grading a's

by CookDing on Jun 30, 2007 9:37 AM CDT Comment 56 comments

someone catches on...

Draftexpress grades the picks and the Bulls are one of three teams with a similar one:

Chicago Bulls

Picks: Joakim Noah (#9), Aaron Gray (#49), JamesOn Curry (#51)

A+

The rich get richer, as they say. Joakim Noah is a proven winner with the best motor in this year's draft. He's the perfect big man for Scott Skiles' style of play, and they somehow managed to snatch him all the way down at #9. Noah is ready to contribute right away and should become a crowd favorite at the United Center. Many are questioning whether he fits their need for a low-post scorer, but the Bulls don't have three years to wait on Spencer Hawes, and if Noah had a great back to the basket game he obviously would have been long gone by the time they picked. He'll pick up 12-14 points a game just by running the floor and hitting the offensive glass every night. This isn't the early 90's anymore anyway, and that's not how the Bulls play.

At #49, the Bulls got fantastic value with a player that probably would have gone in the top 20 (likely to Washington at #18) had he kept his name in last year's draft. Instead he stayed in school and became a better player, and the Bulls snatched him up in the late second round to help fill a need at the center position. He should develop into a solid backup center. At #51 the Bulls got a Jannero Pargo clone in JamesOn Curry--and anything they get out of him will be pure gravy at this point in the draft.
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2156

I think giovony makes good points across the board. I don't know how this draft isn't extraordinary for a playoff team so young. We put a LOT of size and experience on the team in one night. Plus, getting an atheletic shot-chucker never hurts either ... damn, how I've missed Pargo. Now, if Curry leads to Du getting shipped for a decent big.

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A few others

grade the Bulls well, too, but I think the criteria Draftexpress uses for determining the grade is important. They're saying this is the best the Bulls could have done given who was on the board. Other draft-graders harp on the fact that the Bulls didn't address that almighty need for a low-post threat - which the Bulls say wasn't on the board, Spencer or no Spencer.

But yeah, nice to see that +, no?

by Freethefro on Jun 30, 2007 10:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Happy to read this...

Finally, a web-site that knows what it's talking about. It's funny how a lot of fans wanted all their questions answered with just one pick in this draft. Ooooo, Spencer Hawes, Spencer Hawes, he was there, blah blah blah. Do they read some of these comments by other fans during draft chats? Probably not, but every team other than Sacramento was relieved that he was taken so he wasn't on their team. He might look like he has some offensive tools on tape, but that's about all he has going for him. He is 7'0 and can't rebound (his Brockman excuse is **). He can't play D and the Skiles is the Bulls coach if you forgot. He was one of the worst athletes in the draft and the Bulls like the run. He's only a freshman and the Bulls are a title contending team. Something is wrong if you're over 7'0 and can score but you're not picked until 10.

Anyway, I also do not understand the hatred toward Joakim Noah. It seems so unwarranted and prejudgmental. I was listening to the Score on Friday. Mully and Hanley both understood and liked the pick, while Boers and Bernstein had their heads so far up their a$$e$, they would just shut off any caller that made a positive comment about Noah. Most callers didn't like Noah either, but that's probably because they're regular listeners to their show, having known that B&B both have hated him since his Florida days, or that the intelligent Score listener knows that Bernstein thinks he's God behind the microphone.

Bottom line:

Joakim Noah was the best available big man left and was the perfect fit for the Bulls style.
John Paxson knows he's not finished this summer.

In Pax We Trust! DAAA BULLS!

by RingItUp26 on Jun 30, 2007 10:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

how can u listen to the score?

ESPN radio...come on

but bottom line its still all sports talk

by milesgmsu on Jul 1, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bulls talk on the radio...bad

There's almost no intelligent hoop talk here in Chicago. Mac, Jurko and Harry couldn't tell the difference between a basketball and a dog turd. B-and-B used to be entertaining, but they've gotten snide over the years. Bernstein knows some stuff; Bores, not so much. And does Bores ever finish a thought without 3 parenthetical asides?

by jamestkirk on Jun 30, 2007 11:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

everyone on the radio is basketball dumb. It's like me calling up and talking baseball. I hate this pick I hate this pick is all you hear but who did they want? THERE WAS NO POST PLAYER AT 9 DUMB FUCKS. THAT GOES TO DAN BERNSTIEN WHO IS A TOTAL ASSCUNT.WHO ARE YOU CRAPPING!

I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 30, 2007 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also

They need to get rid of a ton of people on the radio who just plain suck at doing their jobs. They think their job is to ''entertain'' but their job is more to talk about sports than anything. B&B bashed the pick of Noah cause they just don't like him. Yeah he's abit of an assclown but talk about sports more. I also hate how they have their own inside jokes that make no sense and make listening on the radio frustrating. Their just not that funny anymore and now they are wrong about the Cubs. They said the Cubs were going to be a train wreck for years to come. Carmen Deflaco thinks he's the young Jurko. He doesn't know shit about basketball anymore. Maybe he never did. I like JHood he doesn't make it all about him. Other than that they don't have any good basketball experts who made it past the 6th grade playing ball. All baseball all the time.

I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 30, 2007 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't listen to sports radio

There seems to be an anti-NBA bias on some of the shows.

by chgobr on Jun 30, 2007 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know right?

Its like 70% Baseball 25% Bears 5% Bulls

I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 30, 2007 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hawes

Wow. A lot of Hawes bashing around here now. Just because the bulls didnt pick him doesnt mean hes no good. He has a great back to the basket game and is probably a low to average defender who wont be able to keep up on defense for his first year or two in the league. He was a top prospect out of high school who had a dissapointing and complicated rookie year. If you ask me, he sould have stayed another year. Maybe have gone top five next year if he recovered and added some pounds. I think in the end, although we might all be convinced about talent, the bulls wanted the sure thing and liked Noah's winning attitude more than Hawes GW bush stickers.

by Sambossanova on Jun 30, 2007 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he should have stayed, too.

I thought the only way he wasn't going to withdraw his name was if he got a promise from a team. Probably not--he just gathered from his workouts that someone in the lottery would pick him.

That being said, it's not the worst situation for him. He'll make millions, he's on a West Coast team, and if Miller falls apart even more, he might get some real clock.

I'm not really a fan of his, but I would have liked to see him stay just to see what he could have done.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2007 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

heh

Hawes definitely wasn't pulling tubes and watching ATHF in his dorm.

Hannity, guys like that ... FOX news is the only news for me.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 30, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup...

"reality has a well-known liberal bias. Damn you, reality!"

I miss Colossus. No really, I do.

by spider from split on Jun 30, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And maybe Pax thought he was a bust

Keep the politics off this board. That's what other blogs are for. Post your blind, foaming at the mouth comments there.

I love you Ben, you almost make me forget about...tacos.

by eddiew23 on Jun 30, 2007 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the blind, foaming at the mouth

comment is a little further down.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 30, 2007 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who's the most important of this group?

To be resigned, that is. I like P.J. Brown, but is he too old? Would it be better to sign Marty and still hope to develop him to be at least a 10-15 minute guy? Do they see if they can take one more, super cheap chance on Sweetney? Is Allen tall enough and knows the system well enough that he should be resigned? I'm assuming the Bulls keep and sign Aaron Gray. I don't have a real opinion on this--just curious what others think.

Center Martynas Andiuskevicius, a 7-2 second-year player, and 6-8 forward Mike Sweetney are restricted free agents. Veteran forward/center P.J. Brown (6-11) and forward Malik Allen (6-10) are unrestricted free agents.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2007 12:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

role players = roles

They may keep allen just because he can shoot. PJ Brown used to be able to do that...it's not even clear if he is going to still play but I'd like him back.

I'll miss Sweetney but clearly he's finished as a Bull.

Marty was a wasted roster spot. Skiles uses the whole roster so I don't see the benefit in keeping a project like that.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 30, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

marty wasn;t wasted

no one could predict the punching incident

and we traded eddie basden for him...a 6 footer for a 7 footer of equal talent.....easy call for pax

plus we crippled cleveland, a divison rival

by milesgmsu on Jul 1, 2007 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hawes an Ignorant Rightwinger

I only watched Hawes play a little bit in college, but I as a lifelong Bulls fan I am so glad that I will not have to pay any attention to his pathetic political views. He recently claimed that global warning is a total myth and talked about how much he loves Rush Limbaugh and the President. He is entitled to his misguided views, but I don't want my team giving him a platform. By contrast Noah is very progressive and was reluctant to visit the White House with the Florida team because of his distaste for the President and the war in Iraq.

by Bay Area Bulls Fan on Jun 30, 2007 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

well thank god for that

this isn't truehoop, I don't care what a player thinks...about anything, really.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 30, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the most part, I don't either.

Unless I have to read stuff that I disagree with because I follow "my team" closely. Whether conservative or progressive, if I disagreed with someone, it would get really old to have to read something once or twice a month. I don't really "care" so much as... I just don't want to read stuff all the time. I have my other 'blogs for that. :)

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2007 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

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

by NittanyBull on Jun 30, 2007 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah is from France and NYC

whats else would you expect?!

I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 30, 2007 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

While I don't identify with Hawes' political

views at all. When it comes to basketball. It's a plus. He's unlikely to challenge authority and probably is fully into individual accountability. That works in sports where most of the time it is a meritocracy. NBA players with progressive political views aren't very good and rarely reach their potential. Etan Thomas is an interesting thinker, but he sucks at basketball. So does Adonal Foyle. Most players are Republican because they want to keep more of their money. While I probably would have a better chance at being friends with Noah, his beliefs don't make him any better at basketball.

by Scotter on Jun 30, 2007 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's incredible.

Why do liberals/progressives lack personal accountability on the NBA court, but nowhere else in the world?

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2007 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't mean to be that generalizing about,

the individual accountability. It's a key slogan of the right wing platform. And obviously the tone can't come across in a blog. But, I thought I set it up with acknowledging my own political views aren't anywhere close to Hawes's. I don't think I'm that far off on the general trend in the NBA.

by Scotter on Jun 30, 2007 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool.

I just think the lack of personal accountability has much more to do with the idea that the vast majority of the NBA players have had to display any throughout their entire lives... rather than their political views. If the post was sarcasm about the right... then "haha". Seriously.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2007 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NBA players and political affiliation

You really think most NBA players are republicans because of tax issues? I know this is a little off topic. Most players are black though and demographically speaking (and probably for pretty good reasons), black people, like jews and single women, vote democrat. Blacks more so. I mean Kanye West makes a lot of money, but I don't think he's voting republican anytime soon.

Sorry for the off topic post.

by Sambossanova on Jun 30, 2007 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you'd be surpriised

what a lot of money will do to people

And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 30, 2007 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sam Smith has repeatedly said just that

I tend to believe him in this area.

by Scotter on Jul 1, 2007 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess Nash

is the rare exception. Oh that's right, he didn't meet his potential. He exceeded it.

by marionette on Jun 30, 2007 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow.....

interesting theory; no evidence, but interesting

by milesgmsu on Jul 1, 2007 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

give the guy a break

he's lived in Seattle and gone to one year of college. One would think playing basketball at a high amateur level would expose him to something more than his old man complaining about "that goddamn Rosie ruining my America" between sips of scotch, but apparently it hasn't. At least Noah shouldn't inspire comment deletion.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 30, 2007 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bay Area Butt Pirate

And I think liberals are mindless nutjobs, but that wouldn't prohibit me from wanting anti-war critic Steve Nash on my team. Get your sports priorities in check.

I love you Ben, you almost make me forget about...tacos.

by eddiew23 on Jun 30, 2007 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh

You just wanted to blindly foam. Glad to help, I guess.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 30, 2007 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The comment was directed towards you

Leave the dry sarcasm for someone else that cares.

I love you Ben, you almost make me forget about...tacos.

by eddiew23 on Jun 30, 2007 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was directed

at the "Bay Area Butt Pirate." I think the hate speech has less place here (or anywhere) than a jab or two regarding Hawes being a 19 year old goofball.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 30, 2007 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hate Speech?

Grow a little thicker skin.

So if a 19 year old has conservative views, but doesn't explain them clearly or on the spot from a reporter, he's a goofball, but he was a liberal, he'd be a clear-thinking adult wise beyond his years, right?

I love you Ben, you almost make me forget about...tacos.

by eddiew23 on Jun 30, 2007 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

grow a thicker... uh, brain

I don't think (I have A-mazing mind reading abilities) you're going to start typing racial slurs, so you should probably file anti-gay language in the same "I shouldn't say this because it's disrespectful" section of your noggin.

It's humorous that a 19 year old pro athlete gives free ad time to Fox News and identifies himself as a conservative. The odds that he really believes in what he's saying, or has any idea what he's truly opposed to are slim to none. Can you really criticize a 19 year old who probably doesn't know what he's talking about? I don't blame Bill Walton for being brainwashed by the SLA.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 30, 2007 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

simple answer

No. I am that objective.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 30, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you know Skiles is a conservative

http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.asp?key=6SEES&txtName=Skiles,%20Scott&txtState=(all%20states)&txtAll=Y&Order=N

He has donated a few thousand dollars to the GOP cause.

by LD9 on Jun 30, 2007 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Grand Old Party

He's from Indiana so I could see that.

I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 30, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and you seem to be an ignorant left winger

so I guess it all balances out and we can get back to the important business of figuring out what Pax needs to do get the Bulls back to the championship.

And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 30, 2007 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

People....

who really gives a shit what a players political stand is. I don't but then again I don't really follow politics and even the stuff I do I am moderate. If a guy would/will help us win games we should take him no matter what his political view unless its something bad like Communism or something :)

Lets start talking about the people we have and not the political views of a player we did not draft.

by SRQman on Jun 30, 2007 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some people really do give a shit

And Noah's tendency to be an ass is preferable to many over Hawes' ridiculous Fox News quotes. This is more about selling ourselves on Noah than anything else, and it's the offseason.

by Paxson Jackson on Jul 1, 2007 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Mission Accomplished"

I was hoping that my diary on Bulls' Draft Grades would generate a lengthy dialogue on Politics in NBA Draft Prospects. Guess it's time to fly a jet on to an aircraft carrier and proclaim my satisfaction in a goal realized.
As for Fox News, I'll weigh by saying that anything in which Rupert Murdoch is prominently involved is something I am against, wholeheartedly. That guy's a total assclown.

by CookDing on Jul 2, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love

how people will cry and bitch and moan about Fox news but seem completely ignorant of the fact that CNN has been doing exactly the same thing from the other side for almost 30 years now.

And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jul 2, 2007 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not true.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jul 3, 2007 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah is starting to grow on me....

I am starting to like the pick more and more and hoping it will turn out to be another great move by Pax. I can't wait for the season to start or at least the schedule (anyone know when it is released?) so I can plan trips to Orlando/Miami to root for the Bulls and off course up to Chicago to see them at the United Center.

by SRQman on Jun 30, 2007 2:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I love CookDing's post

The more I read and learn about Noah the happier I'm becoming. There is a funny video on Youtube of Noah getting revved-up before a game posted in one of our diaries that is a riot. I looked for it but can't find it.
122 DAYS BEFORE OPENING NIGHT

by chgobr on Jun 30, 2007 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I found the video courtesy of "bull"

This is funny

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bQ3y5hTHuP4

by bull on Sat Jun 30, 2007 at 10:07:52 AM EDT

by chgobr on Jun 30, 2007 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah

I think a lot of the hatred toward Noah is because of his over-the-top behavior and maybe even his face. Personally, I think it's refreshing, or "fresh" and "funky," like Noah would say. We need more personality on the Bulls. I'm a Sox fan, and I can see him being like the A.J. Pierzynski of the team. The kid has skills, and I think a lot of his antics overshadow what he can do on the court. I think as soon as he makes a great play in a game, something Nocioni would do, this town is going to embrace Noah. He is perfect for this city, IMO.

In Pax We Trust! DAAA BULLS!

by RingItUp26 on Jun 30, 2007 3:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If you want more funny videos...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub66nXzaG0U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GianETEHqhk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwqEYnEUgAs

In Pax We Trust! DAAA BULLS!

by RingItUp26 on Jun 30, 2007 3:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Are we ever going to have fun

next year. Thanks Ringitup26! This is great!

by chgobr on Jun 30, 2007 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait for Joakim Noah and Skiles

quotes.

I hope for Noah but I expect Hawes.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jun 30, 2007 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Noah

will fit in fine with this team. I not only look forward to seeing what the new players can contribute but how much improved TT and Thabo are. It should be an interesting season.

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

by sue369 on Jun 30, 2007 6:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just in case you felt depressed today -

this is a pick-you-upper from the same Draft Express article. A review of the Knicks trade - -

Just when you think New York's salary situation can't possibly spiral any further out of control, they sign Jerome James to a long-term deal. Just when you think New York's salary situation can't possibly spiral any further out of control, they sign Eddy Curry to a long term deal. Just when you think New York's salary situation can't possibly spiral any further out of control, they sign Jared Jeffries to a long term deal. Just when you think New York's salary situation can't possibly spiral any further out of control, they trade for Steve Francis. Should I keep going?

There is really nothing left to say at this point, but I guess I'll take a shot some good ol' fashioned Isaiah blasting (it has been a while, come to think of it).

A frontcourt of Randolph and Curry might look good on paper, but here are two players who don't complement each other well at all. Randolph got in shape a season ago and is one of the league's elite post scorers, but clearly has a propensity for showing up out of shape and is an adequate defender at best. Curry is essentially the same player, but to an extreme - he's got the same scoring tools with an extra two inches. Unfortunately, that would be two inches around the middle as well as at the shoulders, and Randolph will probably look like Bill Russell compared to what Curry brings to the table defensively. Add in Jerome James, and you have approximately 900 pounds of motivationally challenged, defense-lacking beef.

So even though Isaiah does have a track record of drafting well in the late first round, he appears to be mired in quicksand and attempting to dig himself out with a spoon. These short-sighted moves are only sinking the franchise deeper and deeper. But at least Renaldo Balkman and Wilson Chandler will look good sitting on the bench next to each other, and both will be perfect trade fodder the next time an established pseudo all-star signs a big contract, blows out his knee, and wears out his welcome with his prior team...

Grade: F

by chgobr on Jul 1, 2007 2:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs