Bulls 98, Pistons 87: Bulls back on that long, boring road to mediocrity
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 31, 2009 5:13 PM CST
Email
Print| Pace | Eff | eFG | FT/FG | OREB% | TOr | |
| Chicago | 92.0 | 106.5 | 49.3% | 43.5 | 40.6 | 26.1 |
| Detroit | 94.6 | 41.5% | 15.9 | 28.0 | 13.0 |
I honestly thought today's game was at home, part of a kind of New Years Eve (day) tradition for the Bulls to host an afternoon game and get waxed. But it was in Detroit, and they not only didn't get waxed but thoroughly handled the Pistons, a pretty good and important win.
As long as no other Bull gets injured ever (since we don't have the depth or coaching to overcome such things) the team will be just fine. And by 'fine' I mean being in the low rung of the playoffs, not having a meaningful season or anything. As bad as they've been so far, the majority of their conference being absolutely terrible kept them above water, and having Tyrus Thomas back really makes the team whole again.
Thomas had 19 and 7 in 27 minutes, with a whopping 14 free-throw attempts. He can do things no other Bull can, and credit to Vinny (again!) for playing him more than Taj, though we can probably get those minutes up to 35+ by now? right?
(wait, I'm getting excited about Tyrus again! Can't do it. Bulls can't wait to trade him, and would've (for the likes of Yi according to reports) if another team felt he had any value. So sad. At least I can enjoy watching him while he's here.)
Thomas and Noah led the Bulls frontcourt in dominating their Pistons counterparts (especially on the offensive glass), who aren't formidable to begin with and I think either Ben Wallace hurt himself severely early, or he saw Bulls uniforms and had a suck trigger activated. I'm not sure we can take any Pistons injury seriously the way Rodney Stuckey was limping off not once but twice only to return, and a third time may have warranted the Paul Pierce ceremonial wheelchair.
There's something seriously wrong with the Pistons right now, who've now lost 9 straight (including losing to the Bulls at home!). I've mentioned the frontcourt deficiencies, but that was known going into the year. The real issue is seeing Tayshaun Prince and especially Rip Hamilton look terrible. Hamilton made me remember how much I hated the Pistons, with their classic sense of unearned entitlement as he jawed with Hinrich while playing absolutely terribly. Good for my guy Ben Gordon to have himself a game, though him sitting for Rip is almost as bad as watching Chris Duhon in the starting lineup. The anticipated BG-Kurt matchup didn't really happen very often, though when put on Gordon, Kirk did a fine job. Salmons, not so much, though it's his second straight solid shooting night.
But I won't pull a Neil Funk (hatred of BG permeating every call today...) and just rip on the opposition. There's a whole lot of bad in the conference, and the Pistons are a part of it. The Bulls are too, but proving to be in the upper echelon in that bad, as long as they're intact. Nothing is screwed, they're well on their way to a low playoff seed.
And most importantly, Derrick Rose is looking better by the game, getting to the line again with 8 attempts on his way to 22 points. These aren't the best tests of that aggression in terms of opponent, but if it was a mindset that was holding him back it looks gone lately. Now we just need to get a talent like that a real coach. Sure, Rose is looking better, but he's not really developing. And the Bulls record will be somewhat near expectations, but they still look bad.
It's truly a case where, with me anyway, Vinny can't win.
109 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
First! Yessss!
"We can settle this like you got some class, or we can get into some gangsta sh..."
Goldie from "The Mack"
I'm serious, I do not like it.
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 Dec 31, 2009 5:36 PM CST up reply actions
u just wanted to be 1st!!!
:::does this:::::
True Story: John Salmons sucks so bad, Tiger Woods wants to meet him
Don't be jive man, I didn't even know this was a issue
I saw other make comments about being first so I said “Hey, I’m gonna do it too!” It’s like when the sheep follow the other sheep off the cliff! Anyways, I’ll refrain from doing it, but dig, I don’t take kindly to warnings. I’ll leave it at that, and that’s not a threat either, it’s merely a prepositional clause with emphatic significance!
"We can settle this like you got some class, or we can get into some gangsta sh..."
Goldie from "The Mack"
I'm excited to see where this goes.
It can only end one way, really.
by potato0328 on Jan 1, 2010 2:56 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Well,
you can’t fight city hall yfBB.
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Jan 1, 2010 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
Warranted ripping...
The Pistons are very bad right now and who I originally thought was an equally bad Bulls team made it look very, very easy today. Happy New Year, guys.
Detroit Bad Boys- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
I think the Pistons have to get rid of Rip, and put Charlie V in the starting 5
Rip couldn’t defend he couldn’t shoot, and he cant take anyone off the dribble. The tall Swedish dude was a non factor, at least with Charlie you get a pure big with 3 pt range. The Pistons arent that bad, they’re just ……not good right now.
"We can settle this like you got some class, or we can get into some gangsta sh..."
Goldie from "The Mack"
Jerebko/Daye/Gordon/Bynum/Charlie V might be their best lineup right now
I dunno, they have a lot of people who should be good but … aren’t.
Go Rockets/Nets[CDR]/Bucks[Jennings]!
Like I said, if everyone plays to their capabilities we can get into the 4,5,6 seed. I don’t know why we can’t give our first round opponent a big test, esp in the 4,5 matchup. Winning a playoff series is importan to the franchise, Rose, and us fans. I don’t know why you insist that it doesn’t matter :(
they're not going to get a 5 seed
and they won’t give anyone a test. They’re going to give HAWKS a test?
I forgot, that epic test of the Celtics last year. They were missing Garnett. Sometimes I wish they were swept, it’s silly that two severely flawed teams giving everyone an entertaining series brainwashed Bulls fans so.
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 Dec 31, 2009 5:38 PM CST up reply actions
Hawks or Cavs or Magic or Celtics
that’s the top 4. Bulls will take that test as well as Rose took his SAT.
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 Dec 31, 2009 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
We can take the Hawks to 6 games, I think.
by Stacey_Is_King on Dec 31, 2009 6:27 PM CST up reply actions
The playoffs are now best of 11 games?
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Dec 31, 2009 8:59 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
What?
I think you misunderstood me. I’m saying we’d do better against the Hawks than yfBB thinks.
by Stacey_Is_King on Jan 1, 2010 9:29 PM CST up reply actions
No, he understood you.
Or did he?!?!?!?
Go Rockets/Nets[CDR]/Bucks[Jennings]!
So we shouldn't even try?
We were missing Deng.
And both PP and KG have injury problems again. Celtics don’t scare me.
Why should we be scared of the Hawks? They have Joe Johnson and we have Rose. The rest of the roster is pretty comparable.
Bibby, Jamal, Zaza, Horford, Williams, JSmith vs. Kirk, Fish, Deng TT and Noah?
Unless you think Deng Kirk and Salmons are going to suck the rest of the year and not play better. Is Toronto or Miami going to finish ahead of us for CERTAIN? I don’t think so.
As horrible we were during that one stretch, we are 3 games behind the 5th seed.
Why are you a Bulls fan? Oh yeah, so we can lose and get another coach and not make the playoffs and oh my no FA is gonna sign with us in 2010 I wish BG were here.
Pistons screwed themselves
Joe Dumars signed FA Charlie V and Ben G to large contracts. He spent all that cap room from the Bilups / Iverson trade. This is his team.
It’s underwhelming and destined for 500 BB.
Ben’s got his money but he’ll never see a NBA finals.
yeah, tough break for Dumars that rosters are locked indefinitely and he can't make any moves
in the 5 years Gordon is signed. Crimeny, what a Funker you are.
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 Dec 31, 2009 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
BlogaPiston
Glad to see some optimism — for the Pistons. I guess the grass is greener.
We all know it’s hard to trade perimeter players for post players.
I can’t find many professional writers who think Dumar’s FA signings where that good.
What’s funny is Deng’s contract, he’s back to old form, is now more movable than Gordon’s.
Dumars has to trade to fix his team and he’s got to find a big
If you isolate the free agent signings, it's easy to see.
That Dumars made one good signing and one bad signing.
Chicago Bulls Blog and Forums. NBA Power Rankings.
The one to the player who doesn't suck.
Go Rockets/Nets[CDR]/Bucks[Jennings]!
by Prevenge on Dec 31, 2009 7:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It needs some reading into.
Go Rockets/Nets[CDR]/Bucks[Jennings]!
And the Bulls will in the next five years?
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
no shit
Do me a favor, Noe, and make a new years resolution to pour soda on your keyboard.
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 Dec 31, 2009 5:51 PM CST up reply actions
How about coffee.
Bulls have a better chance than Detroit with their cap space intact and a much better market.
Trading Billups for AI gave Dumars cap space to over pay Ben and Charlie. He’s spend his wad of cash and it’s an underwhelming roster. He also gave Denver a shot at the NBA finals.
Your Chicago Bulls will out perform Detroit for the next 5 years and yes Chicago has a measurably better chance to make the NBA finals.
I'll be sure to take your 5 year predictions with the greatest confidence.
As we all know, nothing changes in the NBA and rosters are not interchangeable by federal law.
Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
by Ozzie Montana on Dec 31, 2009 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
Right, so let's stop bitching about the Bulls.
Dumars’ FA signings locked the team into a perimeter team and they are going nowhere.
I see more optimism for the pistions fixing their roster than our own team, Da Bulls.
that is probably because Joe Dumar has a track record for puting together
championship level teams. Gar Paxdorf do not.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 1, 2010 1:06 PM CST up reply actions
Same reputation as Jerry Kraus.
Dumars isn’t playing 3-D chess and 2 steps ahead of us all.
He’s the guy who picked Darko 2nd, and left Carmelo and Wade to go later in the draft. He got lucky with Orlando’s Ben Wallace and took chances with Billups and ’Sheed which paid off.
Yes he’s a good GM but the current facts are the Piston’s roster is unbalanced and he overpaid for Ben Gordon and Charlie V based on the 2009 FA market.
Since the cap is going down, his franchise is stuck with those increasing cost contracts.
At leas Paxdorf has the common sense to front load his contracts which makes them more affordable as time passes.
you will get no argument from me that Dumars has made mistakes
but he has a far better track record than Gar and Pax (and Krause for that matter). He acquired all the key players on the Pistons squad that won 1 NBA championship, had 2 finals appearances and went to 5 straight Eastern Conference Finals.
Everyone keeps talking about the Gordon and Villanueva signings but those guys are producing. Gordon in particular is playing just like you’d expect him to play. He is their best player, depending on how you feel about Stuckey. The guy he screwed up in signing was Rip Hamilton. No way he should have given him a 3 year extention.
Last season was the first time in 10 years the Bulls finished ahead of the Pistons in the standings. Let me repeat that – for the entirety of Dumars reign as GM for the Pistons, Detroit has fielded a better basketball team than the Bulls, sometimes MUCH BETTER. So it is understandable that despite the Bulls apparent advantages in terms of talent and salary structure, some people would believe that the Pistons could turn around their chances faster than the Bulls. You can talk about bad signings all you want – that happens to every GM (hello Ben Wallace, Nocioni, Deng, Hinrich). Dumar’s main problem was that his team got old and the young players Dumars drafted weren’t ready to step in.
But this all belies another point. Dumars did not believe the Pistons could attract a top free agent so he decided to split his money and invest in two guys. The Bulls could be in the exact same position this summer – not being able to attract top players and having to use their cap space on flawed, but talented players. Had the Bulls not lucked in D.Rose, both teams would be in the exact same position.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 1, 2010 3:54 PM CST up reply actions
The only problems I see with the Pistons are Prince and Rip
One figures Prince will get healthy, but he’s really dropped off the map so far.
I dunno how they’re going to trade Rip though. His deal is only partially guaranteed in the final year, but it’s still not very good.
You forgot the 100 millian they owe BG and Charlie V
and the fact that they play in DETROIT
yeah
the 100 million we got sunk into Deng and Hinrich is 10 times better
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 1, 2010 5:19 PM CST up reply actions
No I didn't. Those aren't problems
They’re market value contracts to young players who are productive and will be productive through the life of their contracts.
Their problems are:
1. Rip Hamilton is declining quickly and probably untradeable.
2. Prince ruptured a disc in his back.
3. They don’t have much help inside.
Really their big problem is the first one. I think they sort of planned to unload Rip. If they’d been/are able to, they’d be in about the same cap position we will be next year. But since he’s stunk things up, they’re probably in some trouble.
Charlie V is not a good player
If you think scoring and doing nothing else (BG and Charlie V) is a good situation more power to you.
This is their team for the next 2 years. Face it. 30-35 wins.
2 other small points
he didn’t get lucky with Ben Wallace. Grant Hill was going to sign in Orlando. Instead of just letting him go (like Paxdorf), Dumars decided to sign and trade him for Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins. Did Dumars know that Ben Wallace was going to turn into a 4 time defensive player of the year? Of course not. But he did know he could play, why else would he have traded for him and made him starting center.
And Paxson front loaded 1 contract – Hinrich’s. No other contract was front loaded, so this “common sense” you talk about is an illusion. The Bulls front loaded that contract to make room to pay Gordon and Deng.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 1, 2010 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
Nocioni and wallace were front-loaded.
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
Anyone remember back in the Summer of 2008?
I wrote that front-loading was stupid. It put us $3.5M closer to the luxury tax when we were trying to sign Deng and Gordon.
Deng got the money first, there wasn’t enough left for Gordon, his offer (vs. the prior year) was reduced in kind, negotiations got heated and the offer was eventually pulled.
Setting aside the vast stupidity of that move for a moment, I simply want to point out that much of the pressure and inflexibility of the situation would be reduced had the Bulls back loaded Hinrich and Nocioni.
I don’t think it would have done anything to hurt their tradeability either. The problem trading Nocioni was that he was way overpriced in any context, whether front-loaded or backloaded, he was overpriced. Hinrich would certainly have been tradeable if he’d been traded at the proper time, which was when he seemed like a starting PG on a team that had just drafted Derrick Rose.
The Road not Taken
Both guys were made great offers. Deng Said “Yes” and Ben said “No”
Ben Gordon made a choice and it was to refuse a generous initial offer. Noone in the NBA said the Bulls were cheap and most all thought Ben was turning down a great offer – twice. I can live with the consequences. I’m happy Ben got his money and we didn’t pay it.
We’ll see how this plays out. Would a 13M Ben Gordon put this Bulls team or his Pistons into contention for a title or does that 13M tie up too much salary and limit the team?
is it possible to "un-rec" a post?
Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.
-- Scottie Pippen
by Orlando Woolridge on Jan 1, 2010 11:53 PM CST up reply actions
Blah bleepin' blah is right...
BG did not accept two offers from the Bulls…Luol accepted one…BG eventually tried to accept a previous offer that was no longer on the table…
I agree with the camp that thinks BG this season would make this team better, but I don’t think he a starting caliber SG on a championship team next to Derrick Rose…unlike NOE, I am not happy for Ben…
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and LLE will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
Now you're just being stupid
and ignoring facts.
Where did KC hear that? No team has ever made an offer that was accepted and then reneged by the team.
After the negotiations, the Bulls gave him a deadline and he still f***ked up. Playing chicken.
Hope he rots in Detroit.
So he did get lucky.
First, Ben Wallace exceed any expectations ANYONE had for him when Dumars got him from Orlando. Yes Joe wanted Ben but No way he thought the man would be as dominate. Joe got lucky. GMs have to get lucky to compete for titles.
Second, Paxson made sure Ben Wallace’s fat contract was front loaded. The pay went down every year and that fact made him easier to trade as he aged.
I’m skeptical Dumars has laid the foundation for another run at the finals. He’s got a 500 team that can’t get to the 2nd round. He spent his Billups / A.I. Cap space and is left with trades and a shrinking salary cap.
I like where the Bulls are over Detroit.
so any time a player exceeds expectations, the organization has lucked into it?
It has nothing to do with scouting and planning… good to know. That a whole series of trades, coaching hires and draft picks that saw the Pistons become the best defensive team in the history of the league was luck. I mean, no one expected it. I guess a recent history of dominating the Bulls on the court and in the win column isn’t enough to convince you that they have the better front office. Oh well.
Whether Ben Wallace contract was front loaded or not, we are still paying for the effects of that bad contract and Nocioni’s and Hinrich’s and Deng’s. That is 4 bad contracts, given out by GarPax. Not one guy GarPax has signed has been worth his contract by its 3rd year. Not one value contract in the lot. They have lost every deal.
If Salmons doesn’t opt out, the Bulls don’t have max cap space (and there is about a 50/50 chance that he will not) and the Bulls are left bidding for guys like David Lee. Conversely, if the Pistons can move Rip Hamilton, they are in the same position as the Bulls.
Like I said, the only difference between the Pistons and the Bulls is the Bulls got the #1 draft pick. now that was luck. You know why the Bulls have so much young talent? Because they have been picking in the lottery more times than not over the last 10 years.
He’s got a 500 team that can’t get to the 2nd round.
Doesn’t this describe the Bulls as well? Lets see what happens this summer before we start planning the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals appearance..
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 2, 2010 12:55 AM CST up reply actions
Ben Wallace FA was Luck, Man
Joe Dumars didn’t scout Wallace, Ben Wallace was undrafted and had to work his way into the league eventually playing for Orlando.
Dumars signing him after watching Wallace perform well with limited minutes at Orlando. Dumars got very lucky Ben grew into a league force.
Joe took a chance and got lucky given how well Ben developed.
We lucked into the #1 pick and Joe lucked into the #2 with a great trade and resulting in him selecting Darko. Had he not blown this pick the Pistons would have Carmelo or Wade and be a title contender if not multiple championships.
Today, I like where the Bulls sit over the Pistons. Benand Charlie are taking too muchj cap space, Joe will have to trade smalls for a big or get lucky with a team dumping ’Sheed player.
Of the “bad contracts” the Bulls have:
Ben Wallace was thought to have been a “win now signing” and not criticized at the time. it didn’t workout. He was trade-able and got traded. They took a shot whenthe east was weak. Good for Pax.
Deng’s contract isn’t bad at all, he. got. hurt. He’s playing well now and getting stonger.
Hiinrick’s contract isn’t bad. He’s a 1-2 G who can defend and never complains about coming off the bench. No one writes this was a bad contract or that he is untradable. Coaches would love to have this coachable G who defends.
Nocioni was overpaid for what he does with the Bulls, coming off the bench. They had too much money tied up with him. They moved him for Miler and his 2010 expiring contract.
Nocioni is what I see Ben and Charlie being for the Pistons, expensive for what they do.
So Dumars blows the 2nd pick
and instead of competing for the championship for 10 to 12 years, they only got to compete for a championship for 5 to 7 years. Oh no!
The Bulls “shot” culminated in a humiliating 2nd round exit to the team that refused to pay Ben Wallace that huge contract. The very next season Wallace had quit on the team, was playing miserably, alienating the young players and dividing the locker room. But you are right, good signing.
If you don’t think Deng and Kirk have bad contracts than I don’t know what to say. The fact that there is almost zero interest in the league for either would be a clue. And to say that no one wrote that Deng had a bad contract is complete hogwash.
Yahoo wrote it: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Luol-Deng-got-the-money?urn=nba,97722
So did CBS Sportsline: http://gohornets21.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/5993128/19104068
In fact, CBS sportsline labeled the Wallace signing the worst signing in the last 10 years. But of course, I know you are happy with it. And I know ESPN writers such as Hollinger have ripped the Deng signing. Get your head out of the sand.
You are a management apologists. You don’t mind where the Bulls are at now, but that is because you are ignoring the last 10 years of losing.
This isn’t getting us anywhere. You have your opinion I have mine.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 2, 2010 1:41 PM CST up reply actions
"the pay went down every year and that fact made him easier to trade as he aged."
huh? We traded him for the horror that was Larry Hughes and the plague that is Drew Gooden. His contract was plague that meant taking on Larry friggin Hughes to move.
In truth, had we simply held onto his contract, or theirs, we’d probably be in better financial shape now. We traded them for Salmons and he could ruin 2010 by himself unless the Bulls trade Hinrich.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 2, 2010 1:01 AM CST up reply actions
If we did not have Salmons last year, we don't make the playoffs
And we don’t get that great series vs Boston. The greatest 1st round series of all time, in any sport.
I don't know if that is sarcasm
but if Salmons and the first round series LOSS to Boston costs us a shot at a top 2010 free agent, I think the fond memories will begin to fade.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 2, 2010 1:43 PM CST up reply actions
Dammit I cant even trade for McGrady on nba live...They wont take any of the other players because they suck!!!!
Is reinsdorf behind that too?
Tyrus Thomas is really Stromile Swift with a retarded mask on..Think about it Same height, same school, same athletic ability, same sucky ass work ethic, same no real position having retarded statement making fucker. News flash retard. Sloan doesnt like lazy ass jump shooters who have 1 for 17 games. Fuck u stromile.
T Mac's Rating on live is 80. And because of his contract
And I traded Deng and Hinrich for him. The rockets bacame one of the best in the West after that trade I made. And I made a game tying shot with T Mac and made the playoffs as a 6th seed. Not bad
80 huh
In 2k he was in high-mid 70s. With a very low durability rating.. I used him for mid range shots only…
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 Dec 31, 2009 11:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Really?
Well I had the Knicks so I just had him draining threes its so easy with his shot mechanic. (at least to me) It just flows right and you know when to release the shot.
He hardly dunks anymore but he can be a good mismatch as well putting him as a back up Point. And having him do midrange turnarounds I actually think he may need to resort to that at this point in his career.
On the game I think he got injured like only a few times because of our staff putting him in a spot up/mid range post up shooting role too. Though he did get injured for like a week or two and missed part of the 1st round.
On a random note I didn’t notice they finally got the My Player pick up games working.
I made a game tying 3 in OT against the cavs.
While Rose was injured, And i was dunking on SHAQ with T Mac. And that game tying 3 was just sick. and unexpected
in 2k or live
?
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
yea they released the patch a little while ago
but ive been banned from xbox live so i wouldnt notice (care) but i should be back soon, well i didnt play much online anyway, but whateva….
I like mcgradys shot too, its pretty quick so its easy to get him to score, you really just need a little room and catch and release, I used him for midrange shooting mainly for his consistency rating (and that midrange is his highest rating) and the fact that he can do it off teh dribble, so id basically run iso plays with step back jumpers from the wings with him (also note this is using those sliders i gave u). I once got mcgrady to dunk on a fast break, IT WAS SPECTACULAR, i dont know whos dunking template he uses but it was nice, what made it even cooler was that after he landed he got injured…i was like wtf!!! But it seemed real so i saved the replay.
I especially love mcgradys defense, i could stick him on kobe and he could stay wiht him, but ben gordon kept running through screens and getting open layups (mcgrady is slow and not quick?) he also got a bunch of rebounds…
before i traded him tmac was averaging 19 pts per game, 8 rebounds, shooting 44 percent from the field 47 from 3pt, and 4 assists per game. He also had 1.2 steals, and 1.7 (!!) blocks per game. I signed him to a 5 year 43million dollar contract in the offseason but then traded him two seasons later so i could resign kirk hinrich….ONLY I WOULD DO THAT btw
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
What you got banned too I never found out the specifics of that whole banning mess. I hardly get on Xbox Live myself I forget to play mostly but other times people are forever sending messages.
Well for whatever its worth its a step slower than regular team up as far as finding a host and even starting the game a lot of people jump out sometimes. (it can still be fun though)
Yeah T-mac was crazy consistent with me too the only time he’d have a bad shooting night (with me playing) is because I’d get lazy since it was so easy getting a shot for him. He is also great at lobs on the fast break better than both of my PGs actually. Probably because hes so tall as well sometimes he can just see the court a bit better.
Hmmm I usually have Chandler take on the tougher defensive assignments I may have to try T-Mac out on a Kobe or Joe Johnson later.
Well at that point I’d wonder how well efficient T Mac could still be Hinrich doesn’t seem like a bad choice JR would agree j/k I have a tough time keeping up with Hinrichs shot it seems different from like 07 and 08 where I had the most success with him.
Oh yeah thanks for those sliders too I was getting murdered on the game. Oddly enough though one team still plays out of their mind the Nuggets are always going berserk.
And each year there seems like a player that is just unstoppable too last year was Brandon Roy this year maybe Danny Granger or Melo.
Is it the Paul Pierce ceremonial wheelchair or does it belong to DWade?
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and LLE will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
when wade left in a wheelchair
he never came back right….everyone was like wtf, he hurt his arm why is leaving in a wheel chair..but it was something about it being painful his arm popped out….but pierce…he left in a wheel chair (and stopped the game for like 10 minutes) then returned like 20 minutes later and was like the leading scorer…walking around without a hitch
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
I don't recall Pierce leaving the game in a wheelchair...
I remember him being carried off like a little girl.
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and LLE will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
by Dionysus2.0 on Jan 1, 2010 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysT8RA6JQks&feature=related
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
Hilarious!!!
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and LLE will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
13-17 record means the Bulls are 2nd in the division!
Man, the eastern conference sucks.
by KentuckyBullsFan on Dec 31, 2009 8:09 PM CST reply actions
If we ever get the best lineup on the floor at one time to grow together something we havent done at all this year, which includes Rose, Kerk, Deng, TT and Noah, then you use TT at the high post instead of Noah, then you bring Salmons, Taj, Miller off the bench, even Pargo just to see if his shot is on, we have a team that can push any team in the east and I’m sure of it. Rose and TT running the pick is the best option because TT is a better scorer, and he’s a better passer off the dribble. If he has to he can pass the ball inside to Noah to finish strong, TT has a nice mid range shot, but if he misses at least Noah is near the rim to do what he does best, rebound. Plus this keeps TT involved and when he’s involved and active he’s a much better player than when he’s isolated and he gets frustrated with having a sucky position. The man has scored 19 and 21 points in two of three games without being even involved i the sets, imagine him having a role. Defensively we are a good team, I’d say as good as any in the league. We don’t have great three point shooters but we have guys who can hit. This is probably the last year for these guys together, and if no serious injuries occur, they can go deep into the playoffs. No team is clearly the best right now in the east or west, jmo!
"We can settle this like you got some class, or we can get into some gangsta sh..."
Goldie from "The Mack"
I like your analysis
I would like to see more 3’s from Kirt, (he’s never ready to shot, well not never) Fish and Deng in the corners.
Although the Lakers and Cleveland and Boston are clearly the best.
Orlando doesn’t know what to do with Howard, he never gets the ball!
What's clear is that we don't suck, which is better than nothing.
There are plenty of teams that we can play and not have much of a problem beating, thanks to Rose, the improving team defense and the hustle from our big guys. The only teams in the East that I would say are clearly better than us are Boston, Cleveland, Orlando and Atlanta. That’s better off than I thought we would be about a month ago. The truth is, with Tyrus back, and the tougher part of our schedule behind us, the Bulls can easily take the five seed in the playoffs. I don’t really respect Miami, Toronto, Milwaukee or Detroit, and I think we can take any of them in a playoff series. If we can pick up a decent rookie in the draft and cash in on an upper-echelon free agent, I think we can be really damn good, and with Boston in decline I think it’s not too far fetched to think we can be a top three team in the East next season.
Metal sharpens metal.
And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan
The Bulls shrink like a dick in cold water.
yea after those few weeks of being the laughing stocks of the nba
the worst team in the nba, the worst franchise in the nba….im greeting mediocrity with open arms….our management is still pretty horrid but at least i dont have to watch them (though i wish i could, and have a loud speaker in hand so i can shout at them everytime they were being cheap and stupid)
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
Mediocrity way beats being the laughing stock of the NBA
Did anyone notice how the Bulls took advantage of Gordon? Salmons made a three over the much shorter Gordon and Gordon’s matador defense against TT’s breakaway stood out. Yes Gordon can score but he clearly hurt the Pistons on defense. This argument is akin to vanilla and chocolate and will last forever. Happy New Year!
I really like Ben Gordon
…but not at 13M and not with a shrinking salary cap.
It’s fun to watch him play and think “what if”.
Still, his highlights are like a 1-D movie; Scoring. No blocks, monster rebounds, assists or stops.
It's good the Bulls don't need scoring or anything.
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
Looks like the BG haters are crawling out of the wood work like roaches again.
Haven’t heard illogical ramblings from any in awhile. Still blaming Gordon while giving his teammates (Hamilton, Prince) a pass. If the Pistons remain healthy, I suspect they will get better. Please reserve your blame game until after they had a few games to play together. “It is better to be thought a fool then open your mouth and remove all doubt.” – Abe Lincoln
Sorry but I like Ben Gordon.
Riiight.
Because once Hamilton and Prince are healthy … what happens? Pistons sign a 13M SG and Rip’s injury hurts the team? He’s a SG dude. So Ben’s team needs another SG to win more games?
The NBA writers like Ben Gordon but you’d be hard pressed to find many that think Dumars didn’t overpay for the guy and also build a perimeter team that is unbalanced.
yeah, I don't like medicrity but I prefer it to being the joke of the league
it will be a long, boring ride though. Amazing how much Tyrus makes a difference, though a lot of it has to do with having no depth.
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 Jan 1, 2010 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
I don't think Toronto respects the Bulls
Maybe Luol will help with the laces in the playoffs :)
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 Jan 1, 2010 2:41 PM CST up reply actions
I posed this question elsewhere
But does this put D-Rose back in the conversation for the all-star game? I think it’s him and Rondo for the point guard spots.
Is there any way Iverson gets passed on? They have to do something. The voting system has become a complete farce with him and T-Mac in there.
"4 inches, baby!" --ripped off from Kush
i really wish
yi had managed to pass KG last year. he was close. that would have been hilarious – and then they really would have been forced to change it.
"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"
Bud Selig approves of your message.
Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 1, 2010 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
maybe we should..
load the team up with tyrus thomas like players and this bulls blogger will be happy? rarely do I read a post on here that has more positive things than negative and it is hard to believe this guy is actually a fan.. but maybe he’s right, the bulls and the “under developing” rose are just playing to eventually get crushed in the playoffs, but maybe you should make an attempt to talk about the bright spots without including the words “tyrus” and “thomas.”
"maybe you should make an attempt to talk about the bright spots without including the words "tyrus" and "thomas."
OK.
Noah
Rose
Vinny may soon be gone.
Couldn’t think of much more that could be said to brighten my day without using my namesake in a comment.
If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard
Vinny out for who?
Q:Remove VDN and who will take the midseason job?
A:No One worth having long term.
VDN has to lose the team to be fired and so far he hasn’t. The Bulls played hard enough for the the seed during the most difficult section of their season.
Pax will force him to develop the youth and not wear down out the vets. If we’re lucky, the team will stay healthy and make the 5th seed.
what do you mean lose the team?
it’s not a popularity contest…if you mean by lose that the players listen to him that’s not always a good thing especially when the coach is a freaking idiot. If you’re counting on Pax to force Vinny to play certain players what’s the point of having a coach in the first place?
Skiles lost the team and was fired.
Our coach isn’t an idiot. That’s hyperbole.
The fact the team responds and hasn’t tuned him out is why VDN is still around. Being the 7th seed validates his basic competence.
GMs and coaches have a natural tension over the roster. GMs want talent developed and coaches want to play vets to win. VDN and Pax are no different than any other NBA franchise.
Pax telling VDN to use more players isn’t coaching as much as reminding/repremanding him for not taking care of other objectives for the franchise, player development.
"Sure, Rose is looking better, but he's not really developing."
He’s been more aggressive, scoring more points, his mid-range jumpshot looks much better than last year, he’s playing relatively better defense, he’s drawing more contact and making FTs. I guess I just don’t understand your definition of ‘developing’ when it seems to me like that’s what’s going on. Regardless of the coaching situation, his game is evolving and improving.
I guess I'd just like to see him in an actual system
he seems to do best when abandoning all set plays. Which is both good and bad. His defense is still poor and the shot is the same. I do love the FTAs.
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 Jan 1, 2010 3:32 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah
I don’t know what the hell that shot-doctor did for him. I like most of his mechanics, but he still shoots without arc, and he’ll never be a three point threat if that continues. Additionally he still jumps forward sometimes when he shoots.
But all in all I think he’s developing nicely. It’s his development is limited to his personal mental approach to the game – limited because, as other scouts have pointed out, we don’t really run much of an offense.
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
by MPG on Jan 1, 2010 8:09 PM CST up reply actions
His shot looks a little better to me
He still shoots too much of a line drive but his release doesn’t have that hitch any more. It looks more fluid lately.
Fan of the Chicago Cash Cows formerly known as the Bulls
Statistically
His jumper is better this season than last, though marginally so…the shot looks better and Rose looks more confident taking it. I would consider it to an improvement in his game.
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and LLE will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
Good post, title says it all
Contrast it with how the Tribune is spinning the Bull’s recent 3 game winning streak:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-02-bulls-chicago-jan02,0,4555625.story
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
