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Open Game Thread #77: Bulls at Miami Heat

[Thanks to wjb1492 for today's game preview. Go Heat and Bobcats. -Matt]

How great is it to cheer for a team that plays hard and plays together?  That makes its free throws?  That, when it stares into the jaws of defeat with just 2 minutes to play, locks down on defense and outscores its opponent 24-8 down the stretch to pull out an OT victory?  That at the end of the season reigns supreme?  Thank you, national champion Kansas Jayhawks, for providing some unbridled joy to this basketball fan, when her NBA team has been nothing but a sore disappointment.

And speaking of the Bulls, while not technically eliminated from the playoffs yet - hard as that is to believe at this point in a miserable season - the Bulls are certainly out of it.  The official moment comes with the next Bulls' loss or the next Hawks' win, and Atlanta (@Indiana) has a decent shot at that win tonight.  At some level it seems like this eminent official elimination should hurt more than it does, and instead it's something that many here seem to have been looking forward to for some time.

What if Atlanta fails to lock it up?  Can the Bulls actually win a game, and thus continue to torture us all with infinitisimal playoff possibilities?  Tonight's opponent is our old friend, the Miami Heat, perhaps the only other NBA team that is even arguably as disappointing as our Bulls (although I think the Bulls "win" that argument).  The catch is, these aren't really our old-friends-Miami-Heat.  No Shaq, no D-Wade, no Posey the Thug, no Haslem.  The Heat's anticipated starting line-up for tonight includes Chris Quinn, Daequan Cook, Ricky Davis, Earl Brown, and Mark Blount, a group of players Shaq basically said suck big time.  Surely, even the Bulls can beat this 13-and-64 Heat team, right?  Because, even though on some level I couldn't care less, I have to acknowledge that somewhere deep down a loss to a team this bad would really bug me.  And I'm not ready for my Jayhawk buzz to burst.

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Boylan is going to be happy
That Heat lineup sounds like the perfect oppurtunity for Boylan to bust out his much anticipated 5 guard lineup featuring Chris Duhon at center.  Hopefully during the postgame interview, he well mention how he thinks the 5 guard lineup allows for perfect spacing to match up against Dwight Howard on Wednesday.

by shoryuken on Apr 8, 2008 6:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

anybody watch that heat intro
with all the old shots of riley?  did he get a nose job?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 8, 2008 6:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That Hall of Fame thing?
I was too busy rolling my eyes to watch.  I can't like that man.  I think it probably goes back to growing up a Blazer fan during his time with the Lakers, but the Heat-Bulls stuff sure didn't improve my opinion of the guy.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 8, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and you've got it backwards
a loss tonight would demonstrate forward thinking.  Charlotte is doing everything they can to catch the bulls, why make it harder?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 8, 2008 6:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

To clarify,
it's not that I necessarily want the Bulls to win games down the stretch, and I'd love even a slightly better shot in the draft lottery...

But, emotionally, I just can't reconcile that with losing to the Heat.  Maybe if the Bulls went into full-on tank mode, too, and started the bench guys or a few D-League call ups.  

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

by wjb1492 on Apr 8, 2008 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hinrich is cheating off his man a lot
looking for steals.  I wonder if that is coaching or not.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 8, 2008 6:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh, don't worry,
Noc is doing help defense on Hinrich's guy, Hughes is still staggering from a steal he didn't get, and we always have Thomas to block shots...oh wait, he is on the bench.  

by cranscape on Apr 8, 2008 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well...
he has played the most min in the first half so everyone is getting what they want

by bullzfan148 on Apr 8, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe he read some of Homegrown's posts
about the "studly" Larry Hughes and steals being the "real" mark of defensive ability...
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 8, 2008 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This really takes me back to 2004.
A meaningless game against a woeful opponent in an empty arena. No playoff prospects to distract the viewer from the bleak futility of it all.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 7:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Red Kerr just professed his love for Gray's
"little step-in." Didn't know Gray had a signature move.

by RogersPark Kris on Apr 8, 2008 7:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This contest resembles a rec league game
between a team sponsored by a bank and a team sponsored by a physical therapy clinic, both of which got sweet deals on realistic replica jerseys at a Sports Authority sale.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 7:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

lol
I was thinking summer league myself, but rec league is probably more realistic.  ;)

I might have to go re-watch one of KU's final 4 games instead.  This is putting me to sleep.

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

by wjb1492 on Apr 8, 2008 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember the good old days
(read: last season) when this blog was filled to the cup with great comments.

Now we're just left with bullshooter bullshooting his way to piss off Matt.

(oh, I'm just joshing with you, bullshooter)

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

by NittanyBull on Apr 8, 2008 7:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by NittanyBull on Apr 8, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's difficult to comment intelligently
on a team this bad.  We've explored their problems ad nauseam.  (I'm not counting myself as one of those "great commentors" you mentioned - just someone who's lost interest in the team a little bit.)

by Freethefro on Apr 8, 2008 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The best part of this game is the
beautiful woman in red who occassionally appears in crowd shots.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 7:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It would be nice if the Heat announcers could
talk about something other than how awesome they think Riley is.  It's twice as bad as listening to Red blabber about Aaron Gray.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 8, 2008 7:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

They did
do a nice little piece on Joakim.

by sue369 on Apr 8, 2008 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True, that was nice
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 8, 2008 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tyrus has
more minutes than anyone else on this team.

by sue369 on Apr 8, 2008 7:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The Bulls are losing to a team . . .
That is playing Earl Barron, Kasib Powell, Stephane Lasme, and Joel Anthony major minutes.  How emblematic of the season.

by Big D on Apr 8, 2008 8:04 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm worried
that it's emblematic of next season.

by Freethefro on Apr 8, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

am i a bad buls fan
in hoping for a loss?
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Apr 8, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nah

by Freethefro on Apr 8, 2008 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chris Quinn is a machine
...

wait, what?

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

by NittanyBull on Apr 8, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

this lineup
is amazing
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Apr 8, 2008 8:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Chris Quinn is tearing the Bulls up
But oh well, it's not like we have a highly-paid point guard who's supposed to be a good defender or anything.

by Big D on Apr 8, 2008 8:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I pray to Allah
that they're tanking, or simply not trying. Honestly, Chris Quinn? CHRIS QUINN? Rat face is man-handling the Bulls right now, honestly. This team is horrid. They're losing to the worst team in the NBA right now, with Drew Gooden being the only starter that isn't playing tonight

Chris Quinn?

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

by NittanyBull on Apr 8, 2008 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We should
trade Hinrich for him.
You think the Heat would jump for that?

by Prevenge on Apr 8, 2008 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you muslim
or just making fun???
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 8, 2008 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Touche....
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 9, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Zo
I am in Florida and wondering if the telecast is different and if anyone heard alonzo mourning on the telecast... was kinda funny...  talkin about how sad it was that ewing never got a ring and something about needing to make criminals smarter...

by Zac23 on Apr 8, 2008 8:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

So much for pride.
The Bulls' apathy is palpable.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 8:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

John Paxson ows me money.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 8:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

and time
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Apr 8, 2008 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

why the hell...
is deng not in if he was playing so well?

by bullzfan148 on Apr 8, 2008 8:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Because Jim Boylan loves mediocrity.
"to the children: Fuck the Bulls." - Matt

by NittanyBull on Apr 8, 2008 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They aren't trying to win
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 8, 2008 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

$eng
deng this dummer: I'm so good against the Heat pay me $70 million."

by Zac23 on Apr 8, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This would be a fitting way to be eliminated
Christ, I'd almost rather be a Heat fan at this point.  At least their guys are playing hard.  Granted, it's because they have a bunch of D-Leaguers trying to earn a spot in the league, but at least they're trying.

by Big D on Apr 8, 2008 8:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah
i basically made the same comment.  fitting way to end our "run" to the playoffs.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 8, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

they played about 5
without any starters in and they gave up a big lead i swear boylan is a d-bag

by bullzfan148 on Apr 8, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bobcats win!
Bulls lose!

by Freethefro on Apr 8, 2008 8:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The schedules really favor
the Bulls in this tank-off.

The Bobcats have the Knicks, Pacers, Nets and Sixers.

The Bulls have the Magic, Cavs, Magic, Bucks and Raptors, so they could lose out all of their remaining games.

Increased statistical chance for draft pick #8 here we come!

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

by bullhockey on Apr 9, 2008 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

woo-hoo!
I'm kindof liking the embarrasment that will be the last week of the season. Fitting that there are no silver linings, and egg on Paxson's face. For this interim coaching hire alone.

Drawback being now the league will think this team is full of bad players, but then again they're the types to line up to look smart in a reclamation project.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Moving up past CHA
isn't a silver lining?  Sorry couldn't help it, just a little burp of my positivity. ;-)
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 9, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

technically, sure
but only if it actually results in a lottery win. Either way, Pax should be thoroughly raked over the coals for getting it to this point in the first place.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and to be clear
my 'woohoo' wasn't entirely sarcastic. As I said at the top of this game thread, I was hoping the Heat and Bobcats won last night.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Bulls better secure a good coach and
rid themselves of Hughes, or next season will be another disappointment. This franchise is dead in the water.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 8:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Dude, how are they possibly
going to get rid of Hughes with that conract? Or anyone for that matter whose last name isn't Sefolosha, Thomas, or Noah? What frightens me the most is the very high probability that the only difference from this year and next year is the coach.

I'd really like it, though, if somehow the Bulls can trade away some of the bigger chips, and maybe the draft pick, for one good guard, point or shooting.

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

by NittanyBull on Apr 8, 2008 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i remember
people saying the exact same thing about BW.  And Hughes has a lot more game left than BW (obviously not all good).
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 9, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed
bad contracts are moved all the time.

I like the idea mentioned here of getting someone similarly overpaid, yet more receptive to fewer minutes. Or more accurately, someone who the coaching staff would be more receptive to giving fewer minutes.

However I thought that's what was possible with Hughes, yet the clown coach (under the watch of the sleepy GM) still found a way for 'entitlement' minutes.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

kind of true
kind of not.  he hasn't actually been playing a ton of minutes, other than against cle which he actually deserved.  hasn't played more than 32 otherwise since indiana.  but i think that may be because boylan for some reason let duhon back into the rotation...
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hmm, well
it certainly felt like a lot of minutes.

Why Duhon's back playing I have no clue. He's not coming back next season. Don't wake Paxson though.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

there are definitely times
where it feels like he's out there for eternity.

but yeah, it's not actually that bad.. 0-6 against boston?  he only got 21 minutes.  2-8 against atlanta? 18 minutes.

i'd much rather have him than wallace, so i don't regret the trade at all.  at least he's not getting 35 entitlement minutes a night while producing nothing. :)

but yeah.. duhon.  i love after boylan's "apology" or whatever, or admitting he was punishing him etc... he comes back.  like WHY.  yet he won't change his rotations to allow tyrus to play more until gooden's been out...

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

by Jaina on Apr 9, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i bet Duhon
is playing again because Pax & Boylan felt bad about pushing him out of the rotation so suddenly.  These guys are such "stand up" guys!! :)
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Apr 9, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow..
i am glad my league pass is not working. I listen to it online for 10 min and i am pissed i have not been watching family guy instead

by bullzfan148 on Apr 8, 2008 8:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I wonder how the Bulls will make a bad
situation even worse during the offseason?

I smell an uninspired coaching hire and a brash trade of young talent.

Paxson is on the clock.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 8:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

watch..
i bet pax gets boylan as the coach and says that it was not based on his record. I will not watch a single bulls game or go to one if that happens. Ok prolly not that extreme but i will be pissed

by bullzfan148 on Apr 8, 2008 8:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

i def
won't watch if boylan is coaching.  period.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 8, 2008 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kasib Powell
"kaboom."

?

by Freethefro on Apr 8, 2008 8:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't wait to get another diligent, plodding
"winner" in the draft! Yes!

Then we'll sit him. Woohoo!

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 8:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Blow this team up
The Bulls starters are getting blown out by a D-League team.  Pax better not delude himself into thinking a new coach is all that's necessary.

by Big D on Apr 8, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah for the Miami Heat dancers.
At least they look like they care.

WCUI pulling out all of the stops to entertain the Chicago audience.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 8, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that was a good loss for DA BULLS
could mean some x-tra ping pong balls

by Orlando Woolridge on Apr 8, 2008 8:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The Bulls weren't tanking
They played their starters their regular minutes, and they didn't sit anyone out other than Gooden.  The Bulls just really suck.  

by Big D on Apr 8, 2008 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fine with me.
I didn't get to see the game and I just got in, but I'm glad we lost. Ping pong balls > meaningless victories, especially for this heartless group.

by Illini15 on Apr 8, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jimbo is a genius
With a nearly healthy roster and mostly playing his main guys, he manages to lose to the D-League All-Stars by single digits so David Stern doesn't get too suspicious. Absolutely genius.

by Orange Juice on Apr 8, 2008 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No one wanted
to win this game tonight (except maybe for Deng) starting with Boylan.

by sue369 on Apr 8, 2008 8:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

passing issues
Why do the bulls pass like all their wrists are broken?  Or is it their brains are on vacation or something?  Sorry really frustrated here.  Well at least we know now if the bulls are better then even a dleague team.

by serbstream on Apr 8, 2008 9:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Gordon
Get rid of Gordon now. Just because he was the 3rd pick doesn't mean he's entitled to $55 million dollars. What a bum, is useless if his shot isn't falling. Says all the right things, but is really the teams biggest cancer.
Don't give up on Tyrus yet, he's starting to understand the game.

by armstrong2389 on Apr 8, 2008 9:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Get rid of Gordon and Hinrich both
We need to draft a PG and get this ship steered in a different direction.

by Illini15 on Apr 8, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Captain Kirk
he is not very good

by Zac23 on Apr 8, 2008 9:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If i worked the AP press....
my description of the game would be

AP Press- Luol Deng sighting! Oh wait he's playing against Ricky Buckets and a bunch of people who wont be in the NBA after 2 weeks.  Throw in 5 TOs and uh...

See Hinrich.  See Hinrich bring the ball up the court.  See Hinrich pass the ball immediately after passing half court.  See Hinrich spend the next 20 seconds standing in the corner doing nothing.  Maybe he wished he was playing in the KU game.

Superstar to be Ben Gordon challenges Larry Hughes' to a "who can shoot the crappiest" contest.  Gordon puts in a 4-13 performance against people who are his height and less athletically gifted than him.

Larry Hughes (unaware of the shooting contest) wins though as he manages to shoot 30%.  Hughes is happy with his performance despite the loss, because he is able to play his style of bball (off-balance contested jumpers).

Tyrus and Noah - 21 rebounds
Heat starting bigs - 8 rebounds
Boylan smartly limits Noah and Tyrus to 32 minutes.  In the postgame interview, Boylan stated that Noah may be suspended for the next 2 games for actually trying to play.  16 points on 50% shooting is unacceptable.

by shoryuken on Apr 8, 2008 9:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This post
Is one of the funniest I've seen in some time. Very well done, my friend.

by Illini15 on Apr 8, 2008 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed
Best post of this diary goes to you sir!
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 8, 2008 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All I can say is LOLZ
This just about proves that this has been the worst season of Bulls basketball of my entire youthful 20 year existence.  It was entirely more fun watching Fred Hoiberg.  The icing on the cake was Luol Deng showing up for the game.  I guess teams with more D-League players than NBA players are within the "Luol Deng plays hard and makes his 19 foot jumpers" comfort zone.  
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 8, 2008 10:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

AP Headline tonight...
"D-League MVP Powell leads Heat to win over Bulls"

Amazing.

by Illini15 on Apr 8, 2008 10:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

At least he's the MVP!

I long for the days of Lonny Baxter.

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 7 - Debating whether Moses Malone was better in his prime than Tyrus right now.

by cubbybear on Apr 8, 2008 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the Ron Duprees and Linton Johnsons
of Bulls days yore won a few games themselves.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 8, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well thats it
i think im gonna call it quits. i dont care if they are tanking, its too painful. i really dont want to go through another 5 or 6 years of bulls full of losers. watching these games are bringing back memories of jalen rose, fizer, eddie robinson, and lonny baxter. so one last time keep: kirk,thanbo,tyrus,gooden,noch,deng,noah,gray (unless a good trade comes along, but im sure we will screw that  up for the next tyson chandler or curry prospects)
get rid of:gordon,duhon,hughes(somehow find a sucker)
and can we finally bench all these bms and play the others like brown,nicholos,and jamesOn?
Ralph Wiggum, a smarter man than Jim Boylan

by Yibs on Apr 8, 2008 10:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Completely off-topic
But you want to see how a franchise shows faith and goodwill to their players?

http://www.ripcityrising.com/ripcityrising_lamarcus.html

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 8, 2008 10:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

i stopped
watching about 3 minutes after halftime...I saw the loss coming a mile away.  I turned on the Tennessee/Stanford game...which expectedly was much more entertaining, fundamentally sound, and well played.  Not to mentioned better coached (Summit can coach circles around Jimbo with her eyes closed and arms tied behind her back).

Your Chicago Bulls, where 18 year old college girls playing better than you, happens.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 8, 2008 11:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Is this
the beginning of the Pat Summit for Bulls' coach movement?

by jpchi on Apr 9, 2008 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not really
but it sure couldn't get any worse.  If I had to pick any woman coach to coach a guy's team, she would be the one.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 9, 2008 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This loss probably ticks Pax off
I think Kirk and ben are both gone because neither has a true position. How did Kirk play tonight though?
Don't give up on Tyrus yet, he's starting to understand the game.

by armstrong2389 on Apr 9, 2008 12:12 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank god the Sox are back
See you guys in the offseason

by gobulls1124 on Apr 9, 2008 12:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Boylan has derailed this franchise.
Is there anyone out there that can explain this team's total collapse so quickly without factoring the total lack of leadership as the main component of this train wreck?

Boylan continues to mouth the mantra that he will make sure his players will work hard in practice and conduct themselves as professionals on the court even though the season has been flushed down the toilet....is he talking about professional wrestlers?  and by the way, he will use the same lineups that brought him  so much success this year...(in other words, limit the minutes of those young upstarts who dared to challenge his managerial expertise...Damn right, I'll show 'em whose boss ...I am not a dufus).  It is obvious the entire team has quit on him or would it be more accurate to say they never really got started under his lack of leadership and guidance.  He was outcoached in almost every game with his bizarre rotations, inexplicable lineups and chaotic decision making at crucial times.

Can anyone with a modicum of basketball knowledge please explain what system he was running with both his offensive and defensive sets?  Was there a single phase where the team and the individual players did not regress, some dramatically?  

His clownish demeanor both off and on the court is almost too outlandish to parody.  Didn't Paxson recognize how humiliating his stale excuses, alibies, and false bravado sounded (I'm in charge, I know what I'm doing) as the entire team was abandoning this rudderless ship in almost full mutiny.  The most appropriate symbol that would accurately reflect on the organization would be a giant turd.  He was a constant source of emabarassment and incompetence.  He proved he had lacked the smarts to help teach the younger players to improve either their playing skills, confidence or attitude.  

Skyles must have been a genius to squeeze as much out of these players as he did, but then they all came from highly successful programs so I put their failure directly on management, including Paxson.  Is it too late to resurrect and reignite the desire and effort to make this embarrasing franchise a winner again?  This team needs leadership and if it isn't going to come from the players, it is obvious that a great coaching staff will be required to jumpstart these young talents with attitude adjustments which can only be accomplished by working under persons that earn and demand their respect.  

How can any professional respect coaches whose track records prove they are losers. You cannot teach something you're clueless about.  I hope Paxson has gotten a wake up call, because this season proved that he too,  has a lot to learn.

Down goes Boylan, down goes Boylan!  Up comes Noah, up comes Tyrus, up comes Thabo, up comes Kirk, up comes everybody.

by Tyrusmancrush on Apr 9, 2008 3:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That was too much to take
I mean, I've generally thought this team had more talent than it's shown this year, but it's hard to look at a ridiculous, gutless, and meaningless loss like this one and want many of these guys back.  More than anything else, this reminded me of the awful teams we had a few years back with Jalen Rose, ERobbery, Ron Mercer and a cast of young kids who weren't ready and guys who just plain sucked.  We'd routinely lose to even bad teams missing their better players- just like last night.

This is quite a mess.

by Sports2 on Apr 9, 2008 7:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

How much longer til this season is over?
Ugh! One week and we're done with these shenanigans? Gawd! I hope so.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 9, 2008 8:00 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

OT: new Bulls Beat notes
-apparently, Hughes and Pete Myers hate each other

-the Bulls will try very hard to trade their draft pick...they don't want to spend time developing another young player

-Tyrus officially apologized to the entire organization (Pax, coaches, players) and has turned over a new leaf as far as his work ethic goes

-NOBODY on the team is safe this summer.  Everyone is available to be traded.

http://www.bullsbeat.com/bullsbeat_34.mp3

by NormVanBeer on Apr 9, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

considering
they've hardly taken a stab at developing the young guys they got, it isn't surprising they will try to trade their draft pick.  

by cranscape on Apr 9, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If they're somehow lucky enough
to jump up into the top four, I'd keep it.  Other than that, there's very little that excites me about this year's prospects.

by alec on Apr 9, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i completely agree
if it's a real high pick, keep it, otherwise trade for sure.

and glad to see that about ty - i don't really want him as the first one on the chopping block this postseason.

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

by Jaina on Apr 9, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

right
they don't want to spend time developing their existing young players, why take on another one.

As TYI posted earlier this season, the extent of the Bulls involvement in their players' development is waking up to see if anybody's at the Berto Center. For all they know Gordon and Deng were pulling costanzas and just leaving their cars in the lot :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who do they think they'll fetch with the pick?
Maybe they could use it to move Hughes off the books?

I dunno about trading the pick in general.  Most of the time, the team getting a lottery pick gets the better end of the deal.

by Sports2 on Apr 9, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pick plus Noc/Hinrich/Hughes
for an upgrade and/or salary dumping.

Interesting work on that post, although I'd say the Bulls are a pretty special case since they're already the youngest team in the league.

Interestingly enough, Sam Smith's memory says that the Bulls wanted to deal #7 (Deng) for Al Harrington.  I'd want someone better than that, of course.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the problem, of course.
You're either taking known averageness and using the pick to rid salary, or you're getting a slightly established, but probably a problem, project like an Al Harrington or... Tyrus Thomas. I really can't see the Bulls netting anyone definitively better than what they have for the pick. They're likely to get someone similar to what they already have, in terms of talent and ceiling/potential.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 9, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's not that big of a problem
if the equation is someone + pick = someone better than either that someone or the pick.

Using it to dump salary is a big stickier. I can't believe they signed Nocioni to a 5 year contract. (just had to throw that out there, again)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its a simple theory...
...but its still a problem to come up with actual names. If its the #3 pick, its easier. If its nine... yeah, I see it as a problem. Of course, "anything is possible".
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 9, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah
And the big if is still picking out the few winners from the many losers with your pick.

by Sports2 on Apr 9, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope and
pray that there are only 5 more games that I see Gordon and Hughes in a Bulls uniform. Please let both of them be traded this summer.

by sue369 on Apr 9, 2008 10:34 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

After this debacle of a season
I don't care who is here or who is gone over the summer.  The biggest problem for me is that I have so little faith in Paxson's ability to get things right.

by alec on Apr 9, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed
except for Noah.  In every offseason scenario I imagine, he's the only one I pencil in every time.  Pretty pathetic.  

by kig on Apr 9, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm in agreement
but like Matt, I really hope that Noce is moved.  People always scream for Gordon to be gone, but unless a serious upgrade is obtained in return, I don't see the sense in moving him just to move him.  In Noce's case, at least moving him results in getting that idiotic contract off the books.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 9, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ditto on the Gordon thing
And the same should go for hinrich.
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 9, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm lighting a similar candle
for Noc.

Give Gordon $75m and tell him you're sorry :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 9, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope.
BG needs to go and I agree Noch does too.

by sue369 on Apr 9, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because
he can't dribble, or because if he stays Kirk has to go? I don't mind BG staying as long as the other guys do what they are supposed to do. I know he is. Deng?... Noc?... Kirk?... I don't know where those guys went this year.
"2nd half Ben Gordon bonanza. It's coming :)" - Matt, Blog-A-Bull

by Goostafer on Apr 9, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Be honest man
The only ones who actually showed up this year are Noah, Thabo, Duhon, and Noch. Duhon and Noch showing up however means nothing for the bulls. Kirk and Gordon have both had good games and bad games this year, and i seriously think they both are on the same boat. Neither should be gone without a solid upgrade. Deng is the one who really didnt show up this year, ive been pretty dissapointed with him. Its bad enough to not show up in the 4th quarter, but he really looked more selfish this year.
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 9, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No one said
Kirk has to go if Ben stays. I'm just not a BG fan. IMO he brings scoring and that's about it. I guess we disagree that BG did what he was suppose to do this season. Like the others you named he showed flashes but other times he has been putrid.

by sue369 on Apr 9, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok,
Ben only brings scoring and nothing else? When he was moved to the bench i believe his role was defined as being a scorer. He's not supposed to set up plays, or defend (we all know about his non-D), or anything else. He was asked to score and that's about it. He's been with the team long enough for them to know what they expect of him. He still averaged close to 20pts per game. As far as Kirk, he's supposed to be the leader and captain of the team and I was expecting a lot more from him this year (as well as Deng), Nearly all his stats are down and his perimeter D? I don't know what happened there either. And I'm not saying that Gordon played great either, just that the other guys, who have apparently more versatility in their games, didn't progress as much as we all expected. And don't get me wrong, the only players I don't like on this team are Duh, Noc, and Huh. If it was up to me, i'd love to see Kirk, BG, Deng, Thabo, Ty, and Noah go at it again next year, it's just sad how this entire year ended so early for these guys and it seemed like everyone was just going thru the motions with no real goal.
"2nd half Ben Gordon bonanza. It's coming :)" - Matt, Blog-A-Bull

by Goostafer on Apr 9, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

With the right players
around BG his scoring can be a big asset.  He has a very pretty shot.  It is when people start saying Gordon should be point guard or that Gordon is an above average defender that we get into trouble.  I am willing to take Gordon's good side if there are ways of taking the edge off of his bad side. With the right players around him I think that is possible, but we don't seem to have those players and I am not sure if we should put a lot of effort into building around Gordon if we are not going to be able to pay him enough to make him stay for long.

by cranscape on Apr 9, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the thing about gordon
is i'd love to take his good side, but his bad side is too bad to warrant more than 10mil$ per season.  period.  if you have to hide not only his defensive liabilities but his ball handling flaws, those are two major detractors to him being on the court.  i think he's a good player and would love to keep him, i just am unwilling to accept his asking price of 15mil$ and if that's what he wants we should not build around him.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 9, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i basically
have a love-hate relationship with both of them.  i can't stand to watch them sometimes but the other times they do something good if not great.  the extremes are definitely more for ben, because he can be so dazzling and then so stupid.  i definitely agree that noc is overpaid, and i used to like him a lot more... and moving him is probably one of the best things we could do.  i don't think we should get ben go without an upgrade but on the other hand, i feel like we NEED one.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 9, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree they
should get an upgrade if they get rid of Ben. I didn't mean they should just let him go.

I use to really like Noch but this season he drives me crazy. Is it because he tries too hard? I don't know the answer.

by sue369 on Apr 9, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i didn't mean
to insinuate that i thought you didn't think we should get an upgrade on ben.  i was just sorta supporting that notion.  and same for me on noc.  this year it's awful.  i don't know if it's because i've been reading too many of matt's diatribes or if i've just noticed more things that he does that suck.  but i did used to really like him as well.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 9, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did we lose?
I turned off the game when we were down 14 with 90 seconds remaining.  I actually watched it all up to that point.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 9, 2008 10:35 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Anyone see the irony. . .
in Miami officially eliminating our push for the playoffs?  Last year we smoked them in the first round and this year they knocked us out of the playoffs before we even made the first round...they also beat us the year before I believe...so maybe next year will be our year to shine again.  
At least if we make the playoffs at the 8th seed, Tyrus can get back at Posey for breaking his nose...

by AGBallinisaHabit on Apr 10, 2008 7:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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