matt don't jump here's the "PLAN"

by OldeBull on Jan 3, 2008 11:39 AM CST Comment 67 comments

Someone has to pull Matt in off the ledge, so I'll take a shot at what the Bulls plan is.

When Paxson and Boylan got together they decided:

1.)Thomas & Sefolosha had both lost confidence as a result of Skiles lineup manipulation and the teams horrid start. That confidence had to be rebuilt but first the team needed to get back to winning games and to do that they would, if necessary, play the regulars more, and let Thomas & Sefolosha sit.
2.)The team had quit on Skiles and was better than their recent performance. The next 20 games gave them an excellent opportunity to get back to 500. They could expect to go perhaps as good as 15-5. This team is not going to win important games if the team does not get consistent performances from Wallace, Deng, Hinrich & Gordon, and here was an opportunity to get on a run get the swagger back, and get the disapppointment of the early season behind them.

3.) Bring Gordon off the bench. This would allow for two things to happen, 1) solidify the defense at the start of the game and 2) hopefully, jump start Hinrich's game.

4.)Use Noah as backup for Wallace & Smith to help with rebounding and interior defense. He's not a polished offensive player but he does know how to play in the half court. The Bull's see Noah as Wallace's ultimate replacement or if they get a scoring post player as a defensive PF/C to team with him.

5.)Once they start winning games they can develop Thomas & Sefolosha's games. Look for Boylan to try to increase Sefolosha's court time first by taking minutes from Duhon & Hinrich. They need to develop him as a third guard to allow them to trade Duhon and/or Gordon. If that doesn't work he could be included in a February trade.

The hope is that before the trade deadline the following will have taken place. The team is playing better basketball. The experiment with Gordon is working well and Smith, Nocioni, Duhon, Thomas & Sefolosha have re-established their trade value.

At that point the Bulls will make a trade perhaps a major trade. If it's a major trade, then either Nocioni, Hinrich, Wallace and/or Smith's contract's will have to be part of the deal to equalize salaries. Ideally the trade(s) would bring both a big guard and a legitimate post player.

As for Tyrus, I don't see him being traded, unless the deal is too good to pass up. He is still a potential star and Paxson is willing to wait for his potential to be reached. Admittedly this scenario means that Thomas will be sitting on the bench a lot for the next couple of weeks but I suspect that management is telling him to have patience and that they still have big plans for him.

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Pretty Nice

All five points are exactly what ive been thinking, although that last paragraph is what differs my thoughts. Another thing i found funny was how Matt has turned into the local Suicidal-Panicky-Fan, when i deemed him as the calm knowledgable fan.

Uh Matt, when you do jump, who inherits blogabull? Me thinks, hscs? (Jokin)

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

by piccolomair on Jan 3, 2008 11:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

right now to be calm is to have low expectations

this team just isn't very good. at all. And people seem pleased with it.

Not only that but outside of red hot Noah action, they aren't fun to watch. Who wants to see Gray, Nocioni, Duhon, Wallace, Smith?

And if comebacks were ever cute, they've stopped being so. I want a team that I know is going to win whether they have 'energy' that night or not.

Remember when they were 6-4 in a stretch, only to get their asses handed to them by the Celtics and Rockets? I'm holding out until they beat somebody worthwhile. Like, several times in a row.

Who can they beat in a 7 game series? I see losses to Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Cleveland, at least. Likely against Toronto and New Jersey as well. And I don't see how this current 'solidified' rotation we're supposed to credit makes the team any more likely to win these hypothetical series.

I agree there's a way to go and we'll likely see a different team come April. But I still see a pretty average basketball team and I want more.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Matt, we need more time

to determine whether the Boylan plan can take root. His main changes so far are subtle: 1) increase the tempo; and 2) interior passing. It's impossible to argue that Ben and Kirk are not playing better. You can debate the reasons for it, but the results are incontrovertible.

Part of what this says to me is that the Bulls are not a bad team--perhaps many of the teams with bad records are not bad teams--rather, they were just mismanaged. Look at the talent on Charlotte. It's pretty good...I mean, it's really good...but they just can't figure out how to put it together. I'd say the same thing about Milwaukee, New York, New Jersey...a bunch of teams.

The difference between winning and losing does not necessarily have to be wholesale personnel changes. It can be something as subtle as `interior passing vs. perimeter passing.' The effect on the Bulls is that it looks to have suddenly woken up all their big guys, and the result is the same as if they'd just signed five new players.

And Matt, in an effort to pander to your Tyrus love, I think that this moving of the game inside will be a huge lift for TT. He won't be wandering around the perimeter with a glazed-over, dazed look in his eyes. He'll get to fight and jump and battle inside, where he can more fully exploit his personal extra dimension of athletic superiority.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus could benefit

if he got on the court

by tyrus4prez on Jan 3, 2008 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He will.

I'm sure of it. Tyrus's problem now, as I see it, is that he will be the slowest to adapt to change...because he has the least developed fundamentals. Everything is new to him. As for the other guys, they can just stand on their solid fundamental footing, and make a 90 degree turn, or a 180...it doesn't matter. Tyrus will come on. And when he does, I think it will be like gangbusters.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great post;

I agree with all your points, though I do think Noah might be seen as more as a tradeable asset for a dominant low post scorer. If the Bulls go after Gasol, which i hope they do, it is most likely that Noah is in that deal.

Has everyone looked at the January schedule? It is filled with win-able games.

by Mattchoo on Jan 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Noah vs Tyrus.

Does anyone think that Paxson might have Tyrus burried on the bench under Boylan because he really doesn't want to trade him. Probably not, but either Tyrus or Noah would definately be traded if a deal goes down.

Man did Noah look good last night. It could be a rotation for the big men last night between Noah & Smith. Now the only thing that needs to be done is take more of Wallace minutes to give to Tryus. Why does Wallace continue to stay out there when he looks, so bad?

by Jesse07 on Jan 3, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I kind of do.

To keep my hope alive, I'm going with the theory that whoever is playing the most is being showcased as trade material. I don't know if I believe, but that's what I'm telling myself.

Unless Paxson does make a "blockbuster" trade, his fate will probably lie with Thomas's development. He couldn't have worse trade value right now (not that it's low because I'm sure other teams see the potential, but that it's lower than say... after the 19 pt, 14 reb game against Detroit). I am hoping that playing a really hot Joe Smith and a rejuvenated Ben Wallace (by direction of Paxson) is in some manner to see if some team will come calling for them.

IMO, and not just hope, I really think a Joe Smith trade is imminent (this month anyway).

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't buy it

"Once they start winning games they can develop Thomas & Sefolosha's games"

When does this type of scenario ever happen? Seems to me that such a change would only happen if the Bulls lose games. Until then it'll be a 'stick with what works' policy. And around here 'works' is a very low standard.

Also, I don't think that Pax/Boylan had any plans of playing Noah, as Gray and/or Noc are still the first bigs off the bench each game. We'll see if Noah's performance was truly 'breakout' and he'll get the nod tonight against Portland.

The Ben Gordon thing still sucks. The starting lineup loses nearly every single time to start the halves. So what's the point in solidfiying defense if the result ultimately is being in a deficit?

Pax has yet to make a midseason trade in his entire tenure. So while it makes all the sense in the world to hope and expect one given this roster...I'm still skeptical.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One way Boylan can establish himself

as different from Skiles is IF he does as you say, and switches up a 'winning' rotation. Skiles notoriously went with his dumb ideas far too long, both in-games and across games. Namely keeping Duhon as a starter while he shot miserably. Wait a minute...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's not true

the Bulls were up on Orlando and NY and only down 1 to Milwaukee and 2 to Charlotte when BG came in the first time. So it's not like BG has to dig them out of a hole at all.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

look at the teams they're playing

Here's the great starting lineup experiment of each half:

Charlotte:
1st half: -2
2nd half: -2

Orlando:
1st: +6
2nd: -4

Knicks:
1st: -1
2nd: -3

Bucks:
1st: 0
2nd: -7

So, ONE time they didn't start a half with a deficit. And that was against a good team. These other teams are amongst the worst in the league.

Imagine against other good teams, how far they'll be behind and how much harder it'll be to catch up.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd call that pretty much even

They were within one possession except for the second half against Milwaukee. One of the nice things about bringing BG off of the bench is that it makes it really hard to game plan against him. There's no taking him out of them game because there aren't a lot of guys coming off of the bench who can handle BG defensively. Against the good team, the bulls did better. This argument doesn't hold water.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOOK AT WHO THEY'RE PLAYING!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Orlando's not good?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 3:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

weren't you the one

who used to crap on the idea of the Bulls high point differential because the Bulls inflated it against bad teams? Now they have a negative point differential against bad teams and that's no worry.

It's a small sample size, but seeing that they're facing a deficit against bad teams I can't be surprised if they have a bigger deficit against good teams. And the Orlando game was at home.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was

but if you look at it in totality, what's the Bulls overall plus minus in the last 4 games and in the previous 23? What's BG's scoring averaging and TO average? And you got the second half number for the Knicks wrong, should be +3. So if you throw out the second half against the Bucks, the Bulls are actually positive.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

actually they are even, not positive.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

eh?

http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20071230&game=CHINYK

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and why would I throw out

the 2nd half against the Bucks? what does that prove?

I'd like to throw out the Chris Duhon minutes entirely, but that wouldn't be very indicitive of the play.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

put the mouse on Du

Noah was the first off of the bench that game for some reason. Du was +3 for that quarter until BG came in. That's really what we are talking about right? How the team plays with Du until BG comes in?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well I said starting lineup

and because that's what I was looking at and it makes my argument better, then I'll stick with it.

I would've said the real issue is Duhon playing with Ben Wallace, but Noah came in for Smith in that instance.

Still, it was the Knicks, and after 8.5 minutes it really should be +15

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure the argument is more about

how Gordon should start, so let's rip on Duhon...

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And the knicks game

is wrong, should be +3 in the second half.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Second half

Can someone explain to me why the starting line up must start the second half. It seems to be an accepted paradigm in the NBA, but frankly I dont get it. Why don't they just put the players who are playing well?

by Sambossanova on Jan 3, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, Olde, I think you make a lot of good points.

One thing I might add is the comment Kendall Gill made in last night's post game. We discussed it briefly on yesterday's game thread, but the gist of it is that Boylan is changing the style of play from guard-oriented, pass the ball around the perimeter, to more front-court oriented, passing the ball like we saw last night, in which Noah was a positive revelation. Assuming Gill's observation is true, one might add to your list, "Time to mesh the new style of play."

Another thing that can't be missed is how much more the Bulls are scoring under Boylan. He's brought in a much faster style of play. So it's not just personnel moves, rotation adjustments and playing time pecking order that Boylan has changed.

Also, I agree with Matt, that if the team continues to win playing how they've played so far under Boylan, what would make them change? The only way to get lots of playing time for Tyrus and Sefo--and both Paxson and Boylan have said as much--is for the Bulls to go into another tailspin.

But I do think you're right that we will, winning or losing, begin to see more incremental minutes for TT and Sefo. I'm certain that part of Boylan's mandate is to get these guys going in the right direction.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 12:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Playing Time -

The important thing about Tyrus' & Thabo's playing time is that it needs to be a positive experience. I opened this thread saying both of them had lost confidence in their games,(especially Thabo). What Boylan will try to do is put both of them in situations where they can reasonably expect to succeed. Trying to do that with 2 players at once is difficult and I think they have decided that they will concentrate on Thabo first.
Admittedly practice is not the same as game conditions but much of this building up their confidence can be accomplished in team scrimmages.
I think Tyrus' run of DNP-CD will be short lived.

Ye OldeBull

by OldeBull on Jan 3, 2008 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

why are Tyrus and Thabo grouped together?

all indications are that Thabo may be fragile, but Tyrus is more cocky than anything. Usually applied as a negative attribute, but in this case it'd help him.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They're grouped by their

commonalities: draft class, and the fact that they get the least playing time among the lottery guys.

You may separate them any way you wish. Psyche (fragile vs. cocky) is as good a way as any.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

According to Boylan, the plan is just to stay

with the rotation that has been established over the last four games. Here are some very telling quotes from the head coach:

"''Over the last three games we've established somewhat of a rotation,'' Boylan said before the Bulls' 109-97 win over the Bobcats on Wednesday. ''Not perfect yet, but I think our guys are starting to understand when they'll be playing.''

''Maybe right now we're playing guys a little too much, maybe too long,'' Boylan said. ''We talked about that when I took over, that some of the main players were going to have to play longer minutes because our season is starting to slip away a little bit and we need our main guys to come through.

''We had been struggling, so the only way that I see us getting back on track again was to get our guys out on the floor trying to find their rhythm, find their way out there together. That meant they'd have to play some longer minutes.

''We can't save it for anything at this point in time, because if we do that, then we find ourselves too far gone and not being able to climb back in the playoff race.''"

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/724291,CST-SPT-bullnt03.article

It's exactly as many of us had surmised. The Bulls have shortened their rotation in an effort to make the playoffs. They are going to play the veterans and ignore the youth unless one of the young players happens to have a good stint which warrants further playing time in a particular game (e.g. Noah last night).

If the "guys are starting to understand when they'll be playing," I guess Tyrus is going to be spending most of his time on the bench. Did he even get a chance to prove himself last night?

I don't necessarily disagree with trying to make the playoffs. However, that short term strategy has long term ramifications. If Tyrus and Thabo and Noah aren't allowed to develop through playing time on the court, then the Bulls can't evolve into a title contender. The Core, on its own, even playing as well as it can, simply isn't athletic enough to win a title. They need someone else to become a solid contributor or a difference maker.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 3, 2008 1:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Precisely.

Even if one buys into the bullshooter theory that he and the coaches can tell in the first four minutes if Thomas is going to have a great game (you know, the 19/14 game-changing kind) or a horrible game, doesn't it reason that he at least needs to get those four minutes to see if Tyrus can be the game-changer?

This organization is losing its future quickly.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I couldn't disagree more.

This organization is solidly in the process of recapturing its future. Why? I believe Boylan is getting through to the guys--all of them, including Thomas and Sefolosha. Obviously, however, we'll need a few more games to determine whether these past few games are just a blip in a downward spiral or if they signal a turn back to the upside.

I think the reason Noah had his break-out game first (among him, TT and Sefo) is that Boylan's style is exactly what Noah used to do at Florida. He was an incredible interior passer, unselfishly dishing pin-point, quick passes to whoever was in the best position to score. When Thomas gets his chance, I see him being on the receiving end of Noah's largess, and rapidly accelerating in his development.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What evidence...

...do you have that he's getting through to Thomas and Thabo other than your made-up fairy tale?

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Use the force, master luke, use the force.

Ah, perhaps you are an accountant, or an actuary...not bad things, of themselves...in fact, quite necessary. Someone must tote up those beans. But ultimatley, sadly limiting.

Yes, in my fantasy world...and soon to be your reality. But trust me, you'll like it.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what do you do?

pretend to be intellectually superior to others all day while managing to misquote incredibly well known movies? I'd love to have that job.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bill Simmons just emailed

to say it's taken.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am so happy to be on the other side

of you three.

Quote is not from any movie. From a game.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 6:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

holy shit

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Four minutes in an NBA game

is a long time. You can tell what kind of impact a guy is having in that much time. Nice hyperbole though.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Booo

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 2:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Motivation and Strategy

Pax is in charge of strategy/Boylan in charge of tactics. Pax' motivation comes from Reinsdorf. Reinsdorf knows that if the Bulls make the playoffs they are assured of at least two home games, which means at least $5 million. So Reinsdorf at least wants to make the playoffs. After that, Pax can worry about player development.

So Pax' directions to Boylan are simple-get to the playoffs and explain to me how you will handle player development within that context.

Thirdly, as to trades, I think the following constraints apply.

We wont trade base compensation year players, which means Hinrich and Noc are not available until this Summer.
We won't trade Gordon and/or Deng until we can do a sign and trade because that is the only way we will be able to get adequate value in return. That can't happen until this Summer. If we sign Gordon/Deng this Summer we won't trade them until they come off their BCY.
If we do include Hinrich, Noc, Deng, Gordon in a trade between now and the trading deadline it will be combined with a contract we don't want, ie, Wallace.

These are the only ways we can receive value back in a trade. Imho.

by hlac on Jan 3, 2008 1:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I stick my fingers in my ears

when it comes to Reinsdorf conspiracies.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and what a grand conspiracy it is...

winning = asses in seats = money in bank

No other pro sports franchise operates like that!

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the bulls and money

arent they sort of like the knicks. Even while losing they still sell out games etc...and make tons of money. Dolan probably would be more prone to fire Isiah if they weren't selling tickets. As it is though, mediocre knicks tickets still sell for 80-120 per seat and they're selling well.

Reinsdorf does seem to be quite allergicto the luxury tax., more so than others.

by Sambossanova on Jan 3, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We suffer from the of fleecing Isiah.

Developing Noah, TT and Thabo is a challenge many teams would love to have. Teams with three young, possible future starters usually are not playoff contenders. Last night Noah reminded me what it is like developing young talent. One night you pull your hair out, cursing the choice, finding yourself using the word "fuck" way too often and willing to trade everyone for Gasol. Last night I'm thinking who needs Gasol when we have Noah. The same may be said for Thabo and TT. We need patience. Maybe Boylan, as is beautifully outlined above by Oldebull, has a plan that will work. Thabo becomes our long 2-guard, TT the explosive 4-5 and Noah is the glue that makes it work. Boston gets old, Detroit gets old exciting NBA team re-emerges in Chicago. OldeBull's wisdom is noted and rewarded.

by chgobr on Jan 3, 2008 3:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I am glad to see you are finally coming around

I seem to remember somebody else talking about slowly increasing playing time for the youngsters a few days ago, but that's besides the point.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

boston's old, detroit's old

then Orlando can kick our ass. And Cleveland still has LeBron.

I'd be more receptive to patience if that's what they committed to. No, it's make the playoffs now and ride the Wallace-Smith train to the 7th seed.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bulls are still just 4 games out of 4th seed

who's going to run away with the 4-6th seeds? Toronto maybe, but maybe not.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd be happy...

...if Joe Smith and Ben Wallace tore ACL's.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ahh, leave Joe Smith alone...

He's been shooting alright and (hopefully) mentoring the young guys.

Plus, with all the bike riding he has been doing, should be a lock for next year's Tour de France!

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

...no, I don't want ACL's torn. That would obviously make them a worse team. Maybe a couple of 6-8 week injuries.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're being a Negative Nancy!

by chgobr on Jan 3, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess we all have our breaking point

point taken.

It's not as much negative as it is ambivalence. What's the point of this 'run'?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anything can happen!

I agree "this run" may be a mirage covering up problems. It also can ignite a fire with Thabo, TT and Noah making important contributions. With Gordon, Deng and Hinrich playing well we become the team that has the best depth in the NBA. Wallace and Smith become good bench contributors. It sounds pollyannish, but crazier things have happened.

by chgobr on Jan 3, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wallace will go to the D-league

before he will go to the bench, so don't wait around for that.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They can do better than the 7th seed

They're only 4 games out of the 4th seed and actually having homecourt advantage in the first round. Other than Boston and Detroit (Orlando's come back to Earth a bit), no one in the East has run away from the Bulls. Yeah, if you judge them based on their preseason expectations of winning the East, then the season will be a failure, since there's no way in hell this team is beating Boston or Detroit in a 7-game series. That doesn't mean that they still can't accomplish something this season.

Not that I advocate playing Joe freakin' Smith 30 minutes a night, though.

by Big D on Jan 3, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

'accomplish something'

what exactly would a 2nd round defeat to Detroit or Boston be accomplishing, unless it involves many Thomas and Noah dunkages.

I still think they can beat Detroit with a frontcourt that can jump.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Detroit's PF is attrocious on D.

Whoever it is. The Top 3 players between the two wins (sort of)? Thomas, Smith and Nocioni.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and moreso on getting defensive rebounds

But I fear a return of Skiles from game 3, and losing 'with the guys who got us there'.

This won't be a problem if the guys who get us there are Noah/Tyrus, of course.

It still gives me freaking nightmares.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

I think their only chance of beating Detroit is if Tyrus and Noah develop (their only chance of beating Boston is if Kevin Garnett gets run over by a bus). I'd be playing them now and hoping that they're ready by playoff time. Even if they're not, at least then you'd know what you have in them after the season. They're sure as hell not going to beat Detroit with Joe Smith shooting 18-foot jumpers all night. I'm willing to give Boylan some more time, though; hopefully last night will mean that Noah is in the rotation for good now.

And if Noah plays 3 minutes tonight, then I retract my statement about being willing to give Boylan some more time.

by Big D on Jan 3, 2008 4:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs