Game Preview #49 - Bulls vs. Miami Heat
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 6, 2010 8:58 AM CST
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Print[Thanks to Bullieving in Miami for today's game preview. Both teams are desperate for a win at this juncture. -ed.]
Here it is, my Chicagonese Bulls fans. Here is your last chance to sweet talk and serenade Dwyane Wade into your arms. Here is your last chance to make the hometown superstar feel, well, at home. And you know what, it couldn't have come at a better time.
The Heat are struggling big-time, and D-Wade must feel like a very lonely man on that team. From what I've seen of Heat basketball this season, it seems as though D-Wade is perhaps coasting through this season. Its odd because I know Wade to have a great competitive fire throughout his career (I mean, he has won a championship), but the Heat are very much in the same spot as the Bulls. This is a placeholder season for them as well. Pat Riley and ownership have been pitching 2010 to Wade for about 3 years now. He has refused to re-sign with them unless they officially bring in another star to pair with him. So Wade has obliged... so far. First Round exit last season. This year? The Heat and Bulls are in a virtual tie and occupy the last 2 playoff spots in the East as of now. (don't look now but here come the Bucks... when was the last time those words were uttered? oh wait, they have a real coach) All this leads to Wade seemingly coasting through this season. He's shooting more threes and long jumpers than in years past. I just haven't seen him taking it to the bucket as much. All this leads me to back to the lonely man syndrome. I think he knows his team is going nowhere this year so he figures might as well preserve the body and prevent injury by taking it easy a bit. I know this kind of talk sounds like quitting, and I don't think anyone anywhere can possibly say Wade is a quitter, but I don't blame the man for keeping the future in mind. I'm sure he isn't happy about basically wasting these last 2 or 3 seasons, and prime years I might add.
In the month of January, Wade shot 51%FG. That's just about the highest percentage he has shot in any month since 2006 when they won the championship. Couple that with the fact the Heat lost the most games in January out of any month this season and are currently on a 4-game skid (and still have HOU and ATL after tonight's game) and you can see why he'd be a lonely man on that team. So make him feel real welcome tonight. Show him a sold-out, rowdy UC and how its better than the often-half-empty American Airlines Arena. (Miami fans are so fair-weather. I am not part of that crowd.) Oddly enough, for his career, Wade only shoots a lower FG% versus the Rockets and Lakers, so if you can't beat'em, join'em (the Bulls I mean).
I've always been on the "Sign Wade" bandwagon. For as good as Bosh and Lebron and Boozer and STAT are, none of those guys have a ring, and thats what I've seen in D-Wade since his rookie season: the man just knows how to win. Shaq was mostly irrelevant during the Finals in '06 (14pts/10rebs. not Shaq numbers by any means, even when compared to the conference finals versus Detroit) He's my favorite player in the NBA and I just don't see how you turn away HoF talent. I say get the pieces, figure it out later. He's so good he somehow keeps guys like Jermaine O'Neal and Quentin Richardson and Carlos Arroyo (FIU!!!!) hovering around .500. I really wanted to try to find stats as far as how much Rose and Wade have the ball in their hands to try to dispute the theory that they duplicate each other, but I'm not really skilled when it comes to looking up numbers like that, so maybe some of you metric stat hounds can help with that.
Considering the players on both teams, all year I've contended that I'd take our 1-8 versus Miami's 1-8 easily. So I would expect a win tonight, but we all know our 1-7 just doesn't come close to cutting it (jeez, what missing one rotation player can do to this team...). Really though, I'm looking for the Bulls to bounce back from this 3-game skid and show D-Wade which is the more promising roster. Go on home, Dwyane, go on home. (though Wade County sounds pretty cool)
GAMETIME: 7PM CST TV: WGN, NBATV
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can we play the "guess jermaine o'neals stats tonight" game?
im guessing 22/8 with 2 blocks.
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
i think he's playing on one leg at this point
my buddy and i were at work and were watching the start of Buck-Heat over the weekend, and within the first 3 minutes, “down goes O’Neal! down goes O’Neal!” he was grabbing his leg. only a matter of time. plus, Beasley has a bionic knee right now.
we went out for pizza after the game. -dave wannstedt
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 6, 2010 9:26 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
36/16/4/4/4 : (
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Feb 6, 2010 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
i cant believe you were closer than me. well done.
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
i say
17 and 7. with one block.
please let tyrus play….
I think Riley's incompetence will land Wade in Chicago next to Rose.
Riley has basically refused to bring in another star to pair with Wade, which I find quite absurd. I pretty sure he could trade O’neil and Beasly to the Suns for STAT, but he refuses to. Butler is also available and he sits on his hands.
Even if Miami lands Bosh next year and re-sign Wade, who is going to play SF? and and is Chalmers the answer at the PG spot?. Why re-sign with the Heat when he could sign with the Bulls and play next to Rose like he wanted to, when the Heat had the #2 pick? Deng will play the SF spot and is better than anyone Miami has right now at the SF spot.
Noah is better that anyone on the Heat’s roster at the center position. Plus if we dump Hinrich and Salmons we could sign Boozer to a 14 mill a year deal no problem. Then we still have Taj, JJ, Asik and whoever we pick with the 1st and 2nd round of the draft. Then once we are over the cap we can use our MLE.
Wade will be 28 next year and will know that he has about a 4 to 5 year window left in prime to win a ring. Rose will allow him to take a step back and not carry such and huge load. Not just speaking as a Bulls fan, but if i’m Wade this is a no-brainer. We can put a better team around him than Miami can or ever will. If he wants 6 years that bad we can do a sign and trade.
Homecoming
Plus a Rose and Wade All-Chicago backcourt
will go down as one of the greatest in the history of the NBA. Wade will be a legend in Chicago and go on to win multiple championships for the Bulls. Even if Wade stays in Miami a line-up of
Rose
Johnson
Deng
Boozer
Noah
looks more potent than anything Miami can build around Wade and Bosh with holes at the SF and Center spots.
Homecoming
why would u think joe jhonson would come here
by rosegirldotcom on Feb 6, 2010 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
The rumors are Joe Johnson wants to play for the Bulls.
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Feb 6, 2010 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
Yes....please explain how we'll end up with both Johnson and Boozer?
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan
I don't consider Beasley a hole at the SF slot...
He is still a young player and dude can score…
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and (there is no LLE thanks to the Pargo signing) will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
You will be sadly mistaken when Miami makes more moves than us this summer
I think Riley’s incompetence will land Wade in Chicago next to Rose.
How any Bulls fan can make such a claim given our situation is irresponsible. Here’s what you need to know about Pat Riley:
When the Heat were going no where (and had never been anywhere) back in the mid 90s, he got Alonzo Mourning (low post presence/shot blocker/>20 PER) from Charlotte, then made another trade to get Tim Hardaway and made the Heat relevant for the first time.
When that team fizzled, he lucked into- DWade, but then acquired enough assets that he could pull a trade for Shaq (only the most dominant big man of this era), and the Heat one its first title (for a franchise that’s only been around since the late 80s)
When that team fizzled, he shipped Shaq off, found suckers for bad contracts like Antoine Walker and Marcus Banks, now the Heat ALREADY HAVE DWADE and yet still have more cap space than us to make a run at Bosh AND someone else. I know they’ve tanked these last two seasons, but at least they had a plan and actually executed it……maximum cap space to make a run at TWO guys to pair with an existing max-caliber player.
Why in god’s name do you think we’ll be better off than Miami when this summer is over? And why in god’s name would DWade leave Miami for Chicago when he too knows all of this?
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan
by PeteRoc on Feb 6, 2010 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Hot dogs?
And why in god’s name would DWade leave Miami for Chicago
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Feb 6, 2010 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
Uuuggghhh read above. This is not the 90's and last I checked MJ won six times in the 90's.
I basically was saying don’t sleep on the Bulls getting Wade in 2010. We already can put a better team around him that Miami can and will have enough cap-space to get a star PF. We already have Rose, Deng and Noah, we don’t have to make 20 moves to become a contender, Miami does.
Miami has an allot of holes to fill and I think he knows that. He will at least listen to the Bulls pitch, which I think if pretty good and not irresponsible. This is why I hate some of the posters on this freaking board. To freaking negative and pessimistic, go be a Heat fan then.
Who is gonna be the SF? Dorrell Wright? Didn’t Deng torch him and Q last game? Do they pan on re-signing O’Neil to play center next year? The dude can barley walk anymore lol. Chalmers can even beat out a 34 year old Alston for the starting PG spot lol.
Who is gonna come off the bench Beasly? That’s if he doesn’t get traded.
If he stays in MIami then screw it. I will have fun watching a starting 5 of Rose/Johnson / Deng / Boozer and Noah crush them in the ECF. Rose is the future!
Homecoming
Without giving it much thought, why couldn't they do this and be better than us right off the bat?
PG Luke Ridnour [FA #2] / Mario Chalmers
SG DWade / ?
SF M. Beasley / Quentin Richardson
PF Chris Bosh (or Boozer) (or David Lee) [FA #1] / Udonis Haslem
C J. Oneil / ?
It would take one big move (Bosh/Boozer/Lee) and a smaller, secondary move to be better than us right off the bat. PLUS, Miami has TWO FIRST ROUND picks this year (courtesy of Toronto). B/c Riley has been so good at this sort of thing in the past, I’d bet my life that Beasley or one of the picks is packaged to get them a SF or PF/C.
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan
PLUS.....if they miss out on Bosh, they will get Boozer or Lee before we do.
In other words, they will get first dibs b/c they ALREADY HAVE DWADE. Why would any of those guys come here before Miami?
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan
And Miami has better weather...
And no state income tax…which equals more money!!!
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and (there is no LLE thanks to the Pargo signing) will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
The Heat do have a lot of holes
but it’s not due to incompetence from Riles. His plan is 2010 and he’s going all out for that. While it may be frustrating to Wade and I do believe he will really consider other situations, Riley has proven that he has no problem making moves. I would give him the benefit of the doubt far quicker than somebody who really has shown incompetence like say, GarPax for example.
Joakim on whether he ever tried tennis: "I played a little bit. If anybody on the Bulls wanted to play me, I would kick their ass."
Thats what i'm saying Riley wated 2 years of the guys prime
meanwhile the Cavs spend like crazy to keep Lebron.
Homecoming
neither of their GMs have actually tried to build a team around their star. thats why while i think
presti is very overrated as a GM, he does have the right idea of grabbing young athletes to grwo with your star.
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
I've put back my old signature ...
Wade 2010
Where 79-44 lead turns into a 4 point loss Happens
Wade 2010
btw
Im jealous dude..ur a Bulls fan in Miami..the Heat Arena fucking rocks..from the crowd to the announcer that likes to talk shyt. Way better experience than these lame Suns fans (no shots) -seriously, Suns fans act like spoiled kids that are never happy
Thanks for the preview
and that link to Wade throwing it down on Vajejao. WOW!
Joakim on whether he ever tried tennis: "I played a little bit. If anybody on the Bulls wanted to play me, I would kick their ass."
New coach
There is a general consesus on this board that the Bulls need a coach for next year who would be attractive to free agents. Two questions — If VDN wins a playoff series could he still be fired? Second, which coach would be attractive to free agents? I don’t think Van Gundy or Johnson, the two most frequently mentioned options, are the type of coaches players seek out. (Collins either, although D’Antoni would be.)
Don't worry
VDN won’t be winning a playoff series unless some kind of fantastic deal is made before the deadline. I think Byron Scott is known as a players coach but who knows what goes through these guys heads.
Joakim on whether he ever tried tennis: "I played a little bit. If anybody on the Bulls wanted to play me, I would kick their ass."
Who is a sure bet to be better than Vinny? - - - no it isn't anyone!
You raise the critical question when thinking about replacing Vinny. Who to get that is noticeably better? It is easy to say you don’t like Vinny but who would be a noticeable improvement? To be honest with you and with all we have written I do not have a clear choice who I feel confident would improve this team. I rule out Phil Jackson because he is not coming here.
No Tyrus, he is suspended for tonight's game
Read it on Bulls.com, suspended and for a game we actually need him in!
Do you have a link?
Thomas, Miller, Salmons, James, Pargo, Gray, MLE, and (there is no LLE thanks to the Pargo signing) will not be here with a Max Free Agent...don't get too attached.
Tyrus Thomas suspended 1 game for "conduct detrimental to the team"
I think the Bulls should suspend Vinny Del Negro for the same exact thing
- I miss Spooneybarger :(
by Mighty Healthy on Feb 6, 2010 4:47 PM CST reply actions 6 recs
Joel Anthony is gonna blow up for 50 tonight.
we went out for pizza after the game. -dave wannstedt
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 6, 2010 4:52 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
i'm wondering if i should even bother to DVR this one tonight.
it might make me depressed.
"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"
you never know
there might be another rose highlight dunk tonight.
Wow, only the Bulls could crush 2 weeks of good will from a 5 game winning streak.
This is getting to be Clipper-esque in dysfunction.
David Shuster: Tyrus was mouthing of after the game.
Thats what it’s all about. He’s very immature according to Shuster.
David Schuster Reporting
Tyrus Thomas continues to spoil the broth. As the Bulls are furiously figuring out a way to deal the disgruntled forward Thomas is increasingly making it harder. The Bulls have suspended Thomas for what they are terming “Conduct detrimental to the team”. Apparently whether on the bench or following last night’s loss in Atlanta, Thomas let his emotions be heard as he berated the coaching staff for hardly playing him. It is true that he played only 5 minutes in the first half and just 16 overall but he certainly wasn’t productive totaling just 4 points and 4 rebounds.
This is not the first time that Thomas has caused the Bulls headaches with his childish act but it comes at the most inopportune time as the Bulls are trying to talk other teams into taking him off their hands. It also comes at a time when Joakim Noah is out and other players have assorted injuries.
This story isn’t even close to over and further ramifications could follow.
-David Schuster
Great, now we just gotta lure DWade to the Bulls with Taj, Johnson and Chris Richards
2010 FTW!
"You can't give up hope just because it's hopeless! You gotta hope even more, and cover your ears and go 'bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla!'"
LOL
OMG he was as productive as John salmons 4 points 30 mins. The only people that are making this harder are the ones not playing him enough minutes to boost his trade value up..This organisation isnt turning into the clippers…THEY ARE ALREADY THERE
Not Sure I Blame VDN for Tyrus
I know we all like piling on the coach for the playing time issues with VDN, but this isn’t just VDN. We’ve had 3 coaches in Chicago with Tyrus and none of them really seem to want him on the court much. So is this a VDN thing or just an issue of NBA people knowing that he’s a crappy player and teammate? If he had some hidden talent that would suddenly turn him into a 16 and 10 guy every night, I think we would have had a coach have him on the court to show it by now.
I blame this situation on Paxson. They soured on Tyrus 2 years ago and knew he’d never be a vital cog on this team. So why didn’t Paxson unload him when he could have gotten something decent in return (mid-first rounder?). Tyrus had much more value 2 years ago and if you don’t want the guy (which they didn’t), they should have traded him. Same crap with all our players that had some decent trade value. Deng, Hinrich, and Gordon ring a bell.
it's KC Johnson
"You can't give up hope just because it's hopeless! You gotta hope even more, and cover your ears and go 'bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla!'"
Hinrich is the more likely guard to be traded between Salmons and him… fuck that. Salmons is a ball stopping shotchucker.
He also said that they’re going after one of the 2-guards and will try to do a trade for a PF… Bad idea if you ask me, but whatever. Hopefully they trade Salmons in that deal, assuming he opts in next year.
Makes sense
Grabbing either Wade or Joe Johnson and adding a decent PF would put the Bulls in a strong position. Yet to be seen if the morons in the front office can convince anyone to sign.
Richardson coming in.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
You can see it on his face..
If anyone saw the game tonight D Wade’s facial expression said it all. I need to come home, after Rose crossed over Jermaine Oneal for the and one, Wade, on the bench at the time shook his head in disbelief like we can’t anyone on this team understand what it takes to win (except for u-don and rafer). i know he doesn’t care for the coach Eric S. too much because he’s inexperienced and with that being said tonight started the campaign for the welcome home parade in this upcoming summer. I don’t know what it is with him and Kirk but every time he plays us, he’s always trying to out muscle Captain K, so i know it’s getting on his nerve because he feels like he should be the one playing for the Bulls. He already has a appreciation for Rose so if the Heat can’t make the playoffs this year then I’d say its a far gone conclusion that the Bulls will finally open up their wallets and pay the right players for championships just like every other team in the NBA.
by chi city since 78 on Feb 7, 2010 1:29 AM CST reply actions
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