Why can't this Tyrus play more?

by Bulls4Ever on Feb 6, 2008 1:05 PM CST

I'm not going to lie he's my favorite Bulls player on the roster. Noah comes in a close second. The reason i'm posting this Diary is because I'm at a total loss how this kid has gone from possibly the next big thing to a mere after thought on a dismal Bulls team.

I was bored here at work so i went to tyrus's website www.tyrusthomas24.com and watched some of his videos. Man this kid lit the gym up. Now i realize better than most he also makes a lot of mistakes while he's on the court but you can not for one second dismiss the good plays he makes as well. He is by far the most exciting, athletic player on the Bulls. He is by far the closest player we have to having superstar talent. Isnt that what makes a guy a superstar? Having that it factor?

Last year Tyrus was a rookie and saw limited action but also made a difference. He was earning his playing time, going through the whole rookie thing. What was the teams record last season when he played 15 plus minutes? It was pretty good. I always wanted more watching him. I wanted more playing time for him, more plays ran for him. Once the season ended i knew PJB was gone and thought it was pretty much a given TT would be our starting PF. What happened? Why does this franchise insist on killing this kids confidence, taking away his PT, treating him so unfairly? Is he that bad of a kid? Is he un-coachable? Is he stupid? I dont think any of those things are true. I think its the franchise and most definitely the COACHES. If any of you get a chance go to his site and watch some of his videos. It will make you feel good. I cant find the link but i read today but i think it was in the tribune ask SS or something. Someone has written in and said why not trade TT to SA for some D league guy and salary cap relief? If we loose this kid it's gonna hurt and IMO its gonna hurt worse than Elton Brand and Tyson Chandler.

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he thinks

he's a 3, but the coaching staff thinks he's a 4. He wants to lead the break and launch 18-footers, the coaches want him rebounding and blocking shots. That's the only reason I can see for his limited PT.

vanillablue.wordpress.com

by vanillablue on Feb 6, 2008 1:27 PM CST reply actions

I'm not a Tyrus fan

but I agree trading him to San Antonio for a scrub, cap relief, or some middling player will make baby jesus cry.

If the Bulls are going to move him, they have to get a hit coming back.

by Sports2 on Feb 6, 2008 1:30 PM CST reply actions

The Spurs are the smartest team in the league

What does it say that they're interested in Tyrus? He can't get on the court for a 19-28 team, but the defending champs want him? Somebody's obviously wrong about him, and I kind of doubt it's the Spurs.

by Big D on Feb 6, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions

The Spurs are smart, no doubt

but they're not infallible. And we are only talking about them offering Ian Mahinmi anyway.

Like I said, I wouldn't give up on him, but it's hard to square all that potential with him not getting a sniff on the court in a lost season. He's pretty close to getting the Eddie Robinson treatment.

I don't have much faith in the Bulls to make the right judgement on the guy to be honest. For all I know he could be a superstar. Or he could suck eggs. I've really got no clue when it comes to him.

by Sports2 on Feb 6, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions

we know he doesn't suck eggs

he had a productive rookie year.

the issue is that we don't know either way because he's not getting the PT. Trade deadline, ahoy!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2008 3:33 PM CST up reply actions

What makes a superstar?

It's not having that IT factor, it's making plays. Unfortunately, right now TT makes as many good plays as bad. Hopefully he gets better.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 1:32 PM CST reply actions

Prove that statement.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

Tyrus is a Tweener PF

A college PF who aint that good in the NBA and also too small @6'8".

Why has the word superstar become associated with the name Tyrus Thomas? Is it only because he can monster dunk? Big deal!

Tyrus can't leap-frog the NBA as he did in the 2006 draft. Before TT achieves superstar status the following steps need to be accomplished in order.

Drafted by a NBA team.
First he'll need to learn how to play NBA basketball, hustle and display good basketball IQ on the court.
Then he'll need to become/justify himself as a starter on a NBA team.
Later he'll need to become the star go-to-guy(1st option) on the NBA team he's playing for.
Afterwards he should be invited to the NBA AllStar game other than a spectator and/or slam dunk participate. (Oops he miss the 2nd year player invite)
After reaching star status, then because of his play and leading his team to many victories and playoff appearances he might then be annointed a NBA superstar

Why is this word superstar used so lightly? Tyrus hasn't yet reached Step 2. Do you really think Tyrus will ever reach step 3, let alone step 4,5, and 6?

by exult463 on Feb 6, 2008 1:51 PM CST reply actions

TT is bigger than 6'8

he's closer to 6'10". He's taller than Deng.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions

Site Update needed?

Then we need to tell the Bulls to update their web site because it has him listed as 6'8". He's not 6'10", and Deng is still taller than Tyrus. Tyrus might have a longer wingspan because he has these long arms?

http://www.nba.com/bulls/roster/

by exult463 on Feb 6, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

I was not more than 50 feet from them

and TT is a lot taller than Deng. Oh, and BG isn't 6'3" either. TT is pretty close to Noah. And Gray really is a Sasquatch.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

They're trying to deflate his ego.

He's too proud of himself.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions

RE: Tyris is a Tweener PF

This playing out of position bullshit is one of, if not my biggest, beef with Boylan. I can't stand it when Tyrus is out on the floor at the 3 with a Wallace/Noah or Smith/Wallace frontcourt. He then drifts around the 3 point line like BG or just gets stuck in the corner.

What is the thinking in putting him there? It completely neutralizes his strengths (rebounding, blocking shots, dunking) and exploits his weaknesses (long range jumpers, dribbling).

It seriously makes as much sense as playing Gordon at the 4.

by Jobu on Feb 6, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

or at PG

hehe :-)

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

Has anyone notice

a big dropoff in the # of alleyoops thrown to Tyrus this year? He worked in way into the rotation late last year on the effectiveness of that play alone, yet I can count on one hand the alleyoops he's caught in the past two months. I mean, it's a really easy shot to make!

by YaoPau on Feb 7, 2008 6:34 PM CST up reply actions

You may not want to call him a superstar...

and bulls4ever's not calling him one either. What he says is, "(Tyrus) is by far the closest player we have to having superstar talent."

That said, I think your question's a good one, but maybe dialed back slightly from the rhetorical edge: "Why does anyone believe Tyrus has superstar potential?"

Would it be possible for someone to dig up Hollinger's article from last Summer in which he called Tyrus one of the best college prospects in--what did he say?--the last how many drafts? In light of Thomas' struggles this year, I'd like to review what it was Hollinger saw in him.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 6, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

Hollinger

report might have been valued by Paxson, similiar to "Cramer" picking stock. I've loss money of Cramer.

by exult463 on Feb 6, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

Cramer's an entertainer.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 6, 2008 2:30 PM CST up reply actions

I'm curious

Exult, English obviously wasn't your first language. What was? Seriously.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions

Might Hollinger

be trying to clean up, after receiving that all-inclusive 20 day Hawaii family vacation package from Tyrus's agent in 2006 ;)

For this year Hollinger has Tyrus ranked 37 out of 67 in the PF position. Most of the guys 40-67 are near retirement or bench stiffs.

Tyrus is sandwiched between Matt Bonner and Channing Frye based on Hollinger.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/rankings?pos=6&start=30&action=login&appRedirec t=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fhollinger%2frankings%3fpos%3d6%26start%3d30

by exult463 on Feb 6, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

Seriously, do you have

a link to that old article? I want to be reminded of what he saw in Tyrus.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 6, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

for kicks

Not sure how relevant it is, Hollinger's method was to look at NBA success and retro-actively find what those players did in college to get some sort of prediction pattern.

But anyway:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=Pro Rater

the difference in the 2006 draft between the top-rated player, Tyrus Thomas, and the second-ranked collegian, Shelden Williams, was greater than that between Williams and the No. 35 player -- which would clue you in to just draft Thomas, regardless of need.

His 'score' of 756.8 was behind only Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony for players in the past 5 drafts.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 6, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

Anyone remember the begining of this season

He was starting.

And he was the only starter doing well.

But he was the first one to the bench.

by gobulls1124 on Feb 6, 2008 1:53 PM CST reply actions

Nobody remembers that

because it didn't happen. TT didn't have a good start to the season.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

Dammit. I forgot!!! You got me again

w/ your automatic contrarianessnes.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions

good one

contrarianessnes, I like it. Is that the same suffix as elevenses?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions

well that's just like your opinion

your standards for 'good' aside, compared to Hinrich, Gordon, and Wallace he was doing just fine, and only benched because he was the non-veteran.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2008 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

Stooooop it, Matt.

Don't get trapped!!! That comment almost got me, too.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions

if TT did as well as H, G and W

then he definitely and definitively had a bad start to the year.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 3:45 PM CST up reply actions

Well yes!

I went to the 2nd game (@home) of the year, after the season open away loss to NJ. The Bulls loss this game also, but Tyrus scored about 24 pts and was the only player playing with intensity in that game. Many "Kobe,Kobe" chants during the early season games also.

by exult463 on Feb 6, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

Actually his numbers

were 21-12 against Philly.

by exult463 on Feb 6, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

Whats a tweener?

To say he's a tweener is a garbage statement. There are other players playing PF that are smaller and are having great success ie. Elton Brand, Carlos Booser. Saying he's a tweener is just a bunch of crap.

by Bulls4Ever on Feb 6, 2008 2:06 PM CST reply actions

both players

you named have very accomplished offensive skills that compensate for their height. And both also have basketball fundamentals like blocking out and rebound positioning which also elevated both to double-double machines in the NBA.

Tyrus has much to learn to get to this level. He might learn how to block out and rebound better, but the offensive skills might be much more of a challenge. Most players never improve to the point they become a 1st or 2nd scoring option.

by exult463 on Feb 6, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions

Not to mention

Brand weighs 275, Booxer weighs 260, Thomas weighs 215.

by Kemp @ Blog a Bull on Feb 6, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

He has started 11 games

this yr. Take a look.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tyrus_thomas/index.html

by Bulls4Ever on Feb 6, 2008 2:08 PM CST reply actions

I don't buy the Tyrus Thomas hype machine

any more.

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 6, 2008 2:49 PM CST reply actions

The cautionary tale

is Jermaine O'Neal.

He didn't become a starter until his fifth year--and even at that he needed to get traded first. The next year he was an all-star...and the next...and the next...and the next....

I would rather not be too hasty about making a lon-term decision on Tyrus.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 6, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

The rest of the

cautionary tale is what kind of drag does it create on a franchise to sign a young kid to that second contract when the kid is still struggling to figure it out? Sometimes you gotta move on and take your chances.

Sucking chest wound? Bench Wallace and start Noah

by Rusty LaRue on Feb 6, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions

Tyrus doesn't hit restricted free agency

until after 2 more seasons. Maybe by then he'll have won you over and you'll be as starry-eyed and forgiving as myself.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2008 4:54 PM CST up reply actions

David Thorpe gave some outsider perspective

The following is from his article about NBA sophomores.

"Tyrus Thomas, Bulls: With the awful play of Ben Wallace inside, one would think Thomas might get consistent minutes in an effort to grow his game to another level. That has not been the case. Thomas, the most athletic player in his class, routinely plays very little despite showing signs of becoming a legit starter in this league. He's a likely trade candidate in the next few weeks."

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=thorpe_david&page=Sophomores-0801 24

Thorpe attended a Bulls practice recently, paying close attention to Tyrus, and provides even more interesting feedback on The Daily Dish. It's the 1/29 edition.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/archive?id=2669425

by snley on Feb 6, 2008 2:52 PM CST reply actions

::point::

http://www.blogabull.com/story/2008/1/30/163158/532

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions

But what does Thorpe know?

He's only worked with Kevin Martin and Linas Kleiza ::gag::.

Clearly, bullshitter, exult, Sports2, etc. all know much more than this clown.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions

I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night

by Sports2 on Feb 6, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

That does help, for sure.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

tygger

I thought we had turned the corner, why all the renewed animosity? Thorpe also pitched Justn Cage as the next answer. I still think TT is improving, and he's had more good games than bad lately.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 6, 2008 3:47 PM CST up reply actions

Who and What now?

Whadya say?

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

Thorpe never called Cage the answer to anything.

"I think he is good enough to play in the rotation for Chicago, maybe 5-10 minutes a night, as a defensive specialist and a 3 pt threat. Now it is up to him to show it"

http://www.blogabull.com/story/2007/9/13/03644/1517

by CrashDavis on Feb 6, 2008 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Don't argue with bullshitter.

He'll just make something else up to keep up his contrarianessnesful quota for the day.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 6, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry

I must have actually been doing some work that day and missed your post.

by snley on Feb 6, 2008 4:27 PM CST up reply actions

What?

"compared to Hinrich, Gordon, and Wallace he was doing just fine."

"if TT did as well as H, G and W
then he definitely and definitively had a bad start to the year."

I had to read this response repeatedly to try and guess how you got from point A to point C. How is this a valid response? Are you even reading other peoples' posts? Or do you just immediately start typing your disagreeing rebuttal?

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Feb 6, 2008 6:19 PM CST reply actions

I know it's a complicated argument

but so is hitting the reply button.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Just in case you are that dumb

hinrich, gordon and wallace all had crappy starts to the year, so doing just fine compared to them doesn't mean playing well. And TT didn't play particularly well to start the season either, he had two good games and the rest were mostly bad.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2008 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

But Thabo proved himself!

AAACCCKKK!!!

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 7, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

what does that mean?

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions

Tyrus

It seems many of us view Tyrus as a better PF than a SF. I think if we agree on that, then Tyrus's height is average yet it's ok because of his above average wingspan and his athleticism.

Still, Tyrus is not presently strong enough to handle NBA PF quite yet.

Therefore Tyrus is a project, and needs to be hidden, encourged, taught, and strengthen similiar to the under the radar development of Jermaine O'Neal during his early years. Yet, the expectations (thorpe-Hollinger) might be too high for him to survive another 2 years in the Bulls organization and be successful.

Potentially also Tyrus could sour on the organization because he'll believe he was pigeon-holed and held back. The next team's GM could then trade and get a very good player who now weights 255 lbs of muscle and fundamentally a better player than he is today?

Paxson, should admit Tyrus (19 yrs old draftee) is more of a project and ship this high paid millionaire to the d-league. Where he can play 40 minutes a game against (Seattle's 10 pick in 2006 Mouhamed Saer Sene), and this David Thorpe and Hollinger report build-up garbage is removed. The Lakers did it for a while with that 2nd year PG. Yes Tyrus was a much higher pick (4th), big deal not much difference than Seattle's 10th pick. Let the kid develop without the pressure.

by exult463 on Feb 7, 2008 5:19 PM CST reply actions