The once and future Kirk
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 23, 2008 11:32 PM CST
in News
195 comments
Hopefully future Kirk, anyway. Hinrich looked like his old self tonight for the Bulls, and quite unlike his more prevalent alter ego, the Mopey Iowan, who we had seen most of this season.
The Bulls need for offense was dire, as before tipoff Ben Gordon joined known scratches Deng and Duhon on the bench with a wrist injury. With so much production (and Duhon) unavailable, someone had to score and Hinrich was doing it in all ways, 4-5 from three, 6-6 from the line, hitting floaters and turnaround jumpers on his way to a career high 38 points (along with 10 assists and 7 rebounds).
Before Hinrich was piling on the points in the 2nd half, the first half story was a 2nd quarter surge led by Noah, Thomas, and Thabo, allowing the tantalizing correlation of young players and winning basketball. Naturally, we didn't see Tyrus in the 2nd half and Adrian Griffin played 27 minutes, otherwise such instances wouldn't be tantalizing. Or simply make sense.
Noah and Thabo did play plenty of minutes though (yet another game where Wallace watched the 4th from the bench, and rightfully so) with Noah especially looking good and even scoring on a few post-up opportunities.
Notice I've now mentioned both Noah and Hinrich posting up the Pacers. Shows what kind of game it was. The Pacers went small the entire game, starting Granger at the 4 and Foster at the 5. No shotblocking meant that the Bulls could drive into the lane whenever they wanted, and on offense the Pacers were sloppy (18 TOs) and disinterested outside of chucking 3-pointers. Jamaal Tinsley looked particularly uninspired, especially in contrast to the teams' first meeting in Indy when he abused Hinrich. Tonight was the other way around.
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9-2 gets us back to .500 by the All Star break*
Tonight reinforced who we thought and who we hoped our last three 1st round draft picks would be. So here's to wishing our "Young 3" get their playing time. Or help us God.
*Out of the games vs Phoenix, @ Golden State, @ Utah, vs New Orleans, if we can split'em and go 2-2, there is no reason why we can't be 26-26. We should not be losing to any other team before All-Star weekend.
by Orange Juice on Jan 24, 2008 12:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
we shouldnt
by JSlakov on Jan 24, 2008 1:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You can't
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 7:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
never sount on this years team for anything
:-)
by Bluelou on Jan 24, 2008 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
came straight home to post that one, huh
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 9:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
whoops
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No shit sherlock.
by sue369 on Jan 25, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We should beat the Suns
We the Friday night game against Charlotte, but the team can just get a hotel for the night to be ready for the game Sat morning.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Suns
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
blah
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wallace will be late
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just Praying
by AGBallinisaHabit on Jan 24, 2008 2:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
If Duhon
by cranscape on Jan 24, 2008 8:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Thabo and Hinrich are a very useful combination. Combine them with solid post players and a healthy Deng on the wing, and you might have a contending team. Duhon is a solid back-up but will probably never be starter material. That's OK, you need a good back-up.
Gordon appears to have hit his ceiling, they're bringing him off the bench and he's a free agent after this year. Do the math.
by Bayern Munich on Jan 24, 2008 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Noce rocks too
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2008/01/nba-news-surprise-in-boston-wins-for.html
by sivanjohn on Jan 24, 2008 2:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
8-19 from the field, including 2-8 from 3, 6-9 FT
by snley on Jan 24, 2008 8:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why all the Noc hate all the time
All the Noc hate is ridiculous. I can't wait until all the fans like those here complain him out of town and he comes back to torch us on a competitive team.
Hell, he'd really help the Grizzlies even sans Pau, he's an effort guy who while not fabulously gifted, has enough of an IQ to make many smart moves when the team needs them.
I just don't get why everyone rags on Noc all the time. Personally, I'd keep him, and trade the more valuable Deng for someone who will be better than Deng. Luol is a gifted player, who isn't ridiculously athletic--but more so than Noc, but has no killer instinct. Luol's been around long enough that I don't think a Killer Instinct is just going to come to him. Work out a trade for a real star, or a few uber talented youngs for Deng is what I say (though I would avoid Deng for gimpy TMAC and might avoid Deng and change for Pau unless Memphis included some other young commodity)....
Noc makes a defensive lapse and leaves the 3 ball open at times, but he also draws plenty of charges and often gets a block and some baskets after a stupid mistake. It's just the fact that Noc is so energetic that we tend to notice his mistakes, while Deng falls asleep often in the 4th to little fanfare. Deng's not our superstar folks.....he's never been a ridiculous athlete, and while Deng's good at a bit of everything, he's really not great at anything and doesn't have the killer instinct that could make him the great player everyone expected him to be this year.....
I was in the minority this offseason saying this, now more folks are noticing the same but not quite as vocal about it and by this point next year when Deng has too high a contract for what he's worth when we have a similarly skilled (though slightly less so player--Noc behind him), we'll be stuck and Deng's value will drop.
Hell, I'd love to sign Deng this offseason and work out something to trade him to the Kings for Kevin Martin....Deng's likely got higher presumed market value since Chicago's a bigger market and Deng's gotten all the buzz, but Kevin Martin's the better player.....
by majoyenrac on Jan 24, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Deng complaints
I agree Deng is not going to become all-star or team leader. He has a nice game, good on D but not dominate and good on offense but lacks great handles, great offensive moves, and 3 pt shot to make him a go to guy every night
there is room on team I think for both Noc and Deng but they should not be untradable (and I don't believe Bulls would have not given up Deng if they could have got KG)
by NY Chicago Fan on Jan 24, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you wholeheartedly
Maybe we can buy him out and have him retire. I read today that Miami is discussing the same with Shaq, which might allow them to save their salary cap nightmare....(i think this was from hoopshype).
I think Pax doesn't want to part with Noc for Gasol (Which I can agree, since Pau is a fabulously gifted player who might need a motivator/energy scoring PF to keep him in gear)....Noah is an energy guy but too young....Noc is an Olympic Gold champion who would be well respected by Pau.
But I'd be fine parting with anyone for the right player. I think Deng's a higher value as he's slightly better but really much much younger (which drives up his value) and I don't think and haven't thought our production would be hurt too much if we had a healthy Noc replacing Deng, especially if we part Deng for a talented superstar (Kobe).
Pax f'd up. That whole discussion that Kobe trade talks weren't serious is a screen, the Bulls love being able to say that because we all think it's a big f-up, and the Lakers of course want to push that message because they want their fan base to remain committed to the best player in the league (and not think of him as the Benedict Arnold he portrayed all summer). I'm sure that we didn't make the trade because Pax loved Deng too much, trading Deng, Wallace, and pieces would have been a huge steal for us, but it's over with now....oh well.
Moving forward, we need to move forward, if the Gasol idea is dead, well then Pax should come out and say it's dead and we can talk about other guys we should fight to get. Much as I like healthy TMAC, and also likely unavailable.....
I don't want KIDD, too old, too inept as a scorer for our offensively deprived team....we don't have Vince and RJ playing alongside him (and look at their success?). Kidd's had a fabulous career, but surely we can find someone else who's say in their late 20's for our talented but misfitted group of young 20's.....
by majoyenrac on Jan 24, 2008 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Noc hate probably isn't fair
The Bulls will get much better bang for their buck paying Deng 10-12.5 mil/year than they will paying Noc 8.5 mil/year. Deng may never be all that we want him to be, but he's still a potential All-Star who will probably be relatively underpaid.
By the way, Noc has not been the Bulls most consistent player this year, not that that really matters. Joe Smith has probably had the most non-terrible games this season, if you want to label that as consistency. Noc has thrown his fair share of absolute stinkers as well as his fair share of good games.
by snley on Jan 24, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
meh
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Um, I think Deng is already outproducing Noc
Nocioni 2007-08 PER: 16.20
Granted, Nocioni has also carried the burden of being the heart of our team. Not sure how to compares that to Deng's season long battle w/ injuries.
by snley on Jan 24, 2008 5:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But
Deng hasn't had that luxury.
Plus PER is a skewed formula in my mind (something you can tell was thought up by a math guy--which I am as well). I buy a lot of stuff that can't always be measured as an important piece as well (Such as being confident enough to try to make plays in game changing situations--and often succeeding, regardless of how poor perhaps the first 15-20 minutes of play you had), deflections, charges, etc....stuff that Hollinger doesn't always grab from his too stat heavy statistic that ESPN has blabbed about ad nauseum so that many now think it's a be-all end all statistic.
Fact is Deng's good, Noc is good, less than 1.5 point PER difference isn't to me worth $5M more a year on a team striving to get that superstar player...I'd rather trade that borderline maybe eventual if everything goes right when it goes right depending on the players around him and how much he fills a leadership role guy like Deng. Deng's got the highest value (a bit too high for what I feel his eventual max production will be) so let's use his value as a bargaining chip to get a superstar (or combo of solid young players maybe from the Atlanta PF spots and picks for Deng and some of our also-rans (Khryapa, Griffin--and his locker room calming rep)....
by majoyenrac on Jan 24, 2008 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
PER helps Noc
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Only team hurting?
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have the olympic +/- numbers
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 9:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tyrus with offense
But it is still opposing guards that have created the most problems for us on defense.
by NBA Observer on Jan 25, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree to disagree then
Again I think the ire is because of the wide open 3's when Noc does the double team at the paint, and the fact that Noc looks crazy and super energetic that we tend to notice his faults more.
He's no superstar, but he's a worthy star in my book, and is hardly this team's biggest problem, in fact I'd say he (and Joe Smith) have been the most consistent all year. Deng's been good, but has games where he gets numbers but doesn't play hard when the game matters most (Something PER doesn't measure, and he seemed a bit lost in th ehype the first month of the season if not more....I'm still waiting for Superstar Deng I guess--I like Deng, but I also don't think and have never thought he's as good as his hype).
Noc can have a crappy game, but come in in crunch time moments and make the important plays we need to get some wins.....that's far more important than PER of a guy like Deng who'll get the baskets early when they're easier, and then do little when they're harder (Even though he has the talent to do more when it's harder, he doesn't have that psyche).
I'm afraid we'll ahve to agree to disagree. It's your blog though, so feel free to disagree(I like the blog though :)).
by majoyenrac on Jan 25, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That small difference in PER says alot.
Any way you put it, Nocioni is clearly the lesser player. When you remove the smoke and mirrors of his grit and hustle, you can see he is a far lesser player. Deng will probably never be a superstar. He is, though, much more likely to earn the value of his next contract than Nocioni is to earn the value of his current contract. Would I be willing to see Deng go for an actual superstar? Absolutely, bring on the Kobe trade rumors again. Do I think Paxson should be shopping Deng? Fuck no.
by snley on Jan 25, 2008 12:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Deng
I'm not saying Noc is better than Deng, what I am saying is that Deng's value is far greater than Noc right now and the differences between the two aren't as night and day as it would be to compare say a Dwyane Wade to a Ricky Davis.....
It's more like comparing a Mike Miller and Ben Gordon (Mike's a taller player who can get boards and is a consistent scorer, whereas BG's a flashier player who can score a lot more points on good days than Miller (and do so more often) but can also wallow with some bad nights for several games on end). Gordon's likely got far higher trade value, but I'm not quite sold that he's the all out better player--though I as a fan want to think he is and respect BG more--even though I keep indicating trading BG, I think much of that has to do with our need for height.
by majoyenrac on Jan 25, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A tough team to predict
Before Memphis, I had personal hopes of the Bulls going 5-1 to close out the month of January, with the probable loss being Phoenix. Naturally, the Bulls were pounded by [sigh] Memphis. So much for predicting how to get a run going.
If this team struggles to win back-to-back games, how in the hell are they supposed to turn this season around? A win streak? A serious, competent run? Hah! I'll believe it when I see it.
On another note, very delightful to see Kirk and Noah post up good numbers, as well as Thabo in the lineup and even Tyrus getting some minutes. After a 38-point scorcher, I wonder if having Thabo bring up the ball on offense with Kirk at the 2 would be a worthy experiment.
by ForWhomTheBullTolls on Jan 24, 2008 3:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
One thing I'd like to check
by Freethefro on Jan 24, 2008 7:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
It'll be easier to figure out
by Scotter on Jan 24, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice work there
by Freethefro on Jan 24, 2008 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course
Maybe he read all my ragging on him accross the net (here and sportsline)--I like to think I make a difference--but yeah, it's good to see him score 20, let alone 38 and 10 and 6 or 8 boards or whatever it was. 20 points these days is a shocker for Kirk, so 38 was thrilling.
I hope it keeps up as I've been a big Hinrich fan (he was the glue guy for our team and the only unmovable piece until this year at least in my book), and I hope he gets back.
See what 1 game can do, it can give me hope.
I like the fact that Thabo and Noah seem to be contributing, hopefully I can see their next game (and hopefully it's not going to end up like the Memphis game).
by majoyenrac on Jan 24, 2008 7:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
A win is a win.
Very happy that Kirk had a good game and Noah is just playing kick ass ball right now.
I'm so glad Skiles is gone because we would never have had the chance to see what Thabo is doing for this team now. With Duhon still out I'm anxious to see how Thabo and Kirk play the next few games. Nice to see 52 points from them last night.
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 7:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
excuse me
Let's see how he plays against Charlotte and Phoenix...I know he probably won't get 38/10/7 again...but can he at least get somewhere close to 20-25/7/4?
Hopefully he won't have to because hopefully Ben will be back...
by ScottieCartwright on Jan 24, 2008 8:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Awww, did your
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 8:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
by ScottieCartwright on Jan 24, 2008 8:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hear ya.
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 8:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sorry about that...
by Lt.Dan on Jan 24, 2008 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dear Paxson, Dear Kerr
Ben Wallace. BEN Wallace. BEN WALLACE.
Do it PaxKerr. Wallace for Stoudemire. Suns are running out of time. So it Ben Wallace's trade value.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 8:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why stop there?
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 9:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
send Steve Kerr your mixtape
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
John Jackson reports that Ben Wallace
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/756947,CST-SPT-bullnt24.article
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 9:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
He also mentioned
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 9:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know somebody out there
Yes others were late, too. Maybe that's why Viktor didn't get a garbage time minute? Gordon wasn't going to play anyway. Joe Smith--I'm beginning to wonder about, though.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
vet leadership
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Please Pax
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 9:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
If we can't get rid of BW
Does Boylan have the cojones to start the clearly superior player Noah over Wallace?
If he doesn't, then he should be fired.
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 24, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that will be the day
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So true. Boylan can't, or won't
Maybe the Bulls are trying to attract all the old washed up players in the league to appeal to the older, richer fanbase who can afford the higher ticket prices. Damn Reinsdorf is a frickin' genius.
by philosoball on Jan 24, 2008 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thabo has shown
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can you thnk
I sure can't
by Option27 on Jan 24, 2008 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because of play or other things though?
by Option27 on Jan 24, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably a combination of both
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 24, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And he just had season-ending surgury.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
does he really count?
by Lt.Dan on Jan 24, 2008 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So, Boylan dislikes Tyrus' play, right?
So let's recap:
Bulls make run against "super small" lineup w/ Noah, Thomas, Nocioni, Griffin and Thabo and then Kirk coming in for Thabo.
In the fourth, Pacers have a bigger lineup, but Thomas gets ousted because the Bulls want to play smaller.
Got it.
Good thing Thomas wasn't in there instead of Griffin, they might have won by more!!!
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 10:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Looking bad for Tyrus
Tyrus can't win with the current staff. He was effective last night.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
why don't you ask boylan
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, what I think Boylan
When Boylan took Wallace out, he actually replaced him in the post with Griff...and the truth is, A-Drain completely had his way with the Pacer's tiny interior defense.
We may have wanted to see Tyrus (and Tyrus probably would have done a great job, after all, he'd just had a great 2nd quarter), but Griff did what Boylan wanted him to; the Bulls rebuilt their lead and went on to coast to victory.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It may have looked like he was having his
by Scotter on Jan 24, 2008 11:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure that 1-6
Hey, I was as pissed off as anyone to see him come in instead of Tyrus. I'm just offering what I think was Boylan's intention.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It was, which meant he was a dominant
You probably have Boylan's intentions right, but I don't see how Kirk and Noah saving Boylan from his own stupidity should make me feel any better about Boylan's intentions.
by Scotter on Jan 24, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Adrian having his way in the post?
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 11:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
having his way
But yeah, even with position Griff can't finish at all, some of those shots he took were laughable. But then again it's a laughable type season, both the funny and depressing kind.
I still can't believe Boylan read his statline though, that is priceless. And praised Wallace for guarding Jeff Foster! I know I frown on inter-sport comparisions but Boylan is the new Bruce Kimm.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you like +- or not?
It's not about scoring in the post. It's about making the defense look stupid. The Pacers were practically building a wall around Griffin everytime he tried to post. Stacey King even tried to bail out the Pacers saying "Grifs not on the scouting report." You think?
Griffin could have scored zero last night and he still would have been a highly efficient player.
Maybe your incapable of seeing value in Griffin, but the longer you ride him the more you make Mike North sound credible.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 11:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
effective, not efficient
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I am incapable of seeing value in Griffin
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, that does it!
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TT didn't really have any impact either
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
are we trying to rationalize here?
But who cares? It's moronic. Tyrus should play because they need him to be good. Griffin shouldn't because he's as old as dirt and moves accordingly. Unless there's a drastic difference in performance it should go that way. And Griffin's not capable of drastically outperforming Thomas even on Tyrus' most spacy of nights.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ok
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, he doesn't
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm having trouble
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sean Marks
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and exactly when did
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he played 11 minutes
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that they don't hate TT
Griffin is sooooo bad out there. Although his finishing ability is better than Ben Wallace, the other post-up fiend of the night. I could not believe how much those two held the ball, and I highly doubt it's in the vaunted playbook.
Boylan was bailed out by Noc and Kirk. That's how most coaching evaluation happens.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 24, 2008 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He got an offensive rebound and actully finished.
by Scotter on Jan 24, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we can agree
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
because he missed a hook shot 4 games ago
I'm not sure Thomas is going to be effective posting up in a half court set, but the Bulls found plenty of ways to get Eddy the ball near the basket while he was on the move.
by hscs on Jan 24, 2008 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For one...
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well is a stretch
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So now you want him to "light it up"?
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if he had kept up his pace in the first 3 min
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Boylan, like Skiles, sees
by philosoball on Jan 24, 2008 11:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Simple Living
Thomas does not.
Griffin won't have +20 nights that often. Injuries for the Bulls had him in the game more often than usual. Injuries for the Pacer bigs created a better working environment for Griffin to operate.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Griffin drawing double teams
by hscs on Jan 24, 2008 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
double team AG?
I'm not sure I would double Griffin in the post if it was me who was one him, lol
by NY Chicago Fan on Jan 24, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was Dunleavy and Daniels at one point
by hscs on Jan 24, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Even if what you say is 100%
by philosoball on Jan 24, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stil Simple Living
Tyrus will receive no free minutes. We've figured this out. Boylan's not playing him if other players are playing better. Boylan's not playing him if Tyrus isn't in the areas on offense where he can excel.
Noah's eating all the minutes Tyrus was expecting to get. Noah's earning the PT with his play.
I still see Tyrus pumped during introductions. He's still standing to cheer for his teammates. He's still involved with the team. But his game still needs a lot of work and with the Bulls trying to make the playoffs it's doubtful Tyrus' minutes will go any higher than maybe 10 per outing.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Joe Smith sat out today's practice
There's hope for Tyrus yet.
I don't think it reflects well on the coaching staff that it takes an injury to a starter to get a young guy playing time--only to discover the young guy plays better than the guy he replaced.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
since when
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats the point I can't figure out
by NY Chicago Fan on Jan 24, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I thought would happen
With Noc starting, Noah is the first off the bench to come get Smith at about 7 minute mark left in the 1st. If Wallace is in foul trouble and he's not guarding a gigantic center, then Noah subs for Wallace.
I usually drop everything to watch the game closely when Noah and Thomas are on the floor together at the 4 and 5. Skiles showed us this once. Boylan has done it a few times, but I don't think it was planned. It was just what he had to do based on the players available to him, how the front court was matching up, and if Smith or Wallace were in foul trouble. If I recall correctly, I don't think we have seen Noah and Thomas at the 4 and 5 on the court together in the 2nd half. I believe they have all come in the 2nd quarter.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I don't understand
by Jaina on Jan 24, 2008 1:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
they are fighting for "big man"
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sooo...
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah b/c Noc is the PF usually
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i've never seen
C;Tyrus
PF: Noc
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
right, that's the point
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Smith would be at the 5
by Jaina on Jan 24, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't worry. It's not true.
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
wtf
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So it's not small-ball, but shooter ball?
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And small-ball philosophy...
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Noc at the 5?
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that's rare and saved
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
but
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
only for the small ball lineup
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tyrus
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's wrong.
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah he
by goldengod on Jan 24, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I told you already
Thomas does not.
We can cite bad defense. It is a variable. But Griffin is better with his back to basket compared to Thomas. Thomas still needs a lot of work.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Um... Griffin took Thomas's minutes.
For someone who does observing, that's a pretty shitty observation there.
by tyger1147 on Jan 24, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Silly
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 2:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Silly
What part of the NBA do you observe, by the way?
by jpx7 on Jan 25, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to the party
by NBA Observer on Jan 25, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Attempting a positive Wallace spin...
Alright, alright. Before you cough up your coffee, hear me out. I believe that Wallace does take his role as a mentor to disadvantaged youth quite seriously. I think it gives him a sense of higher purpose.
My guess is that Wallace's sense of mentorship was partly behind his taking the initiative to discipline Noah. I'm sure Wallace believed he was doing the right thing, not only for the integrity of the game (whatever that might mean), but also for Noah personally.
If Wallace can be led to see that Noah's on-court play has surpassed his own, maybe he can be convinced to assume a supportive role--including giving up his starting spot.
The undeniable truth is that his game is not what it used to be, and if he truly has foresight, he should jump at the opportunity to establish a new reputation as a coach/mentor who can raise the level a young player's play.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 11:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Case in point
Noah's reach and good hands can't be taught, but recovering defensively can.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was definitely Big Ben's
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sadly that's all Wallace can do anymore
He can't roam as well as he used to, which used to be his strength.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
good point
by NY Chicago Fan on Jan 24, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't do this for Chicago
On offense, I think Detroit was just more fluid with more weapons to employ to supplement Ben's offensive game. He just passed, set screens, and would be the last man on the passing train for the dunk.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately that's wishful thinking on your part
by Scotter on Jan 24, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In my view
Ben Wallace's defensive rebounding clearly has regressed. He'll still get taps, but there are many attempts he used to haul in by himself that he now struggles to corral. Last night even Jeff Foster, a good rebounder himself, was just out muscling Wallace for offensive boards.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
on the pick and roll
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes
Ben Wallace doesn't guard this player. This would be Joe Smith's, Tyrus Thomas', or Joakim Noah's assignment. Sometimes it is Noc's assignment when he plays the 4.
Teams that have run this against us to get wins are NYK, TOR, MIL, ORL, SAS, LAC, and BOS. The one team we have defended the PnR/PnP well is Detroit. We're 3-0 against them this season.
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i think
Spurs-Duncan
LAC- Kaman
Orl- Howard
NYK- Curry
Tor- Bosh
Those are all BW assignments
the Pick n Pop is for the big shooters
DET- R. Wallace
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The teams have interchangable parts
TOR: Bosh and Bargnani
BOS: KG and Scalabrini
LAC: Kaman and Thomas
MIL: Yi and Bogut
DET: Wallace and McDyess/Maxiel
ORL: Howard and Lewis/Turkoglu
SAS: Duncan and Oberto
They rotate the screeners, but they will stick with what's working if it's effective.
by NBA Observer on Jan 25, 2008 8:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The guards are obviously not blameless,
by Scotter on Jan 24, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Broken down
by NBA Observer on Jan 25, 2008 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get me wrong
I though Thabo looked good last night - better than his box score. I'm wondering how much Kirk actually does benefit from playing with a big guard. I'm not going to try to over-emphasize his performance last night because he very well could lay a few eggs playing with Thabo going forward.
There is no reason why Noah should ever play less than Ben and I think Boylan wanted to say as much last night. You could hear his studdering and stammering as he tried to provide the diplomatic response on why Noah is playing in 4th quarters versus Ben.
by messwiththebull on Jan 24, 2008 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It's hard to understate
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
Both Stacy and Kendall mentioned that Kirk is not really a post-up player, but that he can shoot over a smaller player...which made Diener about as good as it gets for Kirk.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 12:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't expect kirk to get 38
by bullshooter on Jan 24, 2008 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We could close the conversation
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Conventional wisdom, myths, and dogma
If BG hits for 20+, that means he's getting 30-35 minutes a night. That would be fatal. After last night, surely we can dipense with the myth that BG's importance to the Bull's is critical.
The first priority is finding a spot at the end of the bench for Wallace. Priority 1A is finding a spot for BG right next to BW.
by hlac on Jan 24, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
by Conor on Jan 24, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This tells you about Diener
by NBA Observer on Jan 24, 2008 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pax on the Score
by tyrus4prez on Jan 24, 2008 12:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nice post Matt...
by Zac23 on Jan 24, 2008 12:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
So how's that
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
According to the trib
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2008/01/gordon-misses-p.html
by KT on Jan 24, 2008 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Guess that means
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kirk
by eross226 on Jan 24, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Kirk Hinrich is team Captain...
by Zac23 on Jan 24, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just thinking, if the Bulls were compared to
by philosoball on Jan 24, 2008 2:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bench Du
Thabo is a kid (in NBA terms) and has had some confidence issues, but you can see that he can really hoop in his recent run. He's going to have nights when he shoots a bad percentage, but they have to let him play through that. Duhon is not going to magically grow 4 inches or learn to shoot. He is capped out as backup PG. Every time he takes the floor I want to punch Boylan in the face.
by Stay Chisel on Jan 24, 2008 2:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
First the Resurrection, now Capital Hill
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 2:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ach, Matt, you beat me to it...
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted to finally win
by philosoball on Jan 24, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK. Fine.
I decry the arbitrary application of the censorship criteria that permitted you to sneak this one through. Let me just say, if this blog was in Chinese, Matt would be Mao.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
too bad I missed the political posts
by hscs on Jan 24, 2008 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, well, you're right.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lets not get too excited
by alee7805 on Jan 24, 2008 3:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like its a good thing Kirk and Thabo
Here are the links:
http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/curry_recalled_080124.html?rss=true
by wjb1492 on Jan 24, 2008 5:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
When he hurt
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 6:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not that this is a News Flash
Yeah, there's an intrepid reporter for ya.
by alec on Jan 24, 2008 5:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That is part of the reason this blog is so popular
by chgobr on Jan 24, 2008 6:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's a stretch.
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
mmmm, more
by sue369 on Jan 24, 2008 8:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I always do.
by sue369 on Jan 25, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There's plenty to complain about but
- Paxson was able to build a young core (Thabo, Tyrus, Joakim) concurrent with building a young contender, one that was the favorite to win the Eastern Conference. And this new core arguably has more upside than the existing core and seems (key word) to address holes in the roster, rather than creating a log-jam. A 2,4/3, and a 5. They should fit well with the 1/2, 1/2, 3 the team already has established.
- Boylan is playing the young guys, and probably because he realizes it gives the team the best chance to win. Noah and Thabo have been getting serious burn. Boylan's apparent commitment probably puts Noah in the ROY race and salvages/saves Thabo's career with the Bulls. And it's inevitable that Tyrus gets his shot, hopefully now with Deng out. Tyrus' development will be the most interesting. If he's clearly not going to be a 4, rather becoming a 3/4 like a Marion, Kirilenko, Josh Smith, it could allow for Deng to be dealt for a stud 4, or to select a stud 4.
by messwiththebull on Jan 24, 2008 10:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Indiana lost!
by Jaina on Jan 24, 2008 10:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good or Bad
Bad because do we even want to make the playoffs with the way we're playing knowing we need roster changes.
I can't believe NJ lost last night. I turned off the game at the end of the 3rd quarter after NJ weathered the hack-a-Boone and actually turned that into their benefit. But opening the 4th with 22 unanswered points is just pathetic.
Vince Carter isn't even half man, half a season anymore. He looked like he was shaving points last night.
by NBA Observer on Jan 25, 2008 8:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate the Nets
I have hope for this season in that maybe we can get it together a bit. We still have stuff to fix, that's clear. But I'd love more to see us make a little run into the playoffs than stay at mediocrity where we still won't have a good pick and really show what a waste this season really is.
by Jaina on Jan 25, 2008 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
One good thing
by NBA Observer on Jan 25, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A win tonight is definitely not a given.
by alec on Jan 25, 2008 8:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
They still lack bigs
by NBA Observer on Jan 25, 2008 8:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can anyone
by tomes521 on Jan 25, 2008 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure he's out there because
Now, why the coaches want him out there is the real mystery.
by alec on Jan 25, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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