He refers to Gray knowing what they’re trying to do but not to his actual execution beyond clogging the lane. I may be reading too much into this, but I’m hopeful that VDN sees how Gray’s complete and utter lack of mobility completely overrides whatever advantage his size gives him on the defensive end.

Gray is awful on defense.

Though Vinny actually just says Gray “knows what to do” on defense, which may be true. Now if only he could move his feet up and down to accomplish those goals!

I think the past several years we’ve all gone mad with the lack of ‘post scoring’ to the point where the fact that Gray hucks in a sloppy hook shot looks great. He turns over the ball too much, he cannot run the floor, he can’t shoot a jumper, he can’t make a free throw. He is a foul machine on defense. He’s barely an NBA player.

I really have no problem with Gray on that basis. If I squint, I can sort of see him as a better option than Gooden.

Gooden over Thomas though makes me retract the compliment times two.

but Hanley also mentions the possibility of starting Thabo, which would push him ahead of Gordon and Hinrich, who as you said is at least a good 3rd guard. I think it makes a lot of sense to play Kirk that way, even if it’s not a long term solution at that price.

Putting Gooden and Gray out there to start would send two frontcourt players in the last year on their contracts on the floor for a possible showcase to teams in the NBA. There are a several teams that still have big needs at PF and Center. Some are contenders(Orlando) and others are rebuilding(Bobcats, Kings, Twolves).

Noah hasn’t looked very good in the preseason, but I doubt he’s in the doghouse already.

He will contribute. I just want those contributions coming off the bench and in situations where it’s a real advantage to clog the paint instead of leaving it open to be carved up by Rose, Gordon, Deng, and Thomas.

Kaman’s fundamentals are well ahead of gray. Kaman knows a big man doesn’t bring the ball down to his waist. Keep it at the shoulders or above and the little men will hack you.

Kaman is also a rebounding machine because he’s got the feet and balance to go to the ball.

The biggest reason I want Tryus starting is for the rebounding. We have to rebound to be competitive. If Gray doesn’t get the board it’s a fast break against us or an easy putback which piles up the points in the paint against.

He might get somewhere close to Kaman.

He’s still not in NBA shape.

hadn’t heard about the bulls adding ruffin to the preseason roster, and also said something like “watch skiles sign michael ruffin!” lol.

i’d’ve rather given one of the younger guys who actually played a chance, since i’m sure they can match his production. i don’t really care about the “locker room presence” that i didn’t even know ruffin was known for.

Hanley just says “they could start with the same lineup as the one that started against the Bucks, they did ok”. I didn’t take it as an actual report (or speculation from Vinny) that starting Noc was possible. (unlike Gray)

They just handed a 72 million dollar contract extension to? Unless there’s an injury or he bitch slaps Del Negro, Deng is your starting SF for every game this year

Good scorers usually get theirs, even if it’s made a little more difficult by a better defender. Shouldn’t Vinny be more concerned about his team racking points up? The Bulls shot 70 percent in the 1st quarter on Friday. That’s an abysmal defense you take advantage of to no end.

to make me pissed rather than happy for the opening game this season, aren’t they? Why not start Thabo and Gray and roll over on our backs and admit this season is a loss right now I guess. headdesk I guess we are not even shooting for competitive. Would any other NBA team start them? I guess NY is starting Duhon. Must be a fad.

Skiles and Redd may be sitting up having a party.