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Angriest after a win, naturally

Hey, it may turn out to be meaningless but it sure was fun. The start was fueled by Kirk Hinrich, who was not only hitting shots but seemingly getting everything he wanted on the floor. It was impressive how nearly every shot he took was open and in rhythm. The Bulls needed it too, since Ben Gordon maybe tried to pay homage to his mother by sharing, since he certainly didn't feel like shooting. In fact, he and Luol alternated bad halves, but overall played well. I don't know if they solved the zone but it sure looked like they figured something out this game offensively.

The Bulls dominated the boards today 51-33, and Ben Wallace was 17 on his own. He even staved off the Whack-A-Wallace strategy by making 3 of 4 from the line. But that strategy shouldn't have been in play because there was no excuse for letting the game get close. I'll now spend the rest of this post bitching about Skiles....

Look. The only two negatives today were Nocioni and Duhon. And I'm not extrapolating that one-game +/-  into a whole team rotation philosophy, you can simply look at how these two are performing and realize they do not deserve the time right now. Starting with Nocioni, who is clearly hurt and while he can still take a few flat-footed three-pointers he's otherwise a complete liability. He compounds being slow on defense by still trying to roam and help knowing he can't get back to his own man on time. So he either doesn't get back at all or fouls when he arrives late. Duhon is completely useless, and whoever's guarding him knows that he has no willingness to take a shot.

 (That was actually a problem with a lot of the Bulls today, I couldn't believe how many times they would be up in the air and then freeze and try to pass it off. Once you're up, just commit, and know that at least you have a good offensive rebounding team who may collect the miss. Even Hinrich was doing it in the 4th quarter after he had such a great start to the game.)

Back to the incredible shrinking lead: seven and a half minutes into the 3rd quarter and Skiles takes out PJ  (which as a credit to Skiles, didn't leave PJ out there for the whole game as in game 3) and puts in Nocioni. It was complete insanity. Looking back at Noc's first half, he managed to pick up 3 fouls and 1 rebound in his six minutes, and as I detailed  a couple grafs up was unable to stay with anyone on defense. Tyrus Thomas comes in near the end of the first half and the Bulls gain 10 points on their lead when he's out there. So now it's the 3rd quarter, the lead is up to 20, the crowd is into it and begging for the Bulls to put the game away, and it seems the perfect time to get the rookie into the game. Instead Skiles gets the tight butthole (as Sheed would say) and goes with his hobbled veteran, signaling to his team and us in the stands that he is content just letting the game get close as long as there aren't any mistakes. That's a tough mind-reading job on my part, especially since Noc is just as mistake-prone and the Bulls all season are better with Tyrus on the court, but that's what seems to be the rationale.

This mistake is compounded severely to start the 4th quarter, when Skiles trots out this gem: Duhon/Hinrich/Deng/Nocioni/Brown. To switch to Hubie prose: Against a team that you're outworking and should be out-athlete-ing (huh?), you bring out your slowest frontcourt and a guard who has no willingness to shoot. That's how you can choke away a lead, and Skiles almost choked this game, not the players. The bigs are slow to rotate on defense, the offense stalls with immobility and tentativeness, and the rebounding suffers on both ends. The lead drops 7 points in about 2 minutes, the Pistons now have reason not to pack it up for Auburn Hills.

Thankfully, in comes Tyrus to save my sanity. Yes, his offensive game is, er, developing (although it's not near hopeless, you can see decent form on the jumper and skill in his post moves) but at least he attacks the rim. Tyrus comes into the game and gets to the line twice in the next several possessions. That's how you keep a lead, by maintaining pressure, not simply by holding the ball and hope for the best. Tyrus played the last 9 minutes of the game (except for a bizarre one-possession sub of Duhon to try and go small, what the hell that was about we'll likely never know) and the Bulls win comfortably.

It's not just that when he's out there the team performs better, in fact in some games this postseason that isn't the case. But you can see that Nocioni is hobbling and near-useless, and Tyrus isn't bringing just 'energy' (barf), but a willingness and ability to attack the rim on offense and challenge the same such attempts on defense. In a playoffs where he's been called scared he was the least scared guy on the team.

And the evidence keeps mounting for him and Thabo (it's time to accept that Duhon cannot be effective against Detroit, for myriad reasons) to get more time this series and while Skiles sometimes has rewarded them for a given game, it never translates to the next one and we always see them as the first two off the bench. Maybe it'll take Paxson ripping these favorite toys from Skiles hands in the offseason, but I sure would like to see it sooner. They're down 3-1 and any game could be their last this season.

Time to quit playing the same bench with a not-to-lose mindset and give the rookies a chance to help you win. I don't mean that they could've won this series by playing Tyrus more, as I've said many times if the core guys don't play well the bench decisions don't matter. But they did play well enough today and the Noc/Duh tandem was the only thing keeping them from a blowout. The Bulls have to get a lot better to compete with the Pistons for the rest of this series, but that's one easy way to start.

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i wonder how we'd be doing in this series
if Nocioni was healthy...im pretty sure better than 3-1.
Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 13, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

doubtful in my opinion
first off he's not that good when he's healthy either, and secondly it wouldn't be enough of a difference to match Detroit

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 13, 2007 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not that good?
compared to Kevin Garnett, maybe.  But Noc holds his own.  That's a pretty glass is half empty statement.

by bullshooter on May 14, 2007 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Matt
is generally a reasonable dude, but when it comes to Nocioni, and to a lesser extent Duhon, he can be over-the-top critical.  I've met few people outside of this blog who have such a low basketball opinion of Andres Nocioni.
I choose to believe.

by preverbal on May 14, 2007 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

firstly, the Pistons are a bad matchup for him
and I generally don't think the health of a role player is going to make up the difference of 20+ point blowouts.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well put Matt
good post.  Tyrus did have a few TOs today but he was agressive.  The only time he wasnt he traveled after second thinking about putting a poster of him dunking over a Piston (I think it was sheed).  As long as he has no fear he will become a hell of a player for the Bulls.  That being said, he is young and we will just have to deal with him having a few bone-headed plays a game but his athleticism and potential is off the charts!  As for Nocioni, his final days as a Bull is becoming more of a reality.  I like the core the Bulls have put together but I still wonder if this core can take us to the top?  I dont want to be a team of mediocrity that just competes every yr, I think us Bull fans expect Championships!  I also wonder if Skiles can get us to the top?  Yes the man has installed a hard work ethic in our core but that alone doesnt put our team over the top as evident in this series.  Anyways, good game today and Im just glad they won today for the city and all the people who went out to support them on Mother's Day.  Lets find a way, ANYWAY, to win on Tues night and make this a series!  

by babybulls on May 13, 2007 8:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I really hope
that we'll be able to sign-and-trade Noc. I'd hate it if we let him go for nothing.

As much as Noc is a detriment now (mostly because of Skiles' irrational love for him), he was an important player to have for the last few years. And Du will definitely be a starting PG in this league. Maybe not a very good one, but better than many now.

Who can we get for these two, either individually or packaged?

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 8:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

TT is
a spark for this team. He will mature over the summer (and hopefully work on his jump shot) and will see much more playing time next season. I love watching him because you never know what will happen next.

I hope the Bulls team that played today is the one that shows up in Detroit on Tues.

History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 13, 2007 8:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

His jumper actually doesn't look bad
it just... never goes in. We'll see if we can get Deng or someone to teach him how to aim this summer.
If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TT is
awesome to watch. He is so crazy and I have fallen into a man crush with him since we drafted him. I already have my Thomas shirt to go with the others. If he can develop a jump shot he will be that much more dangerous. I think his overall game will get better next year and he will play a bigger role.

by SRQman on May 13, 2007 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nearly every shot he took was open and in rhythm.
Matt,
Don't know if you could see Kirk's expression early on in the game -
But I saw a look on his face...blank...like...I'm not sure I've ever seen it before...

It was an "I'm playing for everything and don't care what happens" look.
Dazed...but focused at the same time...
At least that's what I saw.

Hope you had fun at the game, and I hope you get to go to another one later this week.

GO BULLS!!

...less Noc, more TT...

by Bluelou on May 13, 2007 8:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I believe that
look was determination. He was not going to be denied. I just wish he would or could play like that in every game.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 13, 2007 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought
Hinrich looked timid still. He wasn't pulling jump shots or finishing around the basket. Instead he would look like he was going to go up for a lay-up and then pass it out. He played great, but I felt like he could have had 30. Maybe that look was intimidation.
Men lie, women lie, numbers don't

by Knowledge32 on May 14, 2007 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

heh
"Instead he would look like he was going to go up for a lay-up and then pass it out."

That's called drive and kick.

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pax Jacks
hmmmmm....drive and kick. Usually the objection there would be to draw defenders to the ball. Not only would he not do that, he would have a lay up, get scared, then pass it out. With our amazing shooting this series, I don't think that's a good option. Sorry, that's a fact. He is playing scared.  
Men lie, women lie, numbers don't

by Knowledge32 on May 14, 2007 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually
he's playing point guard, where the point is to get your teammates involved.

by bullshooter on May 14, 2007 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

point?
Don't you mean "objection?"

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

since the thesaurus is out
didn't you mean "objective" Merriam-Webster... oops, I meant PaxJack?
Danny Crawford does not like the Pistons, as evidenced in Game 4.

by Boney on May 14, 2007 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd advise you to buy a sense of humor,
but a resourceful Detroit native should be able to steal one without breaking a sweat.

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe you're right
but your attempt at "detroit humor" goes by way of "count the burning cars" jokes by Matt.
Danny Crawford does not like the Pistons, as evidenced in Game 4.

by Boney on May 14, 2007 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so 'by way of'
you mean they're both totally awesome?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oops
I meant they go by, and noone cares (well, except maybe like sue369 and joejoeenglish because he can't read that well, and sue because she thinks all detroit humor is funny).
Danny Crawford does not like the Pistons, as evidenced in Game 4.

by Boney on May 14, 2007 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Come on
you don't think DeTriot is funny?
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then you have not
watched Kirk play much. He was anything but intimidated in the game yesterday. Pouting does not become you.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well said
As the team's gotten better, it's becoming pretty apparent that Nocioni and Duhon are being exposed.  When we got them three years ago, they sure as hell were upgrades on what we had at at the time (which I guess would have been Fizer and whoever the hell our backup point guard was in 2003 - I've tried to put that period out of my memory).  They're good enough to help you get to .500, but against an elite team like Detroit they're nowhere near athletic enough to play more than token minutes.  All the cliches about "effort" are nice, but on this level you need both effort and talent.  Skiles is fortunate enough to have alternatives now in the rookies, so there's no reason to stick with "the guys who have gotten us this far," especially considering that we haven't really gotten THAT far anyways.

by Big D on May 13, 2007 8:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

'well said' back at ya
That's very true: it's not as much about Duhon or Noc getting worse as it is about this team getting better and needing to expect more from their rotation guys.

I hope a bad team out there thinks adding Duh and Noc could help get them to the playoffs, which, who knows, they may.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 13, 2007 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only thing
I worry about with Du and Noch is if Paxson is willing to part with them. I hope he is.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 13, 2007 8:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Right on, Matt
During the game, I was screaming at Skiles to take Nocioni out.  I don't know if it's the injury or what, but he just can not play in this series.  He's nowhere near big enough to guard any of the Pistons' 4s, and he's way too slow to check Prince.  So he's basically worthless on one end of the floor.  Whereas Tyrus has the height and quickness to fill either role (albeit with occasional mistakes).  I was pulling a Walton, hollering "he's terrible!" at my television.  I think he's a good dude, and I like having him on the Bulls, but he should be eighth man or so - not sixth.  At least we're not seeing Griffin try to chase Hamilton around.

I agree about this being a bad matchup for Duhon.  He can't guard anyone on their team, and still won't take the open looks (though he did knock down a BIG three when he had to which I was pleased to see).  Again, eight-ish man would be right for him.

I was out of the country all last week and missed the first three games.  The roommate (big Pistons fan) said that it was embarrassing how much trouble the Bulls were having with the zone and that Skiles got very defensive when questioned about it.  He said that Skiles made no adjustments in those games.  Does that sound right to you guys?  I said that didn't surprise me b/c the team struggled with zones throughout the season, although were a bit better towards the end (for instance, Miami tried a zone and got severely burned).

Also, with his new contract, can't Kirk pay for him mom to get a little dental work?  It's the least he could do.

Finally - it is great to see the Bulls playing on Mothers' Day again - even if we'll probably lose this series in five.  I still am glad we're in the second round.  Also love Deng giving the shoutout to "all the mothers".  He's the best...

by corey williams corey benjamin on May 13, 2007 9:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It's mother's day
and you and miles are going to rip on Hinrich's mom?  that's crass.  At least wait for tomorrow...

by bullshooter on May 13, 2007 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Admittedly...
...it was a cheap shot.  But I don't really see what it being Mothers' Day has to do with it.  I don't expect Mrs. Hinrich is reading this.  No offense, Matt.

by corey williams corey benjamin on May 14, 2007 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

none taken by me
but I insist you apologize to sue :-)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey I was
just as surprised by her appearance as any of you.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kirk's sis, otoh,
does read Bulls stuff on the net.  She may be lurking..........

by KT on May 14, 2007 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh my god
I ment Tyrus.
God please win tonight.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 13, 2007 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tyson?
Chandler?

Or Mike?

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

head nodding

by Paxson Jackson on May 13, 2007 9:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Here's the thing
the value of Duhon's playing time is not in the points and assists that he isn't putting up, it's the rest that he's affording Hinrich and Gordon while not turning over the ball.  He played 11 minutes which was a 3 min break for Hinrich in the first half and 8 minutes for Gordon.  That rest allowed both to be more aggressive later in the game.

As for Skiles, he played Deng the whole game and Hinrich for "only" 45 minutes.  I don't know how anyone can expect Deng to have anything in the 4th or Hinrich either.  Both shot poorly in the 4th.  Thabo could sub for Deng for a couple of minutes.  He must be another "peripheral" guy.  Would anybody be shocked if I said I don't get Skiles?

by bullshooter on May 13, 2007 10:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think the idea is
to find guys who are less of a detriment while they're on the floor. Pax needs to find someone who doesn't hurt the team while the starters are resting.
If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There is no bigger
Du fan here than I. I really do think that he could be a starting PG for a championship team, the way Derek Fisher was for the Lakers. But if he's part of an equal opportunity offense, the way the Bulls want him to be, and especially if he has to be the distributer, he's going to struggel. He needs to be a part-time ball carrier, tough defender, good spot-up jump shooter. And that's not what the Bulls need right now.

So we need someone bigger, who can guard folks like Billups, and who can take over the ball-handling duties in this offense from time to time.

I'm just wondering if that "someone" wasn't Brandon Roy.

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yikes
Duhon can't shoot, and how the heck did Roy get into this?

by Paxson Jackson on May 13, 2007 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yikes
Duhon can shoot open threes, which (to continue my Fisher analogy) would be the shots he would be provided with in this purely hypothetical, low-post based offense.

And I was one of those pushing hard for the Bulls to take Roy last draft. I am obviously enamored with Thomas (see my sig), but in my worst imaginings I still see Roy in a Bulls uniform gobbling up Duhon's minutes.

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Deng can kick the ball
from halfcourt into the hoop, if he's open. Duhon's a terrible shooter.

by Paxson Jackson on May 13, 2007 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not terrible
36% from 3, 69th in the league. No, he's not Steve Kerr. But a lot of those are those terrible, terrible 3s he takes when he comes down the floor and launches it 3 feet beyond the line with 19 on the shot clock.
If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

its not about %
Duhon passes up lots of shots that a good shooting guard would take and score on.  His % does not show the problem, which is the offense of Bulls is based on perimeter and Duhon is not a perimeter player who looks to score very often.  The Bulls can't afford to have so many non offense threat and if its him and Gordon on floor they are both short on D  

by NY Chicago Fan on May 14, 2007 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd say
he's a middling to good set shooter.  He's not good at dribbling and shooting, and I wish he would understand this.

The problem is, when he's on the court, he's either a) replacing Gordon, thus crippling the offense or b) replacing Hinrich, thus depleting the defense.  This is exacerbated by the Bulls already having a player in Big Ben that doesn't command on offense.  He just doesn't fit in as well as he would on another team.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 13, 2007 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Speaking of which...
There's a team in Los Angeles that needs just that kind of PG.  Unfortunately, I don't know what we'd want from them.  Walton, the best player realistically available, is an unrestricted free agent.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 13, 2007 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really think they can handle heavy minutes
I have less of a problem overplaying Kirk and Luol than I did with PJ.

It's the playoffs and the rotations shorten (I'm sure we would've seen 40+ for Chauncey and Rip if the games had been close this series), the best players need to be out there as much as possible. Plus the TV timeouts in the playoffs seem nearly twice as long, which should help. It's hard to prove that the rest early in the game allows for more agressiveness later. I'm not saying it isn't possible but I'm not willing to make that leap.

Not that I don't advocate giving them some rest though. Agreed on Thabo, not only could he spell Deng for a short stretch, but Hinrich too

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 13, 2007 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think what you mean is...
Podsednik & Erstad:Nocioni & Duhon::Ozzie:Skiles

by colintj on May 13, 2007 10:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nah
Nocioni's production is above league average (unlike the mentioned out-machines). Skiles "peripheral" quotes are borderline Ozzie, although a tad more elegant.

by Paxson Jackson on May 13, 2007 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I only hope that whatever Paxson does,
he gets a fair deal.  With Noc semi-injured right now, it's quite possible that they won't get a better player in return.  Unless Isiah Thomas is involved.

Meanwhile, a lot of people who don't watch Chicago games seem to be high on Duhon.  I remember one article linked from here recently saying he could be the point guard on a championship team (right...).  Plus, the pool of guards is pretty thin this off-season.  So maybe we could swing something nice with him.  It's not that I don't like the guy, I just don't think a small defensive guard fits well on a team with two better small guards, one of which is defensive.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 13, 2007 10:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sam Smith would
say you're overrating Noc. The Bulls probably won't be getting a better player unless the Knicks' pick is included in a Nocioni deal, and the basic point of get-rid-of-Noc is Thomas playing more power forward. The upgrade is already on the roster, the Bulls don't need a better Nocioni.

by Paxson Jackson on May 13, 2007 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't say what a fair deal would be.
So how can I be overrating Noc?  I don't really have any idea what they could get for him, so I'm intentionally non-rating him.  I have this feeling that he's a Bull next year, though.  The FA market might not be friendly to him so soon after a bum foot and a so-so playoff appearance, and the Bulls will give him an offer, even if it's not fantastic.

I would agree that Thomas is the future at that spot.  Either that or he's a disappointment.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 13, 2007 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What do you guys think of Jason Richardson
seems like the Warriors have a glut of guards.

by bullshooter on May 13, 2007 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They also have a glut
of 6'7" guys who are gritty and can take 3s. No way they want Noc.
If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would take him
in a second.  But, he's making 10 mil a year.  I don't think he'd fit under the cap, unless they're planning on re-signing BG and Deng next year.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 13, 2007 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

obviously, there'd be a trade
but it's a little early to talk about that kind of thing.

by bullshooter on May 13, 2007 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any chance
we trade with division rival and get nocioni to cleveland for drew gooden?  Wouldnt mind that trade.
If they resign Varejao it could work out for them.

Maybe we can also send of duhon for eric snow...jk.  

by Sambossanova on May 13, 2007 10:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Duhon
is a sort of rich man's Eric Snow, but when Snow was in his prime.

And littler.

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 13, 2007 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

didn't watch consistently until
the last 2:00. as soon as i checked in the first the starting fing up, so i took one and didn't watch. i'll follow that the rest of the way out.

win one on their court. make it exciting.

by mike bornemann on May 13, 2007 11:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wait... Wallace used to play for the Pistons?!?!
If I took a shot for everytime Tirico mentioned that Ben Wallace used to play for the Pistons ("... and Rasheed snatches the rebound away from his former teammate!") I'd be drunk enough to hold me over until Tuesday's game.  

Everyone (except Matt) feeling a little better?

by paxson43 on May 13, 2007 11:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I do.
Now if Skiles would play more Tyrus and maybe even I don't know Sefo now and then. Really Tyrus needs to play more. The only way that kid will learn is by being thrown in the fire.They will be happy they did years from now. He is the future of this team. Down 3-1 what do you have to loose? I was going to say something else but I forgot.
God please win tonight.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 14, 2007 3:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

man Im kinda sick of playing
Detroit. I wonder how the series would be had Bulls won game 3. I found this game to be very sloppy. Man Detroit is ugly.
God please win tonight.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 14, 2007 3:48 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

lol
No it's not. I've never been to a Bulls game but am hoping next season to make it to one.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that is pretty sweet
I want some more pics like that.

by SRQman on May 14, 2007 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love watching Tyrus...
...dunk from far away. With his arms out-stretched  and his shoulders even with the remember. It totally reminds me of Go-Go Gadget Arms!

by tyger1147 on May 14, 2007 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Should've been...
...shoulders "seemingly" even with the rim.

by tyger1147 on May 14, 2007 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Demoted diary from Knowledge32
I was happy to see Kirk decided to play again! Thank you for showing up! But he still looked tenative in attacking to me. I almost threw up when we blew the lead again. Playing not to lose looks like the philosophy we have adopted when in control of a game...and that is an ugly way to play Basketball. Ty Thomas, once again, electric. I thought he played good, not great, but good enough to be starting this series over PJ. How big does that game 3 look now?

But interested in everyone's thoughts. How did we do last night?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 9:06 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Noc Bashing - Hinrich Praises
There is too much Noc bashing. Noc is not yet 100% and remember he was 05/06 Bulls player of the year.

There is too much Hinrich praises.  Kirk has not displayed consistency and is an average PG in this league.   He is not a take charge PG.  Look at Deron Williams of Utah, in his second year this guy is playing like a stud at PG.  Kirk is just a decent player that has reached his ceiling in the current offensive Bulls strategy.
He really needs two players types that the Bulls don't have that would compliment his game and highlight his strengths.   He needs a big/tall (a true 6'4" +) defensive/offensive SG that he can share point guard responsibilities and defensive assignment with 50% of the time while both are on the floor.  He needs a low-post offensive/defensive front-court stud to enhance his perimeter game.  Note: Kirk and Gordon are interchangable and/or expendable with this type of SG.
   

by exult463 on May 14, 2007 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

according to CDW?
This team is beyond first-round exits.  If Noc is your best player your team sucks, so unlike Skiles I don't think the team owes him anything.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

reason for noc bashing?
Is it a numbers game or contract ceiling issue from your point of view?  He is not 100% yet. Ease up!

by exult463 on May 14, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rocky Balboa?
Much can be said about theses rocky balboa types! john stockton had some good defensive days, but was skinny and took a lot of beatings and elbows to the face. He, like kirk, can't stop stronger - faster guards when its crunch time.  Kirk is taking his share of elbows to the face, and dunks similiar to flip murry's facial.  For God sake, I don't enjoy see the seventh and eigth episode of Rock Balboa.  Paxson, is there a similiar Brandon Roy type available this summer to compliment Kirk?

by exult463 on May 14, 2007 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

john stockton had some good defensive days
Yeah, all-time career leader in steals.

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

john stockton
was unassuming. a true warrior, a future hall of framer, and seem not to regard the praise of man!  I only mention him in the same context for the physical abuse he endued.  Did utah ever really find a right backcourt mate for stockton? someone who routinely took on the role as defensive stopper (similiar to Bruce Bowen+3pts).  Jeff Hornacek could score, like Ben Gordon?  But stockton has mr. defense.  Utah didn't win a champsionship.  still Kirk's no stockton!

by exult463 on May 14, 2007 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok! Pax-Jac
If you were GM for a summer, who would you attempt to compliment Kirk with at guard? Lets say Gordon moved to 6th man!

by exult463 on May 14, 2007 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

jason richardson
did I telegraph that one?

by bullshooter on May 14, 2007 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoping divine will lands me at the game
I've been aching to dust off the old "repeat the three-peat". Fans have a responsibility to demand excellence.

by Seth on May 14, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That made me laugh!
But it is true - after that rather tepid 3-10 start, BG did go off on a perfect 1-1 streak to finish the game!  ;)

I really do like BG - I worry about his defense and ball handling, but I appreciate his shooting/scoring and how hard he has worked to improve, so this isn't an attack on him.  He got to the free throw line often, made them all, and is working on the defensive end.  I've just been baffled by the Sun-Times' coverage - I don't know how you can say Ben found his rhythm when he went 4-11.

Yanks sign Clemens: more evidence that the evil empire believes money solves everything.

by wjb1492 on May 14, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't
get it either. Oh well.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder and I hope I see
what our team would look like if we had someone who generates a double-team inside.  Our guards, particularly Gordon may really become super-stars.

by chgobr on May 14, 2007 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, Sue, did you see this one?
Just to round out the whole Sun-Times loves Gordon and hates Hinrich saga:

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/couch/384498,CST-SPT-greg14.article

I don't know how he can say he didn't mean that article as a back-handed compliment.

Yanks sign Clemens: more evidence that the evil empire believes money solves everything.

by wjb1492 on May 14, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's a hatchet job
Hinrich should be the sixth man?  wow.

by bullshooter on May 14, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's the same writer that called him
"the fourth or fifth best player on the team" during the Heat series.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/couch/353117,CST-SPT-greg22.article

(Needless to say, I completely disagree.)

Yanks sign Clemens: more evidence that the evil empire believes money solves everything.

by wjb1492 on May 14, 2007 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Obviously
Greg Couch was a bench player in his high school days. The man has no clue. I'm going to send him an email but I'm going to wait until my blood pressure comes down.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The post above
was about the Bouncing Back article.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I heard back
from Greg Couch this afternoon. He meant that article to come across as not complimentary. He thinks Kirk is far far overrated and makes a million mistakes and made many of them yesterday. Then he says that Kirk has been promoted to be the star of the team , he's a good player the kind you want on your team but not good enough to be the focus of a top team. He said Gordon is too short to be the "star" of the team. Then he asked if I was related to Kirk.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What an ass.
I'm sure I notice more because it's on Kirk, but I'd think Couch was an asshole for ripping on the same guy over and over even if he was doing it to a player I don't like.

I think he has officially reached the Jay Mariotti level of dislike from me.

Yanks sign Clemens: more evidence that the evil empire believes money solves everything.

by wjb1492 on May 14, 2007 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I share the TT, Thabo frustration excellently
described above by Matt.  Is Skiles capable of tolerating dumb plays by rookies?  He sems to tolerate the same dumb plays by Noc, Du and PJ.  When TT is doing great and does something foolish I wonder if Skiles is going to rip him from the game.  TT is one of the few Bulls that can change a game around.  We at times have struggled with Billups. Why Skiles doesn't give Thabo a reasonable chance really frustrates me. I would be a wreck thinking one mistake and I'm back on the bench.  There are games TT and/or Thabo are way off and need to sit.   However, TT seems one of the few Bulls who can make the Pistons think before shooting.  He also is capable of making Detroit focus inside opening up our guards.

by chgobr on May 14, 2007 10:24 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Love this pic too.
http://www.suntimes.com/-1,bullsgal13.photogallery?index=9
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 10:46 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yesterday
How has this monster grown? It seems that minute by minute, another article appears on line somewhere about how meaningless this game was.

Excuse me if I differ completely. I know many people have often said that this series could easily have been tied right now 2-2. But I have the feeling that no one really means it.

You know those games where Skiles will say in the post game interviews that if a certain shot goes in, we would be talking about completely different game.  Well I feel that way about Game 3 and yesterday.

You get the feeling that the Bulls aren't "ready" for the 2nd round in the playoffs with all this rubbish going around the interent. Or the Bulls don't have that "2nd gear" Detroit has when they wish to use it.

It's complete bullshit. I promise you that had the Bulls made a couple more of them lucrative 4th quarter shots in Game 3 or had Rasheed Wallace missed that last second, 3rd quarter 3 in game 3, everyone would be talking about how both teams have held court so far at home. And this series was everything people had thought it would be before it started.

I'm sorry but I don't buy all this crap everyone is selling about the Bulls not having what Detroit has. The Bulls do have it. It's there if a couple shots go in in game 3.

Like Skiles says, "If that shot goes in, we would be talking about a completely different game right now."

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 14, 2007 10:49 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

agreed
Best comment ever, by the way.

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks
and I mean it.
The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 14, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Skiles should regard the percentages:
drives, layup, converting foul for 3 pointers, and drawing free throw shots have a higher percentage of going down than long jump shots!

by exult463 on May 14, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yesterday had
to be a huge morale boost for our team. I'm hoping yesterday was the beginning of a turn around for the Bulls.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

even if they tied up the series
The Bulls tied it up against Miami with two emphatic home-court victories...and then they lost the next two and were done. Looking back it's hard to believe that they ever truly had the Heat in trouble, and instead Miami could put the Bulls away when they felt like it, and did.

I don't think it has anything to do with what round of the playoffs they're in, but in terms of this series and against this Pistons team they've proven to be the lesser team so far, and it really hasn't been close. They would have to get a win in Detroit for me to feel otherwise, to be honest.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think Option
was disputing who's a better team, just pointing out the faults of the Bulls are purely on the court, not in NBA Playoffs Clicheland. And Detroit's zone is nothing special. As ong as we're bringing up the past, I want this picture framed and on my mantle by the end of the week.

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly
The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 14, 2007 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cartwright in Sacramento rumors
inspired some 'surfing'.
"It's all fun," Williams said after his Chicago debut. "Chi-town definitely has a few dogs in the house. There's a certain mentality a dog gets when his socks are above the calf."

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the JYD debut was fun
although not as good as Jalen Rose's first home game. That game was awesome, Jalen played great, was getting the crowd into it, and Tom Dore said 'make no mistake fans, this guy is a STAR'.

Oh god, I'm smiling just thinking about that. Not sure if it's because that game was such a great memory or in retrospect so ridiculously off the team's trend after that point. We still owe Krause a big thanks for doing his best to make sure Artest didn't punch a Chicagoan.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funny to read things in retrospect.
From the same article:

"Yeah, I think it's on us because they based so much on our future," guard Jamal Crawford says. "Eddy, Tyson and I are the future of the Chicago Bulls..."

Yanks sign Clemens: more evidence that the evil empire believes money solves everything.

by wjb1492 on May 14, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tyrus has the b-ball I.Q. of a fifth grader
(exaggerating for effect)

Can I agree with everything you say and also point out that Skiles just doesn't trust this kid.  The way Noc is playing hurt, and to a lesser extent, P.J., Skiles really has no choice but to play him.

by GWKD on May 14, 2007 11:10 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't see the 'Tyrus is dumb' argument
I think he's shown he's a pretty smart player in some of the passes he makes. His turnovers seem more out of lack of execution than decison-making, although part of that decision-making is knowing what you can and can't do...

Anyway, I think Noc and Gordon are lower b-ball IQ (define it however you wish) players. Sweets is up there too. And I'd rank Tyrus far ahead of Chandler in that department already.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tyrus
seems to show us what he thinks he can do.  All those jump shots and passes are examples.  He's got a lot of self-confidence and if his physical game catches up to his mental game, he's going to be a force.  That said, it'd be better if he played within his current limits, at least for the later rounds of the playoffs.

by bullshooter on May 14, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he does most of the time
I like that he isn't passing up open shots, and even if he forces the issue on passes it's better than standing still and turning it over.

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's a reason he's open on those shots
It's because you can count on one hand the number of jump shots he's made this season.  He needs to work on his jumper in the offseason, not in the middle of the NBA playoffs.

by Big D on May 14, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mind if he takes them
um...only if they're down on the shotclock. The Bulls are masters at getting the ball to a guy who can't score (normally Wallace) with 5 seconds left.

I think only one shot he took was over-doing it, because it was early in the posession. It was still 'open', and I'll consider it a 'heat check' after that sweet spin-layup thing he had earlier.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you allow some dreamin'
Imagine if he makes one, then two! ;)

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

whoa whoa whoa
my definition:  given equal size and athletic ability, who would be the better basketball player?  

by GWKD on May 14, 2007 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you guys see the heart-warming...
...story about Hinrich's fortune-telling?

Apparently, as a 16-year-old sophomore or junior a teacher had the kids write down what the kids thought they'd be doing in 10 years. Hinrich's mother saved all his old school stuff (as did those weird moms). for whatever reason, she got it out.

What did it say?

That Kirk Hinrich thought he'd be the starting point guard for the Chicago Bulls when he was 26. That's crazy talk (but, of course, not that crazy).

by tyger1147 on May 14, 2007 12:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah i saw that commercial
actually hasnt it been running all year? and i think at the UC too.
Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 14, 2007 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually
his 8th grade English teacher had them write what they wanted to be doing in 10 years. He wrote that he wanted to be the starting point guard for the Bulls. It was in the paper last year.
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My 8th grade teacher asked me what I wanted
to be doing in 10 years - - I told her a blogger on Blogabull.

by chgobr on May 14, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL
I'm glad I'm not the only one. That's freaking hilarious.
Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 14, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nice sig
I've got to hand it to you CHI homers, some of y'all are pretty funny.  Well, at least those that can read, speak, and type in english (without a thesaurus!).
Danny Crawford does not like the Pistons, as evidenced in Game 4.

by Boney on May 14, 2007 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey boner
You can only stay if contributing, not chiming in with lame comebacks to anything anti-detRIOT or anti-PiSTONES. That is the cross you must bear as a non-bulls fan, sorry.

Besides, looks like your services are required elsewhere.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 14, 2007 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

man, sourpuss action big time
I'll contribute to the basketball discussion, as long as everyone else is held to the same requirement.  I'm not trolling, simply talking back to those that try to pick arguments with me.
Danny Crawford does not like the Pistons, as evidenced in Game 4.

by Boney on May 14, 2007 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because Rasheed Wallace
and you have such a strong connection with each other.

Boney, I've been trying not to be an ass to you, but it's really hard when you're this annoying.

And you've yet to answer my question: why ARE YOU HERE when you said that you'd leave?!

Leave man, no one wants you here.

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 15, 2007 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love how
you're the guy leading the charge.  It's "ironical".

by bullshooter on May 15, 2007 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is ironic the only word you know?
Weirdo
Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 15, 2007 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Had to comment twice about this
Are you so immature that, even though I misinterpreted your context in one diary, you have to start the God-He-tried-To-Insult-Me-So-I'm-Going-to-Make-Fun-of-Him dynamic again? How old are you?
Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 15, 2007 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bing! Clang! Tonk!
Hear that?  That's me banging the pots and pans in your kitchen.  If it wasn't so easy...

:-P

by bullshooter on May 15, 2007 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hm
Touche, sir.
Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 15, 2007 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

different requirements for you
apparently you missed that part of my comment.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 15, 2007 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really can't wait until you leave.
Really.
Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 14, 2007 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And it's a dream come true
History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is there any real possibility we could land Amare?
From the Trib:

"Can the Bulls get a post scorer? Can they get an inside presence? Can they get a star, seemingly the missing piece against the Pistons. There'll be talk this summer about Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal, Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Drew Gooden, perhaps Andrew Bogut -- if the Bucks get Greg Oden -- Darko Milicic, Marcus Camby and perhaps Amare Stoudemire if the Suns lose to the Spurs."

Two questions:

(1) Is there any real possibility we could acquire Amare?;

(2) Do we need a post scorer? I know it has almost become cannon to say that the Bulls need a post scorer, expecially when they are down 3-1 to the Pistons, but is it truly necessary and desirable in the modern NBA, which is moving towards a fast-paced, fluid style? Maybe it is, but I was wondering what others thought.

by 1958ChiTown on May 14, 2007 3:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I've heard Amare's name floated around if
they could Durant in return, but Marion has always been the one in Suns trade talks.  But, I'm not sure what the market for Marion is.  He has to play in an uptempo system for a team that doesn't mind playing him at the 4 alot.  I don't see anyway the Suns part with Amare.  

I'm relieved that the Bulls losses didn't lead many here to jump on the post scorer band wagon again.  They need better post scoring, but not a low post player.  They need what the Pistons have, several players they can throw to in the post to get a shot.  Deng will be able to that.  I believe Tyrus will be able to do that.  I'm hoping the new draft pick will be able to do that.  Three guys who could score from the post when needed would be all this team would need.  

by Scotter on May 14, 2007 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

First rule of trading
You do not trade for a player on the same team as Nash.  

Hawks-Joe Johnson
Knicks-Quentin Richardson
Clippers-Tim Thomas

All three of these players owe Nash millions for their current contract.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 14, 2007 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

gawaaah?
Joe Johnson is a pretty good player who has improved post-Nash. The Knicks were aware of Q's back problem when they traded for him, and Tim Thomas has been a slug for years. A few okay games for the Suns didn't get him that contract, the Clippers' front office dunces should have known better.

by Paxson Jackson on May 14, 2007 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I should have been clearer
You are right that Johnson is good, but his contract was better than good.  My belief is that anyone traded from the Suns right now will be paid more than they are worth, because they have the best PG in the game feeding them shots.  This isn't a knock on any players, per se.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 14, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kind of like the ex-1998 Bulls?
Luc Longley in particular got a lot of money from some one (Pheonix, I think) in a sign & trade when the Bulls broke up the 1998 team.
Wrecked 'em? Damn near killed 'em!

by mdmnd9294 on May 14, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Those three have nothing to do with Nash.
It's the product of three awful GMs.  Joe Johnson turned out to be a star, the Hawks just gave up way too much for him.  Only Isiah thought Richardson was  a better than average player.  Elgin Baylor's record is well established.  Richardson played just as well before Nash as he did with Nash.  Thomas was a playoff stud in a contract year for Milwaukee long before last year's performance.  I love Nash, but he didn't make any of these guys better.  

by Scotter on May 14, 2007 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes and yes
I'd say there's a slight possibility we can get Amare. And yes we need a low post scorer bad.

by bu11s on May 14, 2007 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Low-post scorer?
Is it truly a "low-post scorer" that the Bulls need, or is it a "big" 4 or 5 that can score?  Granted that Wallace & Webber can score in the post, but what kills the Bulls is the way these guys pull our bigs away from the basket with their outside shooting.  It opens up the floor for driving, cutting, and offensive rebounding.

With the Bulls style offensively, wouldn't it be enough to have a big that can score consistently, regardless of the location on the floor?

Wrecked 'em? Damn near killed 'em!

by mdmnd9294 on May 14, 2007 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's both
they really need scoring from  a 4 or a 5 that involves more than a 15 foot jumper.  If Tyrus becomes a semi-consistent shooter from 12 feet in, he's going to be able to score by facing up and driving.  But, they need someone not necessarily a four or five who can score from a postup position, when the team needs to slow the tempo or just get a high % shot when things are going bad.  

by Scotter on May 14, 2007 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still think
they need a low-post scorer.

by bu11s on May 14, 2007 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure about Amare
On the one hand it seems unreal to think Phoenix would even consider trading him, but on the other I've read/heard little pieces here and there suggesting it might happen because his attitude sucks - and if that's true, would we want him?

On the trade front, saw this in Hollinger's chat on ESPN Insider today - not sure it would be the solution, but it's an interesting thought, since Bulls need a 4 and Utah a 3.

Kent (Brooklyn): Kirilenko to Bulls for the Knicks' first-round pick and Duhon. Could it happen?

 John Hollinger: No. Any deal with AK is complicated by his salary, which I believe is in the $13 million range next year. So you'd have to send a couple big contracts back to Utah. What would work would be a sign-and-trade of Nocioni, plus a couple smaller dead-weight contracts (hello, Viktor Khryapa).

Yanks sign Clemens: more evidence that the evil empire believes money solves everything.

by wjb1492 on May 14, 2007 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nocioni for Artest and
Duhon for his therapist.
God please win tonight.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 14, 2007 3:31 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Draft pick and PA guy for
Elton Brand.
God please win tonight.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 14, 2007 3:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

While you're at it
why not show a clip from the great '05 season for the White Sox?

Even better, try and dig through history to find a video of the famous 6-4-3 DP combo from the 1908 Cubs.

It'd be just as relevant as the video you just pointed out.

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 14, 2007 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cause I don't think baseball
is as exciting. Plus Before MJ it was Sweetness and I always get chills watching number 34. Not Joe Creede or whatever his name is.
Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 14, 2007 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting video here.
Hell, if you're going to hit him make it count.

http://blog.mlive.com:80/fullcourtpress/2007/05/is_kirk_hinrich_a_dirty_player.html

History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 14, 2007 8:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that's what I thought
If Hinrich was going to hit him in the junk, I think Flip would have felt it.  Or Flip is wearing a cup.  

by bullshooter on May 14, 2007 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe Flip has a PUSS.
Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 14, 2007 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The fact
knowledge32:  Which UConn team did you watch? On 2003-04 UConn basketball team, Taliek Brown (not B Gordon) was the PG. TB got criticized a lot for being a mediocre PG.  However, he was still a better college PG than BG and that's why coach Calhoun didn't use BG as a PG (he played SG position in college). If BG couldn't even unseat a mediocre PG at the college level, how can he suddenly become a good PG in the NBA? Even if somehow the not-so-smart Skiles moves him to the PG position, he still canNOT guard anyone and the Bulls still have problem against the teams that have two very good starting guards who both can defend; unfortunately all good teams (except the Heats) have...  Kidd, Billups, Arena... would destroy him (and don't forget the elite or good PGs in the west).  Hasn't Billups already done so?  
Hinrich can play against any PGs in the NBA if he doesn't have to spend so much energy chasing the opposite tall SGs. See his performance during the regular season games when he played against Arena, Billups, T Parker... Also, check the ESPN rating for games 1, 3 and 4 in this series. Hinrich has ratings similar to Billups (you only need to play 4 good games to win a series). When factoring in the fact that Hinrich had to exert so much energy to guard an all-star SG like Hamilton who is 4 inches taller than him (sometimes he tried to guard both Hamilton and Billups at similar time), we say Hinrich played better than his counterpart (PG) since Billups mainly needed to guard BG who would be a backup SG on many other teams (eg, Spurs, Suns, Pistons, Warrior, Raps, Nets... even on some sub .5 teams such as Hawks, Kings, Knicks, Bucks...). If Hinrich had a SG like Hamilton as his backcourtmate, he would have a triple-double in game 3.  How can the Bulls win a championship (not to mention championships) when TWO of your starting 5 mainly play at one end of the floor (you can't even pass the second round)??? Have you noticed that you play 4 on 5 at both ends of the floor???

by smton on May 15, 2007 3:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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