus4prez on Nov 20, 2007 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

I was just about to say I think Sefo should get

the start but god forbid they develope their future.

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 4:09 PM CST reply actions

the worst part

about this 'need more time for veterans' bullshit, is that not only is Skiles not caring about the big picture (i.e. getting Thomas and Sefo ready for postseason, and not getting Smith and Noc hurt for that matter), but he's actually costing his teams wins right now by playing inferior players. It's quite the strategy.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 20, 2007 4:12 PM CST up reply actions

Please stop the madness

I held out hope that with Aaron Gray as starter lasting only one game that Griff as starter would too. One of the keys to beating Denver is exploiting Anthony's lazy ass defense. It's got to be hard climbing out of a hole as a player when your coach throws you a shovel instead of a rope.

I've just been lurking because I've been too frustrated to even type. It's the same stupid crap over and over. If it wasn't for my 2nd favorite basketball team, the UCONN women's team, streaming their games this would have been an even more depressing month. For those of you that love to suggest various assistant coaches to magically teach players various things, maybe Paxson could get Maya Moore to teach players to make shots.

by Scotter on Nov 20, 2007 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

I actually feel the same way

I haven't been commenting much because I've been at a loss for words.

by Jaina on Nov 20, 2007 4:52 PM CST up reply actions

Nuggets matchup

The Nuggets are another matchup begging for either Sefalosha to start at the 3 or Nocioni to start at the 3 and T2 to start at the 4.

The Skiles Circus Rotation is approaching unbearable. I'm a die hard Bulls fan with high expectations, but if I see that 3 small guard lineup out there I'm crashing John Paxson's Thanksgiving party.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

woah baby!

"You guys keep breaking the rules and I'll stop the game."

Should be on a t-shirt, you know the ones with the mean looking cartoon dogs.

by Grass on Nov 20, 2007 4:23 PM CST reply actions

Been reading Garry Kasparov's

new book, "How Life Imitates Chess." Even for those non-chess buffs among us, it's a really interesting read. Early on he talks about the difference between Strategy and Tactics. He says your Strategy should look twenty moves into the future. Tactics generally respond to momentary pressures, but still must act in support of the long-term strategy.

What we need is for Phil Jackson to take Skiles under his wing and give him a good book to read.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 4:29 PM CST reply actions

So Kasparov has been reading a dictionary?

I'm not sure how revolutionary or trenchant that definition is, given that the term tactics is usually defined as "the branch of military science dealing with detailed maneuvers to achieve objectives set by strategy."

I think Skiles might do well with Michael, Scotti, and crew as well.

SUCK IT SABAN!

by 1958ChiTown on Nov 20, 2007 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

"Hey, put down me

but not Kasparov!" he said, horrified. It's way off the subject, but here's a good interview with him from Chris Matthew's Hardball. http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/1gmarchive/2007/10/garry_kasparov_1.html

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

Skiles and Sage

I'm 100% certain that Skiles would quit rather than be party to burning of sage to elevate player performances. Unless burning sage allows ones voice to carry even farther and louder, Skiles isn't buying into any of that Zen Master BS.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 5:34 PM CST up reply actions

bigdogs clothing

That's it! It's for fat dudes!

by Grass on Nov 20, 2007 4:31 PM CST reply actions

NBA Trade

Orlando gets
Brian Cook
Maurice Evans

Lakers get
Trevor Ariza

Orlando waives Bo Outlaw

This gives me hope because Brian Cook was on my list of contracts that are untradable.

by NBA Observer on Nov 20, 2007 5:04 PM CST reply actions

Thats good for the Lakers.

Not for Orlando. Why was this done?

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 5:23 PM CST up reply actions

is this a sign the akers are trying to build a

winner with Kobe or without?

Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 20, 2007 5:24 PM CST up reply actions

A possibility that people haven't considered

for why Tyrus and maybe Sefo haven't played much lately: they're being traded. Just a theory.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 20, 2007 5:30 PM CST up reply actions

Isiah kicked

his team out of practice today. He's tired of them not listening and not trying. LOL!! Heard it on CTL tonight.

Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Nov 20, 2007 6:41 PM CST reply actions

I remember reading a piece by a Portland

sports columnist back when the Trail Blazers were shopping Zach Randolph. The author was representing Randolph as one of the hardest working practice players in the league. I wonder.

by alec on Nov 20, 2007 6:54 PM CST reply actions

If the Bulls had drafted Aldrige

he'd never be putting up these numbers. He'd be just like Thomas right now, in and out of the game. If Thomas was in Portland, he'd be averaging around 18 and 10.

Think about it. Curry, Chandler, Thomas, Noah... all of the young big men end up in Skile's doghouse and yanked at every opportunity. The only big men who get to play without looking ove their shoulders are over the hill veterans. This also happened with Gordon, so we know it's not just big men that he has a problem with.

Skiles has shown that it really doesn't matter if you overall give the team the best chance to win as a youngster, it's all about never making a mistake, and playing how Skiles thinks you should. I imagine friends going over to Skiles' house feel like they're on the old "Martin" sitcom. One mistake, and he goes from laughing to telling everyone to "get the hell out".

I used to be a Skile's fan, but it seems to me now that his unreasonable expectations are setting everyone up to fail. Then when they invariably mess up, he can feel good that he was right in his judgements about them not being ready yet.

I don't think anyone can explain why a team with supposedly some of the best depth in the league was playing Griffin and Gardner together for a time against the Lakers with the score close. They should have been 12th and 13th off the bench. Sefolosha was actually playing well at the time.

by rexisourqb on Nov 23, 2007 6:46 PM CST reply actions