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Report: Bulls fire Boylan

Blogabull_s_tiny by your friendly BullsBlogger on in News

So reports KC Johnson. No official word from Paxson yet on Boylan or his staff.

Good riddance.

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I think Mariah put it best...
Dear Jim Boylan,

We were as one, babe
For a moment in time
And it seemed everlasting
That you would always be mine
Now you want to be free
So I'll let you fly
'Cause I know in my heart, babe
Our love will never die

You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Boy, don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby

Good luck in your future coaching endeavors,

Pax

by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 17, 2008 11:27 AM CDT   0 recs

is it bad...
that while reading that I pictured Pax in a sequin gown singing that?

by Lt.Dan on Apr 17, 2008 11:29 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Boylan too...
Every diva has a sequin gown.

by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 17, 2008 11:31 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

How about...
(Sung by Boylan to the tune of "Touch My Body")

"If there's a Duhon up in here, then he's gonna leave with me when I do (I do)"

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 17, 2008 11:30 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

So who will the Bulls pursue as their
new coach?

I assume they will hire a new coach relatively quickly, in order to prepare for the draft and any offseason manuevers.

(Please don't trade Tyrus, PAx)

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 17, 2008 11:35 AM CDT   0 recs

it's official
the link has been updated

by NormVanBeer on Apr 17, 2008 11:38 AM CDT   0 recs

Ben does the good riddance dance
Fellow guard Ben Gordon said it's not necessary to hire a player-friendly coach.

"I think we just need a coach who knows the result is winning. At the same time, he has to know how to coach players and get the most out of them.

"I think just somebody who has experience and who knows how to get the most out of his players is important.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 17, 2008 11:41 AM CDT   0 recs

Thanks BG
On the record is good.

Should we wonder how great a role Skiles as coach and Boylan as his lead assistant, if any at all, had on BG in declining the Bulls contract extension offer?

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 12:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Thanks for the update.
Hinrich is quoted in the link and had had a good comment about our need to obtain a coach that can help them improve defensively.  Our dense has really deteriorated this year.  

by chgobr on Apr 17, 2008 11:45 AM CDT   0 recs

...speaking of deteriorated...
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=174359
Foxsports.com named Kirk Hinrich the Most Deteriorated Player, while the Bulls were awarded Most Disappointing Team of 2007-08.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 17, 2008 12:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Both
deservingly so!

by exult463 on Apr 17, 2008 3:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

THANK GOD THIS IS OVER!!!
I'm really looking forward to some real changes this off-season. I'd hate to see Ty, BG, LD, or even Kirk go, but something's got to give. Trade the pick. If Gordon is gone i'd like to see Magette, if Ty goes, I'd like to see Brand back in Red. I wouldn't mind both.
"2nd half Ben Gordon bonanza. It's coming :)" - Matt, Blog-A-Bull

by Goostafer on Apr 17, 2008 11:50 AM CDT   0 recs

If you want Maggette,
he'll be available.  He's lost his starting spot on the Clips to Thornton.    

by alec on Apr 17, 2008 11:57 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That could be tru
Thorton is a scoring machine.. or something. Maggette will most likely opt out and be a free agent, thing is do the Bulls have enough to sign him? He'd be a nice upgrade from Gordon.
"2nd half Ben Gordon bonanza. It's coming :)" - Matt, Blog-A-Bull

by Goostafer on Apr 17, 2008 12:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Brand will slow us down
I'm looking for us to transition to an uptempo style that still stresses solid defense.  Brand isn't a very good defensive player and he's not particularly quick at changing ends.

For the money we'd have to pay him, I don't think the rewards can come close to what we would give up to get him.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 12:33 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed about the uptempo style
especially if you count Thabo, Tyrus and Noah as the 'new core.'  

by alec on Apr 17, 2008 12:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think I called you out on this before
They're already an uptempo team.  There's no transition needed to get them there.  They can play faster, but it's not like they've been a walk it up, half court team the last few years.

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 1:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't think the coaching
perspective was there to support an uptempo system.

I recall what you said before that we are in fact an uptempo system so what I'm looking for in our new acquisitions in players, coaches, and Berto staff are signs that pushing this style is supported by those that ink the checks.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 1:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

So playing that style for the past 5 years
isn't evidence enough?  As a refresher, here are the Bulls' rankings in pace since Skiles took over.

07-08 11
06-07 6
05-06 5
04-05 11
03-04 7

Again, they haven't been playing to the levels of Golden St or Denver, but they've played pretty darned fast.  As numerous announcers have said over those years, the majority of the players they've acquired during that time are best suited for uptempo play.  I think they're pretty committed already.  The only question is how much they remain committed.

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 1:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

all those quick shots
by Deng and Noc when nobody is down the court yet is what inflates those numbers I think.  The coaches have talked about getting early offense, but in watching them, you don't get the sense that they are trying to fast break nearly as much as the pace factor would suggest.  What I am trying to say is that they were just taking jumpers earlier, not getting fast break opportunities.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 17, 2008 1:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Every team tries to get fast breaks.
Fast breaks are great because they're easy buckets more often than not.  Playing fast, even if that simply means hoisting jump shots before anyone else is back, is playing fast.  The Bulls Pace is high because they look for and take those early shots.

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 2:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

note on fast breaks
easy buckets AND/OR fouls leading to more FT opps.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 2:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

that's what I was trying to get at
the bulls weren't running out trying to attack the rim as much as some higher pace teams do, they were taking quick jumpshots which don't have the associated benefits that running in numbers does.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 17, 2008 2:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

They may not get to the rim
but they probably get better looks with most of those early jump shots than they would in a half court set.

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 2:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

better looks
but nobody to rebound their 40% shots.  And Deng and Noc don't exactly take their shots from 10 ft.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 17, 2008 3:09 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Obviously, they don't have an ideal set of players
for the offensive end.  That's why they constantly finished middle of the pack at best in offensive efficiency.  I'd love to see the team try to take better advantage of playing fast and hope the new coach will show them how to do so.  I never said that the team's offensive style was perfect, just that they played at a fast pace.  

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 3:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It got better when Hughes arrived
not really.  It got worse.  I don't know if I remember a Bull as bad as Larry Hughes in the fast break.  Couldn't space, couldn't pass, couldn't finish, but he could scream and turn to the officials.

Two more years baby.  I'm pumped.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 2:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

and then make a half-hearted swipe
at a steal and then yell at the ref again and then check to see if the other team scored, and then head up court...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 17, 2008 3:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Is it all one big cry for help?
We're not gonna protest!  We're not gonna protest!
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 4:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The idea of Tyrus and Noah
as being fleet bigs in an up-tempo game does not bring to mind an image of them running down to the top of the key and firing up jump shots.  

The up-tempo image is of them getting all the way to the basket before their bigger, lummoxier defenders can get there.

If your bigs are getting to the basket fast and first, shouldn't it show up as both fast pace and high shooting percentage?  Is there a way to massage the statistics you mention that will break it down into smaller parts?  

by alec on Apr 17, 2008 2:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Of course Noah and Thomas probably won't be
the ones hoisting jump shots.  Yes, them playing in an uptempo system will allow them to get down the court and establish position before most other bigs in the NBA.  If you feel the need to dig deeper, go to basketball-reference.com.

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 2:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Go ahead and keep trying.
I now see why you generally stick with the smart-ass, contrarian bot comments. It makes sense now.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 17, 2008 2:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I KNOW you didn't use stats to find that out.
Because to observe is all one needs to do to know everything about the team.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 17, 2008 1:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

tygger
go ahead and read the second chapter in "How to be a Smartass."
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 17, 2008 1:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Also
You are correct that we haven't been a walk it up half court team in the previous 3 playoff seasons.  However, the constant suggestion that we were merely one low post, back to the basket PF away from emerging to the next level of dominance was a league wide belief.  Certainly that was a strong suggestions that to stabilize the team to a .600 or better record was the initiation of more half court sets.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 1:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The idea of a low post scorer specifically or a
superstar in general was more to the notion that the team needed someone who could get baskets or get to the free throw line for spurts during the game when the jump shots aren't falling.  Obviously, you have to scope your pace to your players.  That's why Gasol and Garnett were great options, I don't think either would have dictated a slowing of the pace.  

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 1:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Because Charles Barkley...
...knows how to fix the Bulls? Okay, so it's "league-wide" (do you mean NBA pundit league-wide, because I haven't read quotes by David Stern, Kevin McHale or Elgin Baylor saying how the Bulls can be fixed), but that is about the worst supporting evidence I've ever read anywhere.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 17, 2008 1:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Some names
Sir Eatalot is OK.  Some other are ALL THE ESPN PEOPLE(Pippen, Anthony, Legler, Steven Smith, Walton, Thorpe, Ford, Broussard, Bucher, Abbott, Hubie, Tirico), ALL THE TNT PEOPLE(Kenny Smith, Chuck, Miller, Marc Jackson, Doug Collins, Magic).

By league wide I mean anyone that writes or comments about the NBA in their capacity as a paid analyst/whatever for their respective media outlets.

I guess I could just say NBA Writers Association, but I know there are dissents within that group on this subject.  I couldn't name the dissents off the top of my head.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 2:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm with you on the style change
Assuming we keep both Noah and Tyrus in the picture, we currently have the right bigs to implement that style. Now, if we could only get a new PG...

by Illini15 on Apr 17, 2008 1:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree about brand and too a point
We got uptempo style players but I must say we either need a better point guard to facilitate the run or a more running philosophy,  probably both.

by Ibleedbullsred on Apr 17, 2008 6:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Haven't seen any other reported firings yet,
so doesn't this give the Bulls back-to-back NBA firings?  Add that to the list of things to be proud of this season - worst shooting percentage in the league, no 3-game winning streaks, and successive coach firings.

Still, huge sigh of relief - I didn't want to believe there was a chance in hell Pax would keep Boylan on, but after all the other unthinkable things from the season there was that tiny doubt in the back of my mind.  I wish Boylan well in the future, as long as that future is nowhere near the Bulls, or any other team I love.

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

by wjb1492 on Apr 17, 2008 11:56 AM CDT   0 recs

now THAT's
a streak to be proud of.
"2nd half Ben Gordon bonanza. It's coming :)" - Matt, Blog-A-Bull

by Goostafer on Apr 17, 2008 12:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Would have thought Zeke to be the first one today
Figured time zone difference would have given him the edge.

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 12:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Donnie Walsh won't dismiss Thomas
He's merely removed him as coach and looking to reassign him somewhere else in the organization.

Knicks version of Isiah Thomas cannot die.  He's been given ANOTHER life.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 12:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

why
would one be the last name (thomas) and one be the first name (dale) though?
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 17, 2008 1:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know
Dale Davis played for Isiah in Indiana.  Dale and Thomas popcorn looks like a venture spawned from Indiana Pacer season ticket holders that are corn farmers.

It was just a guess.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 2:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

didn't mean
to make the question sound harsh
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 17, 2008 2:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It is Dale Davis
Haven't ever tried the popcorn, but I've heard it's really, really good.

Unlike Zeke's days as a GM.

by KT on Apr 17, 2008 3:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

also on the list
Noc went 82 games without getting a haircut.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 12:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I kind of feel bad
But Boylan did "earn" his spot in the unemployment line.

At least he has a chance of a job if Walsh hires Scotty in NYC.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 17, 2008 12:25 PM CDT   0 recs

Oh, Skiles
Right.  For a minute I thought you meant Walsh was considering Scottie Pippen.  Although, wouldn't that be a fun team to watch coached by Pippen.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 12:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think Pip would flip his shit
Why anyone would want to coach that team right now is beyond me. Now in 3 years when all those contracts are gone, that's a prime job.
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 17, 2008 5:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i'll miss Boylan
we will never get to see a Duhon, Hinrich, Gordon, Hughes, Nocioni line-up again.  No more Thabo at the 4.  No more benching players for contributing too much.  No more wild substitution patterns.  My heart will, nay must, go on...

by danger mouse on Apr 17, 2008 12:51 PM CDT   0 recs

Danger mouse, your waxing poetic on what the loss
of Boilman means, almost brings tears to my eyes.  As fans, we should take about .000001 millisecond to mourn his passing but for me their is a bright side to this. I will no longer have to keep a barf bag handy for those special Boylan moments which will be no more.  Not since Victor Krhapa was released have I felt such a void in the force.

by Tyrusmancrush on Apr 17, 2008 3:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Did anyone actually think he would stay?
This was the first thing I expected to read when I woke up and it was.

All I can say is THANK GOD he's gone!

by Option27 on Apr 17, 2008 12:59 PM CDT   0 recs

ISO: IhatenobrainBoylan
Are you going to change your name or is the hatred going to live on?

by Illini15 on Apr 17, 2008 1:17 PM CDT   0 recs

re Illini15s query
If Christ could say love your enemies while being crucified, starting soon, after a reasonable mourning period (see my comments above) this name will be relegated into a black hole.  I'm already contemplating a newer, more positive name to reflect my improved mood...How does Tyrusmancrush sound? strictly in a figurative sense. My wife is already jealous of my love affair with sports viewing.

by Tyrusmancrush on Apr 17, 2008 3:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

with the impending SBN2.0 migration
it's a potential fresh start for all usernames. Especially if you have generic ones (like me)

(don't worry: like I said earlier, even if your name is 'new', you can claim an existing one and therefore keep all your nuggets of wisdom documented)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 4:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Can I claim someone else's
so, for example, everyone will think I'm really stat-savvy?

by alec on Apr 17, 2008 5:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

No one better take Option27!
Or then I'm just plain old "Chris"

by Option27 on Apr 17, 2008 5:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I got dibs on Khalid El Amin...
But this timed spelled correctly :P

by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 17, 2008 5:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Or not...
Khalid El-Amin works too.

by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 17, 2008 5:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Official statement
up at bulls.com.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 17, 2008 1:22 PM CDT   0 recs

too bad
we won't get to hear him swear or kick chairs anymore! :P
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 17, 2008 1:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

KC's article
Boylan's stint was marked by improved offensive numbers from earlier this season under Skiles but also an inability to depart from the same defensive and offensive philosophies that were used by his close friend. The career assistant spent 14 seasons in that role with various teams before assuming the head job and weathered several off-the-court incidents without the benefit of a training camp.

Players, mostly working on individual agendas, blew off practices and shootarounds, argued with assistant coaches and also were injured. Boylan weathered most of January without Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and, for a lesser absence, Kirk Hinrich.

That might be some of the worst writing I've ever seen in a major newspaper.

My Blog (Econ/Politics/Sports/NBA Salary Info)

by Sports2 on Apr 17, 2008 2:04 PM CDT   0 recs

KC on Mike North
He defended Ben Wallace and Jim Boylan fairly consistently throughout the season.

Poor writing as a result of a poor position on a subject?  Probably.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 2:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by bullhockey on Apr 17, 2008 2:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

off topic
but i just saw that ivey got suspended 3 games for that punch to aaron grays manhood.
Ralph Wiggum, a smarter man than Jim Boylan

by Yibs on Apr 17, 2008 2:36 PM CDT   0 recs