Rose-less Bulls lose to Milwaukee

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 11, 2009 7:08 PM CDT Comment 63 comments

It's tough to evaluate the team minus Rose. Well it's not exactly 'tough': they're bad. But it's not exactly fair either. With Tyrus Thomas also out, bench players are forced into roles already jumbled by this being a scrimmage, and it's not how things will look in the regular season. Better not, anyway, since the game was marred with 27 turnovers (many of which on violations) and showed a team that could really struggle to score this season.

The Bulls were able to stay relatively close by getting to the foul line, but with Gordon gone I don't see many nights where the Bulls will have such an advantage. James Johnson seems to have a knack for it (as does Noah and Thomas) but he likely won't get the minutes to do such damage, especially if he's being called for traveling a half dozen times a game.

Hinrich played well (needs to shoot more than one three-pointer in a game, but he should when Rose is back), Salmons looked fine but didn't have a good shooting night, and I think after 3 games I can now stop being surprised that Taj Gibson can contribute. I'm not sure I'm enjoying the subtle campaign supporting him starting by Stacy King, however.

One top-7 player who didn't look good was Deng. While he did unleash another post move (on Charlie Bell, but still...) and was better in transition (who isn't?), there were some reasons to worry. One play stood out in particular, he was guarded by Ilyasova and first couldn't establish post position. Then he came out for the ball, and not being able to shoot over Ilyasova was able to drive by him...only to be cruelly blocked.

Team observers (including KC Johnson on the pre-game show) bend over backwards saying how it will be a group effort to shoulder the scoring load, but it will also take individuals making plays when the magical ball movement stops, and one of those guys needs to be Deng. It was also glaring when the end-of-quarter plays were handing the ball to Jannero Pargo and getting out of the way.

But again, this is with Rose out. He can be one of the guys who steps up, and he should be the guy getting the ball where Gordon used to (for some reason, the Bulls, like the rest of the NBA, stick to isolations instead of running an offense when it comes to these situations). It's not news that they're better with Rose, but he doesn't fix everything. Especially the defense, which looks better but still has problems with skilled bigs like Andrew Bogut.

And how much longer will Rose be out, anyway? Orginally thought to be of no concern, Rose's ankle injury now has him in a walking boot and may take 'a week or two' to heal, according to Mike McGraw.

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okay...

the mike mcgraw article scares me….

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 11, 2009 7:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Here are my thoughts. Everyone looked like dog ass.

Thats the lottery version of the Bulls I thought we’d be seeing when BG left. At least that was what I envisioned the month after he signed with the Pistons.

I mean the rookies looked like rookies last night. Johnson was traveling every time he touched the ball and Taj looked kinda slow, although he played decent. I thought James Johnson had a Tyrus Thomas kinda night. He might have been trying to take on the scoring load that might have been a bit overwhelming.

Hinrich really just showed again why he’s not a starter and although he made a nice pass to Gibson for a dunk I thought he was out played by Pargo ~~who might have been~~ (was) the best player. The guy isn’t a point guard and isn’t a two guard. He’s not a point guard because he doesn’t make anyone better. He isn’t a two guard because his jumper is inconsistent. 2 assists in 22 minutes? Bad. He also looked very bothered by Ridnour’s defense constantly turning his back. Can you tell I’m not a fan of his?

Noah looks again like he’s laboring down the court in those red clown shoes, Jo are ya trying to look like a clown?He kinda got abused with his new body. I miss skinny Jo, the one who could dunk! Just clowning.

Deng was awful holding the ball and stopping the any movement on offense playing right into Skiles hands with the stout defense the Bucks played. He settled for jump shots although though I was surprised he did make a three. Bout time. He him self looks a bit out of shape which I can understand. Honestly he has no business playing the 2. can you tell I’m not a fan of his?

I thought Byars played ok and should be the leader to finish off the roster. I think the Bulls might end up needing his scoring. He was 2 for 2 from down town which is kinda all you want him to do. I think Richards is done, he hasn’t really done much since the first preseason game anyways.

As bad as that was the refs just killed any type of flow to what was a very ugly game. It honestly felt like whistles were blown for running. That was as bad a game of officiating that I have seen in quite some time prompting a classic Skiles rant on the side lines ‘’GET BETTER!’’ GET BETTER’’ ‘’THATS SHIT!’’ clear as day and I’m glad I didn’t watch that game with my son if I had one. I turned it off mid way through the third after every Bulls run 5 whistles would follow. It really was two steps forward ten steps back.

Other than that it was a preseason game and I’m not worried about Derrick Rose, which means maybe you should be right? and of course after every loss remind yourself it’s about 2010 anyways. Really though this was just a bad game. I think they’ll be good to go against the Spurs. Fingers crossed.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 11, 2009 8:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm starting to feel like a Hinrich-fanatic when I read your posts.

Hinrich isn’t a starter because Derrick Rose is on the team.
Is he flawed? Absolutely. Is he as god-awful as you like to make it seem? Hardly.

The guy has only missed 2 shots in 2 games, is scoring far more efficiently than Pargo, and turning the ball over half as much.

by darksmokepuncher on Oct 11, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say he was awful.

But people want him to shoot more? Why wouldn’t you want your point guard to create? The offense became what it was all those years with Skiles/Hinrich a jump shooting team. I think it’s great you are part of years and years of Hinrich love. Or as you call it a fanatic. I don’t remember a player so loved in this city for doing so little. I’m so tired of the Hinrich/ Deng love. It makes me sick that people are ok with average players. It’s always when Deng gets healthy he’ll be this All-Star player. Look at them for what they are and not what you want them to be. He’s just a tweener type player. It was supposed to be Wade anyways I’m still pissed at Pat Riley.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 11, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ugh

-You didnt say he was awful, nor did darksmokepuncher say that you did…he said you implied that he was awful…and yes..u truly did imply that….

-people want him to shoot more because, ultimately with rose at the point and playing major minutes, alot of hinrichs minutes will be at sg not at point

-Darksmokepuncher didnt say he was a fanatic, but that he felt like one after reading your post, meaning your post was so anti hinrich, that a casual fan felt incredibly pro hinrich even though he really wasnt….imagine how a true fanatic (me) feels….

-when deng was healthy last, he really did put up allstar numbers and not just chicago-ians but many talking heads were considering luol deng a borderline allstar on the verge of emerging, ultimately if he was always healthy the chances of that being true is extremely high, the reason people hate on him is the same as why people hate on urlacher now, lots of money, to a guy who is injury prone…its not about skills but money and health…

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 11, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

what!

the reason people hate on him is the same as why people hate on urlacher now, lots of money, to a guy who is injury prone

Your comparing Urlacher and Deng? Urlacher is a six time pro bowler and at one time was the best at his position. Pretty soon your body breaks down. Whats Dengs excuse? Please give him another.

If your rooting for Deng and Hinrich then you might also root for John Paxson and his mediocre job as a GM. Wouldn’t you a agree that signing Deng and Hinrich was a mistake? If they were gone would this team be that worse?I think BG would agree with me.. THE ONLY REASON THEY ARE ON THIS ROSTER IS BECAUSE THEY MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY! They don’t even fit with Rose’s style of play.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 11, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Considering Urlacher was publically labeled the most overrated player in the NFL,

it is a valid comparison. It’s not about how good Deng is relative Urlacher. It’s about perception vs. reality, and polarized fan bases.

by Scotter on Oct 12, 2009 1:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alfonso Soriano is a better comparison

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Pax has done a pretty decent job

A mistake or two here or there, but every GM makes them. I’ve been more or less on board with what he’s done at the time on pretty much every decision. Pre-Pax the team hadn’t made the playoffs since Jordan and was pretty much a joke.

And yes, if Lu and Kirk were gone, the team would be that much worse. I don’t think either is untradeable at all, nor does either fall in the “addition by subtraction” category of player.

In honor of the dearly departed, I declare July PB&J month - everyone raise a sandwich to the memory of Ben!

by wjb1492 on Oct 12, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's another of my problems the with "no luxury tax" rule

All GM’s make mistakes and end up with overpaid players. In baseball, it’s much easier for the highly-profitable teams to out-spend their mistakes, but it is still possible in basketball… by teams willing to pay the luxury tax. The Bulls have had record profits. They made mistakes with Wallace, Nocioni and probably Deng. Yes, a team doesn’t want to keep overpaying players, but it also needs to spend every once in awhile to overcome those mistakes. Small-market teams have to be perfect or else be stuck in the bottom. Big-market teams don’t have to be. (this, of course, is something yfBB has been harping about since it was clear Wallace was done.)

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Oct 12, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deng will have trouble

being an All Star or even a backup because there are plenty of SF who are better than him. He’d have to unseat one of them and that is unlikely. Rose is our only hope. Heck, Noah has a better chance than Deng at being a backup.

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Oct 11, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hinrich/Deng love?

from where?
from who?
those two are probably the most criticized players on this team, and rightfully so.
They’re still both way better than Pargo.
I think I’ll just go back to ignoring your posts.

by darksmokepuncher on Oct 11, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good because you can't comprehend it.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 11, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Comprehend what? You're non-stop complaining?

I don’t remember a player so loved in this city for doing so little. I’m so tired of the Hinrich/ Deng love. It makes me sick that people are ok with average players.

This is just so blatantly false I don’t know how to respond.

The 2009 White Sox....like a 40 degree day.

by Ozzie Montana on Oct 11, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

why is it when someone has a negative opinion about

Kirk Hinrich people get so upset? Do I get upset when people say Tyrus Thomas sucks? No.

He didn’t comprehend what I said.

Let me show you……..

Hinrich really just showed again why he’s not a starter and although he made a nice pass to Gibson for a dunk I thought he was out played by Pargo who might have been (was) the best player.

THAT NIGHT!

him

They’re still both way better than Pargo.

My point was Pargo played better than Hinrich against the BUCKS! I never said Pargo was better than Hinrich.

Hinrich was -1 with 2 assists and 13 points.

Pargo was + 2 with 6 assists and 13 points.

Hinrich didn’t turn the ball over as much though.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I broke my own rule

Hinrich scored the same amount of points in less time, with less shots, and 4 less turnovers. He was on pace for a 4-assist game. Pargo was on pace for a double-digit turnover. I’ll gladly settle for the 4 assists.

by darksmokepuncher on Oct 12, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't able to watch the Bucks game

But I noticed a lot of “hockey assists” in the Jazz game – when the offense is working, I don’t think we’re going to be able to judge PG quality on box score assist totals.

In honor of the dearly departed, I declare July PB&J month - everyone raise a sandwich to the memory of Ben!

by wjb1492 on Oct 12, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, but I was working on a worst-case scenario

I’m guessing the rest of Hinrich’s assists could probably be found somewhere in the 4-17 shooting from Salmons and Deng.

But even if 2 assists per 22 minutes of basketball was the norm for hinrich, I’ll take it over 5 turnovers/25 minutes.

by darksmokepuncher on Oct 12, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're using raw +/- from a preseason game

To say Jannero Pargo is a better player than Kirk Hinrich.

Again, I don’t even know how to begin refuting your bullshit.

I wish Hinrich was traded, I don’t enjoy having his overpaid body on the bench when there’s apparently a 2010 plan. But, he’s not going anywhere, and Kirk is at least good enough to contribute as opposed to Pargo.

The 2009 White Sox....like a 40 degree day.

by Ozzie Montana on Oct 12, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

The point should be Both Deng and Hinrich are overpaid.

Not awful, but two very mediocre players making big money and tying up salary-cap room. If you diehard Hinrich and Deng fans want to FAIRLY compare Hinrich and Deng to somebody. Compare them to guards and forwards who make 10 mil and 13 mil a year. And keep comparing them as the season go on. Only the Bulls incompetent management is bold enough to push these two as stars to there fans. Reading other team blogs, nobody else wants them. You won’t have BG to kick around any more. Fans provided plenty of cover for these incompetent management. You reap what you sow. A reality check is coming for Bulls fans.

by sadafan on Oct 12, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

groundbreaking news.

by darksmokepuncher on Oct 12, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once again I never said awful.

I said they aren’t that good and never will be. They are average but there are people that think Deng could be an All Star if he was healthy and I don’t think thats true. He doesn’t really do anything great. His best move is a college three pointer.

Hinrich really doesn’t do anything great either to justify me wanting him to shoot more. He just not that consistent of a shooter for me to be comfortable in saying yes Kirk shoot more. I don’t mind if he shoots within the team concept but I don’t think he has the same ability to score like he did at Kansas. I like his cross over move to the free throw line jumper I think he does that well but rather see him do more knifing in the lanes like he did when he was younger.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's a very decent chance he's going to be the best 3 point threat on the team

And as long as he continues to shoot it at a +.400 pace, why wouldn’t you want him taking more? No one’s asking that he have a BG-size usage, but it needs to be at least where it was last season.

In honor of the dearly departed, I declare July PB&J month - everyone raise a sandwich to the memory of Ben!

by wjb1492 on Oct 12, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Hinrich isnt a pg because he doesnt make anyone better..."

wow….

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 11, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes as a PG.

he doesn’t create. Rose creates his own shots, gets to the hoop and that makes teammates open. Hinrich just dribbles and shoots, thats not what they need in their point guard. Thats why they drafted Derick Rose. If Hinrich was a great point guard they wouldn’t have drafted Rose. Hinrich is a short SG why wow?

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

why wow?

Because you are basically saying (at least in the initial line) that hinrich is not a pg, not from a role standpoint, not from a skill set stand point or intellect stand point, but simply because he doesnt make anyone better. So guys like luke ridnour, speedy claxston, bobby jackson, will bynum, kyle lowry, acie law…those guys…not pgs…why you ask….cuz they havent made anyone better…

tim duncan, shaquile o’neal, kg….those guys..according to your definition of why hinrich isnt a pg…those guys are true pgs….

and that is why i say wow….

Hinrich is a pg….yes he is a combo pg, but ultimately all the stats show, hinrich plays the point better than he plays the shooting guard position. Rose is a star calibar pg, hinrich is insignificant to the ability that is rose….i saw that the first time i saw rose throw a pass last year in the first preseason game…..but that doesnt mean hinrich isnt a pg.

Also your point about derick rose, although true, is oddly placed…your talking about drose being the better pg, and then talk about his ability to create shots, and get to the rim…something that guys who arent pgs (kobe, lebron, dwade, carmello) also do…but not all pgs do that. Rondo for example, is quick enough to get to the rim, but its not just his ability to get to the rim that makes him a great pg, its that knack to keep his eyes up. How about mo williams or jose calderon, two really good pgs who dont really attack the rim as much as they dribble and shoot. How about jason kidd, one of the best pgs ever, he wasnt ever much of a scorer ever, but he knew how to control his team on both ends of the court and was one hell of an outlet passer.

The truth is the bulls didnt really need a pg, even before d.rose…they needed a star player, they needed a low post presence…with d.rose we got our star player, and when you look at that point guard position its easy, rose for life…but it wasnt like the bulls always needed that position filled.

People who are going against your thoughts on hinrich, arent really defending hinrich, but more calling out some of your wild accusations that you seem to be making…i mean just look at last years posts, just do a search for hinrich and you find pretty much everyone saying to get rid of him and keep ben gordon, even after gordon was traded people wanted him gone, and will continue to want him gone until his contract becomes alot smaller….hell i give it 3 weeks until yfbb posts about why hinrich should be gone, and come february i expect a fanpost a day of the merits of hinrich not being on this team anymore with logical and statistical analysis….so its not like people are actually praising hinrich….

also….
hinrich is a short sg….but ben gordon is a way shorter sg

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 12, 2009 1:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah but Ben Gordon had a special skill to make up for his size. Being a great shooter.

Hinrich is an inconsistent shooter and can’t get his shot off over people like BG could.

The rest of your argument I don’t understand.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hah

whats funny is the part you actually got was like a joke more than anything….

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 12, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

basically you say “hinrich not a pg cuz he dont make anyone better”

so i assume, a pg=someone who makes players better
if you are not making players better, you are not a pg

so i make a list of players who make other players better, shaq, kg, etc

before that i make another list, luke ridnour, will bynum, speedy claxston, those guys dont make other players better, so they must not be pgs

however…both those lists are untrue, shaq isnt a pg, and luke is a pg…so thus your definition of why kirk isnt a pg is bogus…..

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 12, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hinrich's a legitimate starter

I don’t think he tried all that much (it’s preseason after all)…

Thurston Moore is a rock god

by majoyenrac on Oct 12, 2009 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying he couldn't start.

I was saying he’s not that good. He’s ok. But he’s not that good. That was all I’m saying. He doesn’t really do anything great.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just my 2 cizents...

I feel where you’re coming from fam. In last year’s Boston series, I remember Doug Collins saying about Hinrich, “I really like his game. Sometimes he seems like his confidence is not where it should be. I don’t think that he knows how good he really is.” That’s probably not the exact quote but it’s pretty darn close. It reminded me of myself when I played pg in HS. I could have started, by my confidence was off. My teammates told me that I always had my head up looking for the open man, trying to make the right pass and my shot was decent. But physically, I wasn’t very explosive or physical. I could pass ok, shoot ok, I had good basketball IQ and I went hard on D. But too many times I didn’t assert myself offensively and make plays for others. I was just content getting into the offensive sets, setting a screen, cutting…whatever. Thus, I got bumped to backup while this kid who was quicker and more assertive started. He would take the intiative to break down the defense and get fouled or dish or whatever like i wouldn’t.

That’s pretty much Hinrich’s major flaw to me. He doesn’t break down defenses. He just kinda dribbles and gets the team into the offensive sets. I remember one instance in particular, a few years ago when Ben Wallace was still on the team, I had the most awesome seats I’ve ever had to a game thanks to none other than Jannero Pargo. We were playing the Wizards sans Arenas/Jamison/Butler. We were up by the dub at halftime and ended up losing even though Noc straight GORILLA DUNKED somebody. We lost…Roger Mason, Haywood and DeShaun Stevenson got off. Anyways, there was a play where the offensive set didn’t produce anything and Hinrich got the ball with like 9 seconds left. Instead of taking his man off the dribble and forcing offense, he dribbled to the wing and forced the ball into Ben Wallace with 6 sec. on the shot clock. I was sitting so close that I could see the look on BW’s face like “why hell are you passing it to me?” That’s Kirk’s problem. He needs man up out there and play like a big time player instead of playing timid at times. I think its mental.

Now that I’m older, when I play pickup games at UIC, I wish that I had the confidence back then to assert myself on offense. I was just a kid. I learned that even if you miss a shot, at least you give your team the chance to get an offensive rebound. And your teammates really respect and appreciate when you make a strong move to the basket whether you make a shot, miss or get fouled. Just take it to the cup strong. I hope that Hinrich gets his game tight. He’s definately a starter in the league. He has a good skill set. He just doesn’t use it to its full potential all the time.

by Rosenscrubs on Oct 12, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

Great post

It’s weird, because Kirk seemed more tenacious in his first couple years in the league. Sometimes I wonder if he’s lost some of the passion he had, and why.

BullsTwo

by Sports2 on Oct 12, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats exactly what I'm saying.

I remember watching him at Kansas and thinking how good of a shooter and play maker he was. He was lights out back then. He played with energy and he had this ’’pep’’ in his game.

I wonder what happened to that player? He’s ok now but he isn’t the same player anymore. I wonder if it’s the hunger or confidence has evaporated.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he suffers because everyone is hell-bent on comparisons

He’s not as good a PG as Derrick. He’s not as good an SG as Ben.

Unfortunately for Kirk, it seems like a quick jump for some people to decide he sucks. Really, he’s solid at most things, but solid just isn’t as sexy as star potential or great at one thing. I think he’s a better shooter than you’re giving him credit for, and he’s more athletic than most people give him credit for. He’s not “the” solution, but he’s not really “the” problem either as far as on the court play goes. But I think most people have trouble separating a player’s contract from their ability anyway, and it’s compounded in Chicago because of the contracts to Kirk and Lu and letting Ben walk.

In honor of the dearly departed, I declare July PB&J month - everyone raise a sandwich to the memory of Ben!

by wjb1492 on Oct 12, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no his play really did topple off at some point

I mean rookie season he went in for a jam against the cavs, against a 7’3 center….he doesnt even dunk on gimmie buckets anymore….

Sophmore year, the great wizards series, NO HESITATION…he scorched the wizards night in and night out in that series, its what made him so affective on the pick and roll because he became a threat that he would take the pick and knock down a jumper

THe comparison of mark price and steve nash mixed with a little john stockton, those all happened in his first 3 years

Every now and then it happens, he gets a bad call, something total bs, or a player gets in his face..and for a short period of time he just gets the ball and shoots it, no thought about the open man or setting someone up, and it goes in, and i wonder why he doesnt do it more often

THe answer i think has to do with role, despite his talent he recognizes that ben gordon and now derrick rose are the better weapons, on offense luol deng needs to get buckets to get going…his play is unselfish…maybe too unselfish. Dribbling the ball for half the remaining shot clock???….not wanting to make a mistake, no chances, smart play, get the bucket, need the points, gotta win…..overthinking situations, feeling the heat from the crowd, the media…

He definetly lost something, he fell off the curve he was making, he flat lined, as a fan i keep hoping that he’ll get it back..but as the seasons go by it seems less and less likely…

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 12, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think its just part of getting used to the league

For starters, he doesn’t really take it to the hoop anymore, and at 190 lbs I can’t say I blame him. At the same time, his jump shot has improved significantly since he’s come into the league and so he can fall back on it more, while conserving some energy for the defensive end of the court.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw something similar happen with Rose (though obviously not to the extent that we did with Hinrich) simply so he’s not getting thrown to the ground twice a game.

I also think part of it stems from having a different role on the team. Last year when he came in, it seemed obvious that Vinny wanted him out there as a spot-up shooter, and so that’s what he did. Hopefully this year Vinny will try and keep him in the 2nd unit, and he can be a bit more selfish there.

by darksmokepuncher on Oct 12, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah especially in the first couple playoff series

He really stepped his game up and was agressive back then.

"I'm in the Hall already, on the wall already, I'm a work of art I'm a Warhol already"-Jay Z

by bigballa10 on Oct 13, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that Hinrich needs to shoot more

especially when Rose is out. I like that he got 9 free throws in only 22 minutes, but don’t like that he only took 5 shots. Pargo doesn’t hesitate at all to shoot, and he was averaging a turnover every 5 minutes that he was on the court. It would be nice if we had a decent head coach to develop roles for our players.

by darksmokepuncher on Oct 11, 2009 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping they're specifically working on some things for other guys, and that's why he's holding back

Last season he had 11.3 FGA per 36, and I wouldn’t expect that to drop, particularly as long as he keeps shooting well and hitting the 3s at a good rate. In these few preseason games he’s only taking 6 per 36.

In honor of the dearly departed, I declare July PB&J month - everyone raise a sandwich to the memory of Ben!

by wjb1492 on Oct 11, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think its preseason

I think its early preseason, i think preseason games dont matter, i think early preseason games matter less. Still i also think this is the perfect time for him to start chucking shots, know his limits and sweet spots or what not…but with rose out maybe he didnt feel like an actual shooting guard or something, i didnt watch the game so i dont know what kind of mode he looked like he was in …hes been shooting at a nice clip (percentage) thus far into the preseason, i hope the law of large numbers doesnt affect those percentages much, although i think his form looks a hellava lot smoother as opposed to last year…the thumb might be finally healed…

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 11, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, yeah, that's a much better way of saying what I was trying to

Except that I don’t think it’s necessarily time for him to be throwing stuff up, just because of when and what position he’s played in the two games he’s been in. I think it’s going to take a few games for all of them to sort out the general split in offensive load, and the odd preseason lineups don’t help a ton.

In honor of the dearly departed, I declare July PB&J month - everyone raise a sandwich to the memory of Ben!

by wjb1492 on Oct 12, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm trying to reserve judgement until i see this team play at full stregnth

However…not that the jersey should be retired or anything but Byars needs a new # if he makes the squad. Its too soon. After watching Deng play last night, I regret ever softening my stance on how much I dislike his game. I grew up idolizing Pip. I like my SF’s quick, explosive, mean and tenacious. Deng is none of those. All of those traveling violations and the offensive foul at the end? Is James Johnson serious? Lol @ Chris Richard…scrub. Hinrich’s J looked good and I reallly liked Taj’s energy. Its only preseason but I’m kinda liking Taj.

by Rosenscrubs on Oct 11, 2009 9:16 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

I'm backing off Taj as well

Doesn’t rebound, doesn’t pass, okay defensively. So far his midrange jumper’s been a nice surprise, but considering he shot 66% FT last year, I think it’s flukish. I’m glad our #26 pick can help out if a couple bigs get hurt, but I don’t see him helping in a regular rotation.

by YaoPau on Oct 11, 2009 10:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

his lack of rebounding really concerns me

our starting power forward and our back up power forward can not defensive rebound… there is something wrong with that. At this point I would prefer JJ to get the back-up pf minutes Noah doesn’t get because I feel at the very least he is going to rebound and create matchup problems on the other end. JJ has to work on that jumper though, its too inconsistent right now.

I’m not worried about Taj’s defense. He seems to have good instincts and I think will be good on that end with practice. He doesn’t really have an offensive game besides that step out jumper so I don’t expect too much on that end.

by Basketball Smurf on Oct 11, 2009 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He a pretty good defender.

He was also a first-team member of the Pac-10 All-Defensive team. He led the Pac-10 in blocks and was third in field goal percentage.

I don’t think he should start but I do think he should be Tyrus’s back up. I think JJ should stay at the three.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 11, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dejua Blair!!! GAHH!!

he can rebound and already has an offensive game.
Yes, Taj will be forever compared to Blair by me.

Are we there yet?

by Teri on Oct 12, 2009 1:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not that i have anything against blair

but every day i hope that i hear word that he got injured or something, just so bulls fans can breathe a sigh of relief, or feel triumphant….i suppose garpaxdorf arent the only ones….

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 12, 2009 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

even if one day his body completely breaks down (after a few years in the league)

I still would feel that Gar made a bonehead move not to draft him. Unless, of course, Taj turn out to be a star caliber player.

Are we there yet?

by Teri on Oct 12, 2009 1:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

really?

hmm maybe if he at least lasts a couple of years….a couple of dominating years!! Ultimately this is gonna be one of those things we look back on 10 years from now, only hindsight will show us what wouldve been the correct move……much like alot of t hings in the last few years….

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Oct 12, 2009 1:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does NCAA FT%

translate to NBA FT%?

I think college FT stats can and do improve in the pros because of better coaching, more practice, and the tempo of the game creates more free throw opportunities.

12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Oct 12, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man

That was so freaking disappointing….first game I caught all year and well we were sluggish, Salmons looked terrible offensively, Kirk looked lazy, the team looked bad and bored….

I know Rose and T2 were out, but that was a total bore….what a shame….especially after reading a lot of good things (I saw a few of the Utah plays via that feed, but not really the game)…

Thurston Moore is a rock god

by majoyenrac on Oct 12, 2009 7:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i was actually in chicago

thus would have been able to catch the game on tv… but reason i was there was i was at a wedding. so glad i didn’t bother tuning in…

"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"

by Jaina on Oct 12, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I kinda wanna blame it on the replacement refs.

I mean I the Bulls were awful and the Bucks played really good defense. I think the Bucks kinda put more into that game then the Bulls did. But there wasn’t any flow to the game I think at one point I just walked away saying how fucked that game was because all I watched were violations. The crew that did that game was really bad. Skiles lit them up and I was happy Skiles was taking it out on them. The were awful. Nobody wants to watch the refs. That was the first time I thought damn these replacement refs are dog shit.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't the Bulls benefit from the ft line getting more than twice the attempts as the Bucks?

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Oct 12, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah? so?

did you watch the game?

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In and out.

There was a really crummy feed that was making me ill trying to watch it (literally, I have this fov thing and for some reason the angle of the webcam combined with the glare was making me nauseated) so I could go about four or five minutes at a time. I guess you can say the Bulls were making my physically ill.

Why are you so crabby today?

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Oct 12, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not.

Just upset I decided to watch that game. ha My bad if I’m coming off crabby. Really I just can wait for the season to start.

I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!

by SoulEater7 on Oct 12, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A Skiles defense is good, but

as we should remember, it fouls alot.

There was one where Bogut fouled Noah posting up 10 feet from the basket? why even bother? because Skiles is on your ass 24/7 and it’s hard to have selective agression.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 12, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs