Chicago Bulls 2008-2009 Season Preview

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 11, 2008 4:58 PM CDT Comment 58 comments

This my entry for the '08-'09 blogger previews series. You can get the full list and schedule of previews here.

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Team Name: Chicago Bulls
Last Years Record: 33-49
Key Losses: Chris Duhon, Scott Skiles (head coach)
Key Additions: Derrick Rose, Vinny Del Negro (head coach)

1. What significant moves were made during the offseason?

The Bulls entered the offseason after an incredibly disappointing campagin with many speculating that there'd be significant changes in the roster, already overhauled a couple months prior with the trade of Ben Wallace and Joe Smith netting Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes.

The first major goal of the summer was to get a new coach. Scott Skiles had been fired the previous Christmas Eve, and his bumbling apprentice Jim Boylan was let go after his interim tenure completed at the end of the season. The Bulls 'process' to find a new coach ranged from confusing to embarrassing, with countless candidates interviewed over the course of several weeks, including two high-profile near-hires in Mike D'Antoni and Doug Collins, who both pulled out of the running after reports of a done deal had surfaced. The Bulls eventually wound up with first-time head coach (on any level) Vinny Del Negro, a former NBA veteran and broadcaster who was serving in the Phoenix front office. The Bulls are rolling the dice with such a novice coach (though hiring veteran - and expensive - assistants Del Harris and Bernie Bickerstaff will help), but they should be applauded for at least taking a chance rather than falling back on a failed retread.

Then in May, with a 1.7% chance, the entire direction of the franchise was altered. The Bulls had won the draft lottery after being slotted for the 9th pick, and a month later drafted point guard Derrick Rose. A team searching for a top-level talent and leader now potentially had it, and the goal going forward was to create a team around him.

Unfortunately the Bulls had plenty of roster uncertainty even before Rose was drafted, namely their two best players, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon entering restricted free agency. With not much cap room available around the league, and themselves creeping towards the luxury tax, the Bulls were in a difficult position of bidding against themselves with each player, with the danger of each taking the Qualifying Offer and walking from the team next offseason. The Bulls and Luol Deng wound up agreeing to a 6 year deal, while Ben Gordon turned down the Bulls offer and instead took the Qualifying Offer as training camp began. Gordon's situation is now settled at least for the season, but the issue of his potential departure still looms as they try and decide what to do with numerous other guards on their team. While Gordon is likely their best existing complement to Rose, he also may be gone with no compensation after the season.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths?

Depth. The Bulls have as many as 10 players that deserve minutes in the rotation (Rose, Hinrich, Gordon, Hughes, Sefolosha, Deng, Nocioni, Thomas, Noah, Gooden). This allows for plenty of flexibility as well as damage control in the event of injury or trade. In fact, look for the Bulls to deal from some of this depth, especially from the backcourt, to thin out the roster. If not, while it's good to have options, Del Negro will have a tough time keeping everyone content with their minutes.

Another strength with this deep roster is the ability to run the floor. Del Negro promised to bring some of the fast-paced philosophy from Phoenix, and with a guard like Derrick Rose leading young athletic big-men like Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah on the break, complemented by shooters like Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich, they have the players to pull it off.

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

Inside scoring. John Paxson's Bulls have been long-criticized for not ever getting a low-post scorer. But the real issue was not finding the next skilled big man, but that their existing bigs not being able to even convert layups, let alone hook shots. As a result the Bulls have had to work hard for their baskets, trending their offense towards relying exclusively on jumpers. Some of this hopes to be mitigated by employing a fast-break offense, but a lot will depend on Rose to break down defenses in a way that the other guards on the roster couldn't, opening up better opportunities for his teammates. This is also a huge season for Tyrus Thomas, who is entering his 3rd season as the likely starting PF, who's shown flashes of his top talent but will now be responsible for major minutes and major contributions in that time.

4. What are the goals for this team?

One major goal is to get the team's defense back to what it before last season, a top-5 unit that thrived on hassling opponents into bad shots and turnovers. With the personnel mostly constant from those happier times, the onus is on Del Negro to get the team motivated on that end of the floor. Likely years away from being a great offense, the return to a top defensive team is imperative if they hope to challenge for a playoff spot, which is the ultimate aspiration for the team this season.

That playoff goal should be pursued with emphasizing the development of the younger players on the team, specifically Rose, Thomas and Noah. Even veterans Luol Deng and Ben Gordon are at the ages where they should still be seeing progressions in their games, as opposed to the regression that occurred last season. If the youngsters play well, the Bulls will be on their way back, and the season can be deemed a success even if a playoff bid falls short.

5. So what is this team? The 49-win team of '06-'07, or the team that won 16 fewer games the season afterwards?

Likely somewhere in the middle. While many of the same players remain, that 49 win team also had a not-yet-mummified Ben Wallace, as well as a roster playing incredible defense under Scott Skiles. The conference as a whole should be tougher than it was that season as well.

The Bulls are fortunate to have aquired Rose without being the type of completely talent-starved team that usually gets the top overall pick. But while not a full-scale rebuilding effort, the fact that Rose and other young players will be playing significant minutes means that they likely won't be sniffing 50 wins. But a .500 record and playoff appearance is certainly attainable, especially if Del Negro can get the team playing defense again, and if Derrick Rose is as good as Bulls fans believe. So while they're ultimately a team in transition that may look significantly different by April, the Bulls should not be settling for another lottery appearance. One impossibly lucky draw should be enough for a while.

Predicted Record: 43-39

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Comments

Defense will be the problem

The Bulls need sot keep the opponents to about 92-94/ game and I estimate that it will be at 98-99/game. You are very optimistic. I see a 35-game won season. Not in the playoffs.

by Fastbreak on Oct 11, 2008 5:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

but a lot will depend on Rose to break down defenses in a way that the other guards on the roster couldn’t

^The sad truth

by Belize on Oct 11, 2008 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I like your record prediction.

Pretty much what I’ve said all summer, “If Gordon comes back, they’re closer to 49 wins than 33.”

by tyger1147 on Oct 11, 2008 5:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that people are

making a big enough deal about how screwed up this roster is. I think that with all of the questions about playing time regarding the guard glut, as well as pt at other key positions; then combine that with all of these guys learning a new system with a rookie at point guard (arguably the most important position) and a coach that has never coached before. How is this team possibly going to get 43 wins? Theres already going to be at least 3 guys crying over minutes. Including Larry Hughes who is a world class cry baby, and this team has shown in the past that it can’t overcome distractions like that. This Roster needs to be cleaned up BIG TIME! Where the hell is John Paxson?

by Juiceboxjerry on Oct 11, 2008 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

They really don't have much assets until next year

First off, Drew Gooden will be a trade chip around trade deadline. Hughes likely not till next years deadline. Gordon couldn’t find anyone to help out with a sign and trade. And I doubt the Bulls are willing to give up on Sefolosha, Thomas or Noah just yet.

Hinrich is maybe the only exception but with Gordon possibly leaving for nothing next year, they feel they need to keep Hinrich in case Gordon does bolt.

Their hands are tied.

by Option27 on Oct 11, 2008 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You forgot about

Nocioni, who we really have no need for. Also I totally disagree regarding Hinrich. Just get rid of him and worry about Gordon or another shooting guard down the road. We’re not gonna win anything with Kirk Hinrich as our 2 guard. This roster is a total indictment on Paxson’s decision making skills. The guy simply cannot make moves. Whether he’s scared to get burned or he’s waiting for something that will never happen, it’s inexcusable. At some point you have to do something with all of these “assets”. After all of the crap about distractions holding up last year’s team, you cannot go into this season with 5 guards who all think they should be starting. It’s just stupid and it’s gonna make things even more difficult for Del Negro in his first year as coach.

by Juiceboxjerry on Oct 11, 2008 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

screwed up roster

Juiceboxjerry is right on. The screwed up roster was bad enough. But putting Hinrich as another SG in preseason game #1 (I missed game 2) is just stupid. We already have 3 SGs vying for PT. That’s already one too many. Unlike many, I still see a nice role for Hinrich, sharing PT with Rose as the PG. It’s true he’s not a true PG, but he’s the next best PG on the team. It would have been nice had Thabo’s dribbling and passing skills developed enough to make him that unconventional tall PG who would give the other teams bad matchups, but that didn’t happen. Now we are trying to make him a SG and that’s not looking so good either. His best position may be SF, but he wouldn’t start for any team in the league at that position.

Deng better be incredible this year at SF, that’s the only hope for this team to be even competative. You can live with Noah/Gray/Gooden splitting time at center and Thomas/Gooden splitting time at PF. But that won’t matter because of the mess at the guard position.

33 wins may be generous

by kmatus on Oct 13, 2008 8:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slow start, strong finish

Not unlike the Skiles’ teams, I expect this team to start out slow and finish strong. It will take some time to get acclimated to VDN’s offense and to sort out the backcourt rotation. The defense looks like it is behind but I expect it to improve sooner than the offense gets comfortable. I also am beginning to doubt that Tyrus breaks out to the extent we think he will. He’ll have a breakout year, but nothing that would challenge for the MIP. I hope I’m wrong.

My prediction is a 38-44 season for the Bulls in 2008-2009.

by messwiththebull on Oct 11, 2008 7:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And looking at the schedule,

the first half of the season is against a lot of the good teams. If we can cut our teeth on that and come back for the second half strong we could be well off. That is of course if we are not completely demoralized by the first half. In the past you’ve seen the Bulls work harder and gain chemistry from that adversarial first half, but last year we mysteriously didn’t come together. Hopefully we’ll return to our previous form.

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Oct 11, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's the defense, stupid!

I doubt the Bulls will return to its prime Skiles gritty defensive style this season, but last year was just abysmal in terms of effort. Missed rotations were a common occurrence 5-6 times a game leading to easy dunks, something I hadn’t seen from a Bulls team since 2004. Del Negro and the players can talk about returning to previous success, but I’m very concerned about relying on a Thomas/Noah/Gooden/Nocioni/Gray for interior defensive success. Offensively, this team will go as far as Derrick Rose progresses, and in my belief that will be pretty damn good. Overall, it will be a season full of fun, and probably as much or more frustration. I could see this team winning anywhere between 35-45 wins depending on how much goes right or wrong this season. Given a fully healthy roster and enough playing time for the young guys, it’ll probably be at least a .500 record.

Ahhhh I’m so excited for the season to begin…….especially after the Sox had to get my hopes up :(

"I’m gonna rise up, gonna kick a little ass. Gonna kick some ass in the USA. Gonna climb a mountain, gonna sew a flag, gonna fly on an eagle. I’m gonna kick some butt, gonna drive a big truck. I’m gonna rule this world. I’m gonna kick some ass. I’m gonna rise up, gonna kick a little ass. Rock, flag, and eagle!"

by Ozzie Montana on Oct 11, 2008 10:42 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

OT: But the Suns and Nuggets are playing an outdoors preseason game right now

Very cool, the NBA should definitely look to do this in Phoenix at least once during the regular season. Also, look for every positive thing mentioned by the mainstream media about Joakim Noah to be said verbatim about Robin Lopez. In 20 minutes the comments I heard about him were “active, gritty, hustler, bad hair.”

by Ozzie Montana on Oct 11, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Robin Lopez was a beast last night

It’s going to be easy to fall in love with him if he can move his feet on defense the way he did last night. He had highlight blocks of Nene, JR Smith, Kenyon Martin, and Linas Kleiza. Every one of them was good hands, but he moved his feet like an all-star to keep himself in position to deny the shot.

He’s one to watch. I think the Suns may bench Shaq by the end of November unless he shows up with a convenient injury. Lopez will start in his place.

by NBA Observer on Oct 12, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's the biggest indictment of this management team:

not finding a low post presence. You wanna pass on Beasley? Fine. I’m one who leaned toward Rose in that debate as well.

But what about all the other screw-ups of this current management? You’re telling me they couldn’t swing anything for any of the offensive-minded bigs out there (who are also decent enough at defense to keep teams honest)?

As for Tyrus, the coaches should take him out of practice about 3/4s of the way through and spend time where he shoots like 300 jump hooks from each side of the low block. And then same thing for other low post moves, whether it be turnaround jumpers, up-and-unders, drop steps, etc.

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Oct 12, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm still fuming that they couldn't try and get Kristic when he's off in Moscow or whatever right now

He’s not Gasol, but still a guy who could score 10 points a game in the paint, and at least give some depth to a thin frontcourt is so badly needed. Aaron Gray is a novelty act that is going to be leaned on big time this year, and that scares me.

by Ozzie Montana on Oct 12, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

joe smith

is sitting on somebody’s bench in no were land… (the new team that kevin durant plays on).
Joe smith defends well and scores, but we pick up Ruffin.

not ..David Ruffin, the one time lead singer of the motown temptations. Or what ever the no offensive dude name is?

There are another hand full of bigs playing backup on teams and not all old who are fundamentally better that much of what we have now… That kid who played backup to Noah and Horford, …Roberts (6’9") is strong and outplayed Noah thru-out the entire ncaa 2007 tournament and made Oden work on both ends of the court. We just don’t even try to make a move. Why would paxson bring in a PG to fill out the roster during the preseason?
We always miss the enforcer type bigs like Maxiell’s, Big Baby’s, Millsaps, Lopez’s. Always for the last 5 years…. Even as backups. We are so soft in the middle, prepared to be punked, an aggresive team will keep attacking and force fouls on our bigs because of NBA senority/favoritism or will score at will. We don’t have a counter attack, someone who will put a guy on his back with a hard foul and then be ready to knock somebody else down if necessary.

“I’m gonna rise up, gonna kick a little ass”

by exult463 on Oct 12, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Roberts?

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

they did try and get Kristic

reportedly, offered to do a sign/trade for their trade exception ($5.2m or so) but he turned it down. Kristic wouldn’t be a great fit either to be honest. He’s like a rich man’s Malik Allen.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if it's OT

make it a fanshot.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe my eyes...Larry Hughes???

You think Larry Hughes deserves minutes in the rotation. Why exactly does Hughes deserve minutes? I have seen 28 games of evidence that he certainly does not deserve minutes. What have you seen that I have missed?

"The whole leverage thing, it's a difficult thing to gauge" -Paxson

by Dionysus2.0 on Oct 12, 2008 12:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he gets to the line....

by Jbasic89 on Oct 12, 2008 2:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He also like jacking up contested jumpers.

From all over the court!
It’s like the opposite of good players!

by Prevenge on Oct 12, 2008 3:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

LH deserves minutes and Gray does not?

Gray is probably our best back-to-the basket inside player right now… (sad but true…)

And he has good potential. (There, I blashphemed. Go ahead and stone me!)

by BAB-Bass on Oct 12, 2008 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I left Gray out on purpose

too make you all angry.

Hughes’ case for minutes is his paycheck.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NBA teams do not determine rotation by salary.

He will likely get minutes, but I do not agree with you that those minutes will be deserved.

"The whole leverage thing, it's a difficult thing to gauge" -Paxson

by Dionysus2.0 on Oct 12, 2008 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sure they do.

I didn’t say they were deserved either.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You did...

"The Bulls have as many as 10 players that DESERVE minutes in the rotation "

by BAB-Bass on Oct 13, 2008 5:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I, uh, mean in the abstract sense (?)

I pointed out that the drawback to all the players is keeping the guys happy. If Hughes doesn’t play he’ll be unhappy and a problem, which is what I was going for with the ‘deserved’ minutes thing.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 13, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the bulls have had no issues in the past

banishing a guy from the team, so if they really don’t want to play him, i don’t see him being a locker room distraction since they’d probably send him home.

but unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the case…

by Jaina on Oct 13, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it'd be double the money they spent

kicking out Thomas and E-Rob. It’s quite the financial meal to eat.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 13, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It wasn't just salary with Thomas and Robinson

There were real issues where their presence damaged the teams reputation and chemistry. Robinson was worse and Thomas was more of an early entrant into the Skiles doghouse, but both of them were poor defenders before they arrived with the Bulls and never really put in the effort to improve here.

Also, Hughes is due an additional season of salary which I had wrong. Sending Hughes home with 2 years and 26+ mil remaining is not a real option.

He should not start. He should come off the bench. But he should only come off the bench when the matchup is there to do the one thing he can do, get to the rim and get hacked. He can’t finish anymore. And he’s no threat beyond 18’.

by NBA Observer on Oct 13, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I remember the Tim Thomas situation

it was a mutual thing. He didn’t want to settle for limited minutes and the Bulls didn’t want a distraction. And then, when he wasn’t needed, they let him free if he agreed not to sign elsewhere.

I have no problem following the same plan with Larry. Let him know up front he is going to have to play like the best player to get the most minutes. It’s clear so far from the preseason he doesn’t deserve it. So bench him. The minute he puts up a fight let him know he can stay home and the Bulls are ok with it. He’ll be traded next Feb.

by CJ Bulls on Oct 13, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That didn't come across clearly.

And you didn’t write “deserved” either…

by BAB-Bass on Oct 14, 2008 4:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait a minute........

Hughes’ case for minutes is his paycheck.

Is that some kind of throwback joke to last year about Ben Wallace getting minutes over Noah?

by Ozzie Montana on Oct 12, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

just the way things seem to work.

it sucks, and actually the Bulls are better at punting useless salary than most teams, but….

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's a gifted trait

by exult463 on Oct 17, 2008 5:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you think that Hughes should get ANY minutes?

I’m guessing, like most fans, you don’t. Then, once the season starts, you’ll need to come up w/ a way to explain why he’s getting minutes, because he probably will.

Since he’s probably the 8th or 9th best player (at least in terms of current talent) and he has ABSOLUTELY ZERO future w/ this team past 2010, the only reasons for him getting minutes (which, again, I’m going on the assumption that he will) is because of his veteran leadership or because he makes a lot of money. They’ll probably claim the former, but the real reason…

by tyger1147 on Oct 13, 2008 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gray

is a good backup and has a place in the NBA, but on the Bulls, offensively he is the best Big.
Ben Gordon is a excellent 6th man, but on the Bulls, offensively he is the best guard, unquestionably.

Some feel a similiar argument could be made for Noc, I’m not fighting this one…

Our starters, actually none are recognized for defense, nor offense, and offensively the above backups mentioned are better than the starters. Therefore why are the starters **** starters in the NBA? Or are some of are starters really good backups in the NBA?

Might it be? Because they are high draft picks or nice guys who reasonate with the fans..
The rude awaking: Chicago Fans don’t reasonate with Softies or Losing. No excuses or a claim of a fluke season this year.

by exult463 on Oct 12, 2008 4:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree about Gray

What backup center is that much better than Gray? And who cares, anyway? If he were the backup on the Spurs or the Lakers, no one would be complaining. He takes up space, can score against 2nd teamers, rebounds a little and his plus/minus is not that odious. Its the rest of the team that worries me. When predictions range from 33-50 wins, you know you’re in for some joyride. Del Negro will either be a genius or a bust. Rose will either be ROY or he’ll underperform. Tyrus and Noah will mature into real players, or they won’t. The rest of the frontcourt is really thin, which will or won’t matter much. Heinrich is either better or worse than his stats imply. And he’s either a good/bad two guard, or a great/overpriced backup point, or tradebait. Hughes will or won’t fit in and will or won’t stop chucking up those bad shots, in addition to taking up the minutes of other players who we like more. Ben is happy (for now) with his contract, or he’s pissed off and has something to prove. Paxton has a plan which the Chairman will allow him to develop, or he’s a complete idiot with no idea what he’s doing. Never mind Deng, who is or isn’t an All Star and Noc, who will or won’t be traded. As we used to say in Brooklyn, prove it! Until then, I remain skeptical/cynical about the teams chances to break .500. (Except that they’ll all play like All-stars against Detroit. Go figure.)

by Cannoli on Oct 12, 2008 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, and Duhon can start for half the teams in the league

I remember.

And your other issues with the team makes it more obvious that Gray shouldn’t matter.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally resonate with softies

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas and Noah are clearly recognized for defense.

by tyger1147 on Oct 13, 2008 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Del Negro

Everyone has to start coaching somewhere, I’d just wish he coached somewhere? High School, Jr. High, grammer school, park district or something previously. Yet I don’t know VDN or his future potential, it might be possible that he goes down in history as one of the best NBA coaches ever. Really, this is only one year. Still I remember Dumar (Pistons GM) being elected to All Defensive NBA teams, I don’t reminder VDN ever achieving this distinction? Phil Jackson also noted as a great defensive player in his playing days. Experience will tell you based on percentages, there really is something to already having certain qualities before starting a job?

But, so many things are working against him with this roster to support his baptism into head coaching besides his lack of experience. The Bulls 06-08 teams already proved no-one has the leadership quality to step up and carry this team, emotionally or by phyiscal play. D. Rose (a 19yr old rookie) appears to be the only light of hope for VDN to start with a somewhat respectable win-loss ratio.

This is no Doug Collins, Phi Jackson takeover as Paxson is having visions of re-living. That team in the late eighties already had leadership, talent, offense, established unquestionable starters, defensive stoppers and clearlying identified role players in the coaches eyes like John Paxson. That team didn’t have as many players trying to become the next Michael Jordan before MJ became MJ. Other than John Paxson. This might explain why this team is in so much pipe dreaming chaos? ..imho
One thing that team lacked initially (similiar to the current Bulls team) was toughness, an enforcer, and an intimidating presence.

Ok, (current day) we changed coaches, therefore if we’re following the same script, then we believe we just obtained “leadership”, with Rose, now now we must obtain
1) Talented offensive consistently
2) Starters who clearly established themselves as starters by play, practice, production, and not by the blessing of the owner and GM miscalculated salaries.
3) Guys being elected, at least on 3rd, 2nd, or 1st team All Defensive NBA Team
4) Toughness and Intimidating Presence in the Middle (PF and/or Center)
5) A Great Defensive Guru assistant coach
6) And an assistant to deliver the next best offensive scheme eclisping the noted triangle offensive

Unless a key trade is made.
Predicted Record: 28-54

by exult463 on Oct 12, 2008 9:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

28?

This team will be worse than last year’s, you’re saying? I don’t get it. We’re not coached by Boylan. What do you think has gotten so much worse?

by Prevenge on Oct 12, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better - Worst

1) Swapped an aging first round first pick for a new 1st pick (joe smith for D.Rose) – slight advantage this year to 08-09 Bulls.
2) Gooden for Ben Wallace – big advantage 08-09 Bulls
3) Initial selection and removal of Skiles – hugh advantage 05-07 Bulls (the team was built, selected and moded by this idiot coach who made youngsters believe beyond their limitations and he produced the best he was capable of achieving – some playoff appearances. Now reality has set in players mind. )
4) Veterans like PJ Brown and Ben Wallace didn’t score many points but still achored the defense with an intimadating presence, we now rely on Gooden for everything (offensive and defense). Gooden is also Joe Smith replacement – big advantage 05-07 Bulls
5) Larry Hughes – big advantage 05-07 Bulls
6) The old kirk hinrich who believed in himself – big advantage 05-06 Bulls
7) The new Kirk Hinrich, still anointed PG/SG running backcourt with D.Rose – Confusion disruption to D.Rose flow – advantage 05-07 Bulls
8) Seemingly peaked talent (noc,deng,gordon)? – even
9) Tyrus Thomas and Noah, in my opinion neither of this guys are impressive, and Cedric Simmons as a backup they seem like a failed hopeful young re-inactment of the likes of Darius Songalia, Malik Allen and Othella Harrington minus Tyson Chandler and some offensive from Sweetney? – advantage 05-07 Bulls
10) Rookie Coach, not really noted for much distinction as a player – advantage 05-07 Bulls
11) Rookie Coach, new direction – advantage 07-08 Bulls
12) Assistants Bernie Bickerstaff – Jim Boylan – I call it even

This is why I say 28 wins…

by exult463 on Oct 13, 2008 5:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I almost forgot

13) John Paxson – hugh advantage 06-07 Bulls

This guy’s GM career is on a hugh desending direction, yet similiar to Danny Aingle’s there might be hope. Boston GM made a uneven blockbuster deal with his former teammate McHale, Paxson should look to ex-bulls for similar favors .. Jordan or Kerr….

by exult463 on Oct 13, 2008 5:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait, what?

Why do 3/4 of your points apply to the 05-06 bulls? Who don’t have anything to do with this?
You’re saying directly that you think these bulls will have a worse season than last year. And in hindsight, your point 11 is wrong, your point 12 is just wrong no matter what, and 6 and 7 didn’t happen last year. Also, 3 is a minus for last year’s team [which was built to maximize Skiles … so things were a bit awkward when he, ah, resigned]. I also don’t see how Paxson factors into this: it’s not like he did something magical last year to stop them imploding.

by Prevenge on Oct 14, 2008 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember him

I remember Hugh Advantage – didn’t he play for the Syracuse Nationals?

by BigDaddyJD on Oct 20, 2008 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I appreciate your cynicism

it’s nice to get the ultimate end of that spectrum, near lunacy even.

I say they yell “talented offensive consistently!” in the huddle. And then maybe push somebody before the opening tip to get all intimidating like.

Though now that I think about it there isn’t a hardass on the team. I don’t think it matters as much as you do, but it is interesting. Though I bet Gooden would be good in a scrap.

management sez: recommend fanposts/fanshots/comments! Click 'reply' when replying to a comment! Flag jerkfaces! Be a 'Nazi' when it comes to thread duplication!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2008 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gooden & Gray

are gentlemen, respectable players who take up space and aren’t punked, I agree… But overall much less intimidating presence than the 05-07 teams. We need at least one BIG player who projects the “near lunacy” attitude as well. The Lakers failed in this same area in the championship with no match against the likes of massive Kendrick Perkins.

by exult463 on Oct 13, 2008 5:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

I forgot E;ton Brown is our version of Kendrick Perkins, Jason Maxiell, Milsap, etc..

Elton Brown? He will make the roster cut? right? Or Paxson will select another guard.. I believe Andre Barrett is still available or even his current replacement Darius Washington?

by exult463 on Oct 13, 2008 5:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does it matter what kind of trade?

Does Hughes or Gooden being traded throw out your entire prediction?

by tyger1147 on Oct 13, 2008 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hughes trade means ++ in wins column no matter what you get back.. unless its Ben Wallace

by exult463 on Oct 17, 2008 5:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Predictions from a recovering Cubs, Bears fan

I think the gloom and doomers predicting another Bulls flop this year are suffering from a case of Chicago Sports Fan Derangement Syndrome rather than looking at the facts.

The Bulls are headed for the playoffs with a fresh new outlook, in spite of having to deal with the delicate egos of Hughes (who should be nailed to the end of the bench unless a blowout calls for garbage time minutes) and Gordon, whose streak shooting can win a few games, but whose defense was described in 2 words by Norm Van Lier recently …….“What defense?”,

We no longer have to fear the franchise being devoured now that the "corpse" and his fellow vampires have returned to their crypts. Bloodsucking Boylan and his staff of brain dead zombies can no longer drain the life force out of the baby bulls. This will be the year as I previously predicted that TT will soar like an eagle now that his shackles have been removed and his new coaches continue to teach him how to harness and exploit his freakish athleticism, motivating him, Noah, Thabo, Rose and even Gray to someday reach their highest potential with more positive feedback in a week, as Noah said, than they received collectively during the entire season last year.

For those who don’t think coaching has a big impact on results, look not only at the 3 stooges who screwed up the Bulls but what is happening to the Bears under the non leadership of the hapless troika of Smith, Turner and Babich. The Bulls new group of 3 Musketeers will guide them on both ends of the floor while drilling defensive discipline which will impove as the season progresses.

The doubting Thomases will eventually be eating crow as I see this as a breakout year for “the human highlight film”, primarily on the defensive end once he (and Kirk) cut down on those silly fouls, while his improving offense will be a pleasant surprise and icing on a cake under the tutelage of our vastly improved coaching staff who will allow him to grow by providing the minutes on the court to do so.

I admit my crystal ball is being observed through Rose colored glasses, but our young stud (DR) is a potential superstar in the making with a huge potential upside who is working hard to improve his deficiencies and who seems to have a learing curve on speed dial. The best way to accelarate his progress, like TT, Thabo, etc. is by playing through his mistakes and make him an instant starter.

As I once stated in a previous fanpost, Rose, TT, Thabo and Noah may never win any shooting contests, but if the NBA had relay races, they would be Gold Medal favorites. This is going to be an exciting year from a fans standpoint regardless of their record. Basketball is going to be an entertaing spectator sport once again with VDN installing the Bulls new uptempo offensive sets.

If TT he can improve his footwork and set himself better while using both sides of the court, he could be a monster this season with his quickness if defenders have to guard his jumpshot more closely while he flys by them for a jam. Hopefully, Noah will improve his offense this year to keep the defense honest, since our Bigs are not exactly dominant in the post. But you have to like his energy and hustle when crashing the boards and battling much bigger opponents. The addition of Rose and the growth of our other young Bulls will help Deng have a very productive season assuming they improve their spacing and offensive firepower from somewhere other than the 3 positon.

The Bulls need more slashers who can get opponents in penalty situations earlier. Derrick Rose has shown he can pick up the pace with his superior athleticism and when his penetration game is working, it will lead to some spectacular ally oops and easy baskets in transition since the lightening quickness of the baby Bulls will lead to many more trips to the line for them. Until he is finally ready to take off the training wheels with more experience, there will be a need to keep both Hinrich, Thabo and Gordon in the mix until Rose is thoroughly potty trained. Once Kirk gets more comfortable playing the 2, I believe his shooting will improve with less responsiblity to run the offense. His defensive skills will be essential to their success.

Gray will never make the all defensive team but he has lost some baby fat and is moving much better (still extremely slow) but is a force once he establishes position in the paint. He should be helpful offensively against certain teams that do not rely on quickness and sadly, is our only legitimate offensive post presence.

Gooden is in a contract year and can provide rebounding and scoring but is a liability on defense. Maybe the new coaches can motivate him in this area. Nocioni has 3 point range and always gives 100% although sometimes like an out of control whirling dirvish, but he can still provide valuable minutes if used more sparingly. Thabo is an excellent defender with his length and if he ever developed a decent jump shot could be a very effective NBA player with the ability to play multiple positions.

As Matt said, the Bulls do not have an enforcer or a heady veteran willing to teach and do a lot of the dirty work, ala Brown or Smith. If an opportunity comes along to pick one up while reducing the glut at guard, I think they should jump on it. And please, don’t put Ruffin on the roster. We don’t need another Wallace with less offensive talent.

But I see the glass as half full this year rather than half empty. My prediction:
Bulls 47-35 and of course a playoff spot.

If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard

by Tyrusmancrush on Oct 13, 2008 6:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd be surprised

If this team doesn’t make the playoffs.

I don’t see 50 wins or something, but last season was last season and pretty much everyone who will be depended on is a smart, hard working player. Rose will be rocky at times (if he has a strong year as a should-be-a-college-sophomore-in-the-NBA, and not meaning “strong considering his age” but a normal strong rookie season, he’d be the first one and doner to do that at PG), but watching him will be a lot of fun and he’s very talented. Perhaps the lesser role and/or less minutes for Hinrich keeps his shoulders unslumped, Nocioni dies in a car crash maybe and stops confusing dumb fans into thinking he actually plays defense, and Tyrus gets a chance to PLAY and other things go right.

I don’t think it is crazy to think those things could happen, and you know Gordon will be Gordon, QO weighing on his mind or not.

Biggest problems for them are obviously the weak big men (in every sense of the word), and that the East seems to have gotten better

Skiles taught them how to play defense, and hopefully ingrained it so deep into their soul that they see his scowl whenever they miss a rotation and imagine whatever passive aggressive comment he’ll leak to the press, and it makes them not do it again. They got the defense-as-2nd-nature thang, and then VDN lets them open up the offense a bit more and trusts the youngin’s, and voila you got a fun team that wins more than it loses.

42-40. Even if they are as good as the 49 win club. BUT, it’ll only get better and you’ll have a chance against anyone aside from the Celtics in the playoffs (so don’t get that 8th seed).

Good luck next season, for 80 games.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Oct 13, 2008 6:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For the most part I agree with you Mortimer except for

Skiles ingrained his teaching of defense so deep that they retained it out of fear.

Don’t forget that his predecessors (the Brainsucking Boylan gang) did a psychic lobotomy on the entire team during their brief tenure thus erasing any semblance of professionalism they may have learned under SS. Let’s hope than Vinney and company can reignite some grey matter that has laid dormant during the previous regime and bring them back to respectibility. We know they are capable of it under the right leadership, but my assumption is they forgot most of what they had learned or simply lost interest while being led by simpletons.

If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard

by Tyrusmancrush on Oct 13, 2008 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Rose's positives are such that...

…he’ll never really suffer a prolonged non-positive stretch, barring injury. Meaning, his speed, strength, athletic ability should always be there and he’ll probably never go more than a game or two w/o flashing those.

What will suffer, and could be big problems, are his negative attributes: his defense, his shooting, his decision-making. There will be times, and probably moderate to long stretches, where he can’t hit an outside bucket, he can’t make a correct decision, etc.

Hopefully, that’s the case, and if so, he’ll always be fun to watch.

by tyger1147 on Oct 13, 2008 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Watching Rose, you will probably never be sorry he is out there, even if he isn’t reading what the defense is giving him correctly or hitting an outside jumper to save his life.

Rose will be good this year, but this is still a big time development year for the kid… so while a lot he does won’t be perfect, it’ll still be a lot of fun to watch because you KNOW he’ll be really good and not just have to hope for a series of “ifs” to occur to enable him to reach his potential.

Even without the post presence, as long as the young vets didn’t un-learn the defense and focus they learneded in years past and the jump shooters can hit the jumpers and Hughes isn’t given minutes he doesn’t deserve just because of his contract, then this team can win more than they lose at least.

I watched the Bulls some this preseason, but honestly I do need to see more in actual games before I can say FOR SURE how I think they’ll be— plus, how improved IS the east? The 30 games against the west will mostly be bitches to win, but who else improved in the east?

Boston, Detroit, Philly, Orlando, Lebron, Toronto, Atlanta, Wizards… all should/could make the playoffs next year. I think the Bulls can be better than the Hawks, and the Wiz if they don’t recover from their injuries. It’s not as cutthroat as the west, but it shouldn’t be a shoo-in.

I’m with those who think the Bulls are closer to that 49 win club than the 33 win club, but maybe just being over .500 still isn’t enough.

If I was a Bulls fan though, and I saw guys like Rose and Tyrus and Noah were showing big signs for the future, I’d take another year in the lottery over a 1st round exit anyday— at least with a team so young.

I just hope VDN and his staff acknowledge that this is a DEVELOPMENT year because your future main player is a 20 year old PG, and don’t hesitate to remember that Tyrus needs to develop as well and vets who aren’t in the future plans don’t need big minutes. Even if those imagined vets can help you “win now”, they are meaningless wins when the youth will be better than them and the future core NEED MINUTES.

I’d imagine after last season, how badly it went, that they won’t make that mistake.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Oct 13, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs