Blog a Bull: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: The Boxing Bulletin for Boxing Fans!

Quick observations of Bulls/Nuggets

Mostly unsubstantiated, since I don't have much time. And there's a game tonight anyway...

Vinny's going small way too often, and sometimes following it up with going suck. He had Rose/Gordon/Hunter/Noc/Gooden for nearly 6 minutes,  then brought back Larry Hughes and Aaron Gray to close it out. So basically re-read this post, replacing 'starting' with 'finishing'.

I thought Gordon and Rose had their best game together. It wasn't merely taking turns, there were spots when they were creating for eachother. That was neat.

It kept them in the game (plus some poor Denver FT shooting), and it's some solace that they hung around against a better team, but this Vinny thing is trending badly...and had been doing so even when they were getting wins. He brought Larry Hughes and Aaron Gray (who had a good stint earlier, but it should've been appreciated and not tested for a reappearance) back into close a game, so he actually thinks those players can be relied on.

Can Thomas and Noah be relied on? meh, not really. But, hell, they lost anyway, and we still know nothing about if they're going to get untracked this season. I already knew Nocioni couldn't set a proper screen and Gray can't defend the basket.

Maybe he's resting the young bigs knowing that more games against good teams will further destroy their confidence...saving them? or something? Or Vinny really has no plan for the season and is just throwing out whatever works. Or what he thought worked.

0 recs  |  Comment 142 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Hmm

The Nuggets shot poorly from the field in the 3rd quarter. However, they had 17 FTA in the same period.

The Bulls shot poorly from the field in the 4th quarter. However, we had NO FTA in the same period.

You either get to the line when you shoot poorly or you rebound the shit out of the basketball. We failed to get the line in the 4th and we -8 in the rebounding department.

What is the purpose of the 3 guards if not to get to the free throw line? You certainly aren’t going to rebound the basketball with 3 guards.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 10:00 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

so?

It’s possible to be deficient in talent AND coaching. and criticize both. The only one who gets it doubly good in that scenario is Paxson

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 10:27 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It's hard not to realize this

My concern is what is our objective?

1) Do we want to win these games? We can.
2) Do we want to develop players, keep games close, yet accept a loss?
3) Are we playing guys to get them noticed as part of a trade?

I have no clue what we’re trying to do right now, but it’s pretty obvious that we are not trying to win these games. We have had opportunities to put away these teams in the 3rd quarter in GSW and DEN and we trotted out lineups that say “keep it close” or “give it away”.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You're right,

and this has been bothering me as well. Right now it’s just a confused mess on the court. Hughes at sf? Rose at the 2 with Hunter at the 1? Posting up Ben Gordon in crunch time? Noah and Tyrus not playing?

As you point out, this seems to be a pretty divided team. There’s a lot of crap floating around about agendas, grumbling, egos. No apparent strategies on offense, though I liked what he did with defense last night.

It’s amazing they’re as competitive as they are.

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Nov 24, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

everything you just mentioned though

falls on the shoulders of the head coach…and they are things that he can control. Why isn’t he doing these things?

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Jackpot:

we have a winner.

I don’t think we should fire VDN. But I think he’s been lost thus far. Being a nice guy isn’t enough, and it’s not appropriate to all situations, especially this one. Sometimes you have to be a hardass. D’Antoni’s an example. He’s benched Curry and Marbury – two talented, highly paid vets – in order to prevent exactly the kind of divisive environment we’re witnessing.

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Nov 24, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I find watching the Bulls painful.

Last night would have been a really nice win. They do not seem to have the talent to win games against teams that are good. We compete against Mil and Indie but cannot get over the hurdle of Denver, Portland, etc. It is legitimate to ask what the goal of the team is at this point. My guess is that the team has somewhat given up on Tyrus and is not thrilled with Joakim’s conditioning. They certaining are allowing Dr Rose to play. The cricisim of VDN is fair but I get the feeling the lack of talent over-rides the coaching decisions. I could be wrong and we may be looking much better now with D’Antoni at the helm.

by chgobr on Nov 24, 2008 10:48 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Portland is not that good, they lost to a Phoenix team that we beat soundly

There’s no excuse to lose to any team in this league by almost 50 points, that’s just pathetic. And the Bulls were leading the Nuggets in the 4th until abhorrent coaching doomed the game. I have no faith they will beat Utah tonight because instead of using Tyrus to just blow past Memo (or Kosta Koufos), Aaron Gray will be used for toughness and the Jazz will make a mockery of us.

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

i hope they give ty a good run tonight

but that’s wishful thinking… but okur is such a great matchup for him.

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously the Jazz are a bad defensive team and foul like maniacs

But, given our awesome rotations and whether Deng actually plays or not who the hell will get to the line besides Rose?

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 2:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

i know...

he had such a great game in the preseason though, maybe he’ll get a chance… though it seems so long ago. :P

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

"Are we playing guys to get them noticed as part of a trade?"

As I mentioned earlier, I still think that ultimately, showcasing is ridiculous….but then again, it worked for NY. The difference is the Knicks actually had few better options than Randolph and Crawford. And the Bulls have Larry Hughes.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Showcasing, in this case, is absurd.

There’s about a half-decade of Larry Hughes suckage on tape, and it’s not as if people are saying his skills might have declined – they’re saying (rightfully) that he’s as bad as he’s been since his contract year. Showcasing only works when the point is to show that a player can still play. When Larry Hughes is on the court, it only demonstrates what everybody knows. He can’t.

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Nov 24, 2008 11:09 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I was in the process

of posting the exact same comment. Hughes is future expiring contract, nothing more. He should be treated as such.

by drew gooden's facial growth on Nov 24, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I thought you were the one

who marveled at the shortsightedness of GMs around the league? Why not showcase the guys we plan on trading – Hughes, Gooden, even TT/Thabo/Noah/BG – and hope that they turn good performances into phone calls to 1-866-4PA-XSON?

My second – and even scarier question – do the players realize they’re being showcased, and thus, trying to sabatoge the team by playing bad on purpose? I’m really only talking about Hughes on this but he might just naturally be god awful.

"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."

by Ugh It Live! on Nov 24, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Hughes thinks he can play

and wants to show it. If anything, if he thought he was being showcased – and I’m sure it’s no secret – he’d want to play as well as possible to get himself into a better situation.

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Nov 24, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

No way...

Does Hughes play bad on purpose. He made 5 three pointers the other night. He wants to play, just like everyone else.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Matt

is who I was referring to with that 1st comment.

"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."

by Ugh It Live! on Nov 24, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

like I said

I’m surprised how shortsided the Clippers can be by acquiring Randolph. But Hughes and Randolph are two different classes of players. Both are malcontents and selfish on the floor…but at least Randolph is good.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 11:42 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know that Randolph is a malcontent.

Perhaps just been in trouble with the law.

I understand why the Clips make that deal, because he is another Elton Brand, whom they wanted to keep. Since Brand ditched them over the Summer, they replaced him with another 20/10 guy at the expense of two over the hill rotation players.

Hughes, unlike Randolph, is not a consistent contributor on the court and is not entering his prime. He is an expiring contract next year.

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

by Dionysus2.0 on Nov 24, 2008 12:56 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

There have been plenty of reports out of Portland

That he was a bad seed, getting into fights in practice and all that great stuff. Hughes isn’t a cancer like that, but he’s so bad on the court it makes no difference. At least Randolph gives you a double-double for all the headaches he brings.

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Because if they aren't all that good...

…then it is just as likely, if not more than likely, that they’ll put up bad games instead of good ones. For Hughes, you’ll have more nights like he did last night than against Golden State. That feeds more into “proving he isn’t good” then “showcasing him”.

Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2008 12:14 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

How many 3's did we launch?

Kinda hard to get to the line when we don’t drive very often.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

a little too much

Hunter for my liking last night. Both him and Hughes took some questionable shots in the 4th. Hughes pretty much single-handedly shot us out of the game.

Where were Tyrus and Noah in the 2nd half?

At one point in the 4th, the line up was Noc, Thabo, Gray, Hunter, and Rose. That same lineup (replace Gray with Gooden) made an appearance early in the 2nd. During both stints, momentum started shifting and bad things started to happen. Even with Rose, this was the lineup of death, especially in the 4th. What was Vinny thinking?

Del: Coach, who should go in?

Vinny: Uhhh, give me the kid, the chucker, and the 3 stiffs please…

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 10:23 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

I picture Lt. Dike from Band of Brothers

staring blankly as the carnage unfolds all around him.

by drew gooden's facial growth on Nov 24, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It's mostly a Del Negro problem...

Unfortunately, it’s not so much a matter of VDN using the wrong line-ups, although he’s undoubtedly guilty of that as well. It’s more a matter of an unacceptable lack of discipline, and utter failure to create effective strategies (especially offensive).

Virtually everyone knows by now that the Bulls have a terribly flawed team, and need to restructure through trades and draft picks. But given what they have right now, VDN is still underachieving to a stunning degree.

I’ll make a few points to illustrate just how bad the situation is. I haven’t watched all of the games, nor do I chart, or even take notes. But it has been glaringly obvious that when VDN calls a timeout, the Bulls almost invariably screw things up immediately after the time out. Yes, of course poor execution is sometimes to blame, but this is happening far too consistently for execution to be the main problem.

What I am saying is that the play which is used immediately after a time out reflects powerfully on the coach, as he has drawn that specific play up for precisely that moment. And yet time, and time again, VDN’s plays fail miserably. That, to my mind, is very revealing.

More broadly, and of course more importantly, the Bulls offense has looked consistently awful. And I am taking into account the limitations of the team. As I’ve pointed out a few times before, every opposing team knows that Rose is very dangerous, and they are all beginning to adjust by doubling him out high, and having their big men cheat to stop him from getting to the basket. Those are smart, albeit obvious adjustments to make. So what the hell has VDN done in response to this? Virtually nothing, as far as I can tell.

Rose and/or Gordon end up playing one-on-one (or two) around the arc, pick up their dribbles, and usually pass (dangerously) to someone else on the perimeter. It’s a joke.

Look, the only way they will be able to open things up and create some decent offensive opportunities is to either pass down low, or drive. In fact, the few times that they did that last night, you could see the court open up and opportunities appeared. But does VDN stress this? Obviously not, as he doesn’t have a clue. He’d apparently prefer to rely on BG getting hot and playing one-on-one.

Of course one of the other great advantages of either driving or going inside is that you often get fouled. But no, VDN would rather pass the ball around the horn and hope that the Bulls have a hot shooting night.

Now, one other important point is that while Skiles was hardly perfect, VDN completely lacks the very best quality that Skiles brought to the team: the stressing of fundamentals. This current team is embarrassing in that regard, and the coach is obviously the main culprit.

TT will never even reach his modest potential unless he is put on a tight reign. Many of the Bulls are picking up their dribble – including ROSE – when they shouldn’t. Far too often they are leaving their feet and making bad passes as a result. Far too often they are standing around on offense, while Rose or Gordon or Hunter get caught with no one to pass to.

I could go on and on, but the bottom-line is that VDN is not equipped to coach at this level, and his mistakes and lack of strategic preparation are painfully obvious, even in games which the Bulls somehow manage to win.

by badnewsintennisshoes on Nov 24, 2008 10:24 AM CST reply actions   2 recs

good points

at one point (in the 4th I think) after a timeout, Ben dribble the ball up, cleared out the side, and tried to post up Carter. Uhh what?! The shot was blocked and a fastbreak ensued.

If this play would have happened during the flow of the game, then I’d chalk it up to a bone-headed play by Ben. But this came immediately after a timeout was called. Who the hell is drawing these things up??

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 10:28 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

that was an awful posession

I also wonder how much of the end-of-quarter situations are dictated for Ben, or is just Ben doing it on his own. I recall a quote from Vinny in the past that acknowledged Ben’s proven late-game successes (or something), not acknowledging that it was all before the point god and therefore irrelevant.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 10:33 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder the same...

…I think it’s a little of both.

Though, I would actually like to see a real PLAY being run in those situations. Whether it’s Rose, Ben, Kirk, or whomever…why is the overall consensus to just let one player dribble at the top and be left with the responsibility with breaking down the defense on his own?

Is there some kind of unwritten NBA law that states that each end of quarter sequence must be the same for every team? “Give it to so-and-so and get the hell out of his way!”

If the “one guy dribbles at the top of the key for 10 seconds” play is going to continued to be called, then it HAS to be Rose. No questions asked.

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

tight reign on Thomas

I agree, but the rope shouldn’t be merely minutes. It was pretty disturbing to hear that after Thomas went bananas shooting jumpers that VDN said it was fine. Stressing him to play to his strengths, while tolerating some mistakes…that’d be some actual coaching.

I’ll give Vinny some credit in that they appear to be playing hard. That’s something. But I’m with you in that a lot of times I can’t figure out if they’re running anything on offense. They also seem to be unsure when they’re playing zone defense, or maybe they’re not playing zone and Nocioni just makes it look like they are?

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 10:31 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

basically

lineups are not the #1 problem, they’re just the easiest to point out and (you’d think) correct. Vinny’s a first-time coach, so I expect some bumps, but realizing Larry Hughes stinks should’ve been a floor expectation.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Vinny has these silly outs

via the Deng and Hinrich injury. All he’s got to say is “I have two rotation players on the shelf” and he’s in the clear.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Didn't seem to work for Eddie Jordan...

missing Arenas and Haywood recently

--Torch

by torch on Nov 24, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Here's a real question

Why was Lindsey Hunter able to run Tyrus Thomas through the pick and roll for the easy flush to close the first quarter?

Why can’t Rose and Gordon do this? Is it because the defense doesn’t expect Hunter to make a good pass or they think he’ll pick up his dribble so they can trap him?

TT was 2-2 with 2 dunks and never saw the floor again.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 10:42 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

on the replay

for the first dunk I believe, you could see Lindsey point with his right hand where he wanted Tyrus to go (veteran savvy or simple basics?). Tyrus went, dunk, 2 points, good play.

You would think they would go over these things in practice.

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

We don't

know that they don’t go over them in practice.

by sue369 on Nov 24, 2008 11:20 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't say we did

I said you would THINK that they do…meaning, I hope they do.

That’s not too much to ask of a professional basketball team is it?

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 11:34 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

No it's not

too much to ask. But if they do go over them in practice what does that say about the players who don’t bring what they did in practice to the games?

by sue369 on Nov 24, 2008 11:42 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

that can say a bunch of things

…if most teams did probably 75% of the things they did on the practice floor, they would be annual contenders.

I’m sure the Thunder probably have some spirited practices too…

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

So the Bulls

must do only about 35% of the things they do in practice.

by sue369 on Nov 24, 2008 12:29 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

this play

would solve all the bulls problems and keep me from committing suicide.

why can’t coaches simply tell TT to cut to the hoop when guards drive. It makes no sense to me that no one has said this to him.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I think because Rose isn't a good PG yet

he’s just a great basketball player learning to play pg. Hopefully he can learn from Hunter in the few months before Hinrich comes back.

by CJ Bulls on Nov 24, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe when Rose is in, Tyrus is asked to just stay outside and out of the way?

I thought it was strange that all of a sudden he was trolling baseline when receiving those passes from Hunter.

I assume Thomas was lifted not because of this though, but for not getting back on D.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Don't think so

I’ve noticed that Rose tends to drive and then kick out to a jump shooter, even with the collapsing defense leaves an open a man down low. He just needs to make the adjustment.

by drew gooden's facial growth on Nov 24, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

THAT LINDSEY HUNTER PASS TO

tyrus thomas is exactly what thomas needs to be doing! cutting to the paint when a guard gets penetration. He will score like 10 points a game just by doing this.

he absolutely got pulled for letting nuggets bigs beat him down court.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

This something Tyrus can bring every night.

He just needs someone to throw him the ball.

The biggest problem with our pick and roll is that our players don’t roll…they play more of a pick and linger…which works okay for Gooden who can knock down 18 footers, but Tyrus and Noah should roll hard to the basket looking for easy buckets.

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

by Dionysus2.0 on Nov 24, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I've been saying this for three weeks.

Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It doesn't matter

They will run the pick and pop with Tyrus till the cows come home, forcing him to either take a bad shot, drive into the lane and get called for a charge, or pass it again. It’s why our offense has already become predicated on getting Rose the ball and clearing space, their other offensive sets are stupid and with the wrong personnel. It also doesn’t help that Deng seemingly has one good offensive game a week and isn’t meshing as well with Rose as I’d like.

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Hunter and Thomas were on the left side of the paint

The Bulls insist on always running the high screen on the right side.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I think that is a real question

Rose seems very inclined to kick out to the perimeter, where we have nothing but guys looking to chuck. That may be the plan, which makes them pretty exclusively a jumpshooting offense. That puts TT in the position of either drifting out to the wing to get a touch occasionally or joining Noah to chase down the misses to contribute.
   Even when the defense is yielding the paint to double on Rose and Gordon, they don’t seem to understand how to make them pay. Is this Vinnie’s version of 7 second offense? Looks like it.

by California Al on Nov 25, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Now this is great insight!

Last year the Blazers led the league in efficiency after a timeout, which is a direct reflection on Nate McMillan’s abilities as a coach. He has always been adept at developing young players like Rashard Lewis and Luke Ridenour, who have struggled after he was gone. Now he is developing the Blazer youngsters.

You guys have some young talent. I think you need a coach adept at developing that talent. The short term would be painful, you won’t win as many games. It’s really a long-term payoff.

Koponen - PG of the future. For Italy, that is. Book it.

by Blazerholic on Nov 24, 2008 11:53 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Bull...

Efficiency after a timeout isn’t just about coaching. You also need the personel to execute plays. It must be nice to have a billionaire owner willing to get those players for his coach.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

and pay the coach a boatload

to leave Seattle in the first place.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 12:07 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I really hope they miss the playoffs this year...

Unless I’m mistaken Nate has only taken a team to the playoffs twice in 8 years anyway.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I'd rather have D'Antoni and Phil Weber.

Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2008 12:15 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

D'Antoni or Thibs from Boston

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Nov 24, 2008 12:18 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

he's also coached in the West.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 12:34 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry, but...

it is MAINLY about coaching. The main reason that an athletically inferior team can compete with success against better rosters is because the coaching staff figures out creative ways to maximize talent, and take advantage of certain situations. The plays out of timeouts are microcosms of that, and when they are consistently successful, you can bet that the coaches are doing their jobs well. When they are consistently terrible, as has been the case with the Bulls this season, the lion’s share of the blame belongs on VDN’s shoulders.

by badnewsintennisshoes on Nov 24, 2008 12:38 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Because VDN decided we don't need a center to compete?

Oh yeah, I remember him saying that at his hiring news conference. Deng and Hinrich being hurt are probably his fault too. You are right, VDN should take most of the blame for this debacle.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Listen doughboy (oops!)...

you are being ridiculous, and distracting from any serious argument that you might have to offer.

Well coached professional athletes are able to execute quite consistently, whether they are overmatched or not. They may not win a particular game, or make a basket on a given play, but they put themselves in a position to do so. The Bulls have had a hard time getting a shot up, let alone making one after timeouts. And if you are watching them closely, you will see a lack of organization, confusion, and poor fundamentals on display with appalling regularity.

Obviously the players deserve some blame, but if you think that VDN is getting anything close to the best from what he has to work with, then you’re not a very good observer.

by badnewsintennisshoes on Nov 24, 2008 1:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

My observation...

We have a ROOKIE coach who has been forced to play without TWO STARTERS and use a ragtag group of one dimensional ROLE PLAYERS in starting and clutch situations daily. In one instance (at the 5) we continually trot out a mismatch on EVERY NIGHT. VDN has been here for 14 games, Pax has had YEARS to craft this retarded roster together. Red Auerbach would be lucky to be 6 and 8 with these jokers.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Auerbach would know that Hughes shouldn't play

and I don’t mean back when he was alive. Like right now.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

For 5 lottery picks, a prime Kevin McHale, and the ghost of Len Bias

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

and Deng's the only starter out.

Hinrich was only a starter by tradition.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

With this group of guys...

It’s impossible to know who is ever starting. But let’s be clear about this Hinrich would be involved HEAVILY in the rotation… Thus we get Larry Hughes.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

What Thabo doesn't exist?

He does the same things Hughes does, and is at least more athletic so he could play legit defense.

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not going to get into a debate about who should be playing...

Thabo or Hughes. It should suffice to say that if we are even going to have that discussion then the blame should fall on the guy who makes us choose betwwen these shitty options.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Vinny deserves all the blame

But he’s not here and I have to project my feelings somewhere.

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 3:21 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I was more referring to Pax...

For the fact that Lindsey Hunter is the most significant addition he’s made to our roster since the Ben Wallace trade (that netted us everyone’s favorite pinata Larry Hughes).

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

considering it's Small Forward

it’s definitely Thabo, or Noc.

Easy answer: not Hughes.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

All three can get on a boat and float away...

We can’t win with any of them starting and a frontcourt of Gooden and Noah/Gray anyway.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:28 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

so bad coaching is then accepted?

they can both be symptoms, you know

Damnit, now we can’t talk to eachother about coaching either. :-/

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Bad coaching should/will be unacceptable soon...

But let’s at least give VDN the tools to coach. If this was Larry Brown or D’Antoni we’d be talking about his two year plan to flush the roster and get “his kind of guys” to manage. We honestly have no idea what kind of coach VDN is. After 14 games I’d define his coaching style as a guy that just threw ten pounds of spaghetti at the wall and is going with what anything that sticks. It’s not his fault that Pax gave him five pounds of angel hair pasta instead.

Fine VDN sucks, whatever, but just for the sake of argument is there ANYONE that could manufacture wins out of this roster? And I don’t buy the idea that we should be only focused on developing players, because part of developing players starts with creating a culture of winning… Which we really can’t do with this group of guys.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

that coaching style is no coaching style

I’m willing to wait and see, sure. I’m also looking for signs that he’s a good coach…and haven’t seen a lot yet.

At least Brown and D’Antoni have earned some time based on past experience (and success).

It’s not just about developing players or not. That’d be a decision if there was some great crew of veterans here. We’re talking about taking away development minutes and giving them to Hughes, Gray, Noc, and Gooden.

I think my biggest issue is that I could’ve accepted him being a little scatterbrained if he stuck to his ‘campaign promise’ of sticking by Thomas and Noah. He did for about 5 games.

You may say they’re lost causes anyway (but I won’t discuss that with you, since, well…you know.) but Vinny was hired to coach them, not dismiss them.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 3:43 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I do agree for the most part...

And if he continues to sit them all year then I’ll be upset. But just like we all should have patience with TT, we should give VDN a chance too… Although I fear the point may be moot unless we make a trade for a decent center soon.

Sometimes watching this team play I feel like we have to do everything perfect or hope for the other team to screw up royally to even give us a chance to win.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:49 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

well

he ISN’T a starting caliber sg… and we now have a better pg…

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 3:45 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

He's light years better than Hunter...

And could be a decent spell for Gordon. As a third guard we have options and plenty of minutes for him to play (especially if Rose is hurting).

Without him we get to watch Gordon dribble off his leg in the 4th qtr again… Damn, that was a low blow… And I’m a guy that loves BG.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

don't get me wrong

i like hinrich, and i kind of want him traded because i think he deserves to start, but just not on our team, because of the way it is constructed now. and cause i don’t want to pay 10 mil for a bench guy.

i guess it’s just that we haven’t lost 2 starters, since he’s not a starter (anymore) – so my opinion is somewhere between matt’s “by tradition only” and sue’s eyeroll. ;)

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, trade him...

Or play him (when he get’s back). Either way he is a valuable asset and if he isn’t a starter then he’s definitely our best 6th man. The bottom line is that with him and Deng gone we suck. Seriously, I know I’ve been saying this all day, but our roster is so thin we can’t afford to lose anyone. It’s become increasingly popular to blame that on VDN, but it’s Pax’s fault we have a retarded roster.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry...

Didn’t mean to vent on you… I’m going stir crazy thinking about this… Time to go rake my leaves.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 4:06 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

no biggie...

i think around here we all go nuts even though half the time we are all arguing the same point. :)

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Well he did start the

night he was hurt. He also started other nights this season too. That’s all I was going by.

by sue369 on Nov 24, 2008 4:26 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mind him

coming off the bench either. He could have been useful last night.

by sue369 on Nov 24, 2008 4:29 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

He's missed because even though he's not deadly accurate

He has a better shot selection than Hughes, and still remains the 2nd best ballhandler in the backcourt. Kirk was also playing nice defense before he got hurt.

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 5:50 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm 100% convinced (who knows why?)...

…that a backcourt of Rose, Gordon and Hinrich is “championship-caliber” in three to four years. I may have convinced myself of that only because I don’t think Hinrich is going anywhere for the duration of his contract, but still…

Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2008 6:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

he hadn't started since the preseason

i thought.

but he shouldn’t have been starting that night, gordon should have been. that’s the whole thing – he’s not a starting caliber sg. but again, i don’t have a problem with hinrich at all.

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 10:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

He started the night

he got hurt. He was in at the start of the third quarter when he got hurt.

Here’s the box score.

http://www.nba.com/games/20081107/PHXCHI/boxscore.html

by sue369 on Nov 25, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Red Auerbach would have personally beat the shit out of Hughes and Gray

And made them bake cookies or buy candy for Rose so they could at earn their checks. D’Antoni benched far more talented players in Marbury and Curry and rolled with the youngsters.

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

We don't have Isiah to kick around anymore

and the one guy that needs him the most is John Paxson.

Is there a worse GM now?

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Kevin McHale Kevin McHale Kevin McHale

"It never is, because I'm the Shogun. And before you get to the Shogun, you gotta go through a lot of ninjas."

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 24, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yea

But the Wolves just beat the Pistons at the Palace by +20.

Maybe Dumars needs two chuckers in Hughes and Noc.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The Pistons made a mistake giving up Billups...

I don’t care how much long term cap flexibility they save, AI will destroy that team… They’re still better than the Bulls though.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I think he was fine destroying the team

I don’t agree with the move, but that’s what it was: he gave up on that ‘core’.

It is a stark difference: Dumars can punt Chauncey Billups to make room for Rodney Stuckey…and Paxson’s afraid to deal Kirk Hinrich.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You are probably right...

It was the weakest one win dynasty since the Atlanta Braves of the 90’s anyway.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Kevin McHale.

Don't call me doughboy!

by Khalid El-Amin on Nov 24, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

We had one of those

Scott Skiles . . . He was pretty amazing “after a timeout” as well.

Look at how well that ended

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

ive been calling for fire vdn since 2nd game of pre-season

after i saw what he has to offer in the way of offensive strategy during hte first game.

In about 40 games all you “lets give him some time to prove himself” will right next to me yelling lets fire vinney chants and throwing bear at him as he exits each game in shame.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

tell you what

when Vinny gets fired, I’ll acknowledge that your work here is complete, and relieve you of your duties as secretary of ‘keeping it real’.

(“throwing bear”?)

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

*throwing beer

(“keeping it real”?)

im just another passionate fan who wants TT to be an all-star and derrick rose to assume all duties on the team and for VDn to get fired in favor of the janitor on level 3 of UC.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, well...

no extra points for being ‘first’ on that bandwagon. In fact, it’s negative points for self-congratulating.

(shit, where did I put my commenter scoreboard?)

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

your projecting

no one is keeping score over here. The point is that he has been bad since the beginning and its just my opinion that he will continue to be bad.

im just trying to push bulls fans into thinking this faster then the 40 game mark.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

propers to Sam

He has a nice recap, though I don’t agree with some of his conclusions

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 10:26 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

This quote helps
“I think we looked a little confused on who was covering who since we normally don’t cover those types of guys.” – Gordon

Obviously it wasn’t obvious enough to Coach Obvious.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Sam on the turning point of the game
Anthony hit a three outside the sagging zone for a 100-99 Denver lead, and then Anthony came cutting down the lane for a slam as both Hunter and Nocioni let him go by untouched. Hughes

then went singular with a quick drive and three, both of which missed

, while Billups lost Rose on a screen and Hughes didn’t roll into cover and allowed Billups to score a layup untouched.

Martin then slammed after Gordon lost the ball on top of the floor making a dribble move between his legs and Martin was fouled by a late arriving Gooden.

So 12-0 run in two minutes, and suddenly it’s 109-99 Denver with 2:51 left and the game effectively is over.

Pleaselarryhughesstoptakingsomanybadshots

"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."

by Ugh It Live! on Nov 24, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

First comment

Hey there, first time on the site. I agree that Vinny is not looking good, especially in these last few games. Granted, he inherited a messed up roster, but still, look at what they’re doing in NY with an even worse situation, they’re at least sticking to the plan without looking back.

And that what they should do in Chicago too. I swear i have never seen a team switch so many starting lineups in just a few games, that’s madness. Choose your starters and ride them. It seems that VDN is trying everything just for the sake of it

by grillo on Nov 24, 2008 10:39 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

welcome

The poster formerly known as Freethefro.

by MPG on Nov 24, 2008 11:10 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

NY appears to

at least have a plan. Anyone got a clue as to what the Bulls’ plan is? I really don’t think there is one.

This should go back to the banner post but as far as slogans for this team go – and along the same lines w/ the league’s slogan how about: The Bulls – “Where wait and see what happens, happens”

"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."

by Ugh It Live! on Nov 24, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

the thing i didn't like

was when we had the lead, there were 2 sequential possessions where we attempted multiple 3 pointers and thus frittered away the lead. as open as the shots were, they weren’t smart and we shouldn’t be settling for 3 pointers when we are the ones on top.

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 10:54 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Noc took one of those

…to which Stacey says: “see, that’s a momentum killer right there…”

Noc was as wide open as you could get. But at that specific point, it wasn’t the smartest shot.

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 10:57 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

it wasn't just that one, though

looking it up, it was my bad. it was when we had the lead in the 3rd, not at the end of the game:

Nocioni 3pt Shot: Missed 2:04
Nocioni Rebound (Off:1 Def:0) 2:03
Hunter 3pt Shot: Missed 1:58
  1:56 Kleiza Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
  1:52 Billups Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Missed Block: Sefolosha (1 BLK)
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:0 Def:3) 1:49
Hunter Jump Shot: Missed 1:37
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:1 Def:3) 1:36
Sefolosha 3pt Shot: Missed 1:30

i thought that 2nd hunter shot was also a 3 pter, but i’m remembering it wrong i guess. but we’re up by 4 at this point and we can’t capitalize two possessions in a row because of this.

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The Zen of being open

Yea, Noc was open, but he wasn’t exactly open. That was a bait and switch defense from the Nuggets. They wanted a quick shot. That’s what they use to feed a run.

If Noc makes that shot they call a timeout. If he misses the shot they run the basketball. They took the odds.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 11:10 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Do the Bulls run a similar defense?

Because with the right shooter, that would play to our strengths.

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

by Dionysus2.0 on Nov 24, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly

We had taken the lead, we had some flow, we were rebounding, we were running our pace. That’s exactly when the rotation has to count the most. The trend was in our favor and all we had to do was keep running the offense THROUGH DERRICK ROSE. use the shot clock. Pass the ball. make the opponent defend knowing they just gave up the lead so they have to start playmaking defensively. It’s really hard to do that without fouling or giving up rebounding position.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

My hair is no match for Vinny

They put this stuff on TV you know.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 1:16 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yea..Dissapointing game

But truthfully, Id stop worrying bout the lineups..ive suddenly got over it…esp, after seeing TT blow layups and Noah looking like a confused German Shepard

"You’re caught up in basketball. Get caught up in life" - Starbury's Head Tattoo

by Belize on Nov 24, 2008 12:54 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

One more thing that really annoyed me last night.

Del Negro had Gordon guarding Chauncey Billups and Rose guarding Dahntay Jones…I don’t know why he would want Rose on the bigger guard on a cross match…Its bad for Rose’s development as a point guard to be asked to guard the opposing team’s bigger player…

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

by Dionysus2.0 on Nov 24, 2008 2:00 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

i kind of on the bubble

about whether or not drose is actually a good defender yet. Not sure what the opinions of people are. I can remember times when i see guys get around him easily (remember that rajon rhondo fiasco) and times when he stays in front of people.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I am not implying that Rose is a good defender.

Because he is not. He is average and willing. He needs to be guarding the opposing teams point guard every night because he will learn to be better. Putting him against bigger opponents, like Jones and Klieza last night, hurts his development as a defender.

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

by Dionysus2.0 on Nov 24, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

ya, i agree with you

it might stunt his development. but doing so might give him some rest to not have to guard the tenacious pg in this league. Maybe stall him hitting the rookie wall for a bit.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Size has nothing to do it.

Instead of throwing him up against really good players (like Billups), I’d guess the idea was to let him rest defensively against a bad defender and play the passing lanes (which is his best strength as a defender).

De gustibus non est disputandum

by Sports2 on Nov 24, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

ya that is the strategy i support.

resting him on defense by putting him on weaker players.

by mandoman10 on Nov 24, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

huh?

you think Billups is an easier cover? Or is this just an extension of taller=better theory?

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Billups is much tougher cover.

That is why Rose should be on him. He needs to learn to be a better defender on the court.

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

by Dionysus2.0 on Nov 24, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

ok, say that then.

that at least makes sense.

I think it’s the wrong idea to throw Rose in the deep end on defense, but at least it is an argument.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

So VDN went into the game saying the altitude would affect rotations

and then proceeded to play his only really serviceable big man 4 really long stretches.

I don’t think that by itself changed the game or anything, but it seems pretty strange to me given his professed approach coming into the game.

De gustibus non est disputandum

by Sports2 on Nov 24, 2008 2:10 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Heh, more dissension

While VDN talked about the altitude, Sam Smith delivers this from the mouth of Drew Gooden:

Tired because of the altitude?

 “(Altitude) That’s all in your head,” said Drew Gooden. "I remember coming here in college and playing Colorado and Roy Williams was saying, ’It’s all in your head, it’s a bunch of bull crap at altitude and if you are feeling it, it will go away.’ I felt fine and I know the majority of the guys on the team felt fine tonight.

I wonder if he shared that with VDN before the game? :)

De gustibus non est disputandum

by Sports2 on Nov 24, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

hmmm

Noah:

Asked if altitude is a factor, Noah responded: “Hell, yeah. But you’ve got to play through it.”

Gooden:

“(Altitude) That’s all in your head,” said Drew Gooden. "I remember coming here in college and playing Colorado and Roy Williams was saying, ’It’s all in your head, it’s a bunch of bull crap at altitude and if you are feeling it, it will go away.’ I felt fine and I know the majority of the guys on the team felt fine tonight.

uhhhhh…ok

by NormVanBeer on Nov 24, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah is supposed to be a bright guy

Salt Lake City is 4200’ above sea level. Denver is 5200’. Anyone ever hear stories about the altitude affecting players in Utah?

I bet I could sell Noah a whole book of conspiracies.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

that's unfair too

and noah’s not necessarily incorrect. altitude has different effects on different people. it’s not just “in your head” as drew says. that said, you get dehydrated more easily in higher altitudes, and if you’re not in shape trying to play basketball, that is probably a big deal.

by Jaina on Nov 24, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

interesting take on the Offense last night

Brandon Hoffman of ballerblogger.com:


When forced into the half-court, Chicago’s offense consists of Rose running pick-and-rolls with Gooden, Nocioni, or Noah at the top of the key, while Gordon and Hughes space the floor by spotting up around the three-point line. The Bulls were moderately successful with this scheme through three quarters, but their offense came to a screeching halt when the Nuggets switched up their defensive strategy in the final period.
"They were switching and trapping," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Offensively we got a little stagnant. We’ve got to do a little better job of moving the basketball and creating space."
Chicago may want to start by generating some movement away from the ball. Standing around the three-point arc, Gordon and Hughes were spectators for too much of the night. If that doesn’t work, Coach Del Negro would be wise to curtail Chicago’s pick-and-roll dominated offense.
For starters, Rose lacks the shooting ability to keep opposing defenses honest. Opposing guards are free to go under screens, while big men can play a step off to deter penetration. Secondly, Chicago lacks an athletic big man that can draw attention rolling to the basket. With zero movement away from the ball, and little attention paid to the screener, opposing defenses are allowed to overload the strong side and force harmless ball reversals. Sharpshooter Ben Gordon benefited from the defensive attention paid to Rose, but spotted up on the opposite end of the floor for much of the game, only one of Gordon’s seven made field goals was assisted by Rose.
I’m not suggesting the Bulls abandon their dribble-drive offense altogether. Rose is more than adept at breaking his man down off the dribble and creating for himself and others. But he doesn’t have the skill set nor is he blessed with the right supporting cast to be a pick-and-roll point guard at this stage of his career.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Our offense will start with our defense - VDN

And nothing says defense like Rose, Gordon, Hunter, Noc, and Gooden. OK. Drop Gooden for Gray. Still bad? Drop Hunter for Hughes. Still bad? Oh well. The game is over.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

sometimes I think coaches too often believe defense and rebounding is all will and not skill

Like, Noc will get ‘mans rebounds’ (© Tom Dore) because he tries real hard. But taking that into consideration…it doesn’t mean he’s a good rebounder.

I’m also reminded of this when Stacy King says that Gray needs to ‘learn to’ do things like rotate faster on defense, as the cement will one day break off of his ankles.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It might ne nice to have some young guys on the staff

Some young guys that would be fresh blood to the Bulls organization. I’m not saying Stacey is the right guy, but he’s certainly seeing things and saying so that I hear from other commentators about our club.

Are Bernie and Del really going to see the same things as young assistant? They know how to react to the bad play. Can they teach the skill to avoid the bad play?

I see it like the argument that the defense analyst Thomas Barnett made in “The Pentagon’s New Map”. If you want your new approaches to stick, you can’t just pitch them to four star generals. You have to pitch to them to four stars and then pitch and convince the two stars that will one day be four stars.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 24, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Pete Myers is offended by this comment

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 24, 2008 4:39 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

"Chicago lacks an athletic big man"

So one would think….

Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2008 6:25 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about Chicago Bulls.
Start posting about the Bulls »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
The Time is Now to Trade Deng

Recent FanPosts

Small
What the Bulls are missing: Allen Iverson
Jayhawk_small
Game Preview # 12 - Bulls @ Nuggets
Blackstar_small
Plan B: if the Bulls fail to sign a FA superstar at the 2 or the 4 spots...
Small
How About A Whole New Plan?
Small
Game Preview #10: Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Small
Rose Problem: Trying too hard to please Vinny and "teammates"
Small
Your thought on a GS-Chi Ellis A-R for Kirk TT trade dreams
Jjohnson
What's going on in Derrick Rose's head?
Drose2_small
what i'd do as GM right now...

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SPONSORS


Guy who does everything

Blogabull_s_small your friendly BullsBlogger