Preparing for possible summer sales
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 21, 2008 11:21 PM CDT
155 comments
When watching the playoff games, it's tough to completely think through a Bulls-eye lens as to who I'd rather see win or lose. When I'm watching it's mostly instinct, like giggling while Detroit loses. Or simply hoping that each series go as long as possible so there's just more playoff basketball (also, overmatched sweep-ees are just depressing).
But if you were thinking on a higher-plane with only the Bulls in mind, you would likely root for expensive aging teams to flame out early, hopefully making their GM panic this summer by either firing coaches or doing the ol' roster "shake-up". The kind Pax may or may not want to do.
What if Phoenix is bounced in round one? Sam Smith has claimed in the past that D'Antoni and Kerr aren't exactly eye-to-eye in the first place, and D'Antoni could be deemed the dreaded 'point A to point B' guy. They could figure that the Shaq experiment was a failure, or at least be looking to move other players to compensate for his salary.
Denver's a team that has a tax-busting payroll and a likely first-round exit. They may be looking to move one of their top-5 earners (Iverson, Anthony, Martin, Camby, Nene) for anyone who'd play defense. Or perhaps simply make less money. And George Karl may be at the end of his tenure there.
As could be Avery Johnson in Dallas, another leader of a very expensive team that may not advance.
The Wizards just got pasted on Monday night to go down 2-0 against Cleveland. This summer both Arenas and Jamison as free agents, yet only one of those guys helped them get to the playoffs. Houston's also in a nearly inescapable hole and may figure the McGrady-Yao pairing will never really work.
Oh, and the aforementioned Pistons. Although if they're eliminated, they'd still talk as if they won the title...
I'm not saying I agree with any of this speculating from from other teams' perspectives...but I do think when addressing the delicate issue of a 'championship window', they could think as much. And with several players making serious money and any sense of 'attachment' seemingly gone, the Bulls are actually in a better position to acquire big names than last summer. Crappy timing, considering who was 'available' at that time, but what happens in these playoffs could make some players (or at least coaches) available that we wouldn't have thought of before.
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Love this line of thinking
Matt-sorry about the loss of your user name…Granville Waiters might be available if you want to tap into mid-80s Bull heroes.
Maybe Pax is thinking along the same lines as you are with regards to the coaching situation. D’antoni seems as if he’s pretty fried in Phoenix – very chippy all year with the media and fans and their second guessing. He would bring a different ‘vibe’, though I’m not sure if it would have enough defensive toughness to make the city of Chicago proud (ha ha ha).
I’m less a fan of Avery because I can’t stand coaching control freaks. But, if a scenario presented itself to land someone like Dantoni and pair him with a primary scorer acquired on the semi-cheap (McGrady, Arenas), Pax would definitely have to think about it.
Both of those players (and many others on teams that fall short) have their drawbacks, but they would certainly provide a dimension that we don’t have – a player that would have to be game planned for.
by Gene Banks on Apr 22, 2008 12:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
gave up the name willingly
and I believe there was already a scenario with 2 people wanting the ‘granville waiters’ name, and unfortunately the guy ending up with it likes exclamation points. A lot.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel conflicted watching the PHX/SAS
On the one hand, I would love to see this Phoenix team make a serious playoff run (and it looks like this will be their only shot since their guys are getting old quickly). On the other, the thought of D’Antoni taking the helm in Chicago gets me really fired up. Remember the early days of the run and gun Suns? I loved watching those teams play basketball. I wonder how effective Kirk would be in leading that kind of team.
It’d be pretty great if the Bulls brought in D’Antoni and also hired Thibodeau to be his assistant. Make it happen, Pax.
by paxson43 on Apr 22, 2008 12:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
D'Antoni?
If possible? sign him up… He would be Paxson’s savior…..
I believe Kirk would be a much better PG under D’Antoni. Kirk’s effectiveness would be a complete
turnaround.
Also ..
Oh! how true is the following statement …
Oh, and the aforementioned Pistons. Although if they’re eliminated, they’d still talk as if they won the title...
by exult463 on Apr 22, 2008 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would love to get D'Antoni in there for the run and gun
because that style of ball is very fan friendly.
but if he gets the axe after the Suns imminent ouster, i see him taking a year off away from the pressure cooker a la JVG.
also, we are seeing yet again in this year’s playoffs that you need to at least be able to play serviceable D to go deep…
not the garbage “out score em” philosophy of teams like PHX and GSW. Watching Parker and Ginobli getting to the rack at will on Saturday was laughable.
Will D’Antoni ever be a solid defensive coach?
Since he has been the coach in PHX, have they ever been able to win the big game when it matters?
by Orlando Woolridge on Apr 22, 2008 1:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, Phoenix has had some terrible luck in the playoffs during D'Antoni's tenure.
Also, they’ve consistently rated middle of the pack in defensive rating. They’ve had some good defensive players while he’s been the coach and probably could have been better defensively. Still, I think the presence of Noah and Thomas in the frontcourt could keep them very good defensively while running D’Antoni’s system.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A solid defensive coach?
Oh dear no. It’s just not in him. But his assistants? One would hope.
I still don’t think Doc Rivers can coach a lick of defense, but he hired the best guy to do it. Getting to start your teaching with a star defensive pupil like KG is nice head start. We don’t have that star pupil, but we have an amalgamation of potential defensive stalwarts in Kirk, Thabo, and Noah.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Run n Gun aka disregard defense
D’Antoni would be a huge hit because everyone on the roster would have career years, and Kirk Hinrich would be rejuvanated with the waters of Lake Minatonka. Too bad teams that employ that style of offense without ridiculous talent like the Suns have can barely get past the 1st round when employing that tactic. D’Antoni’s system is only on a Finals contender because they have Nash, and they still made the concession they couldn’t play his style by getting Shaq.
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 22, 2008 1:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In choosing not to foul
to facilitate the in bounds pass as a transition opportunity, the Suns can round up and butcher most teams in the NBA. But the playoff teams? The Suns lose games at home to teams that employ the Suns own system against them.
When you choose not to foul to maintain a desired tempo you sacrifice an important tool a team can used to make every bucket yielded a more costly venture. The Warriors and Nuggets do the same thing. Perhaps this style will eventually win an NBA championship, but to my knowledge these teams have only one a single chip using the system.
Remember, only 6 teams(Lakers, Pistons, Bulls, Rockets, Spurs, and Heat) have won chips in the last 21 seasons. All of these teams share top 10 defensive ratings in their title years with the exception of the 94-95 Rockets and the 01-02 Lakers.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Offense is just as important.
Only 4 teams during that same timespan won a championship without finishing in the top 10 in offensive rating (04 Pistons, 99 Spurs, 94 Rockets, 90 Pistons). The average rating in offense was 5.7 while the average rating in defense was 5.1. Fuck the credo that defense wins championships. It’s exaggerated for team sports. You must outscore your opponent, which means preventing the other team from scoring while still scoring yourself.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pretty much.
The correct saying should be ‘awful defense doesn’t win championships’
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outscoring is fine
When you are playing an opponent who believes the same motto. If they got to play GS and Denver and Utah they’d be making Finals trips routinely.
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 22, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You miss the point. Outscoring your opponent is the name of the game.
If that sounds too offensive minded for you, then you can say allowing fewer points than your opponent allows you is the point of the game. Truly great teams will rate at the top of a league in both offense and defense. Most championship teams rate near the top in both. If a team rates poorly, or even average, in either, their chances of winning a championship are greatly diminished.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My sin here is guilt by omission
I don’t intentionally disregard offense. I just think it’s a lot easier to elevate a team’s defense than it is to elevate a team’s offense. This should be noted within the operating environment that player movement between seasons just doesn’t usually shake out as it did with Boston’s 2007 Summer.
Offense is important.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A good defensive scheme and commitment from the team can help elevate defensive performance from
one season to the next. The same, though, can be said about the offensive end. Either way, you still have to have the best collection of talent that can perform at both ends to win it all.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you know any examples
where a new coach was hired and took a bottom 10 offensive team into the top 10 offensive teams in their first season without the acquisition of a major offensive talent?
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know of any examples off hand from such a jump on the offensive end or defensive end.
I can’t say I care enough to look into it that deeply.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Consider
Our current roster, our known contract decisions this Summer, and where we want to get to next season and ask if it’s more likely we can return the club to a top 10 defensive team or turn them into a top 10 offensive team.
I think we’re limited in how quickly you can turn around a bottom 10 offensive club, but I think revitalizing the current roster to get back to a top 10 defensive club is a realistic goal for next season.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Consider...
...that the Bulls have had one of the best defensive teams in recent years, were still above average this year, have had consistently one of the worst offensive teams in recent years and were even worse this year…
That’s quite the No Shit Statement.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd
by tyger1147 on Apr 22, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I don't want to take the time to do this research.
It would take a lot of time to find teams that qualify. Even when you do find those teams, you then need to spend time looking into why such a surge up the charts occurred. You’d have to do further research into roster analysis and probably come up with case by case examples involving previous season injuries, contract status, a roll through numerous coaches, whatever. In this case, yes the Bulls are much more likely to become a top 10 defensive team next year. So what? The Bucks are much more likely to become a top 10 offensive team next year. No proof of anything.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do more "intelligent-sounding" words make the comment more relevant?
Except, of course, for the repeated use of the word chip(s). Mmmm… I like chips. I want some salt & vinegar right now!
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd
by tyger1147 on Apr 22, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll pay YOU a quarter! Or a dollar for a whole bag.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd
by tyger1147 on Apr 22, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take that,
or a double-nickel for that matter.
by Petor on Apr 22, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
AK47?
He’s still not happy, and it’s clear that they are never going to run plays for him as Deron and Boozer become the new bff duo in Utah. The Bulls could use his 5-tool skill set, and a change of scenery would certainly be nice for him.
Arenas is becoming more possible if the Wizards continue to grossly suck balls against probably the least talented(overall) squad in the playoffs. I’d love to see him come here because he’s a great face for the franchise that obviously needs to loosen up.
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 22, 2008 1:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kirilenko
his contract is a year longer than Hughes’, which is a bad year to have a lot of salary obligations (summer of Wade/Bosh/James) and why pay that much for yet another frontcourt player who can’t score?
(you wouldn’t be alone though, there was a big argument over Kirilenko a while back. Unfortunately this new search tool is proving to be pretty weak.)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My basic pro-Kirilenko argument was
he’s probably as good as anyone we’d get on the free agent market anyway.
Obviously he’s not as good as Lebron/Wade/Bosh, but he’s certainly as good as the sort of second tier guys we’d end up spending our FA money on in the (very likely) even we don’t get one of the top dogs.
When you calculate out the expected value, we probably get a better return on a 100% chance of AK-47 (especially if part of the deal is we’re turning Hughes’ wasted salary into semi-productive salary) than we do on a 10% chance of a top free agent.
There’s also the slight chance we could use AK-47’s soon to be expiring deal to trade for a Lebron/Wade type if they want to come here.
by Sports2 on Apr 22, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re: the 'expiring' contract
I always thought that may be a more plausible scenario. If either young star is demanding a way out, wouldn’t that team rather do a sign/trade, and wouldn’t the player rather get the extra money that signing with ‘your own’ team would get you?
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cap room still rules
A team under the cap can do a sign and trade too, and what they have to offer (a big fat trade exception) probably beats a player on an expiring contract.
For the team losing the superstar, getting the trade exception is probably better. First, you don’t have to actually pay the trade exception the way you do the player. Second, you’ve got a really good chance of trading it for picks, which is what you’re going to need if your superstar just jilted you.
For example, that’s how the Sonics and Magic ended up working out Rashard Lewis going to the Magic. The Magic were under the cap, so they could give a $9M trade exception to the Sonics. Lewis got to sign for slightly more money. The Sonics managed to turn the trade exception into two first round picks – they traded the exception to the Suns for Kurt Thomas and two firsts.
Actually they got three picks since they later traded Thomas’ expiring deal to the Spurs for another 1st, but a team that had the expiring contract player could have done that too.
So I think the team with the cap room is still in a better position, other things being equal. But having an expiring contract is better than nothing, since it still gives you some opportunity to swing a deal if the star player wants to come to your team.
It’s certainly better than, say, having to offer Andres Nocioni back.
by Sports2 on Apr 22, 2008 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah yes
forgot about that. I take my comment back, unless the the assets are actually better than what you could get for a trade exception. But if a team’s losing their ‘uber’-star, they’re likely not interested in any money obligations.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally
Ive been rooting on team lebron the last couple days. Dont get me wrong, I am not a huge fan of “The ‘Bron” maybe its due to my loyalty to Jordan, but i digress, im hoping the wizards get swept in games similar to mondays. Where Gilbert Arenas doesnt mesh with his teams and they lose. Heck, a loss like the one on saturday would be fine too, where Arenas does well scoring, but because he is ball dominant (thank you for that phrase Charles) his points wont be enough to get them through the round. I am hoping for his teamates to go to the coach and be like, “hey Caron, and Stevenson, and Jamison are much better then Arenas when they are all here and healthy! As a team we are better, we move the ball around and play better defense. Lets get rid of Arenas NOW!”
Of Course Wizards would be losing a valuable asset in Arenas, however (heres an idea thats been floating on blogabull for awhile now) Give them Gordon, Give them one of our Forwards, give them our draft pick, make the salries work, and voila…The wizards get a (very??) poor mans arenas, perhaps Noch (passionate, defensive, makes other teams cringe like player), a nice rookie, and they get some nice team chemistry.
The bulls get A proven all-star, who is still fairly young, can definetly lead, can definetly draw in fans, can definetly score in the clutch. He can play sg, making alot of hinrichs deficiencies non existant (arenas is a bit taller then hinrich, he can create his own shot, can get to the line, well…he IS gilbert arenas so we all know what he can do) And hinrich can focus on defense and just running the plays. Couple this with a good coach and i dont think it makes us contenders, but it really sets us in a nice place.
Of course alot of people here have had similar ideas, but its this very idea that i really really like, it seems logical, at least to this dreamer of a bulls fan.
SO heres to the Wizards busting internally and externally in the playoffs.
im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.
by piccolomair on Apr 22, 2008 5:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I can imagine Hughes
reading your Arenas scenario and thinking to himself, "Hey, this is all about ME! The Bulls remember ME and Arenas at Washington and want to set ME up again!"
by alec on Apr 22, 2008 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh
well he’d get an article out of it, anyway :-)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that could be realistic
sign/trade Gordon. Send either Hinrich/Hughes/Nocioni/Gooden as the BYC bludgeoning, then a ‘prospect’ like Thomas, Noah, Sefolosha, the pick. Depending on what they give, Bulls can also take some nasty salary back like Thomas, Songaila, Daniels…
Obviously there are a ton of permutations you can make from that.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Teams that could make big changes after the playoffs
Mavs, Rockets, Suns, Wizards, Hawks, Magic, heck almost all of them.
They all know they’re not really equipped to win a title without the favorable bracket matchups.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 9:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
as to the point of my post
I don’t think the Hawks or Magic do anything different based on how they fare in the playoffs. Same with Toronto, or non-playoff teams like Indy, NJ. Who knows what the Warriors will do.
If the Suns and Mavs don’t think they’re equipped to win a title, that’s good for the Bulls, as I think they’re wrong. All title runs require a bit of luck.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
may have to change my mind with Toronto
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To Sam's credit
He is trying the “stop everyone but Dwight” plan. But Moon at 5 minutes of play? What?
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would say that game plan discredits him if he's benching one of his better perimeter defenders to carry it out
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did Moon break a team rule?
5 minutes in game 1 is a shock. Especially for a guy that is a skilled perimeter defender matched up against guys like Hedo and Rashard that required a skilled defender like Moon.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he did, usually we'd all know such a thing by now
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well Moon isnt on the Bulls Roster
Only in the bulls orginazations do “breaking team rules” are thrown out to the public and the aforementioned player considered a “bad apple”.
im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.
by piccolomair on Apr 22, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He wasn't a great coach to begin with
Last year’s turnaround was more of a credit to Colangelo’s ability to assemble a Euroball roster. I think we could do serious business with them. Rasho made a nice contract push, and TJ Ford doesn’t seem to be popular for that team. Both of them would be nice on the Bulls, and they look like they could use another solid 3 aka Nocioni.
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 22, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
where were you
when we were kicking that around before?
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ugh
this new ‘can only search the blog posts’ search is no good. I can’t find the exact conversation about pawning Noc to the Raptors, but it happened :)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
man, reading that again
NBAObserver, you really are something.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Raptors down 0-2
Held Hedo and Rashard to 0-13 from 3pt territory. Still lost by 1. What do they need? 3 pt shooting that won’t give up points every possession.
by NBA Observer on Apr 23, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Noc won't give up points every posession?
Not sure what we’re arguing. It’s basically just how interested they would be in Nocioni, right? I’ll stick by my speculation that he’s just not great value to anyone enough where he’d be an explicit target, and also that the Raptors won’t give up on Bargnani this soon.
I could be wrong, but unlike you I won’t pretend I know inside info, or bring up references from 4 years ago as evidence of genuine interest.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is this?
unlike you I won’t pretend I know inside info, or bring up references from 4 years ago as evidence of genuine interest.
It’s not pretend. Look it up for yourself. Bryan Colangelo is on the record saying these things. Numerous NBA writers have written about this stuff.
You’ve concluded it’s pretend. You’ve concluded I somehow think I have access to Chris Wallace’s inner circle. I don’t. I never claimed I did.
I’ll do what I can to help you out with a trailing card catalog for every one of my posts, but if you have doubts, ask a question.
Whatever though, it’s all just insecurity isn’t it?
by NBA Observer on Apr 23, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ignore it
Matt’s just getting himself for a potentially tumultuous offseason, where not one, but both of his heart throbs could be traded. ;-)
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 23, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*getting himself ready*
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 23, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
please
I have many heartthrobs.
As opposed to a few commenters who are just throbbing pains.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My presumption
is that when one offers an opinion and another disagrees with that point of view that they would explain why they disagree.
Apparently my introduction to BAB through True Hoop may have been short sighted. It’s a SN blog. It’s a Kos project. One could get better reactions posting as Tom Delay at Daily Kos than a newcomer receives from Matt.
Maybe this is just the design. Certainly not all the readers act like Matt.
All I want to do is talk amongst Bulls fans.
by NBA Observer on Apr 23, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I wanna do is zoom-zoom-zoom-zoom and a boom-boom
Unfortunately BaB isn’t that kind of website… email me ladies.
I think you’re taking this way too seriously.
by hscs on Apr 23, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're right
you should have the presumption that if you have an opinion and someone makes fun of it, either roll your eyes or defend what you said.
(this doesn’t apply to when alec gives out his psych-exams , then you can just use namecalling)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's the result of self reflection
I know I could end up like Sam Zell’s bad day as every day if I took the same approach to comments I didn’t like that Matt does.
If my comments aren’t criticized it would be a bad thing. It’s just the way in which that criticism is presented that irks me. That’s why I gave you the Zell video the other day.
by NBA Observer on Apr 23, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey, me too.
I like talking about the Bulls, not talking about what it is I like to talk about, or how mean my gracious host is.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
also....
TrueHoop likely only reads what’s on the front page of the blog, and not any you guys. :-p
AND, fearless leader Kos’s innovation makes it all-too-easy for any of us to read the “The NBA Observsation dreck” (f’real, that’s pretty cool)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I kind of feel like
Truehoop is the patron saint of selling out, or being overhyped. Maybe that’s just me.
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 23, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's the finest link dump on the internets
At least I can get relevant NBA information without having to see idiotic commenters going EL OH EL +1
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 23, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
one doesn't have to like TrueHoop
just as they don’t have to like Bill Simmons.
But I don’t quite get any ‘selling out’ sentiment with his blog.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the way you present yourself, I suppose
You often make comments that misrepresent things you read as things you know.
For instance, you once read that Colangelo had interest in Nocioni in 2004 becomes “Colangelo wants Nocioni, I’ve ubserved it”
It’s a bit annoying, is all.
As such, the Chris Wallace line was no confusion, it’s genuinely just me digging at you. So my apologies if you were confused on that, although I admit it’s more fun for me that way.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
also, when possible
it’s on you to look things up as evidence, not the reader.
You’re not an authority, except on the incorporation documents of your scouting service.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't forget
botanical gardens. :-)
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 23, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I feel bad for once again
making fun of NBAO’s dreams.
But honestly, I get put off with the pretentiousness of his comments. “I told you already, because Colangelo wants Nocioni.” “What do they need? 3 pt shooting that won’t give up points every possession. Come over to my side Matt”
It’s annoying to have such a concern over being ‘right’ when talking about things we all know we don’t have inside info on.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
weird, that got cut off...
rambling on…for instance if the Raps do trade for Nocioni I see it somehow exposing me as ‘wrong’, when all I said was that any interest Colangelo may have had in Nocioni in the past is mitigated by his new contract, and the whole idea of having to give up something to get him.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In conclusion, senator
Now that I’ve said my peace to NBAO, I’ll try and only address his comments at their face value and not bring up my general feelings about his attitude here as evidence against whatever he’s saying. Him linking more would help too.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt, there are many tools available
to help you with that…for example, the Monday Eckhart Tolle forums on Oprah. And I’m not kidding either.
My 11 year-old is downloading them. A couple days ago, when I was trying to finish something on the computer and she was growing impatient, she started randomly clicking my mouse…which, of course, made me instantly lose it. To which she calmly replied, "Dad, that’s only your ego talking. Let it go."
What’s my point? Oh, yeah. Take a deep breath. Acknowledge the Observer as merely an opportunity for personal growth, and let it go.
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
by alec on Apr 23, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
(i'm trying to get that going as a catchphrase)
another one should be: nobody cares about your kid.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahh, this great
Although, I have to say I really prefer, “I will fucking destroy you in life itself!” to “fuck off”
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 23, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha
You’re right, I should’ve used that instead.
It was truly special, and fitting for the “can I please give unsoliticited personal details about my life itself?” alec.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you see, Observer,
the next time you’re of a mind to complain, perhaps you might remember this little episode and say to yourself, along with Edgar, ” And worse I may be yet: the worst is not, So long as we can say, ‘This is the worst.’ “
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
by alec on Apr 23, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone else get the feeling...
...that some people think they’re really smart and have resorted to verbosity to gain their self-confidence back? Oh, and now that the season is over have taken the psycho-babble from the players and front-office to BaB users? Wait, did I just do that myself? Oy! Oy! Oy!
"I've got a class (coming in) here, we've got a chance to do some things." --Tom Izzo on why he might not consider the Bulls coaching vacancy.
by tyger1147 on Apr 23, 2008 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think a lot of the people here
think they’re smart.
Some have proven to be otherwise though, at least about what’s actually relevant in this place.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*proven
to me, anyway. You all can make up your own minds.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait
is this as far to the right as it gets? Because this is really disappointing if it is… Maybe posting over here is what keeps taking the server down.
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 24, 2008 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I must have read that and thought I was being original
I’m not keen on Rasho, but I’d be glad to have a big body not named Aaron Gray. TJ doesn’t seem like a great guy (his backhanded compliments to Calderon make him seem like a cocky guy), but he has the skill set that Kirk doesn’t, which is attacking the basket continuously. He is shoot-first, but at least he’s open about it whereas we still have to tiptoe around that with Kirk.
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 22, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In terms of bright futures only the Jazz, Lakers, and Hornets have them
Considering the relative youths of their best players. I guess you could put Boston there but I hate them.
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 22, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lakers?
I would say they have maybe a 2-3 year window considering Kobe’s tiring legs and Gasol’s injury prone career. Don’t think Odom is in their long term plans.
Only bright future they have is Bynum.
The rest of the team has a lot of wear and tear
by Option27 on Apr 22, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A guy like Kobe doesn't tire at 30
He’s still got 5 years left at a high level considering he’s a lot leaner than before. Gasol is 28, Bynum is young, Odom is 28 as well. Add in a supporting cast that is quite young with the exception of Vlad, I think that’s a nice 5-6 year window with a uber-star like Bryant.
Rusty Longley v 2.0
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 22, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kobe isn't the average 30 year old
When a dude jumps from high school straight to the NBA, he just has a little less left in his tank than other 30 year olds. Like I said also with Gasol, he’s just injury prone and 28 seem like 34 when you look at him. Also like i said, Odom is most likely going to be there until his contract is up
by Option27 on Apr 22, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with ozzie
Kobe is considered to be one of the better conditioned athletes of our time, much less basketball. 5 years is a good thought. Considering that Bynum is still there, and kobe getting tired legs might only mean that he cant play as many minutes. Consider jordan when he was with Washington, he wasnt able to dunk the ball or attack the rim like before, but he could still score. Posting up on other guards, or just nailing mid range jumpers, and Jordan was never much of a shooter. Kobe will have at least Bynum for quite awhile, and i dont think in 5 years he is gonna magically decline to crap. So long as he doesnt get some career ending injury, even with age, kobe will still be a clutch shooter who can score from anywhere on the court.
im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.
by piccolomair on Apr 22, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jordan as a Wiz
was nothing to aspire to
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh
I was just saying kobe wont be obsolete in 5 years without some kind of injury helping out. He may not be able to attack the basket as much, but he probably could still manage to draw double teams….maybe i shouldve worded it like that to begin with…
im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.
by piccolomair on Apr 22, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Iverson should have slowed down by now
With all the punishment he takes, and with his well known love for practice, I thought Iverson would at least be riding on spare tires by now.
I think Kobe benefits tremendously from his focus on taking care of his body 365 days a year. With Jordan, you had interruptions in the process that created scenarios requiring more time until he could return to a top level of performance. He came back and dropped 50 on the Knicks, but in a series he struggled as we fell to the Magic. He needed those legs trained for 40 minutes every other night.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For those teams looking for cheap players - it's not here
We have one of the 10-15 worst contracts in the NBA in Hughes.
We have an extremely overpaid Argentinian 7th man.
We have two guys in Deng and Gordon who are “cheap” for perhaps one more season and then are looking for $50 mil+”
And a mildly overpaid PG who’s coming off his worst professional season.
The only “cheap” players are TT & Noah and they’re the ones I’d like to keep the most.
We have one true chip in Gooden’s expiring deal.
by Jobu on Apr 22, 2008 11:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
in the world of the tax
you don’t have to give cheap, sometimes it’s merely ‘cheaper’.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course.
Good point. I really don’t care how the Bulls do it, just as long they’re better, and Tyrus is free.
by Jobu on Apr 22, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
also
I’m not even sure it needs to be ‘cheaper’. A few of these teams may just want different players. One of which could be the Bulls.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the Thibodeau front:
“In news that could affect the Bulls’ coaching search, Boston’s Doc Rivers said Sunday he will allow his assistants to interview for jobs during the playoffs. Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau is on the Bulls’ list of candidates but could be working through the NBA Finals in June.”
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=176821
The plot thickens.
by alec on Apr 22, 2008 12:54 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Good pick-up Alec
My guess is that as of now Thibodeau and Carlise are the most likely coach
by chgobr on Apr 22, 2008 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
meanwhile
the NY papers say Mark Jackson is a Bulls canidate as well. Although that could just be someone trying to make up the idea that Jackson is a wanted man.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
KC says Chicago already called Jackson
Sources said the Bulls called veteran NBA player Mark Jackson, who is the front-runner to land the Knicks job.
April 22nd Story
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
If it hasn’t been said already, I will say it now, I seriously doubt Arenas and Jamison are going anywhere and the substantial parts of the Nuggets – Iverson and Carmelo – are unlikely as well. After the Rockets great second half play sans Yao, I am sure that they will give McGrady and Yao another year to go for it, as they are only 28 and 27 respectively and barring some career ending injuries there will always be a taker for either of them in the future, despite their histories of less than stellar health.
As for the coaches, I think the three you mentioned are best left untouched; D’Antoni hasn’t been able to get past defensive juggernauts with arguably the most talented teams in the league and I seriously doubt he will be able to harness the Bull’s talent over the next 2-3 years of Boston and Detroit, moreover, I have a hard time seeing him beating LeBron or Dwight and the Magic for that matter. Avery, respectively, seems to bring much of the same baggage as Skiles, and while he is a sound coach with excellent defensive sensibilities, he has a fatal flaw in his inability to tone down the intensity and to change with his teams (and I doubt he will be going anywhere). Karl seems like a brat and there are enough of those on the Bulls already.
I think an interesting option is making a move for Baron Davis; the Warriors have a dilemma with Ellis and Baron and the cap and, due to age, I assume they want to keep Ellis. So would it be impossible to move Hinrich/Thomas/Pick and a scrub expiring contract for him? He might not be the best shooter but he is a play maker and he gets to the line; he would keep the ball out of Gordon’s hands and make it easier for both Gordon and Deng to score. While he does have a tendency to pound the ball, it is no worse than either Hinrich or Gordon and he definitely makes up for it in many ways. Admittedly, he has injury history, though it would seem his problems in NO and in his first year with GS seem related and cured, and despite his mature looking beard, he is only 28 years old. It might be a pipe dream or we might not have the contracts to really aid the Warriors, but I would hope someone is looking into it.
by McCabe on Apr 22, 2008 1:32 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
there's a lot of substantial Nuggets
and Iverson can opt-out of his deal this summer, which could make things more complicated.
The Wiz are very tax-conscious, so unless Arenas really comes through with his ‘I’ll take less if it means resigning buddy Antawn’ stance, then they may look to move one. Plus they may actually buy into the ‘maybe we’re better without Arenas’ angle, which I don’t, but…
The Warriors are indeed interesting, and I like the idea of dealing Hinrich+assets to get Baron Davis. He will always be an injury risk, and his stellar durability this season strangely coincided with a pseudo-contract year.
[I do wonder how it works with his early-termination on his contract. Assuming the Bulls and Warriors work out the details, does he opt-out and re-sign as a Warrior and is then traded? Or do the Bulls match his ‘full’ salary, and then he opts out and signs a new deal as a Bull? The Bulls may actually get some breathing room if they give him a long-term deal that sacrifices a bit off of what he’s expected to make next season (~$17m)]
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know....
Baron’s got a lot of mileage on those tires. He’s got a player option for next year at $17 mil according to Hoops Hype. This year he was playing for an extension and played all 82 games for the first time since the 2001-02 season. He had played 63, 54, 46, 67, and 50 games respectively in the previous 5 seasons.
Also of note, he turned 29 a week ago (4/13) and the Bulls, with a small extension, would be in a similar situation to the Ben Wallace contract and be paying for his decline
by Jobu on Apr 22, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see it being as bad as Wallace
in fact very few players in history fall off as drastically as Wallace.
Davis is an interesting case for the ‘declining point guard’ model, with the conventional wisdom (and please oh please correct me if I’m wrong) that if they rely on quickness they’re more likely to fall off fast. If they are bigger and good shooters then it’s less of a problem. Davis kindof does it all.
In his case it could be a huge difference between a 3 and 4 year deal.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK
You’re right, nothing will be as bad as Wallace. Ugh. Just thinking about him….(breathe)...ok.
But, the most infuriating thing about Baron Davis for years was how in love with the 3 he was. Last year (2007) he jacked up 4.5/game even though he only connected on 30%. So, if he jacks these up when he still has the ability to drive, what’s going to happen when he no longer can drive? If he and Hughes were our backcourt? They’d make Melo and AI look gun shy.
by Jobu on Apr 22, 2008 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Davis does have a post up game. I could see him turning into Chauncey Billups as he ages.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better get Davis
some fellas to age with him. Billups gets plenty of help from his aging teammates.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Injury notes on Baron Davis
He was injury prone before UCLA and at UCLA.
I think about these injuries, but I still see him bringing just as much intensity after recovery.
I also think taking Baron Davis out of the Bay area would complicate the life he’s creating off the court for himself. Baron’s a California kid. Take him out of this environment and the results vary.
Baron would command quite a salary for a player that shoots below 43% from the field and just 33% from 3pt territory.
by NBA Observer on Apr 22, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think I can tolerate another aging, overpaid, injury-prone free agent
I’d take my chances on trading for draft picks. At least with a draft pick you can get lucky and have a good player for cheap for multiple years. Worst case scenerio is the pick is a dud but it doesn’t cost you a fortune.
by chgobr on Apr 22, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you may be right
but I think Paxson doesn’t share your patience. Or at least believes that the majority of fans don’t share your patience.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Acquiring a veteran doesn't always have to be like signing Ben Wallace.
I’m not sold on going after Davis myself, but I think this team needs to do something other than acquire more draft picks. It would essentially lead to starting over and waiting for even more young guys to develop. In the words of Bill Veeck, all a 5 year plan gets you is another 5 year plan. I think that this team is close enough that with the right moves in the offseason, they could easily be back in contention next season.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Apr 22, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
plus, they signed Wallace at age 32
Davis will be 29 next year.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BUT....
Wallace was a relatively healthy 32 playing at least 73 games, and usually 80 or 81 games every year going back to 2000-01. The Baron’s been missing significant time (excluding this year) at a much younger age.
Again, I agree that it wouldn’t be exactly like Wallace and think Baron is a total badass. I just wish there was an alternative deal out there that allows us to pay for more of a players prime than decline.
by Jobu on Apr 22, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I admit that...
Baron Davis is not the ideal situation, he is about two years too old and has had far too many injuries. That said, a passer who can post up cures numerous problems that some of the other suggestions don’t, also he provides the most clear upgrade at any position when you factor in current skill and upside. Of the other names mentioned, I think it is theoretically possible that we get Iverson, McGrady, or Arenas; however they all bring injuries and/or age to the table as well.
It might be the case that Paxon should just resign Deng and Gordon, let years come off of the Noc, Hinrich and Hughes contracts and see what he can do in the future. As a lifer, I have no problem with that, but as my dad told me yesterday, he does not see, and I agree with him about this, Paxon allowing the media and fan tumult that would be caused by a non-move.
by McCabe on Apr 22, 2008 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could a coach be enough?
I assume they’ll have a coach before they sign, or don’t, Deng and Gordon. While the roster doesn’t change too much, re-signing Gordon and Deng, assuming it’s because the new coach wants to keep them, could be enough to hold the fans and media over until the season starts. I mean, it’s not change, but it is a “move”, sort of.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd
by tyger1147 on Apr 22, 2008 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It could be.
Either a really good defensive coach or a really good offensive coach (or both, though there aren’t many in the league) with a stern but reasonable personality could galvanize the team and send them back to mid fourties territory.
by McCabe on Apr 22, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Suns Fan here...
Sheesh! Who knew Coach D was so popular in the windy city? Anyhow, I’m a long time luker on BlogABull. I’ve had a soft spot for the Bulls since my teenage idolation of the MJ-Pip duo, but I always side with the Suns in head-to-heads. Anyhow, I agree with the opinion above about Avery. He’d be more of the same as you had with Skiles.
With the young talent (TT, Noah and more with your good draft pick) I think you need more of a mentoring coach. With those big-guys, maybe Iavaroni from Memphis could be your guy? It’s not like he had anything to work with there. I think he’s just playing the role of scapegoat.
by KJ7 on Apr 22, 2008 2:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it's not like they didn't win with Skiles
if the new coach is a disciplinarian, yet not an overbearing jerk to the point of cutting off communication with players, then it’s a step up, no?
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely right!
But, will the players respond to somebody of similar intensity? It seems they tuned out Skiles pretty well there at the end. That’d be the only “if” about that scenario.
by KJ7 on Apr 22, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Skiles is more petulant than intense
That’s the how the now-that-Skiles-and-Boylan-are-gone-we-can-say-bad-things-about-them story is unfolding anyway.
by hscs on Apr 22, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
D'Antoni in PHX
KJ, Sam Smith mentioned that D’Antoni may become available if Phoenix does poorly in the playoffs this year. Since you’re a Suns fan, can you weigh in on whether that’s even in the realm of possibilities?
by paxson43 on Apr 22, 2008 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
also, as long as you're weighing in...
a few months back we were talking about one of D’Antoni’s assistants, Phil Weber. Should he be a person of interest to the Bulls?
by alec on Apr 22, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
D'Antoni & Weber
Well, since Steve Kerr took over at GM, they are certainly both saying the right things about each other. In fact, I think it even sounds genuine. This coupled with the fact that the Suns have been experiencing a long run of not only success, but Championship contention, and I would be surprised to see D’A move on from PHX. Not only that, but I certainly don’t see a clear upgrade out there as an offensive coach or a proven defensive mastermind (as a head coach, anyway) if the front office wanted to change directions.
Also, I thnk with the small window the Suns have for contention, you don’t get a new head coach and install a new system. Most head coaches seem to have a much more structured scheme (or at least quite differently structured) than the one D’A has been using and it would likely take a full season to get everyone up to par again.
As for Phil Weber, I may not be cued in enough to make a great comment on his readiness to be a head coach. I think he’s a great assistant who has done a great deal of good work mentoring both the younger and older guys we have as it pertains to shooting. From that perspective, perhaps he could make it work as he appears able to get respect from vets and young players.
by KJ7 on Apr 23, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Suns' window
closes next season, if not at the end of this one. Then they have to retool around Amare. Nash can’t keep going like he is for much longer and Shaq is pretty much done.
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 23, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yep
Next season is the end of the road with the current squad as it largely is today. That’s why I don’t see a coaching change at the end of this season. All bets are off on D’A being to coach to lead them through a rebuilding phase. I’m not sure it happens.
by KJ7 on Apr 23, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for your thoughts
Tough luck last night. Hopefully homecourt cures some of the Suns’ ails.
by paxson43 on Apr 23, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope so
A little piece of me dies every time the Spurs win a game. Like some kind of count down to last year;s bore-fest of a championship series. I’d almost rather see Kobe get MVP than to see the Spurs representing the Western Conf again.
by cranscape on Apr 23, 2008 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok. Now what ever happened
to C. Ceballos and that guy Dumas that schooled Pippen with the behind the back move on his way to a dunk in 1993?
Was that the most wasted perimeter talent the Suns ever feasted their eyes on?
And also, do Suns fans believe that the Suns lost to the Bulls because of Ceballos being injured?
No, seriously.
"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris
by bullhockey on Apr 23, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny you ask...
I looked up Dumas recently via google search. It seems he’s finally grown up and kicked the habit. He’s now in to coaching at a low level in his community. His inability to keep his nose clean (pun intended) really was a waste. That Finals run was his rookie year. He had great potential.
As for Ced, I’m sure there are some fans out there that believe he would have been the difference. I’m of the mind that it would have changed so much of the gameplan that it would have been a different series overall and who knows what the outcome would have been. I think you’ll find more people griping about the Jordan block on KJ than you would about Ced. That said, I’m certainly not too fired up about anything that happened in that series, especially now that it’s been over a decade removed.
by KJ7 on Apr 24, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barkley always says that
I’d put more credibility in the statement if that wasn’t his only trip to the finals, or if the bulls had ever been beaten.
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 24, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another Weber comment from Phoenex:
“Phil Weber is a great assistant
But he doesn’t crack heads like you need to do to be a head coach. He’s the antithesis of Skiles, sure, but too much so.
No way, I don’t see it all.
by ZonaFlash on Apr 23, 2008 11:50 AM CDT “
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2008/4/22/447378/bulls-naiton
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
by alec on Apr 23, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt, something else for the sunday overseers--
Are we supposed to get notification when a new comment shows up in the fanpost area? I have to click through each one to see if something new has shown up.
by alec on Apr 22, 2008 6:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The problem
I have with the Fanposts is that the new ones show up yellow but the “Z” key does not work.
by sue369 on Apr 22, 2008 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry it's
the Fanshots that it happens in.
by sue369 on Apr 22, 2008 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if it's for the sunday overseers
THEN PUT IT IN THE SUNDAY THREAD. They’re still watching.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 22, 2008 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: new BullsBeat
http://www.bullsbeat.com/bullsbeat_36.mp3
notes of interest…
-some random Boylan talk
-apparently Noah hates the Bulls organization. He feels that the Bulls don’t work as hard as his Florida Gators did (e.g. on road trips he wanted to get extra practice time in but could not find anyone to help him). He didn’t like how the latest issue (with him not starting for the last game) was handled. He plans to be a strong vocal leader next season. He wants to lead the team.
-apparently BG has the best work ethic on the team. He never goes out drinking with the rest of the guys. Even aside from the summer workouts, he is constantly working out any chance he gets and works on his game.
-Kirk and Du are the drinking “buddies” of the team and hit the bars and clubs the hardest (I think most of us already knew this).
-Some McGrady trade speculation (Kirk, BG, & TT for T-Mac)
by NormVanBeer on Apr 22, 2008 11:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
On the Noah thing
He reconfirmed what he heard about Noah hiring his own help after finding it difficult to get any help from the Bulls organization. What he was wanting from them didn’t seem like too much either. It didn’t come off as being stuck up. Just a matter of fact WTF about why the organization doesn’t have much interest in their players getting better even in comparison to the college level. Seems justified.
It will be interesting when Noah isn’t restrained by his former rookie status next year and can speak out more. I have not disagreed with anything he’s said. I only hope that next year he backs it up with some extra promptness in getting to places on time. Can’t give them anything to hold against you or you lose your ability to influence the team for the good in some people’s eyes.
Great to hear about Gordon’s work ethic. If you can’t train height you can’t really train self motivation either. I wish all of his effort could get him back into the starting line-up (because if Hughes is in it apparently it doesn’t take much). I am getting more excited about thinking about what a brand new coach will bring. Clean slates perhaps? A stable starting lineup right out of training camp? A new pony?
by cranscape on Apr 23, 2008 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
About that "hiring his own help"
Isn’t that something we also learned from the Bulls Beat podcasts. In other words, it’s coming from the same source.
Maybe the podcast answers this.
by NBA Observer on Apr 23, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bulls Beat has mentioned it
a couple times now at least, though I don’t know if it is from the same source beyond that. Seems to me it wouldn’t be too difficult to figure out if Noah and other players hired others to assist them. If they are not on the Bull’s payroll then they are on someone else’s. Hanging around the gym is all it takes. Though I noted none of the rank and file reporters have said anything.
by cranscape on Apr 23, 2008 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fanshot material?
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd
by tyger1147 on Apr 23, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ding ding ding
there’s no reason anymore for OT comments buried in threads.
In fact, maybe I’ll move this my own self.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually it could be fanpost material
as it’s clearly 75 words and NVB offers more than just the link.
(yes, I put a lot of thought into such things)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry
still trying to learn the new layout and options
by NormVanBeer on Apr 23, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am simply not excited about the prospect of
trading for Tracy McGrady.
He has a lot of mileage on those legs.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!
by 1958ChiTown on Apr 23, 2008 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not to mention
that creaky back
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
by alec on Apr 23, 2008 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I second that notion
Same with Arenas and B Davis. We need to stay away from trading for a guard/wing with leg injury history or with lots of mileage – though I guess the catch is that’s why their available.
by kig on Apr 23, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh, pretty much
that’s how the Warriors got Davis so cheaply in the first place.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but really
other than getting to the second round once, what has he done?
2008 or bust.
by bullshooter on Apr 23, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
second round of the skills competition?
surely you don’t pin the success/failures of an entire team on one person, because that and a press pass only gets you an MVP vote.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 23, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tom Izzo in the mix?
Yahoo is reporting that
While Rick Carlisle is the leading candidate for the Chicago Bulls coaching job, multiple league sources say that an intriguing name has gained momentum within the franchise’s front office: Michigan State’s Tom Izzo. Bulls GM John Paxson granted Carlisle the first interview in the process, two league sources said, and Carlisle made a strong impression. But Chicago officials were still busy gathering intelligence on him Tuesday, reaching out around the league to those who had worked with him at stops with the Pacers and Pistons. Nevertheless, the search won’t be limited to Carlisle. There’s been much internal discussion over Izzo, whom many NBA officials believe is one of the rare college coaches who can make the transition to the pros.
I know very little about Izzo except he is college coach and I’m not optimistic with college coaches succeeding in the NBA.
by chgobr on Apr 23, 2008 10:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
DraftExpress scouting report out today on the Bulls
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
by alec on Apr 24, 2008 10:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
traffic cop is angry
there’s so much wrong with this comment.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 24, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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