Ah, bless the Miami Heat

It seems pretty clear

that the Bulls will get a rhythm and continue to shoot 57% from the field for the rest of the season. As long as they do that, I see us getting this season back on track in a big way.

Insert sarcasm here.

by MarketMaker on Jan 16, 2008 10:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

optimistic, sarcastic, or both?

I don't know about "pretty clear", but it's certainly a sigh of relief not to lose to the worst team in the East.

by Orange Juice on Jan 16, 2008 10:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but they are due for a nice long run of some better than average shooting. I don't think that we'll see everybody light it up like we did tonight, though. Still, it was a much needed respite from the rest of the season.

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Jan 16, 2008 10:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

think of it as getting back to their norms, right?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 16, 2008 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If nothing else,

at least we can all look at a positive scoring margin over the last 10 in Hollinger's rankings for a few days.

Plus, this was good practice for the GS game. :) 126 just might do it against them.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 16, 2008 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dont mean to be a party pooper BUT

you guys are getting your hopes up 2 high. Its like Golden State and Dallas, GS just matches up really really well against Dallas. Just like we do with Miami.

by eross226 on Jan 16, 2008 11:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Lets

see how we do in like a 5 game stretch then ill agree with you guys.

by eross226 on Jan 16, 2008 11:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No one is literally getting their hopes up

over this one. Or at least hardly anyone - I'd guess it's half sarcasm and half relief to not be in full-on crisis mode for at least a day or two.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 16, 2008 11:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It did feel good to win one, though

and especially with such a heavy contribution from one of the young guys. The BaB tone going into the game was almost "I don't care if we win, just give the young guys some decent pt."

Well, we got that, and as an extra bonus came away with a win.

by alec on Jan 16, 2008 11:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It was great! I smiled the whole 4th

That's the relief part for me. And unless and until Thabo gets buried again, I can enjoy the thought of him in the starting lineup for a long time!

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 16, 2008 11:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the win of course

even if it is just over the Heat. On the other hand, I always get satisfaction beating them. And the fact we beat them by 30 made it all the much better. :)

by Jaina on Jan 17, 2008 12:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hubie laid a stiff rebuke

on Tirico, really cut him aoo at the knees. That was funny. And you could tell Tirico knew right away he'd overstepped.

Hubie has a lot of respect for the game and everyone involved in it...especially the players who play it the 'right way' (well, the right way according to Hubie). He gave out nice props several times to both Noc and Sefo. It was good to hear a national voice say something nice about our guys.

by alec on Jan 16, 2008 11:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like Hubie

It's easy to dog the guys at the end of an NBA bench, but a lot of these guys are real factors in helping a team get better in practice.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hubie

yeah that part was pretty funny. But at the end, Tirico still shot back with..."but come on, a reverse dunk??"...lol I'd have to agree.

They even gave some props to Red Kerr at one point in the night.

It's such a difference to hear a well-seasoned broadcasting team as opposed to our guys every once and awhile.

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 17, 2008 8:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was nice on Red.

It's good to remember the old guys every once in a while. Hubie's historical perspective is definitely one the strengths he brings to a broadcast.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and of course

when they showed Red on TV he was chewing on candy.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There's a lingering suspicion

that Hubie had ulterior motives for "respecting" this Bulls team so much. If I'm his agent, right after the broadcast, I'm calling up Pax and saying, "Let's start at 2 years and $8 million."

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Jan 17, 2008 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It did sound like that, didn't it.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All I'm saying Matt is

Enjoy him while we still got him

Tyrus will most likely not be a Bull after Feb

by Option27 on Jan 16, 2008 11:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

heh

Bucher: "tyrus thomas is out there"

That was the extent of his report.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 16, 2008 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bucher annoyed me tonight

His question for Riley after that horrid (for the Heat) 3rd quarter was something like "Assess your defense." I'd rather have no in-game interviews than questions with obvious answers.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 16, 2008 11:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I loved that

You could tell that Riley wanted to go off there. I give him credit for managing to answer that question without cursing on national television.

by Big D on Jan 17, 2008 12:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but

I like his fake tan. Or it could be real but I wouldn't know because I live in the nw burbs of Chicago where the warm sun is rare.

by GIJoe47 on Jan 17, 2008 12:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, yes, nothing like an impetuous,

ill-advised, hasty trade to cap off a disastrous first half of the season.

Maybe we can get a few more humble underachievers who follow company orders. 'Cause that is what we need.

Yeah. Awesome.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 16, 2008 11:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dan Bernstein

said Tyrus is done in Chicago. He really didn't give a reason but his ''sources'' told him they have tired of Tyrus....I really wanted Tyrus to succeed as a Bull. I know Sam Smith says he has anger issues so I don't. I just bothers me that the Bulls can't develope any draft picks.

by GIJoe47 on Jan 17, 2008 12:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That makes me sad...

I really hope that's not true.

by Jaina on Jan 17, 2008 12:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He was a starter.....

how does he go from the player he was last year to a starter to a player who doesn't even get in the game? He must have serious ADHD.

by GIJoe47 on Jan 17, 2008 12:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Misses his guys

No PJ Brown. No Randy Livingston. These two basically became Tyrus' mentors to understand the way the NBA works.

Is Tyrus even 21 yet? It's way too early to bail on him.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It is sad.

I don't understand what is going on with his situation this year.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 17, 2008 6:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i will be pissed

since he needs to play to learn from his mistakes. If traded and just dumped for another role player this organization will regret it, maybe not this year nor the next, but in a couple of years. He has done nothing to earn Veektor status, but I dont see practice so who knows?? We talking about practice!!

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 8:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If the Bulls were so admanant about

trading Tyrus, wouldn't they try playing him to showcase his skills? Doesn't make sense because right now all the other teams can really say about Tyrus is that he's a 'raw talent'.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 17, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but

if i was another team, i can't really trust what the Bulls have done with him. This Bulls management has failed numerous times with developing a big/athletic player. They might take a chance and trust their coaching.

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

really

what other big/athletic players have the bulls failed at developing? Corey Blount? Michael Ruffin? Eddie and Tyson developed just fine. Tyson should send Pax thank you cards for trading him to NO and setting him up to play with Chris Paul.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 17, 2008 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Amen

there has to be talent there to develop. Curry had his best season under Skiles.

by KT on Jan 17, 2008 9:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're right about Chandler.

He might just be the perfect selling point for another team to take a chance on Thomas. They can look at the Bulls as having developed him, then lost patience with him juuust as he was on the cusp of coming on. Another team might think they'll get out of TT what N.O. got out of Chandler.

The difference, of course, is that Chandler got a lot of pt, which gave him the chance to actually develop, while TT will be markedly behind Tyson's developmental curve.

Still, the question remains, unless he's part of a major deal that includes a player the status of Gasol, what are you actually trading him for?

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There's no need to trade him

so why bother talking about it.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 17, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bullshooter, I know you mean that rhetorically,

but let me play your straight man here for a minute anyway.

We talk about it because it's in the news--especially after Bucher said in last night's national broadcast that the only team certain to make a trade, among all the teams that might possibly make a trade, is the Bulls. Then he targeted Thomas as the player on the Bulls to be involved.

Ergo, it becomes a legit topic on BaB today.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ric Bucher?

when was the last time that guy got something right?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 17, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kobe will be traded!

One example isn't very convincing, but Bucher is the most outside insider currently giving inside details. Google alerts shouldn't take someone as far as Bucher has gone.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 17, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say Chris Sheridan is worse

and far worse looking too.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

C'mon, man--

you know it doesn't matter if he's right...just that he put it out there.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We also talk about it because,

according to Chicago Magazine, we now apparently have a three hundred post quota to fill every day.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Eddy and Tyson

also had Cartwright (a big man) to work with.

by Jaina on Jan 17, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Typical Paxson

Why would you trade him now, when his value is at its lowest? He can't even get off the bench for a bad Bulls team, so why would anyone want to give up a lot for him? If they had traded him before the season started, they would have gotten a lot more. You're supposed to buy low and sell high, but Paxson seems to have that phrase backwards.

by Big D on Jan 17, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think a lot of teams still regard Tyrus

as a potential star so it's up to Pax to sell it to them

by Option27 on Jan 17, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

plus

teams generally like the idea of 'fixing' other team's crap.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

anyone notice

Thabo's arc on his shot is a lot better? He had a good game, disrupted Wade, very active and wasn't hesitant on shooting. Du's starting days are numbered, I hope.

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 8:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Definitely

His shot has been very flat all season. He shot the ball very well over the Summer for Team Switzerland. We know he can shoot a decent percentage from the perimeter and his overall FG% can linger above 45% if he attacks the rim for higher percentage shots.

Thabo had a very productive game on both ends.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 9:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, most of his production

with Switzerland over the summer was the result of drives, dunks, free throws. A lot less through jump shots (as it should be with Thabo anyway).

But his J has gotten better this past few years and will probably still get better.

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Jan 17, 2008 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In terms of

The arc on his shot. Thabo's jumper looked solid for Team Switzerland. It was not flat like we saw in his rookie season and early this season.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you know who spent part of the summer

working with Thabo on his jumper in Switzerland ?

Bingo : Boylan.

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Jan 18, 2008 1:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's right.

I had forgotten that.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 18, 2008 7:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The really good things I noticed

15+ jumpers from the Heat. 4 red jerseys in the paint. 1 white jersey below the free throw line.
Collapsing on Wade when he penetrates closing gaps for him to spin to the middle and forcing him baseline where he gets lost. He passes out into 4 second half turnovers. Bulls fastbreak for easy buckets. Chicago executed stellar defensive rotation in the 2nd half and converted nearly every turnover into points.
Taking advantage of matchups. Ricky Davis cannot guard Joe Smith. Shaq cannot guard Ben Gordon.
Attacking the rim. Thabo's nice 2nd half layup and 1 drawing contact from Shaq was great. Hinrich and Gordon pull up for a jumper or pass in the same position. Thabo has the height and arm length to extend beyond the reach of Shaq. Body contact sent Thabo to the line.
Drilling the Heat when Shaq sits. Mark Blount was a -24 in just under 17 minutes of action.
Noah dunking and Ben Wallace yelling "Yeah boy!" and chest bumping him.

The bad

1) Boxing out. The Heat had too many 2nd chance opportunities as a result of the failure of Bulls' to find a white shirt and box them out. My count had the Bulls a -7 because of the failure to box out.

If we could only play the Heat, Bobcats, and Pistons every night.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 8:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hinrich played?

by CrashDavis on Jan 17, 2008 9:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

think he meant

thats what Hinrich would of done in that situation

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One thing I forgot

The Comcast guys got this. The small forwards for the Bulls dominated the Heat small forwards. Deng and Nocioni were making perimeter shots, slashing for shots at the rim, and they were limiting any production at all from Ricky Davis and Dorrel Wright.

Davis/Wright: 4-14, 4 boards, 6 fouls, 3 turnovers

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think I learned

That we shuold just play Thabo more. Have Thabo give us all that defense we lack to start games, he's a better passer than Duhon, and doesn't have the height disadvantage....

Plus I'm not sure you could argue that Duhon's a better shooter (sure Duh gets hot from time to time, but his deficiencies in major minutes far outweigh his strengths.

Let's keep THABO out there, he's looking like he's gotten his confidence back.

Also, let's start giving Khryapa more playing time. I like what I see from him often in garbage time (Good passer, big guy, decent shooter, has a good offensive feel for the game). Granted this could change drastically if he got major minutes for the worse, but judging him for his scant 5 minutes every 3 weeks of play is ridiculous.....he's looked ok enough when given more than 2 minutes of time to warrant a real look at him (he's been ok for us in the preseason's, and played well for Russia last summer).......I know Noc and Deng are ahead of him, but given our struggles, I'm sure we could see if he's worth a look or at least an additional trade chip for other teams....let the audition begin.

by majoyenrac on Jan 17, 2008 9:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thabo and Veektor

What Thabo may lack in perimeter shooting he can make up with his slashing skill. Initiating a set and then rolling to the baseline corner to spread the floor is really about forcing the defense to collapse on the shooter with a run out. Thabo has the finesse to sell the shot, take two steps forward, and drain the 15-18 footer. He was 6-9 last night with zero three point attempts. Deng does the same thing.

Veektor is a SF. I can only see him getting more minutes if Nocioni and Deng have nagging injuries or foul trouble. With Thabo playing better and Kirk eventually returning, we could see more Thabo at the SF with Hinrich and Gordon as the guards. This will only create less opportunity for Khryapa.

I did enjoy the reverse dunk to make up for his ugly missed dunk against the Magic.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another plus about Thabo

is that when he makes that slash, if he get doubled, he has the height to pass over the defender to the open man...and he's a good enough passer to do it effectively.

I really like his passing skills, and wish they would garner a little more attention. Everyone sees him as the defensive big guard the Bulls lack. but I also see him as their most effective offensive initiator.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But Alec

If Thabo plays more Gordon will, most likely, play less, and as everyone knows, the Bulls scoring will drop precipitously. What would we do then?

by hlac on Jan 17, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess the first thing to do,

as soon as Kirk is healty, would be to drop Duhon out of the rotation altogether, leaving 32 minutes each for Kirk, BG and Thabo.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Start Thabo

Duhon reminds me of the high school kid who doesn't play ball, but gets drafted into a game to even teams. He stands around on the outside while his team is on offense while noone guards him. If the ball comes to him, he looks surprised, hesitates, and throws it toward the basket, but it never goes in.

by El Toro de Goro on Jan 17, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Veektor is a PF

he's even slower than Noc, he shouldn't be at the 3.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh, really?

I really don't see enough of him to know if he is a 3 or 4. I really thought he was a 3.

I wonder what position Team Russia had him play in the Euro Basket tournament.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

same here

I always thought he was just a big 3...whenever anyone talks about him getting playing time they always mention the other 3s on the team

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 17, 2008 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good question.

We know he played on a front line with Kirilenko. A quick search found they are both simply listed as "Forward." Kirilenko is nominally a 4 in the NBA, but plays with Boozer and Okur, which means he's actually playing like a 3 much of the time.

I would say Kirilenko has better athleticism than Victor, but that Victor is the better passer. I scanned a couple of stories from the Eurobasket tournament (which Russia won in 2007) and couldn't find anything definitive. My guess is they probably play interchangeably.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well he's neither (or both)

I guess it depends on what you want. I usually side with the position he may be too small for than the one he's too slow for.

He's not that bad of a rebounder, last season was a career high 14.0 rebound rate (in very limited time, granted). Also, he doesn't have 3-point range which you'd prefer from a wing (Luol Deng notwithstanding).

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh, and if he was a true 3

he would've done a somewhat better job guarding LeBron last year :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol, Lebron

Solid defenders have trouble with Lebron. Did you watch the East Finals at all last season?

Lets just say that Veektor slowing Lebron isn't what I'd be asking of him.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 12:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

keen observation

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 17, 2008 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Big V at the 3

Unless the Bulls need someone to matchup with Lebron again.

by Jesse07 on Jan 17, 2008 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Somebody else agrees with us...

http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/01/17/untapped-potential-ten-nba-players-we-want-to-see-on-the-cou rt-more-often/

"We're not necessarily suggesting last year's lottery pick supplant Chris Duhon in the Bulls starting backcourt, but if interim head coach Jim Boylan sticks with his guns by continuing to bring Ben Gordon off the bench and Duhon continues to struggle, it might not be a bad idea. The Heinrich/Gordon duo will always struggle to defend bigger backcourts, and aside from breaking them up through trade there's only a few ways to make up for their lack of size. Considering Duhon's severe lack of production since his promotion (22% FG, 3.9 points, 4.5 assists, 0.5 steals), upping the 6-5 Sefolosha's minutes from 11 to somewhere in the 20s is one possible solution.

His game is still raw, but this native of Switzerland is a solid passer and energetic defender, the kind that nags and annoys whomever he's guarding. He's actually hit season highs in minutes these past two games (26 and 30, respectively), which could be a sign that Boylan is spoiling on Duhon and is considering a change."

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Jan 18, 2008 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i agree, matt, god bless the miami heat

even with shaq and wade having good games, the bulls had no trouble with the heat, which i guess in a season full of negatives you could take this as a positive sign. beggars cant be choosers, you know? the miami heat should be a lesson to the bulls, maybe its not the best idea to give away your future stars for one aging one. yea, they won a ring, but that was total luck combined with dallas sh*tting the bed in the playoffs(what a shocker). Look at them now, though, they are in shambles. the bulls are having a rough season, but they are still no where near as bad as the heat are. the heat are a d-league team.

by Conor on Jan 17, 2008 12:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Was the ESPN crew questioning the Heat Defense?

I listened to our guys on Comcast as painful as it can be. I would have watched the ESPN coverage because I like Tirico and Hubie, but I DVR'd the Comcast broadcast.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 12:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

At the top of the broadcast,

Hubie said that the Heat defenders would have to close out quickly on the Bulls shooters. He then mentioned a few times during the game that they were failing to do so. But more than being critical of the Heat, was (suspiciously?) effusive about the Bulls...particularly singling out Sefo for praise, time after time.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They commented several times on how

easily the Bulls wings were blowing by the Miami defenders, and also commented once or twice on Wade blowing it by going for steals that took him out of position. (I love it when analysts point out that gambling on steals is lousy defense.)

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 17, 2008 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good point.

In Boylan's (I think it was his) in-game interview, he said that basically the change in the Bulls offense is that he wants the wings to sprint up court. Hubie laughed at one point, saying the Bulls were scoring too quickly for he and Tirico to have a conversation.

A number of times, when Thabo was bringing the ball up court, you could see him waving toward BG to get up court faster.

by alec on Jan 17, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Heat cover that

The refs were putting the Heat on the line any chance they could get. The problem for the ESPN crew, how do you talk about Chicago while the Heat are shooting free throws?

The Bulls were pushing things on offense and I liked it.

by NBA Observer on Jan 17, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kinda nice to have a guard

who can see over the defense.

by hlac on Jan 17, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

neil funk

and wennington mentioned it on the radio. funk was making fun of the heat for looking lost and uninspired on d. he was referring to it as an unintentional zone defense, where heat players would only guard somebody if that player was in their vicinity. no proactive defense

by Conor on Jan 17, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Shaq's return caused a

softening of the anticipated revenge factor. MIA was truly terrible defensively. Old guys that are too slow and young guys that just don't know.

I've always said (like TT) Thabo can play and needs to get the chance. It's like the coaches have been playing inferior talent because they're afraid of losing. But at this point, what are they (is he, Boylan) afraid of, they ARE losing.

But I've been alarmed at Thabo's passing TOs this year, much more so than his shooting. So what happens when all 3 other guards are available and he has a not-so-great game, turning it over? Not just with coaches, but you/us B-a-B-ers? (Can you take the resultant losses, in the short term?)

Seems like half the folks here have turned on Tyrus, but I don't get it. Josh Smith doesn't have his wits about him at all times (on and off court), but he's allowed to be a solid contributor on a .500 team. I see our own version sitting on the bench, and you guys are talking about Victor Khryapa! How will you feel when whatever we get for Tyrus joins Veektor at garbage time, while TT stars (ala Tyson) for somebody else? Don't just bend over and take it again people, GET MAD!

by marionette on Jan 17, 2008 1:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i dont think asking

20+ min/game for Tyrus is asking too much for a month or two :) At least give the kid a chance to suceed rather than give up without even giving him a chance.

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

asking 4 times a day

do you think that is asking too much?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 17, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that is true

i will slow down my man crush

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No please, T4P. Don't ever change!

But I am LOL that YOU replied to my venting, 'cause we already know your feelings on/for Tyrus!

Now I'm gonna do what I promise myself never to do and check that Amare to CHI thread to see if it syncs up with what the Sun "fans" are dreaming up.

by marionette on Jan 17, 2008 7:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it's the one thing that frustrates me

with this organization. I don't blame the losing on it, thats on the "core" and BigBen. I still have faith that they will turn it around!!

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hmmmm....

From the Rosenblog today...
"The more Thabo Sefolosha plays, the more tradeable Kirk Hinrich looks."

by Lt.Dan on Jan 17, 2008 2:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

heh

"There was no confrontation," Boylan said, but Boylan didn't say whether he was there to witness it. Maybe he was just repeating what the players voted him to say.

ouch!

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 17, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He just like

to hear himself blabber.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 17, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Deng

said he didn't have to step between anybody. At this point
I don't care what happened but I'd love to see the team develop one of those good ol' fashioned "us against the world" attitudes the PJ was so good at stoking.

by Rusty LaRue on Jan 17, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was talking

about his Hinrich comment.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 17, 2008 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

word

by Zac23 on Jan 17, 2008 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wait, Zac

do you not like Hinrich or something?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Trade Hinrich!

Oh please oh please oh please...

by BJarmstrong on Jan 17, 2008 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jim Rome's Take On Noah

Did anyone see Jim Rome is Burning and the crap he and his crack web staff or web staff on crack came up with on the Noah-Wallace confrontation. My take is at least someone still has some fight on this team. Noah has got some character and those are the traits that help teams win... Cliff Levingston was not on the Bulls for his incredible athleticism. He was the character link and Phil Jackson was a genius at using those links. Noah should not be shunned. He should be rewarded for showing that he cares. He grew up priviledged so he truly is playing for the love of the game. Obviously, a person not dazzled by materialism, because he shows up to Berto wearing pajamas. Ben Worthless, on the other hand, is the veteran and is suppose to be a mentor. His numbers and his attitude on the bench while team is getting blown out is hardly displaying skills or maturity. Great role model for the rookies! Of course, I question our veteran play, but the coaching too. Letting players pass judgement and vote to suspend Noah shows the new staff is lacking a pair.

by BiNgO on Jan 17, 2008 4:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

How about a summary?

For those of us who can't stand Jim Rome and would rather have teeth pulled than watch that show, but might enjoy bashing his opinion.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 17, 2008 5:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.jimrome.com/home/articles/article_4.htm

http://www.jimrome.com/home/articles/article_4.html

by BiNgO on Jan 17, 2008 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the link

I still think Rome is an idiot.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 17, 2008 6:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Jim Rome is an idiot. That is why I watched repeatedly after the show, Chris Everett.... I mean Jim Everett bitch slapping Jim Rome several years ago.

by BiNgO on Jan 17, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HNgqQVHI_8

by BiNgO on Jan 17, 2008 8:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good times, good times

by KT on Jan 17, 2008 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Love that.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 18, 2008 7:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noah may become the leader on this team

He hates to lose, is hungry and plays hard. Thabo becomes the long 2 guard, Noah provides leadership, and the Corpse gets traded. Sweet dreams!

by chgobr on Jan 17, 2008 6:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Somewhere I was reading

they were calling him Has-Ben Wallace. Wish I could remember where.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 17, 2008 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Got one month to make it happen.

Those are sweet dreams that need to be reality. Several players need to go and someone needs to arrive. Trade deadline coming up soon. Pax better have something cooking or be cooked.

by BiNgO on Jan 17, 2008 8:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

progress!

pure progress..

by exult463 on Jan 17, 2008 10:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OT

The Tribune has a new look

. . . . And I ain't mad at it at all

by Option27 on Jan 17, 2008 9:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

it looks good

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 17, 2008 10:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Will wonders never cease?

Sam Smith is lobbying for regular playing time for Tyrus:

"The Bulls went for Tyrus Thomas, I believe, because they didn't have a great athlete who projected as a star. So it was time to take a chance. It looks like a miss now, though I haven't given up on Thomas and would like to see him get regular playing time. With some strength, he might be productive at power forward."

Of course, he had to preface his recommendation with an insult, but that is to be expected.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080117samsmithonjohnpaxson,1,339580.column?page=2

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 17, 2008 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

here's my new fanboy theory

in his prime, Tyrus will be the only one able to guard LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Dwight Howard. He'll be the only LeBron-stopper :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 10:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can now picture NBAObserver

figuring out how Tyrus will box out everyone, the one obstacle to true greatness

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 17, 2008 10:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

When did you start watching the Bulls?

After the first 3 titles?

Watch some Bulls film against the Pistons in 87, 88, 89, and 90. Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas, and Vinnie Johnson were boxing out 6'8, 6'10, and 7'0 Bulls rebounders to help their teammates corral the basketball.

If a boxout can help a small guard help his team rebounding, imagine what a big man boxing out can do.

Your comments increasingly make me think you know very little about basketball at all. I think you can do better.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

Hanging your commentary cap on a fundamental skill like boxing out is key to becoming a long-winded pseudoscout.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 18, 2008 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure the coaching staff

works with Tyrus on some fundamentals. They have to show him film of when he looks good and when he looks bad. Simply putting his body between the offensive rebounder and the basket gives Tyrus a significantly greater chance of getting the rebound. His two feet elevation is excellent. He has terrific reach. We see it all the time on his athletic blocks.

Tar and feather me for hoop dreams like acquiring Amare. But for boxing out? At least pen something comical. I'm first in line to laugh at myself.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas' biggest issues do not come

on the defensive end. If he had a better developed offensive game and did nothing more on defensive he'd be getting a lot of minutes right now. He's got to work work work on his offensive game...and I wouldn't be surprised if, once given reasonable playing time, we see a dramatic improvement from him.

You gotta believe the team wants nothing more than to see Noah at center, Thomas at PF, and Thabo at one of the guard spots.

What we seen the last couple of games with Thabo is evidence of the old adage that development is uneven. It's cumulative in the background, but shows itself as spurts. Anyone who has kids knows this principle.

by alec on Jan 18, 2008 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the defensive lapses

are what actually limit his minutes. The staff knows his offense still needs lots of work. But he can earn PT if he is executing on the defensive end of the floor when we know he can do this now. Putting your 6'9" 220lb frame between the opponent and the rim to deny offensive rebounding will keep Tyrus on the floor.

Tyrus goes to the bench early when he fails to perform the tasks the staff knows he can do. Missing a 15 foot jump shot when he is open is not going to get him benched.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i think defensive rebounding

is the least of his problems. The Bulls dont seem to struggle with defensive rebounding when he is on the court. The Nocioni/HasBen Wallace frontcourt is very deficient in the defensive rebounding category. No numbers to back this up just an observation. I think the problem with Tyrus on the defensive end is that the coaching staff has been putting him out there as a SF, and he is not ready to defend the wing just yet

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 18, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he is not ready to defend the wing just yet

Bingo.

I think his problem on defense is the blowing rotations and it is exacerbated when he is playing the 3 since he works better under the basket.

by Jaina on Jan 18, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why pick on Tyrus?

Between the 2 and 3 has anyone been successful in closing out on the 3-pt shooters? It seems in the game threads people are bitching about the whole team not doing it.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 18, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

especially Noc

he may jump wildly to close out, but it's about a step or two too late.

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 18, 2008 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah don't pick on Tyrus

just because recently his high flying blocks are more likely to be goal tends doesn't mean anything. And if the bulls guards could just put more pressure on the ball and get more steals, there'd be a lot less opportunity for TT to lose his man. And don't forget, TT can dunk! So it's easy to see why you can't blame TT for anything... :-P

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 18, 2008 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know you did the tongue sticky thing...

...but man you're an idiot.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 18, 2008 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 18, 2008 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

now your getting it

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 18, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you're

sorry :)

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 18, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry guys

I didn't mean to make it look like I was picking on Tyrus. I actually really like Tyrus.

And you guys are correct - no one has been good at closing out on the shooter. That's a real problem for us.

But maybe the reason I brought it up is because I think Tyrus has more to bring to the table at the 4 for his weak-side help and rebounding around the basket, than say, Noc, to use your example. If he's more effective playing the 4 he should play there right now - better to utilize his strengths since he's still developing, instead of putting him in a position where he's uncomfortable and not performing as well. Once he has more experience he can try to slide over to the 3. After all it's taken Deng a few years to start experimenting with sliding over to the 2.

I think to use him best it's at the 4 right now and that's all I'm really saying. If he's having the same or more amount of trouble guarding the 3 as other 3's, he should be used at the 4 where he is above average.

by Jaina on Jan 18, 2008 5:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree.

And I think that's why he's lost some of his defensive value. Although, according to 82games.com, he's played an insignificant amount of time at the three--I think only when he's played with Noah and Gray. And his Top 10 "Top 5-Man Units", all of which have at least 12 minutes (meaning any other lineups were certainly small in total minutes), had at least two of Hinrich/Gordon/Duhon and one of Nocioni/Deng. So I'm just curious where you guys see him playing the 3. Is it that he's guarding the PF and they just draw him out. Is 82games.com completely wrong (which I could see as a possibility)? Or has he just not logged enough minutes (a total of 12 for the season) in any single lineup where he's the three for it to show up?

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 18, 2008 5:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Could be less than 12 total min

It's only been the last few games I've seen him try to throw him out there at the 3. At least what I remember.

by Jaina on Jan 18, 2008 6:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I said try TT at the 3

but then I got a chance to see him up close. He is a lot taller than it looks on TV, significantly taller than Deng. I think TT might be too lanky to play the 3, but it sounded like a good idea at the time.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 19, 2008 8:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think, as a child,

you must have been locked in a dark room whenever you failed to box out.

by alec on Jan 18, 2008 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm wondering about the

chances for TT to play tonight against the Warriors. For those who thought that TT should play when the matchups were in his favor, I would think that playing against the free-flowing offense of the Warriors would allow TT to use his athleticism and hide some of his weaknesses. Unfortunately, I don't think Boylan has any intention of keep TT on the floor unless he is absolutely killing the other team in the 5 minutes a game he gets to play. :(

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GSW centers and pfs

You could put Tyrus out there on Biedrins. GSW plays Stephen Jackson at the 4. He'll camp on the perimeter pulling Tyrus out of the paint if T2 is at the 4.

The GSW offense is give the ball to Baron Davis or Monta Ellis, set up a perimeter screen or elbow screen, penetrate and either dish out, pass to a cutter, or try and finish near the rim.

I have no idea what to expect from the Bulls. If they can play defense like they did against Miami they could blow out the Warriors.

I expect GSW to try and put Thabo in foul trouble. I'm dreading a Ben Gordon on Monta Ellis or Baron Davis matchup.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I agree, this could be

a game that favors the Bulls' small lineup, since I don't think the GSW post-up at all. Put Hinrich(if he plays) on Baron, Thabo on Stephen Jackson and TT and Noah can roam the paint whilst guarding Biedrins.

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GSW will post up

Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson both have post up games.

GSW isn't going to get much post up from any bigs. They're 8 man rotation is composed of 5 players that they interchange between the 2, 3, and 4 position.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I always worry more about

teams hitting threes on us than posting. I think we need athletes who can get out to the shooters faster, which means less Noc and Joe Smith.

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GSW fell to the Pacers

the other night. I think we match up well with the Pacers. The loss to them at Indianapolis was disappointing, but the Pacers were on fire from 3 pt land. And yes, the closeout on the shooters was a step slow.

We could look really good or really bad tonight. I hope good. I just picked up some tickets. This is my first game at the UC this season.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it's not all about athletes...

Most of the time getting out to the shooters late comes from bad positioning.

I've always said that they sag WAY too much into the lane when providing help. Just make a hard show and get back out. Too often they linger and then the shooter is left wide open.

It's rarely foot-speed that is the cause of getting out to the shooter late.

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 18, 2008 12:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I tend to agree with you.

I think the Bulls haven't adjusted to other teams use of the drive and kick well (ironic isn't it?)
But part of that is also that the Bulls aren't physically up to guarding other teams when we play our "gritty" less talented players. Seems other teams have figured out the Bulls will play them for the drive and consistently give up the 3 pointer. Noc and Smith are never going to be able to plsy defense against that. We need our "Michael's and Scottie's" out there sometimes to stop these other teams when they start getting hot with their 3 point shooting.

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

very true

you're exactly right because Orlando drived-and-kicked the crap out of them the other night. That's all they did...drive in, kick it out, hit an open jumper...that's why Cook kept getting open looks.

Bad coaching...bad player recognition

Noce and Smith have the ability to play against that style if they were told to stay with their man.

I saw one possession against Orlando where 4 Bulls collapsed on the post player, which resulted in TWO bad things: (1) 4 Orlando players were wide open...(2) the quadruple-teamed player STILL hit the shot.

If I'm the coach, I just send ONE, or MAYBE two guys...there's no need for the entire team to sag and help out.

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 18, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The solution then to other teams hitting

3's off drive and kicks is to give their man a little more space to take away the drive and give them a slightly less contested jump shot. It could also take the other team out of its rhythm by taking away their drive and kick. This all seems very obvious but the reality is that the Bulls are getting killed with 3's and statistics bear that out.

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, just checked the stats.

Guess which team takes the most 3 pointers in the league?

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In a perverse way,

this might actually help the Bulls, as their biggest problem defending the three is that they double off the wrong man. At least against GSW, it won't matter who brings the double team.

by alec on Jan 18, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, this game could be

a case of their irresistible force against our immovable objects.

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just wondering

how much closer to the right margin this thing goes

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Jan 18, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think PaxJax

got it down to a single column of letters once.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 18, 2008 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To see if we can get closer to the edge

of the screen, I will just put a Chuck Norris fact I just found out about up here.
Chuck Norris once fathered a shark - just because they kick ass.

by philosoball on Jan 18, 2008 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Huh

Oh ill help,
chuck norris is old. I think the other day i switched on Walker Texas Ranger, it was so blah....i mean we have this sheriff or something, who looks and moves like a 50 year old (but actually might be older) and yet he can kick anyone and everyones ass, unless its supposed to be totally fantasy (sci fi) i completely hate unrealistic shows. Hmm i wonder if anyone will reply and get this closer to the end of the screen....come on people, i want one letter per line at some point.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 19, 2008 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They seek out your weak defender

and post him up. Or drive on you, with serious intent at getting to the rim. Which makes the drive and kick effective to get open 3s.

Oh and they run a lot, and shoot more threes in transition.

That's the Don Nelson offense in a nutshell. A great way to play and a blast to watch. Most of his guys are athletic 'tweeners and his system makes it work. If the game was in Cali, the Bulls would be fortunate to keep it within 20, 'cause their transition D has sucked so far this year.

by marionette on Jan 18, 2008 6:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and don't worry about the team

Sam sez:

Look, it's not as we all expected it with the Bulls, but it's not as bad as it seems.

by paxson43 on Jan 18, 2008 5:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So long, Bobby Fischer.

Fare well.

by alec on Jan 18, 2008 10:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is there any word yet

about Kirk's availability for tonight's game?

by alec on Jan 18, 2008 11:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

WSCR sez...

expected to be out.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 18, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So Thabo gets another chance to show

the last two games were not a fluke.

by alec on Jan 18, 2008 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why did he travel to Miami?

The team should have sent him home to Chicago to rest up. Those flights to Orlando then Miami and then back to Chicago can't be good for a recovery of back spasms.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

who wants to rehab in chicago

in January when you can rehab in South Beach?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 18, 2008 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He needed to be around

in case there were any more team votes.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 18, 2008 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

Do they need kirk to have a UNANIMOUS vote? All they really need is a club, and perhaps a very bad italian accent....

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 18, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, he could just phone it in...

like most of the vets have been doing this year anyway.

by alec on Jan 18, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

they could have it sponsored by

US Cellular...

by Lt.Dan on Jan 18, 2008 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol, get Joan Cusack a vote

She's a veteran of many things. Who cares if she's not part of the team?

You guys are killing on this topic. hahaha

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 1:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hell...

make it a contest..."guess the vote" have her host it at half time.

by Lt.Dan on Jan 18, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Better yet

Geraldo Rivera can uncover the most recent vote, the long-awaited "Duhon can't shoot for the next three games" vote.

Mourning the Pete Myers Era.

by cubbybear on Jan 18, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was the fuckin funniest shit

I have read all day!

Thank you!

by Option27 on Jan 18, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn, 8:30 PM start on the

coldest night of the year thus far.

There is going to be a -20 degree wind chill by the time that the game is over.

Pain.

Maybe it will throw GS off, though.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 18, 2008 1:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Poor Ben Wallace

He may not be able to go out and party with his old Piston teammates tonight after the game.

by Big D on Jan 18, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just hope it doesn't affect attendence...

The UC has understandably been as silent as a morgue over the last month, except for the boos.

We badly need to win tonight and tomorrow.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 18, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can you lead cheers from the 300 level?

I'll try. I want to get a Joakim Noah thing going.

by NBA Observer on Jan 18, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

300 level

The 300 Level can get pretty into the game, at least my section was. Pretty much all you need is about six guys yelling at the top of their lungs for it to be picked up. Especially with how quiet everyone else is.

by cranscape on Jan 18, 2008 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

tyrus

It would be unconsionable to dump TT now. I remember when the Bulls traded Artest and Brad Miller for Jalen Rose. Both were young guys whom the Bulls had brought along & the Bulls dumped both just before they really blossomed. Losing Artest was a blessing in disguise, but that's 20-20 hindsight and beside the point.

Then there are the obvious parallels w/ the Curry and Chandler deals.

The Bulls management need to take a hard look at their own methods of handling young players. It is their job to get the best out of their employees, and they are failing miserably at that. They mishandled Chandler, and are about to go down the same exact road w/ Thomas.

Sure the player has to do his part, but in the case of Chandler it is now proven that the willingness was somewhere in him, and it just took the right motivational stimulus to pull it out.

by reggie00 on Jan 18, 2008 2:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think 'losing' Artest

has anything to do with hindsight. They knew it was a pretty certain possibility that he'd go (stay) insane.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 18, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

When you're paying someone 2 or 3 million and they're working weekends at Best Buy for the employee discount, it's kind of a red flag.

by CrashDavis on Jan 18, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Please enlighten me...

I somehow missed this tale of madness.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 18, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The story was . . .

That he was supposedly spending so much money at Circuit City (I think it was Circuit City, not Best Buy) during his rookie year with the Bulls that he actually applied for a job there so he could get the employee discount. It sounds like complete B.S., but I've heard that story so often from so many people that there probably is some truth to it.

by Big D on Jan 18, 2008 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here

It's in here. About half way down. Plus it's always good to re-read the Great Tales of Artest every once in a while.

by CrashDavis on Jan 18, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Annals of Ron-Ron

My favorite item:
"Oct. 2005: Appearing on the cover of the December issue of Penthouse, Artest said in the interview that he wanted to box Ben Wallace on pay-per-view."

Whole rundown here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2281289

Mourning the Pete Myers Era.

by cubbybear on Jan 18, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hilarious.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 18, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh then

you gotta google "Ron Artest" and "Circuit City". Its good

Global warming? Bench Wallace and start Noah.

by Rusty LaRue on Jan 18, 2008 8:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that link

does not work CrashDavis

by davebino on Jan 18, 2008 3:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry.

For some reason if I google artest best buy, that Sam Smith article comes up at the top, but if I try to link to it ESPN says it doesn't exist. Damn, interweb.

by CrashDavis on Jan 18, 2008 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

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