Open Game Thread #72: Bulls at Atlanta Hawks

I kind of like his new theory of knocking people down though. Might as well make those few fouls and little PT memorable, right? Maybe they could trade him to the Bears?

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions

good

they should have left him then.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions

could be something wrong with the box score

they've got Hughes with only 5 shots. Are they only counting the ill advised jumpers?

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions

That's funny!

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

with one minute left in the 1st

the bulls had 6 basket and kirk had 5 assists...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 7:12 PM CDT reply actions

Larry Hughes continues his brilliant play

in a Bulls uniform. Stick a fork in him, he's done!

by danger mouse on Mar 28, 2008 7:28 PM CDT reply actions

I really want the Bulls to win this game

Not because I want them to make the playoffs, but because I don't want Atl to make the playoffs. There pick is going to PHX and perhaps PHX wouldn't mind trading that pick for a veteran (I'm looking at you Noce).

by danger mouse on Mar 28, 2008 7:31 PM CDT reply actions

bad idea

the bulls don't need any more youngsters. The only trade that benefits them (besides a Hughes dump) is packaging several players together to get one clearly better player.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions

and he leaves duhon in...

Boylan loves the small so much that I wonder if it's because it makes him feel big.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 7:32 PM CDT reply actions

Sure am glad Bibby decided to play

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 7:34 PM CDT reply actions

This is amazing

Gordon, Hinrich, Duhon, Deng, Noah. Might as well just put Hughes at center...

by danger mouse on Mar 28, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions

So did Du and Boylan kiss and make up, too?

He's getting an awful lot of playing time here. Although, much to my surprise, I don't mind him near as much when the alternative is chuckin' Larry.

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 7:44 PM CDT reply actions

I really feel bad for Kirk

He really is a fuckin good defender. Just not against guys hella bigger than him.

by Option27 on Mar 28, 2008 7:47 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, nothing more he could do there

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions

And in

front of two refs who don't have the balls to call a foul.

by sue369 on Mar 28, 2008 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I hate Hughes

almost as much as I hate Boylan. Jesus Christ Jim start Thabo.

Oh yeah...these refs suck!!!!

by sue369 on Mar 28, 2008 7:53 PM CDT reply actions

Do you follow this team, Thabo is hurt

Hughes is done for this year, they are not going to risk him, he is the trade though, so you better learn his game, you don't lead the league in steals and win the division (playing point gaurd last year) and go to the finals. 4 weeks with a new team is nothing to judge, your way off.
Watch for Arenas, then you have a star in Chicago, now you have nobody, not one superstar player on your team.
Also, don't worry who starts, its minutes in the NBA not starting (thats junior high). Thabo's groin muscle is pulled, can't figure why every post says play him, start him?

by Homegrown on Mar 28, 2008 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Are you Thabo's Dr?

I know he's been hurt. He's been playing through it and playing well. He deserves to be starting.

I really don't give a shit what Hughes has done in the past. He does not fit with this team. He needs to go.

Oh and your spelling of gaurd should be guard and your should be you're (that's elementary).

by sue369 on Mar 28, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Man, Davidson isn't having much trouble with

that Wisconsin defense! Hope this isn't establishing an upset trend in Detroit...

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 7:55 PM CDT reply actions

Deng is having a pretty good night

5/8 FG/FGA, 1-2 FT/FTA, 11 pts, an assist, block, no turnovers

"to the children: Fuck the Bulls." - Matt

by NittanyBull on Mar 28, 2008 7:57 PM CDT reply actions

the season is over

I like Love or Augustin with the 8th/9th pick. We obviously could use a post player (since we feature a 5 guard rotation) and i think we can use a true point guard who can penetrate and finish.

by danger mouse on Mar 28, 2008 8:10 PM CDT reply actions

It's like they go to the lockerroom at the half

and Boylan gives them some speech about being right in it ... and they guys look at each other, remember they don't want to make the playoffs if it means playing longer under Boylan, and come out with this in the 3rd.

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 8:11 PM CDT reply actions

And while I'm at it,

How can Boylan not recognize that this (his starting) lineup is NOT WORKING against the Hawks tonight?

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions

This team does not want to play

by chgobr on Mar 28, 2008 8:15 PM CDT reply actions

Well, it's mutual, or whatever that would be,

because I don't want this team to play either.

After tonight it's 4 back with 10 to play, right? And 3 teams the Bulls would have to jump? So can they please just let the kids play for the rest of the season?

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions

God, I hate this team

Do they even have to play the last 10 games?

by Big D on Mar 28, 2008 8:17 PM CDT reply actions

I think it is the boxscore

because the announcer just said hughes is 2-8 and the boxscore has him at 2-7. It feels like 2-25...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:23 PM CDT reply actions

Well, it is Atlanta

As long as there's nothing in the official scorekeeping that requires the Bulls to play any part of this over at a later date!

And congrats to Davidson and Texas!

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions

you know what's funny

BG is +9 while having scored only 2 points.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:29 PM CDT reply actions

And he's the only guy with a good +/-

so it's doubly weird.

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions

that was maybe the worst call of the night

how can you call that on BG when everybody in the gym knows BG doesn't touch anybody?

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions

LMAO. Kerr speaks about Gray as a

father might tenderly whisper about his newborn son.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:40 PM CDT reply actions

Are finally eliminated from playoff

contention if we lose tonight?

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply actions

How weird would it be if the Bulls came back

and won this game, on the backs of Du and Aaron Gray and the incredibly cold, without a field goal Ben Gordon?

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 8:43 PM CDT reply actions

the irony would be so thick

you could cut it with a knife.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm glad we traded Wallace and Smith so

that we could play Tyrus.

No, really, I am.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:45 PM CDT reply actions

just a question

were you here in the first half to see him play? because there should be sort of rule of decorum about not bitching in the 4th quarter if you weren't around when you knew he was going to play...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, I wasn't "here," but I

certainly was watching.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions

ok, just checking

;-)

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions

"A must win for the Bulls."

No, Tommy, this is a must lose.

As in, the Bulls must lose in order to utterly and completely ensure that Cyrano DeBullgerac doesn't become the permanent head coach.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:48 PM CDT reply actions

is that two big blocks for Noc?

how you can't like that guy is beyond me...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:51 PM CDT reply actions

footnotes

Help defense blocks.

The block of Josh Smith wasn't as spectacular, but it was better defense.

I thought Noc had a third big block on Horford but the refs called a foul. Looked like all ball in the replays.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 29, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Nothing better than to see the team

you watch try and make a miraculous comeback against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Chicago Bulls: where dreams and reality go hand-in-hand

"to the children: Fuck the Bulls." - Matt

by NittanyBull on Mar 28, 2008 8:52 PM CDT reply actions

Gray is bleeding!

Offer him a five year, $45MM contract.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:52 PM CDT reply actions

I thought Red Kerr was going to have an orgasm

by Big D on Mar 28, 2008 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions

This is hysterical!

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 8:54 PM CDT reply actions

this'll be the game

where BG hits the miraculous shot to win it.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:54 PM CDT reply actions

Du is playing pretty well.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:55 PM CDT reply actions

IS there any doubt that Hughes is the worst guard

in our rotation?

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 8:57 PM CDT reply actions

showcasing...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Wouldn't you say it's backfiring?

As bad as he's playing, why in the world would anyone want to trade for him?

by Big D on Mar 28, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd rather see Duhon back than Hughes

Duhon is fine as backup point guards go; the problem was when Skiles played him starter's minutes. Hughes is going to be guaranteed big minutes just because of his contract, and he's blocking a younger, cheaper player in Thabo.

by Big D on Mar 28, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Joe Johnson and Andre Igoudala

have abused Larry Hughes the last two games. Hughes has height, but he has no strength at all to limit how deep a SG or SF can post him on the low block.

Hinrich is a better defender despite being shorter and lighter.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 29, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Gray is coming back in for Noah?

That pretty much says it all about the Bulls season - needing a win just to stay in the playoff "race," the Bulls turn to Aaron Gray.

by Big D on Mar 28, 2008 8:58 PM CDT reply actions

you didn't know Boylan plays to lose the game?

He had a couple nice plays during our comeback, but ultimately Aaron Gray was the reason we lost this game down the stretch. You leave Aaron Gray in instead of Noah. I'm speechless.

by Orange Juice on Mar 28, 2008 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions

HaHaHA!

I really don't want this win!

by Option27 on Mar 28, 2008 8:59 PM CDT reply actions

Stacey King:

"Ben Gordon has caught fire!".... after making 2 out of 3 shots....

by shoryuken on Mar 28, 2008 9:00 PM CDT reply actions

Atlanta hasn't had a playoff team in how long?

They are in the eighth spot with about ten games left.

Yet look at their arena. Not even close to being at capacity.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 9:01 PM CDT reply actions

Just got in...

IS THAT DUHON ON THE FLOOR???

by Illini15 on Mar 28, 2008 9:02 PM CDT reply actions

and Aaron Gray??

what the fuck?

by Illini15 on Mar 28, 2008 9:02 PM CDT reply actions

It's quite the story.

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions

they and Noc

brought the bulls back from 22 down in the 4th...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions

and Thabo and BG

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah I know

Atlanta has taken the Bulls role of giving up a huge lead too

by Option27 on Mar 28, 2008 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions

this is the worst lineup i've ever seen

by Illini15 on Mar 28, 2008 9:04 PM CDT reply actions

Du is actually playing well.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Du always chokes at end of games ...

to leave Duhon and Gray in the final two minutes is just ridiculous. Boylan tries to win in the hardest way possible.

by Orange Juice on Mar 28, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions

I have to confess,

a tiny little part of me wants the win for Joakim - over there cheering his team on. It's good to see him and Kirk both on their feet and invested in the game.

And it's sad that something so small deserves mentioning in this hideous season.

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 9:06 PM CDT reply actions

It seems

That Joakim and Horford got a side bet going on or something. LOL

by Option27 on Mar 28, 2008 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions

the Atlanta guys are frauds

if they are having that much trouble with Noc as the PF...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions

Does Ben Gordon get a lobotomy

in the timeout just prior to the last few possessions of each game?

Does Boylan have a scalpel in the huddle?

The number of late game turnovers he has had this season is almost inexplicable.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 9:08 PM CDT reply actions

if he could learn to dribble...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I've said this a million times

They're just gonna triple team Ben into taking the most wildest shot ever right now and end the game

by Option27 on Mar 28, 2008 9:10 PM CDT reply actions

Go to the rim. Get two here fast.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 9:11 PM CDT reply actions

Bulls lose

"to the children: Fuck the Bulls." - Matt

by NittanyBull on Mar 28, 2008 9:12 PM CDT reply actions

Sorry guys but . . . .

YES!!

Thank you lord for this loss!

NOW GIVE UP ON THIS SHITTY SEASON ALREADY!

by Option27 on Mar 28, 2008 9:12 PM CDT reply actions

i could not agree more

by Illini15 on Mar 28, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions

But are they mathematically eliminated?

Boylan isn't going to sacrifice his improbable dreams of being a head coach until that happens.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Not mathematically out of it quite yet,

but you can at least stick a spork in 'em.

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions

i'm pretty sure

not even the knicks were eliminated as of this afternoon. now they are.

"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Mar 28, 2008 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions

root for the bobcats

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions

I was going to go to this game...

but I didn't think it'd be worth the three plus hour drive.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 9:12 PM CDT reply actions

good call

you extended your lifespan by three years by not witnessing in person what just happened.

by Orange Juice on Mar 28, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Terrible, terrible court awareness and

defensive.

That is awful. How do you let Horoford behind the entire defense.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 9:12 PM CDT reply actions

I think an evil super villain used a

Stupid Ray on the Bulls when the season began. It would also explain the logic in throwing up wild passes to nobody when trapped at half court.

by shoryuken on Mar 28, 2008 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions

In that last timeout,

it looked like the coaches were having a little pow-wow, but without the players? Then Boylan called BG over to tell him something and sent him back to the bench?

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 9:14 PM CDT reply actions

"Go tell those guys I'm the head

coach. Me."

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought it might be

"Here's the play. Tell everyone else to stand still, then you run around till the last second and throw up a 3. Better if it's contested, so it will look super-clutch if it happens to go in."

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm betting

on that call.

by sue369 on Mar 28, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Goodbye Boylan!!!

I HATE BOYLAN... AND HUGHES

by bull83 on Mar 28, 2008 9:15 PM CDT reply actions

Did that really happen again?

I didn't watch the game and it amazes me that judging by the comments that somehow we still run the "Ben holds the ball while no one else moves and he tosses up a shot" Seriously?! I'd think anyone else here could at least think of NOT running the play that never works with a bad ball handler. Unbelievable. I cannot wait till this season ends.

by bullsfaninla on Mar 28, 2008 9:28 PM CDT reply actions

no there was a pick

and maybe he should have dished to a wide open Noc, but it wasn't that bad of a play.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 28, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions

And to be fair to Ben,

he did hit some big shots in the 4th, and had just made a 3 on the previous possession.

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Mar 28, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

That was

a great three for him. They had him pretty well covered.

by sue369 on Mar 28, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I only say that in retrospect

because he missed the shot. He got a great shot off and it really almost went in. He's also the first guy I want to take that shot.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 29, 2008 1:16 AM CDT up reply actions

So happy I missed that

but I'd like to join in the common sentiment: thank god this season is (functionally) over. Let the rebuilding begin.

by Freethefro on Mar 28, 2008 9:34 PM CDT reply actions

Tyrus an official Bust, Thabo getting close

I was always skeptical of him even before we drafted him. He is too small to play power forward and not skilled enough to play small forward. His attitude is crap, he's been a quitter all his life and still is. Don't blame Boylan his failure, if Tyrus showed a true passion for the game and wasn't a bum at practice he would be playing 25 minutes a night. We all were taken away by Tyrus' athleticism in the tourney two years ago, but forgot to look at his questionable past and skill set. He's one of those guys who packs it in once they're drafted.

Thabo is also not a good player. You guys act like he has so much potential still. He's been a pro for over 8 years if he hasn't shown it yet in the NBA he likely never will. I just don't see the athletic ability, slashing and arc on his shot that's necessary for him to be a solid starter.

by armstrong2389 on Mar 28, 2008 10:05 PM CDT reply actions

Jesus.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 28, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Armstrong2389 makes it official , TT is a total

bust and Thabo is right behind him on the suck list. It's a shame our veterans have had to carry the load while these 2 flop big-time. Ever since TT hit his shooting slump 9 games ago, the Bulls are 3-6. The +/- stats point this out.

Player Minutes (+-)
Hughes 258:54 -45

Deng 321:12 -39

Noah 216:32 -38

Gooden 309:31 -34

Gordon 261:09 -35

Nocioni 136:10 -12

Nichols 7:47 +5

Gray 62:56 +16

THABO 193:59 +7

Kirk 261:49 -9

THOMAS 119:00 +20

Duhon 25:29 +8

You forgot to include Gray since his impact has also failed to keep pace with the vets.

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 28, 2008 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions

::rolls eyes::

by sue369 on Mar 28, 2008 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions

8 years?

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 29, 2008 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions

I know,

I kind of laughed at that too (and the rest).

He did play at the highest level in the swiss league (for my and his home team, Vevey) when he was 16 years old, but he was not paid even a dollar at the time, and the only reason he played at that level so young is because he was very talented.

Anyway, he moved to France the next year to play for the junior team of Chalons s/soane for two years before being incorporated in the main team (and finally being considered as a professional athlete).

He has improved every single year since 16 y.o. though, including this year when healthy and confident.

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Mar 29, 2008 7:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Kobe's got 47 tonight - in the 3rd quarter

No way can we give up Luol Deng for him, though.

by Big D on Mar 28, 2008 11:13 PM CDT reply actions

Poor Bulls

If we wanted to get Kobe now, and offered our entire team for him, the Lakers would say no.

by YaoPau on Mar 29, 2008 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Kobe vetoed trades that sent Deng to LA

The Lakers wanted Deng if they were sending Kobe to Chicago. Kobe's standing veto threat would be used if Deng was ending up in LA.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 29, 2008 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions

More than that

Paxson tried to offer them that.

And I think nearly all of us thought that Deng for Kobe was the best for the Bulls, but Kobe didn't agree.

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 5 - Worrying that he's never going to have a J like Reggie Miller's, only Oscar Robertson's.

by cubbybear on Mar 29, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Vintage Bulls (in a good way; no, seriously)

Sure, the Bulls treated this game like a leper early on, but in the end the numbers are kind of interesting:

Team Stat Comparison

CHICAGO ATLANTA
Points 103 106
FG Made-Attempted 37-81 (.457) 34-78 (.436)
3P Made-Attempted 9-18 (.500) 6-14 (.429)
FT Made-Attempted 20-28 (.714) 32-44 (.727)
Rebounds (Offensive-Total) 9-36 15-46
Assists 31 21
Turnovers 13 10
Steals 5 6
Blocks 7 6
Fast Break Points 7 17
Fouls (Tech/Flagrant) 31 (1/0) 23 (0/0)

They shot a better percentage. They had 31 assists on 37 made baskets. They shot 50% from 3. They actually got to the line (!). They were outrebounded by 10, which I didn't see coming, but they really shot themselves in the foot with their fouling, sending the Hawks to the line 44 (wtf?) times!

Look, I was looking forward to singing "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" on this canker sore of a season, just like everyone else. But looking at these numbers post mortem, there's a small part of me that is actually happy that the Bulls didn't broadcast to the world that they're a bunch of dysfunctional prima donnas.

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Mar 28, 2008 11:59 PM CDT reply actions

Hughes might be next to go off on Boylan

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080328-chicago-bulls-atlanta-hawks,1,396682 4.story

The loss also featured another player questioning Boylan's rotation. Pulled midway through the second quarter after questionable shot selection, Larry Hughes openly pleaded his case with Boylan for several seconds to no avail.

Hughes, 1-for-5 at the time, didn't play the rest of the half and played just 17:38 overall. Hughes is 3 of 17 in his last two games.

Asked about the incident afterward, Hughes said he wanted to remain professional.

Not that that alone is a big deal, but it is a small sign that you might want to pick Hughes in the "next Bull to snap" contest.

by Big D on Mar 29, 2008 12:51 AM CDT reply actions

I really hope

this guy is not in a Bulls uniform next season. He has played like shit lately. He does not deserve to be starting.

by sue369 on Mar 29, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Actual quote

Hughes actually said he wanted to remain a " professional basketball player" since he can't believe he can't make a jump shot and is one.

by El Toro de Goro on Mar 29, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Do I even want to know what happened?

Missed the game tonight, looking at the box score it seems the Bulls put up a good fight and tried to come back in the 4th. Can't say I'm disappointed though. Maybe this entire season will really give these players some perspective on how fickle the game is. Meh, might as well get the red carpet rolled out for Blake Griffin, and bid adieu to TT :(

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 29, 2008 1:20 AM CDT reply actions

I'm not a

Duhon fan but he and the 4 others who played most of the 4th quarter played their butts off. I didn't care if they won or not but seeing them come back like they did I couldn't help but cheer for them. Most of the starters on the bench stood cheering for them the last few minutes.

by sue369 on Mar 29, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Why wasn't Joe Johnson called for an offensive

foul late in the 4th? He shoved Hinrich twice with his off arm RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE OFFICIALS FACE.

Joe has been watching Chauncey Billups video. Billups does the same thing using his leg as a battering ram to generate space. These are offensive fouls. The defender owns their space when they're in position. The offensive player cannot just extend their leg or arm or elbow into the defender to move them.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 29, 2008 9:40 AM CDT reply actions

All-Star treatment?

I hate harping on the officiating...but the league is always going to have problems until it addresses that it does have a major problem with the way the game is called. That bullshit call at the end of the Warriors/Lakers game was just another example of how refs interfere in close games way too often, and it's not something they did before.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 29, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Examples abound

and are more apparent when your team is having the season from hell.

One example that comes to mind is the San Antonio game. People like Gooden would basically look at Duncan the wrong way and get a whistle.

After one such whistle, next trip down, Gooden drove to the basket and was literally body checked out of bounds by Oberto. No whistle, Spurs ball.

This is not to say that Gooden is anywhere near as good of a player as Duncan. But Duncan gets calls he doesn't need. Bulls players can't get calls in front of the officials even when the fouls are blatant.

It's as if the refs are thinking, "That's Tim Duncan. That incidental contact was clearly an attempt to foul him because he's a star." And then for the Bulls: "That's just Gooden (or Gordon, or Hinrich). The Bulls are struggling to score. Yup, they struggled this trip, too."

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Mar 29, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Our dog's been put out of its misery

Let's hope next year's pet is more fun to watch.

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 5 - Worrying that he's never going to have a J like Reggie Miller's, only Oscar Robertson's.

by cubbybear on Mar 29, 2008 3:00 PM CDT reply actions

215 days to go!

by chgobr on Mar 29, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

anybody watch Boylan's postgame comments?

I thought his comments on why he chose to play Duhon were REAL interesting. In so many words, he basically said that he was punishing Duhon in these previous games because of the incidents that happened. When they cut back to the studio, it looked like Norm was about to blow a gasket...

by NormVanBeer on Mar 29, 2008 5:44 PM CDT reply actions