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Your newest Chicago Bull

I kept waiting for that bow tie to spin

Pax help us all.

I can't imagine liking this pick as recently as a few weeks ago, but lets focus on the good things that Noah does. He's 7 feet.  He can man-defend the center position, good help defender and shotblocker, and on offense he can run, pass, catch and finish.

That's a pretty good player, and that's not going into the intangibles like his 'proven winner' status.

There's also those negative intangibles, such as: he's annoying as hell.

But hey, they're equally unimportant in my eyes.

The way the top ten unfolded was all pointing towards Noah. The only way you can be really upset over this pick is if you thought Spencer Hawes was something special. I don't know if he is, and Pax thought he wasn't. Hawes and Noah worked out against eachother, so I'm guessing a lot was learned then about both.

But Yi and Brendan Wright were gone. Jeff Green and Corey Brewer were gone. It may have been a case with those other guys, but I can't see a time in the future when an NBA team is kicking themselves over not taking Spencer Hawes. Not that he can't or won't be good, but he's not some uber-upside chance that was there for the taking. Sure Pax went safe, but to me it was a safe pick with no real good risks to be taken.

And as a semi-impatient fan, at least we know what we're getting with Noah. This team gets even better on defense, gets size(!), and can really really run on offense. Shotblocking, rebounding, and bigs running the floor are crucial to a high-paced offense, and what better frontcourt mates for that then Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas, and Joakim Noah?

But no, that frontcourt isn't complete. We know they need a low-post scorer, Pax knows they need a low-post scorer. There's still free agency and the possibly nutso sign-and-trades that may follow. The low-post scorer wasn't to be found at #9, so what's wrong with taking a guy you know will immediately fit your team? He's replacing Malik Allen in the rotation for chrissakes.

Even if it will take me a while to get used to rooting for him.

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FWIW
Hollinger's ratings had Aaron Gray rated higher than Spencer Hawes. If you believe his rankings (they look good applied to past drafts) then we basically got a better player than Hawes that can do the same things in the 2nd round... plus Noah.

I really wanted Wright to slip, but i'm happy with Noah. One thing to keep in mind: this gives the Bulls more flexibility in dealing Wallace's contract as part of a deal to get a low-post scorer.

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Jun 29, 2007 12:29 AM CDT reply actions  

and sooner than that
if a blockbuster deal comes up soon, now they can deal Tyrus or Noah (not that they're equals) without the fear of depleting the frontcourt too much.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 29, 2007 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

This outfit goes down in draft history
With the 9th pick, the Chicago Bulls select......Pee Wee Herman!!!

by bigballa10 on Jun 29, 2007 12:34 AM CDT reply actions  

If he is Pee Wee Herman
Whats the Over/Under on him getting arrested for indecent exposure at a XXX theater?

6 months?

by Wade.Jones on Jun 29, 2007 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

With that hair
If he does, he'll be arrested quickly.
Let's finish Zeke off with a diamond in the rough!

by cubbybear on Jun 29, 2007 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

Pee Wee
lives in my town and got in trouble in a movie thearther that I used to go to. He also goes to my dad's hardware store. More useless facts to come later!!!

by SRQman on Jun 29, 2007 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

malone had a shitty suit
and he turned out well....because its such a strong relation between the two

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

Free Agents=Undrafteds
I think Pax will try a few 6'10-7'0 to possibly put pressure on the "Team" to provide some of the low post deficiencies hopefully not too many Andriuskevicius-ish players.

by A Train Afro 53 on Jun 29, 2007 12:40 AM CDT reply actions  

kyle visser
could be a name to watch, but he's uglier than Noah ... and, no, i'm not talking about his game.

by CookDing on Jun 29, 2007 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

he got the ladies when he was in HS
and aaron gray and jameson aren't lookers either

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

Noah's game
would complement Amare's pretty well. Maybe you send TT and Loul to Minnesota and find a 4th team maybe that would be interested in Wallace if you could get some nice pieces. I'll hit trade machine in the morning and see what I can find.

by LD9 on Jun 29, 2007 12:54 AM CDT reply actions  

Trade machine
Before I get blasted, I have never used the trade machine before.  Money-wise, the deal works, but value-wise it doesn't really add up as well as it should.  Maybe someone can modify it and make it work out better...or just shit-can it all together.  Without further ado, here it is
Like I said, it isn't really even, but I decided to give it a shot anyways.  I hope someone else can come up with a better deal.  And no, it doesn't address our need for low-post scoring.

by cliff levingston on Jun 29, 2007 5:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

wow...that was bad
The more I look at this trade, the worse it looks. It is wrong in too many ways to count. I think I'll take a mulligan on that one and never use trade machine again.  Better luck to the "experts."

by cliff levingston on Jun 29, 2007 7:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

minny would never do it
its too good...mchale would spontainsouly combust...

lakers dont get shit in return

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I know
...that is why I said I'm going to stay away from the trade machine. I am suprised, though, that no one else has come up with any trade ideas.

by cliff levingston on Jun 29, 2007 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

wha?
krunk night!!!.... pardon the typing.... i think its a decent pick. but, it should be dealt for something good( kobe,kg, zr). so, we have the whole summer to get it gooin!. to many forwards, i think kobe will BE in a chicago jersey before summer camp..............the trade will be kobe to chicago fo BG and noc..............and i think thats it ........MANNNNNNNNNNNN
I WAKE TOMARROW AND LOOKE AT THIS LIKE WHAT THE F**K. IM OUT BRO

by tomcat on Jun 29, 2007 12:56 AM CDT reply actions  

I was really getting into the Debate the ESPN
 panel of experts were having about the Bulls and Noah. It got really Heated and then the next pick came up and it was moving on. They said they would get back to it but I don't remember them ever getting back to it. They should start the draft at 5:00 next year. Although I don't think I will be watching as I did this year because the Bulls are not going to be in the Lottery. Oh yeah I will. I don't really know about the Aaron Gray pick. He looks rather heavy. I can see him getting cut.
I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 29, 2007 1:00 AM CDT reply actions  

Take that photo down right now
Jesus, nobody should be subjected to that without warning.  Besides, children come here.

by Big D on Jun 29, 2007 1:01 AM CDT reply actions  

at least its not
the video of him dancing.  Ben Wallace will smack him if he is going to be goofy.  

by Wade.Jones on Jun 29, 2007 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Noah's going to look back someday and be like
what the fuuuucccc was I doing?
I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 29, 2007 1:03 AM CDT reply actions  

I really like this pick...
The Bulls finally have a generally energetic player in Noah, on and off the court. A goof, if you will. I think every championship team needs to have a personality on it somewhere, whether it's a star or role player. Spurs are pretty much the exception. Lakers and Heat had Shaq; Pistons had Sheed; and late 90's Bulls had Rodman.

As much as the current Bulls played with energy on the court, they were that dull in the locker room for post-game. Noah is going to be a fan favorite as soon as he runs the floor for an and-1 alley oop play or a blocked shot.

In Pax We Trust! DAAA BULLS!

by RingItUp26 on Jun 29, 2007 1:12 AM CDT reply actions  

If Noah wasn't a freakin Sanjaya wanna be,
I would feel better about the pick.  From a pure basketball perspective Noah makes alot of sense. He's 7 ft. He's another athletic defender that can trap the pick and roll and recover, and rebounds well enough.  He can play at the Bulls pace on offense and defense.  He's a consistent jumpshot away from being very effective in the pick and roll on offense.  His consistency with that ugly ass jumper he has now indicates he has a chance to develop a solid jump shot.  Take away the hair, idiotic statements, dancing, and spaz behavior and I'd be thrilled.    

by Scotter on Jun 29, 2007 1:12 AM CDT reply actions  

100% agree...
About something. I forgot.

Oh yeah.

Who the hell else were they going to take? Spencer Hawes is the ONLY other option--unless you think Julian Wright can be really special and you wanted to trade Luol Deng down the road. Or Acie Law XLVII.

As you said, if Yi (Eeeeeee!!!) or Wright or even Brewer fell... then you think about it. But in the end, this pick was a no-brainer. He was definitely the best player available, and if he fits exactly into what the Bulls are---well, hooo dawg!

Yeah, um...

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 29, 2007 1:27 AM CDT reply actions  

What else Noah brings Chicago
...besides that seersucker suit is that he's a fantastic leader and teammate.  Throughout the Finals, I noticed how much Tim Duncan would talk to his guys on the way to the bench and I think that's something this Bulls team needs more of.  Noah brings that.

by paxson43 on Jun 29, 2007 1:55 AM CDT reply actions  

I guess, but
that's because he's Tim Duncan.

My point is Noah doesn't have the track record to start talking up everybody on every play. However it's not like the Bulls are full of guys who'd resent it either.

Ok, Tyrus may punch him in the stomach once or twice.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 29, 2007 2:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

also
can anyone dig up that slurp piece TrueHoop did on Noah and his talking to teammates that ran a couple months ago?

Of course since switching to ESPN they had to get rid of the blog search and use the general ESPN search, yuck.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 29, 2007 2:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

They heart Noah
TYI:
Granted all of that, I ask you to look two years down the road and imagine a starting five of Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Ty Thomas and Noah. Outside of Phoenix (and by this time, Nash'll be getting pretty long in the tooth), is there a single team in the NBA that can run the floor with that group? (That team also could play some serious defense, with shots getting swatted like flies.)

TrueHoop:
Thorpe and I were just on the phone, and he adds that Noah is a rare combination. "He's selfless in the best way possible," says Thorpe. "Yet he's also a tiger. He pounds his chest, screams, and plays unbelievably hard. A lot of selfless guys are just happy to be there. Not Noah. He just doesn't care about himself and his stats. He just wants to win."

And that involves teammates.


Sekou Smith:
Seriously, if Noah's available anywhere after Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, the teams that passes on him is absolutely NUTS! He's a guy that's going to immediately infuse his team with a jolt of genuine energy that is hard to come by in this day and age.

And Noah's as long, lean and athletic as all NBA types love (he's every drip drop of the 6-11, 232 pounds he's listed). So no bones can be made about his physical or emotional makeup, which I'm assuming has led to this relentless assault on Noah's offensive skill set (or lack thereof).

Foolishness, as usual, by those supposedly in the know. Noah's a player. And if someone is brave enough to pass him up for some guy who's a better scorer ... well more power to him.


The Mighty MJD:
Anyway, I love how Noah sees the court. He doesn't have the post-up skills of an NBA player at the moment (though he does have a nice spin move), of course, and he needs to get bigger if he wants to bang inside at the next level... but he sees the court extremely well, he's got a nice touch around the basket, he plays aggressively, blocks shots, and he's got a good feel for the game. I think he'd make the ideal Phoenix Sun.

And he wears a big blue dress sometimes. Any man with the courage to leave the house like that... deserves some respect. He also blew a kiss at the UW-Milwaukee band at the end of the last game... they had been shit-talking him all game long, and he responded by torching the Panthers and blowing a kiss at the band. Hard not to like that.

by paxson43 on Jun 29, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

wtf?
Right now I would trust Pax with my life. :-)

by sue369 on Jun 29, 2007 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

Right on
I like that Noah is who he is off the court: a unique individual who does his own thing.  The suit he was wearing was "interesting" but so is he, and I guess it worked.  Couldn't see it on Hawes.  Joakim is basically like your typical college, hippie, Bob Marley lovin' party dude.  Prefer that to Hawes of the GW Bush bumper sticker fan club.  Of course only my opinion.  Anyway, Noah is a leader as you said and was the focal point of the champion Gators.  Not necessarily the best on the team(this year), but the face of that team.  And he's actually athletic.  He will only help the already very good Bulls.  I really like this pick so far.

by goldengod on Jun 29, 2007 2:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

hawes
tis true. The George W Bush sticker and favorite locker room activity political debate would make it a difficult morally challenging situation for me to root for him.  PLus he might not make lots of friends debating in the locker room with Luol Deng and Thabo and ben that George W. Cares about all his blackpeople.

by Sambossanova on Jun 29, 2007 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

Skiles has the same politics as Hawes
There was a note in a 04 sun-times article about how happy he won the election.

by LD9 on Jun 29, 2007 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

ah the poor liberal mind
you see we moderates down here in god's country dont hate you lib's like you hate us. just remember, as you quiver for mercy as a thug is robbing you, if you lived down here, i would be the one with a gun saving your ass and blasting the bad guy.

by wheatfield mike on Jun 29, 2007 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

classical skile sarcasim?
and even if he did support bush in 04; thats no guatantee he supports him now

by milesgmsu on Jul 1, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

I remember
Someone asked KC Johnson in a mailbag question about Skiles' sense of humor.  Johnson said how he and Skiles have a good relationship, but disagree politically.  One road game or practice or whatever, Johnson was the only reporter there early enough to greet Skiles and Skiles goes, "What are you doing here?  Is there a MoveOn.org rally or something?"

by corey williams corey benjamin on Jul 1, 2007 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

without photographic evidence
I would never believe he talks to teammates. He could be telling Green to give him back his copy of NHL '96.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Jun 29, 2007 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

"What?
You pooped in the refrigerator? And you ate the whole... wheel of cheese? How'd you do that? Heck, I'm not even mad; that's amazing."

by paxson43 on Jun 29, 2007 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

what r they saying
noah: no...it's seersucker WITH a bow tie...comeon taurean, havn't you been to ft. lauderdale?

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

Jokequeen will be Jokequeen
Just don't judge him because he's Jokequeen. Only stiffs and shooting guards were left, they HAD to take him. How is 14ppg on 60% shooting, 25MPG bad offense? He played on a team with NBA talent, on any other college team he could have had 25-10.

To play the PF he has to make contested 12-15 footers, which isn't happening because his perimiter shot is a side-spinning wide open 10 footer. His main offense will be jump-hooks and put-backs, but he won't be a liability because of height, soon to come strength, and yes, he does have offensive talent and will be a good maybe great scorer within 6 feet of the basket.

When Joakim reaches his prime he will be a mix of Ben Wallace and Marcus Camby, a great intense defender but won't have the perimiter jump shot. Prime years stats will probably be 13PPG 11RPG 3APG 2.5BPG. Just because he looks goofy doesn't mean he can't play. Don't even compare him to Anderflop Varejao; Noah will actually play on offense and defense instead of mimicking a netted trout.

Bulls get an "A" for the draft. They didn't make any stupid trades and got the absolute most they could get from the #9. They got some random guard, and surprisingly they got Aaron Gray, who some thought could be a top-15 pick. He may be a pasty stiff, but he will be a good practice dummy for T-Time to practice his T-Bags on. Maybe there's a team out there stupid enough to trade for him.

Haw-Hawes, the joke's on you. Check back later when he's playing pro ball in a wooden gym somewhere in the foothills of Spain.

by vlad001 on Jun 29, 2007 2:12 AM CDT reply actions  

If he can be the player he was 2 years ago
I'd be happy. I also think he may be able to bring a swagger these Bulls seem to have lost during the Piston series. Nobody really stepped up against the Pistons and said ''Fuck off'' I think Noah is the kinda guy who will not back down to a Rasheed Wallace. He and Tyrus should be pretty nuts.
I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 29, 2007 2:25 AM CDT reply actions  

About Noah's partying:
Given his past, I'm not sure Skiles is the type to be overly concerned about his player's party habits.  Hell, look at how long he's kept playing Duhon!  As long as Noah owns an alarm clock, he should be fine.

by Big D on Jun 29, 2007 2:32 AM CDT reply actions  

we drafted
JamesOn "i have 6 fu@king felonies on my recrod for selling the ganj to a narc" curry

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

but its even odds
he'll still be better than eddy

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

The bigger the character issues,
The better the steal.  I think without those charges, he's a late first round pick, and could eventually start to get Ben Gordon to come off the bench.
Let's finish Zeke off with a diamond in the rough!

by cubbybear on Jun 29, 2007 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

right
he'll displace the best offensive player on the team.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 29, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Curry
He'll probably see about as many meaningful minutes as Eddie Basden did.

by Mike Aparicio on Jun 29, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

I thought he was
just dealing weed.  Was it really six felonies or were you exaggerating?  (sincere question)

Anyway - that's what the second round is for, taking chances on players.  What you don't do is draft a guy who screws over his teammates, refuses workouts, at 15 - like the Nets.  Outside of slugging a GM, was there anything Sean Williams could have done to not be first rounder?

by Freethefro on Jun 29, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

6 felonies
on a single incident...no jail time and the paretns at the school sold him out....its on sportsspyder today

http://www.sportspyder.com/article/nba/bulls/1075416

by milesgmsu on Jul 1, 2007 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

good get
I thought the suit was a stroke of genius.  Everybody else looked just as asanine trying to pretend like the were high-society 9-5'ers, our guy just made a bit of a joke out of it.  
Picking at nine, to get a guy that mirrors Al Horford statistically, Noah was a great pick.
Hawes will not be any better than Chris Kaman, if that tells you anything.  
Plus, I think outside of low-post scoring and/or getting a 'star', this Bulls team's biggest need is some attitude on the court ... any kind of attitude.  Don't get me wrong, I love how unflappable we are and all, but we could use a little bit of pizzaz out there to light the fuse when the time is right.
One other benefit is that at least we get to watch Noah annoy other teams and fans rather than be annoyed by him.  

by CookDing on Jun 29, 2007 7:53 AM CDT reply actions  

Ditto
Good post; it will save me some typing

by Jesse07 on Jun 29, 2007 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Noah/Draft Thoughts:
-Couldn't we have just gotten Mikki Moore, who seems the same player if not better?

-At least we get much needed personality, so Sam should be pleased, as well as someone like Lisa Salters...those ESPN/TNT games when they talked to the players at the end of halves and games? Those were painful to watch. Kirk couldn't wait for them to be finished and Little Ben never had anything interesting to say. Noah may strive to have a good half or too just to do one of those, and they'll have to pull him away b/c he'd just keep talking.

-Right away, sooner than training camp perhaps, they should take him aside and tell him to quit with the chest-thumping. A scream or two every 5 games, but no chest-thumping and absolutely no dancing.

-The Brad Sellers comparisons are coming out, but back then the league didn't really know what to do with skinny 7-footers who don't score in the post. Noah will get more out of his talent.

-At this very moment, who is better offensively...Tyrus or Noah? In terms of finishing around the basket and facing up from 10 feet? I honestly don't know.

-They may be young & offensively-challenged, but I do feel better about Noah/Gray over Allen/Sweets/Khryapa.

-Speaking of offense, how reliable is Noah with that shot (I don't watch college basketball)? Does the team work on correcting his form immediately or is it one of those things that it's too late to change and just hope he gets consistent w/ it?

-I'm still hoping for a trade of some kind. Even a modicum of inside scoring. Does this currently assembled unit fare better in a 7-game series against Detroit?

-Speaking of that, the East looks scarier now. I know it doesn't field many sure-fire play-off successes, but the Knicks, Celtics, Hawks, Bucks...those don't look like teams the Bulls can walk into their building and we can just expect a win.

-Sorry for the bullets...I was in an Ira Winderman mood.

by T Maple on Jun 29, 2007 8:00 AM CDT reply actions  

Noah should be better than Mikki
He's a total bust if he isn't. And you wouldn't be mentioning Mikki if he wasn't in a commercial last night. Noah should be a better rebounder than Moore out of the gate.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Jun 29, 2007 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

keep gentle ben
so funny listening to him talk with that little stutter/lisp....its like the worlds most ripped 5 year old with a kick ass tattoo

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Tyrus V Noah
Noah is probably more polished on offense just because he thinks faster on offense and probably feels more comfortable in a n organized basketball system.  According to skiles one of the main problems last year was h e forgot what kind of sets they were running and crap like that, Noah probably wouldnt have those problems.

Miki Moore is pretty good but a different type of player.  Much better shooter but much worse defender if you ask me.

by Sambossanova on Jun 29, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

Love The Pick
A proven winner. He was the heart beat for that Florida Gator team. He brings an energy and swagger that we are sorely missing. I think the guys will love him on their team as well. Great Pick...not to mention JamesOn Curry...love that too!
It's Go Time Pax!

by Knowledge32 on Jun 29, 2007 8:06 AM CDT reply actions  

Pax
You wouldn't know it, but you can tell a lot about a person by their "swagger (the way they carry themself)"
It's Go Time Pax!

by Knowledge32 on Jun 29, 2007 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

nice
I hope Noah brings some more athletism and height (I know people hate the word energy) and  Bulls continue to speed tempo up.  It seems with Wallace/Thomas/Noah they should be able to block a lot of shots, rebound and get up and down the floor.  Noah might have ugly jump shot but in space and on breaks it seems he should be able to score or make some some plays and from the little I've seen doesn't seem to be hesitant or turnover prone so will not hurt offense at least.  

by NY Chicago Fan on Jun 29, 2007 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

He is turnover prone
3.9/40 min.  He was basically the worst among draftable PFs

by Scotter on Jun 29, 2007 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

I stand corrected
I should have put I saw very little of florida this year or last.  

Should be interesting next year with Thomas and Noah to see how much play they get.   Hopefully more young legs will take some stress off Wallace.  Keeping PJ around for another year for veteran size sounds good if they can't get a post scorer by trade / MLE

I really think Thabo is big key to next season.  If he can play well and takes Duhons mins as 1st guard off the bench I think Bulls could be much approved by getting taller, more athletic guy on floor who looks to have some offensive potential

by NY Chicago Fan on Jun 29, 2007 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pretty ridiculous...
...and I still couldn't stop laughing.
Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 29, 2007 9:21 AM CDT reply actions  

hilarious video
i dont know whats funnier...the concept or the shit for editing

can anyone else not wait until we win the 'chip and noah starts dancing like that...

by milesgmsu on Jun 29, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hate the pick- how about Nick Young?
I'm so tired of the Bulls taking "Skiles players."  How about a guy with some talent?  How many good defensive/energy guys does one team need?  When do you say, "we need someone who can create his own shot?"  Honestly... I'm done.  I hate Skiles and hate the way they play and the fact that they refuse to even look at 80% of players in the league because they won't get along with Skiles.  Skiles is an a-hole.

I wanted Nick Young so the Bulls can stop the midget backcourt experiment.  Watch him become a star in Washington.

by mcsaer on Jun 29, 2007 9:23 AM CDT reply actions  

It's safe to say Noah
was the most talented player at 9. There wasn't a guard in the draft better than Ben Gordon, and the Bulls have a real center now.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Jun 29, 2007 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree
He rebounds and hussles. Personally I think he can get inside buckets. If you look at film on him he seems like he has some moves down there. I mean yeah he'll need to develope maybe a nice jump hook. He reminds me of the late Bison Dele http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/misc/1430757.html

Anyways he should develope into a better offensive threat than Wallace.

I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 29, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed
Basically, I think it was between Noah and Hawes and we know that Hawes came in for a second look, so the brain trust thought long and hard about picking him. Clearly, Paxson thought Noah was the better of the two, which is enough for me. It's a shame that Yi didn't drop to us though, I would have been all for him.

by Repeat Threepeat on Jun 29, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

agree
There didn't seem to be a guard better the Gordon at #9 and they already have Thabo to come off the bench on rookie contract

by NY Chicago Fan on Jun 29, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

I also don't like it
Don't like the pick, but how is it assured that he will get along with Skiles?  I hope Noah doesn't try to break out a headband.

I would have passed on Youg but taken one of the talented young players who would have become lottery picks had they stayed in school: Julian Wright, Thaddeus Young, Deaquan Cook.  Let them learn and practice with the team and we have depth in case one of HDG is traded.

by nateroth on Jun 29, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

I know you guys will kill me on this.
Do you think the Bulls should offer Zo the MLE? Just a thought as much as I hate the guy he does have some post game.
I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 29, 2007 10:28 AM CDT reply actions  

I have to hand it to you
you continually come up with the most outlandish, off-the-wall ideas.  Who would Zo play over?  He has an awkward over-the-shoulder-flip shot and a bull-in-a-china-shop-rush-to-the basket move.  
And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 29, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Say no to Zo
Not a good fit with our team

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

and yet look at the jordan era
lots and lots of detroit pistons as backups and a guy named rodman starting, hummmmmmmmmm i'd take zo' in a minute. it would be a great pick up.

by wheatfield mike on Jun 29, 2007 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Noah and fast paced offense
If the bulls want to start running more (as the noah pick might indicate), they really have to cut down on the turnovers.  If Hinrich and gordno didnt turn the ball over 3 times a game, they could run like phoenx

by Sambossanova on Jun 29, 2007 11:02 AM CDT reply actions  

My 2 Cents
I knew that Pax would select Noah if he was available at 9.  It made the most sense as I said about 2 months ago.  The reason is as simple as he has won 2 titles in college and he plays hard all of the time.  I'm a little suprised by our 3rd selection at #51.  This kid looked like a bum in the highlight video they played.  Whats worst is that local Sammy Mejia was available.  Not sure why pax did not go with Sammy.  A Gray is big but I don't expect him to really play next season.  Lets assume PJ is done, does Skiles start TT or Noah?  Thats also assuming that we dont get a big in free agency or trade.  But I like this lineup for pure hustle and energy;

Kirk
BG
Lou
Noah
Wallace

Bring TT and Thabo off the bench for the beginning of the season.  If this lineup does not pan out, then look again at the Josh Chill trade;

Kirk
Chill
Lou
Noah
Wallace

Can't believe they drafted another 4.  Atlanta will make some moves and it's time for Duhon to go.  

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 11:23 AM CDT reply actions  

Also
To get the most out of TT and Noah, the Bulls should consider getting a PG who can really get into the lane and draw defenders.  Kirk is more of a jumpshooter/1 hand floater in the lane type player.  If the bulls had a Chris Paul or Deron Williams type PG, TT and Noah would get easy dunks all day.  This may negate our need for a back to the bakset big.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=1981~2753&teams=30~4

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sorry Paxson Jackson
I dont have a link or any official source but, their numbers are very comparable, and Felton is faster and better at getting into the lane and finding the open man under the basket.  Just an observation from their head to head matchups this season.  Also Felton is younger, and has better assist #'s.

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

slightly better AST-r, but a worse TO-r,
and Felton also has that not improving thing going on.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Jun 29, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Kirk is more of a......
'better player' than Ray Felton.

have to like the idea of getting more midget-like in the backcourt too.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 29, 2007 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

Kirk is better in some ways.
But with the players we have, I think Felton is better.  Again, he's better than Kirk at getting into the lane and drawing bigs.  Also, I still like the Duhon/Viktor to Atl. for Josh Chill.  6'1" and 6'8" in the backcourt is size.

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Can we Please get off of Kirk's jock
He's a good defender and an slightly above average shooter.  But the buck pretty much stops there.  

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think he has declined alot.
He played discusting for about 3/4 of the season. I would try to trade him and his contract.
I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 29, 2007 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

This was the best season of his career.
His highest PER, best PW%, highest FG%, 3P%, and TS%.  Finding a defensive PG that's above average on offense is very rare.  And penetrating PGs don't win championships.  They're fun to watch, but don't win games and peak early.  You have to go back to Isiah to find a penetrating PG on a championship team.  

Kirk's going to get better.  It's what big PG that can shoot do.  A guy like Chris Paul may already have peaked.  Wanting Felton over Kirk is just dumb.

by Scotter on Jun 29, 2007 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh snap!
Way to levy a statistical smackdown.

by paxson43 on Jun 29, 2007 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

penetrating PGs don't win championships???
Hello, Tony Parker Finals MVP!!
I'm not saying that Felton is better than Parker but the idea that penetrating pg's don't win championships is just dumb.  We dont necessarily need to go after Felton, just a player w/ a similar playing style.  

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Tony Parker
doesn't fit the profile you were talking about.  Tony Parker is more like Hinrich than Chris Paul.  Parker's a scorer, he's not dishing to Noah for dunks.  He's shooting the floaters you were complaining about.  

by Scotter on Jun 29, 2007 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

He gets into the lane
And if he does shoot the floater, its much more effective than Kirks.  No link, but Hinrich shot 45% and TP shot 52%.  That would indicate that he's getting into the lane.  Think about how many pg's shoot above 50%.  

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

the reason parker gets into the lane
is because the big's he's driving on can't cheat off of duncan like they can off of Wallace.  Hinrich's assists are going to go up the more Tyrus plays.
And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 29, 2007 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

What about
The guards that defend him on the perimeter not being able to stay in front of him?

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

so you're also saying that
Hinrich is about as fast or a little faster than parker?

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's not how fast you are
it's how you run the play.
And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 29, 2007 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

You run the play better
if you have a back to the basket big that you can dump it into.  The bulls do not.  The bulls need to figure out how they want to play.  They have players in place that makes me think that they want to fast break and take advantage of their youth and athleticism. At the same time, their starting pg, is more of a traditional guard who would rather walk it up and take advantage of a low post scoring threat.  Can't play both ways at the same time.  They need that change of pace PG if they plan on keeping Kirk

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

the Bulls don't walk it up
They were 6th in pace last season. Hinrich would probably benefit from using the fast break more.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Jun 29, 2007 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

The question is
Can he handle that type of game?

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

it is his game
so I would hope so.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Jun 29, 2007 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes.
He did it ALL through his college career.
Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 29, 2007 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Since he played four years under....
...Roy "We're running a secondary break every goddamned play" Williams... I think he might be able to do it.
Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 29, 2007 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

um no
the pick and roll doesn't have anything to do with dumping it to a back to the basket player.  It involves setting a high pick by the big who can knock down the 15 foot jumper, which causes the slow big guarding him to switch.  The guard can then penetrate to the basket where the other big guarding the basket has to either step up and leave his man, or try to guard both.  Nobody has to worry about leaving Wallace, and since Wallace can't hit a 15 footer, he is never the guy setting the high pick.  Therefore, Hinrich never gets the open looks that Parker gets, because nobody is going to leave Duncan.  DR, you'd help yourself out by understanding what the motion offense is all about.
And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 29, 2007 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Do you understand
the difference between pick and roll and pick and pop.  Youre talking pick and pop.  San Antonio has more of a pick and roll system.  In that system, the ball is either passed into the roller, or the rollerr sets a cross screen to the opposite block for the other big who posts on the block.  Motion offense is pass and pick away

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

with either system
You will start to see more high trapping by bigs next season.  Thats the best way to defend any "picking" offense.

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

defenses were jumping the high pick already
this year.  That's why BG was getting bumped so much at the top.  And pick and pop is just a variation on pick and roll when you don't have any finishers, like the Bulls didn't last year.  Tyrus is a finisher and Hinrich's numbers will go up if he has Tyrus at the rim waiting for the dish.
And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 29, 2007 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

What's your point?
Parker doesn't drive the lane to pass to someone, he drives to get his shot. Aren't you advocating trading Hinrich for someone who is going to drive and dish more than Kirk already does?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Jun 29, 2007 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes
But Bullshooter started this discussion about parker's ability of getting into the lane.  Parker isn't perfect, he shoots too much for a pg even if they are high percetage shots.

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Parker
This is only from the games I've watched...but when Parker turns the corner on the pick and starts heading down the lane it seems like he either finishes with a floater or throws a long kick-out to the wing, usually to Bowen.  He doesn't appear to be a great interior passer.  When he does get an assist near the rim, it's usually the result of over-penetration, all the bigs converging, and then he manages to find a way to wrap it around someone's waist to a cutting Duncan or some other big.  

Parker's a great player, but he's not a classic set-up artist.      

by jamestkirk on Jun 29, 2007 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

good 'ol DR
just when I think it can't get any worse, someone tells joejoe he's not completely off base.
And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 29, 2007 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ok
he did not decline thats a bit much from Joe Joe

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like the picks... Now What?
All along I thought we should be getting 2 big guys and a backup point with the picks, if we kept them.  And that's exactly what Pax did.

Noah, even though he has no offense, will still help us on the boards.  Think about how Detroit manhandled us in that series. And we had no quality bigs after Wallace, PJ, and Ty.

Gray was a huge get in my mind.  He's a bigger version of Hawes. And I know everybody has been saying he's garbage from lookin at him last season, but keep in mind that he battled injuries most of last season.  I think he's actually closer to the guy u saw 2 years ago than the one from this past year.

Curry makes Duhon expendable.  He's bigger, quicker, and can actually hit an open j.  Stop bashing him for the weed charges, he wasn't even out of HS yet damn.  Hopefully we can find someone to take Duhon off our hands.

Now what do we do to complete this Championship roster?

I think we need 1 more big man.  Last year, we were working with Wallace, Brown, Thomas, Allen, and Sweets, those were the guys that got the bulk of the time.  Now we have Wallace, Thomas, Noah, and Gray.  Let's use Duhon or MLE to pick up someone solid upfront.  I'd love to see a Duhon for Collison trade, but don't think that's gonna work.  I wouldn't mind resigning PJ and keeping him.  Other guys to look out for IMO Mikki Moore and Melvin Ely.

Depending on whether or not we trade Nocioni, we may need another swingman, someone who could play the 2 and 3.

So what's the rest of the summer looking like for our Bulls?

by Ceasaleo on Jun 29, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sweets
If Pax could just have somebody follow Sweets around and snatch food out of his hand all summer, we might have our low post guy already.  I'm only partially kidding about that though.  This is a make or break year for him.  He could potentially eat himself out of the league or he could earn himself a nice second contract this year.  I'm praying for the latter.

by bigballa10 on Jun 29, 2007 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

"Make or break"?
As much as I'd love it if that were the case, I think Sweets is already broken.  I'd be really surprised if he ever finds his way off the bench.

by paxson43 on Jun 29, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sweets
He's a free agent - last season was his make or break year, and he blew it.  He won't be back with the Bulls.

by Big D on Jun 29, 2007 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

I wouldn't say
he blew it he hardly got the chance to play.

by bu11s on Jun 29, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

For a reason
All they wanted him to do was lose weight and learn the system better, and he didn't lose weight.  So much potential, really it's sad.
Let's finish Zeke off with a diamond in the rough!

by cubbybear on Jun 30, 2007 2:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

Collison no thanks
I like Mikki but he will want more than the MLE with the season he put together last year.  

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Um, he
looks like a carnival ride in that picture. Not flattering at all.
Right now I would trust Pax with my life. :-)

by sue369 on Jun 29, 2007 11:32 AM CDT reply actions  

Paxson vs. Pritcchard
Why couldn't paxson throw some d's like pritchard did on draft night and pick up a ridiculous amount of picks.  I would have been very happy throwing just a bit wee of money and getting players like Gasol or McRoberts and definitely Rudy Fernandez.  Heck i would have been happy buying the rights to kaponennnennennennennenn, the finnish wonderboy.  

Why didnt paxson do like pritchard.  Is Pritchard a genius? (except for thee randolph trade).

by Sambossanova on Jun 29, 2007 12:14 PM CDT reply actions  

Portland will buy out Francis
They got rid of Randolph because of his "character issues" so they don't need Francis and D Miles together having a bad influence on the young guys.

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

I heard something about Noah missing his plane?
so the press conference will be Monday?
I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 29, 2007 12:25 PM CDT reply actions  

Why is Hawes not a Bull?
I know Skiles is big on degense, but did we really need another chandler-ish, thomas-ish guy? Its not like they dont have defense and energy. Thomas is already there, we did not need this Sanjaya lookalike. Hawes is an excellent inside scorer, but because the bulls are overly obsessed with shot blocking and rebounding, we're either a jump shooting team for another year or we'll end up trading ben gordon for somebody with hawes' skill level. This pick sucks.

Knicks: definite playoff team next year.
Blazers: a ring's within their reach

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on Jun 29, 2007 2:07 PM CDT reply actions  

Hawes is weak
Both figurative and literally.  There is no doubt the bulls got the best player available last night at 9.  Hawes needs to get stronger and play better D before he will be at Kaman's level.  I think you are right about the Knicks though.  Eddy and Randolph up front together is extremely formidable.  Imagine if we had Hawes, those two would bully him all night long.  At least Noah will put up a fight.  Blazers will be 3 years away.  They will have to wait for the decline of some of those outstanding teams out west before they can make some noise.  I think the real winner was Seattle. Durant, Green, and Lewis is about as tough as you will find period.  Only problem is that they all play sf.  I think they put Durant at 2, Green at 3, and Lewis at 4.

by DannyRange on Jun 29, 2007 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

umm
knicks have anohter eddy curry....so we know how what worked out for em...

secondly; it appears that the blazers will be good, but let's not anoit them yet. Keep in mind; Paul Shirley has had a far more successful nba career than oden...

lets just give em a month or two before we starting shing oden's bust for the hall

by milesgmsu on Jul 1, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

OK, I just emerged from work hell.
Sorry if I am behind the curve.

I now know we took Noah, Gray, and Curry.

My fear is the selection of Noah means an imminent trade that deals Tyrus for a low post player. The Bulls apparently had Noah higher than Tyrus last year, so they may feel that Noah is the better player. Noah gives them the luxury of trading Tyrus + someone else for a vaunted "low post scorer."

I really don't want to lose Tyrus.

by 1958ChiTown on Jun 29, 2007 8:11 PM CDT reply actions  

I agree
Losing Tyrus would be awful.  I just believe he's going to be amazing.

by Scotter on Jun 29, 2007 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, but
...last year was last year.  Tyrus showed improvement during the season so any evaluation between the two players will be done using current information.  It's not like the Pax has to stick to what he thought a year ago.  That's something for politicians...

by corey williams corey benjamin on Jul 1, 2007 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Keep 'em all
I still think Noah, TT, Deng could be a great frontcourt for years to come.

I'd like to see them play this year without trading any of the key guys or Noah.  Just add a MLE-type big and call it a day.  It will be a fun year, particularly without having to break in 7 or 8 new guys over the circus trip.

I wanna dress like Joakim!

by preverbal on Jun 29, 2007 10:06 PM CDT reply actions  

who?
Joel Pryzbilla is an mle big.  Anybody decent is going to cost the Bulls more than the mle unfortunately.  As far as free agents go, there really isn't anybody with skills the Bulls are lacking.
And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 29, 2007 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Noah is growing on me
I wasn't thrilled Thursday night.  I thought we should have taken Hawes but I'm coming around to thinking we did the right thing.  

1- All of us love this team and I know from the Blog the pain we feel losing and how happy we are when we win.  Noah wants to win.  He just doesn't talk about winning from what I'm reading, winning is everything to him.
2- He finds ways to help the team.  He fits in as opposed to whining that he isn't getting the ball enough.
3- His work effort in practice is real.  Again, this isn't a guy who says he will work hard - he does work hard.  
4- I think his offensive game can improve because of his desire.  This is not T Chandler giving 70% in practice and saying he is going to work at his game.  He will find ways to improve his offensive game.
5- Yes he is a bit different.  So what?  What is more important is what is he really like inside.  This takes time to really know that.  His desire to win and help a team is a very promising sign we just obtained, yes - a bit strange, but good guy.
6- He wants to be on the Bulls and is happy to be in Chicago
7- ONLY 123 DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT - I CAN'T WAIT

by chgobr on Jun 30, 2007 6:50 AM CDT reply actions  

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