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Bulls 114, Cavs 75: Bulls too big, too fast, too strong, way too good for Cavs

Yes, I shamelessly just used a King-ism as my headline. But though that's usually for the Derrick Rose, it goes to his teammates in this one. Rose sat out his 3rd straight game, but the Bulls went to 3-1 overall this season without the MVP as they completely rolled the Cavaliers Friday night.

Like against Phoenix, the Bulls took an initial hit but were able to assert their will and take advantage of a smaller opponent. Per the CSN postgame, the 16 blocks tonight were a franchise record, led by 7 from the expected trio of Noah/Gibson/Asik. Somehow Carlos Boozer had 2, usually a season total for him. Poor Tristan Thompson not only had 4 attempts sent back going 2-10 overall he very early became the designated 'opposing player Neil Funk shits on all game' of the night (sponsored by LensCrafters). It wasn't just the Bulls superlative front line using their size advantage on the Cavs, it was evident all over the court from their guards and wings as well. Luol Deng and Rip Hamilton joined in on being about to out-muscle whoever was put on them, and it's startling how two star-less teams can still be so different when you realize that though there's designations such as 'starters' or 'role players', how wide of a spectrum there is in this league.

CJ Watson continued his extremely strong play since returning from injury, with a great scoring efficiency (15 on 8 shots) adding to what we know he can do with his defense and (improved) floor game. Being matched up with Kyrie Irving stood to be perhaps one matchup the Cavs could win, but outside of a really fast offensive start from Irving and his team (starting 6 of 8 from three) Watson dominated. Interesting that Irving was limited to under 23 minutes which has been a reported strategy of Byron Scott. If you have the #1 pick on a rebuilding team, don't you just throw him out there to gain as much experience as possible?

Carlos Boozer (who I totally forgot the Cleveland fans hated) really fed well off the Bulls drives and made another killing from outside (not exclusively) tonight, finishing with 19 points to go with 14 boards. He was part of a huge run in the 3rd quarter that put the game out of reach, and I have to admit I grinned when Stacey King busted out 'Booze Cruise!' after Boozer scoring streak. Like the Suns game, it was against a team that couldn't really match up with him (and pity the undersized forward who loses his athleticism, here's to Antawn Jamison). But like I said then, Booz rolling against these teams is better than the alternative, and maybe it's the start to getting his season on track in time for more formidable front lines. Joakim Noah looks to be on a similar course, with fewer gimmee misses and mishandled attempts that now makes his style of play look actually effective again instead of merely active.

Thibodeau responded postgame to a well-pointed question that it doesn't matter who's on the schedule for the Bulls, Derrick Rose's playing time is up to whether Rose feels good to play. Besides, there are now other injuries to worry about! Taj Gibson sprained an ankle in the 2nd quarter and though he stayed in after asking for a timeout he was soon ruled out for the rest of the night. John Lucas (who had a great game tonight, 9 points in 9 minutes) pulled his groin in the 2nd half, and looked to be no old friend of Thibs as Lucas had to intentionally foul someone to get himself out. Postgame, Lucas said he's fine for Saturday night and Taj isn't sure. Joakim Noah had a very similar sequence to Taj in requesting a timeout, but managed to stay in without issue.

This lockout-schedule really is a bummer sometimes, but with the precious couple days of rest the Bulls looked dominant even without their most dominating player. And tonight garbage time started so early (over 9 minutes) that they could potentially look just as great at home Saturday night against the Bobcats. Let's hope Derrick himself (or an Org. nudge...or Thibs is just fronting) sees how the team can play without him against opponents like this and realizes rest is best.

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The one thing I took from this game was that the trio of Boozer, Watson, and Rip is very potent on offense.

Each of them were creating space for the other and Noah benefited as a result. All of them shot over 50% and scored in double figures, but let’s be honest; Cleveland gave up. We came out and played harder, tougher, and in waves. They crumbled. It helps me feel a bit better about Rose sitting to let that toe heal, but the only thing that will truly take the anxiety away would be for him to say the toe was healed and completely pain-free.

"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."
- Carlos Boozer after cancelling an interview with a Sports Illustrated reporter because his wife was expecting him home.

by Brigade17 on Jan 20, 2012 11:39 PM CST reply actions  

Cleveland was playing very hard through that first half

Even tho they went down by 20, when we hit em in the 3rd and got it into upper 20s they gave up.

I think we were just on in all facets yesterday. If our other guys can do that more often I don’t see any team beating us in a series when Derrick is back—problem is we need to see that mas often

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 8:08 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

To use an oft-misused cliche...

Rip does seem to make the other 4 players on offense better, particularly the big guys. His ability to move fluidly with and without the ball and to distribute to Booz and Noah after a catch on those off-the-ball screen is something no one else on this team has. We see Korver try to make those passes but they never work for some reason. And I’ve always believed that Rose has been pretty bad in feeding Boozer, in particular, in ways Boozer needs to be fed, to get him shots at/around the rim.

by msquared10 on Jan 21, 2012 11:54 AM CST up reply actions  

agreed, and...

I’m sorry to say that Rose is simply not a very good passer. Rip is excellent, and, as you point out, he is far more effective than Korver at quickly distributing to the right teammate when he can’t (or doesn’t want to) quickly shoot.

He is also excellent on the break, another piece of the puzzle that the Bulls were previously lacking.

by Paul Warfield on Jan 21, 2012 1:11 PM CST up reply actions  

CJ just seems like a completely different player starting instead of coming off the bench

He seems like one of those exceptions where translating per-minutes stats just doesn’t work.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Jan 21, 2012 12:31 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

And CJ would actually

Pass to Boozer. Seriously did Booz shit in his sportsbag or something. WTF JL3? lol

"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"

by T.Moore on Jan 21, 2012 1:21 AM CST up reply actions  

cj would actually pass to ANYONE...

Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.

by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST

by Jaina on Jan 21, 2012 9:07 AM CST up reply actions  

I don't think its because he's starting, it's because he's actually getting minutes

I mean, last year he basically played 2, 5 minute stretches each half (and sometimes not even that). I’m not a professional basketball player, but it has to be extremely difficult to perform when you play so infrequently. That’s also why it was ridiculous for people to bag on his performance.

Once Rose comes back, I’d really like to see him play less minutes. That way, when he’s out there, he can assert himself even more. I think sometimes he has to put it in cruise control to try and regain some energy, but that’s totally unnecessary with this team.

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 1:37 AM CST up reply actions  

Good point

It was basically all on him to do everything at times last year

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 1:54 AM CST up reply actions  

I think cj was essentially the same last yr (as in top backup Pg 1-5 best)

Last yr but it took him until Jan or feb to get there mostly bc he had to learn thibs 2 way system and in the first few months he looked awful while learning a real NBA style (and not just Nellie ball)

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 8:11 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

great point

I think last year was a learning experience for a great deal of the team… not just CJ, since many players only knew VDN’s way of doing things before Thibs.

by 72-10 on Jan 21, 2012 8:55 AM CST up reply actions  

lol

Hope you didn’t take that as an insult. Being divorced myself it struck me as something a lot of married people could relate to.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jan 21, 2012 2:15 PM CST up reply actions  

no.

i figured. i was just messing around, i’ve had the same girlfriend for like 12 years or something.

by obnoxious american on Jan 23, 2012 8:41 AM CST up reply actions  

Yes, CJ didn't do it all

He played like a point guard, not a ball hog at the local gym.

by abock15 on Jan 21, 2012 10:38 AM CST up reply actions  

I'll give Nick Friedell some credit

at least he’s writing articles like this one, not only questioning Thibs’ attitude about Rose’s injury, but using players’ statements to do so. This kind of article is typically way out of K.C.’s wheelhouse.

That seems to be the obvious answer and it also seems like that is the one Thibodeau’s players are not so subtlety pushing for.

“You never want anyone hurt,” Deng said. [But] Derrick should take his time. This is great for the guys that don’t play much, to be out there and get a little run."

Thibodeau should heed his players’ advice when it comes to this particular topic.

I’m not sure I like the way Thibs is publicly putting the burden solely on Rose to decide whether he’s ready to play, especially if the injury is something that could become much worse if he comes back too early. The players seem to see the big picture, anyway.

by bryield on Jan 20, 2012 11:51 PM CST reply actions  

Totally agree on both points

KC wouldn’t write something like that, and Thibs needs to quit it with the “He can play when he feels like it” stuff. Makes it look like Derrick just can’t deal with playing a little hurt

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 1:41 AM CST up reply actions  

I agree, how hard is to give a completely vanilla answer

something along the lines of “I’ll talk to Derrick, talk to the doctors and talk to the coaches before the game and make a determination then”. As a head coach part of your responsibility to insulate players by taking the media/fan blow. For example, when Jeff Van Gundy complained the refs were biased against Yao.

by chowder on Jan 21, 2012 1:46 AM CST up reply actions  

And just as bad as that it makes it look like Thibs and the trainers are incompetent.

I mean come on…I don’t believe that the medical staff doesn’t have the ability to pull Rose if need be. But him commenting like this more than once this year lead you to come to that conclusion. I know a coach doesn’t have the chance to filter off the cuff stuff in interviews but I do think he will learn from this as head coach eventually. Much as I hope he is learning to restrict minutes. He’s a defensive genius to be sure but is young as a head coach.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jan 21, 2012 11:20 AM CST up reply actions  

Thibs just wants his guys to be honest with them

If you don’t lay it out there as the player’s decision then they’ll just lie to you and tell you it doesn’t hurt when it still does. It creates a bad environment. These guys are adults (all be it young ones) treat them as such!

by 72-10 on Jan 21, 2012 8:57 AM CST up reply actions  

classic

“cut off your nose to spider face”

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08

by Fukudometer on Jan 21, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions  

for all intensive purposes

"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."

by boyonthedock on Jan 21, 2012 1:47 PM CST up reply actions  

He's not putting it solely on Rose

He’s putting it on the doctors and Rose, which makes sense since he’s not a doctor and only Rose knows how his body feels. If the doctors tell him that the player is ready to go and the player says they feel ready to play, Thibs is going to go ahead and take them at their word. It sounds like Rose has learned his lesson about being the tough guy with his statements about feeling regret.

by runningman on Jan 21, 2012 11:03 AM CST up reply actions  

I think Thibs may be also just giving the league respect

not saying outright that the Bulls are playing shitty teams so it’s more OK to sit Rose.

He probably has to be that way, and it’s some fronting with him/Org./doctors doing the long-term planning for the season.

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 21, 2012 11:38 AM CST up reply actions  

I didn't think about that

but it’s a great point showing respect to other teams

by bryield on Jan 21, 2012 12:17 PM CST up reply actions  

We can disagree over the subtleties of his comments

That’s fine. But, it seems pretty clear to me that most of Thibs’ statements about Rose’s return have been in a “he’ll play when he feels ready” tone, not “when the doctors say it’s ok.” And, maybe those two are the same thing. But, after Rip’s decision to come back too early, followed by making his injury worse, I’m not so sure.

In fact, in one of KC’s recent articles he quoted Thibs saying (paraphrasing, sorry) that if Rose can tolerate the pain he’ll play, followed by a quip that “this is the NBA.”

by bryield on Jan 21, 2012 11:45 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions  

i saw rip post ups

I like posting up from our 2 guard

By popular demand I am putting a moratorium on the Melo talk until the Knicks win the title in June.

by sin on Jan 20, 2012 11:58 PM CST reply actions  

miami will still be a problem

i think miamis biggest weakness on defense is 3pt shooting. Wade and lebron are often so busy roaming trying to help the paint where its so weak, that there are always areas on the perimeter that can beat them. I mean the teams that beat miami are minni, golden state, and atlanta…all three teams have a bunch of good shooters from the outside on them, if you want to include last years playoffs, dallas also a good 3pt shooting team.

Yet when miami without lebron and wade played atlanta, they were able to get a win (albeit an ugly one) i think offensively miami suffered, but the lack of wade and lebron forced the miami team defense to really tighten up on defense (couple with atlanta coming out lackadaisical)

I feel the 2/3 zone and 3 pt shooting is the key to killing the heat

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 1:33 AM CST up reply actions  

That is odd

because I felt one of the strengths of Miami’s team in playing the Bulls in the ECF was their ability to close on the 3 point shooters. Wade, Lebron etc had enough athletic ability to help/clog the lane against Rose preventing him from full penetration, yet still close out on the shooter if Rose kicked it out.

by chowder on Jan 21, 2012 1:49 AM CST up reply actions  

in miami we really only had two shooters on the floor at any given time

im not counting rose because i dont think his 3pt shooting is still at a point where its really a threat, a team like miami would want rose shooting 3s instead of driving. Deng and bogans were the only ones who could hit a shot, And bogans primarily just sat in a corner. I think that made it easier to defend for sure. I figure with deng and rip running around and catching and shooting from beyond the arch is gonna cause mayhem for the heat.

I think part of why miami picked up shane battier is so that lebron could stay closer to home and roam around more while it was shane who chased the small forward around on screens, allowing lebron to help protect the paint from any of the perimeter guys mistakes. The heats defense is still primarily lebron and wade and their ability react to plays….very jordan and scottie-ish, at least in that regard

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 2:00 AM CST up reply actions  

Call me skeptical

But if we play Miami in the ECF, I don’t think the Bulls’ three point shooting will improve that much. Rip isn’t a great three point shooter, and Deng and Korver will have the same issues as last year. The one thing Rip will be able to do effectively, is not allow the person that would have been guarding Bogans/Brewer to play the lane. Rip is smart enough to cut or find space for Rose to drop him a pass, allowing hamilton to use his quick release and put up a quality 2 point look.

by chowder on Jan 21, 2012 2:17 AM CST up reply actions  

no i think you are right

i think im rushing my conclusions at any rate. its possible miamis real weakness is just having to guard more than one perimeter threat since all the teams i listed also have more 2 or more guys who can create their own shot…..ahhh its late

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 2:20 AM CST up reply actions  

i would think Miami's strength is closing on 3 pt shooters

Wade and LeBron are probably 2 of the top 5 perimeter defenders in the league. I researched it though and Miami is actually 27th in the league in opponent 3 pt % (bulls are 24th in case you were wondering)

http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/team/_/stat/defense-per-game/sort/threePointFieldGoalPctOpponent

by TheHungarianJordan on Jan 21, 2012 10:53 AM CST up reply actions  

using last years stats is probably more telling

since both teams have practically the same squads as last year. Bulls were #1 and Miami #9.

by RoseTyrusMancrush on Jan 21, 2012 11:54 AM CST up reply actions  

Brewer

Could actually make them pay this year too it seems… the dude is playing great so far!

by 72-10 on Jan 21, 2012 8:59 AM CST up reply actions  

true, but it is a solid position to pass out of...

just so we get some different half-court looks…

same goes for Deng… I am surprised we are not talking about Deng posting up more when he has the ball.. I mean I like his slashing off the ball, but we need as much post-game out of him as we do of Boozy…

Taj MaBall

by inkybreath on Jan 21, 2012 11:18 AM CST up reply actions  

I seriously didn't even know

how much I missed Watson and Hamilton until they came back.
Our offense is staggeringly great, one of the best ALL TIME,
but this offense is crazy smooth. Hamilton is an insane passer from the sides.
I love that extended pick-n-roll play Watson, Hamilton and a big guy run, where the big guy sets a screen for Watson to run from the top of the key to the arc on one side and pass it to Hamilton at about 18 ft while the big guy starts towards the basket. Then Hamilton seems to always make the right decision to shoot, pass it in, or sometimes even throw it cross court when the defense responds well.
Anyway, I’m gushing. That game was great to see with Rose out, and this Cavs team isn’t the same as last year, they had a legitimate shot.
Love this team.

by Micdiddy on Jan 21, 2012 1:12 AM CST reply actions  

And

We didn’t let them off the hook!

"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"

by T.Moore on Jan 21, 2012 12:26 PM CST up reply actions  

Yep and one game.

Games like this happen during the year with an opponent like the Cavs, and with two days rest.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jan 21, 2012 11:29 AM CST up reply actions  

This was the worst home loss in cavs history.

it does not happen all the time. remember miami destroying them last year? this was worse.

"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."

by boyonthedock on Jan 21, 2012 1:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Yes that's true.

My point however was that one game doesn’t make a fearsome offense without Rose, or make Booze and Noah consistent. Much as I enjoyed it and enjoyed seeing the bench do so well. Perhaps substituting “Games like this” with “Blowouts” would make a better point.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jan 21, 2012 2:19 PM CST up reply actions  

I know

But how the hell is Cleveland the current 7th seed in the east? How the hell is Cleveland NOT a high lottery team?

by chowder on Jan 21, 2012 1:22 PM CST up reply actions  

Totally agree on Rip

I think the most important thing is that it gives us four legit scoring threats on the court, and just that looks to be an immense help. Then you add in the way he keeps the ball moving, and plays so well off everyone else, and it’s a near perfect fit

But more than anything it just reinforces how right we were for freaking out about Bogans last year.

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 1:51 AM CST up reply actions  

its funny cuz before this year

i would have said i hate rip and his personality and how i think hes a jerk. But man watching him play with this team, i think hes a terrific team mate. He knows his shots, and when he doesnt have it hes a terrific passer. Like a more athletic kyle korver.

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 2:02 AM CST up reply actions  

Same here

Remnants of his fights with Kirk and I think Ben too, I always dismissed him as the lucky mid range dog playing with Billups and Sheed and big Ben and thus looking better because of it, but he really looks solid even 2-3 yrs from his likely prime

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 8:16 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

he's dialed down the bitchness

by a huge degree. the pistons must have been a bunch of douches or something. being on a team without any real buttheads must have straightened him out.

by obnoxious american on Jan 21, 2012 8:35 AM CST up reply actions  

Yeah... I'm really impressed by Hamilton also

When the Bulls played the Magic a few weeks ago, a commenter on Orlando Pinstriped Post said that he thinks that Hamilton will hurt the Bulls, because he takes too many shots and isn’t that good defensively like Bogans was.

That sure hasn’t been the case so far; when healthy, Rip has been doing a great job of fitting in on offense and he’s an underrated passer also.

He knows what it takes to win.

Chicago Blackhawks... 2010 Stanley Cup Champions, and contenders for 2012
Chicago Bears... as many playoff wins this year as Green Bay... zero
Orlando Magic... 2009 Eastern Conference Champions, and contenders for 2012

by Mike from Illinois on Jan 21, 2012 2:01 AM CST up reply actions  

underrated defender as well

and yea, i remember that post

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 2:03 AM CST up reply actions  

Rip is an underrated defender?

I would say the exact opposite. He has not been defending well this year.

by tuluse on Jan 21, 2012 2:51 AM CST up reply actions  

beautiful thing is...

if he has an off game on D and isn’t making up for it on the other end, Thibs can always bring in Brewer. This is truly a complete team as constructed. Gar-Pax has built something fun to watch! That 1.7% didn’t hurt either of course.

by 72-10 on Jan 21, 2012 9:07 AM CST up reply actions  

yeah, well I'll give him a pass on a short sample...

coming off a groin injury… I would think that is the hardest part about playing is adjusting to another player’s moves…

Taj MaBall

by inkybreath on Jan 21, 2012 11:19 AM CST up reply actions  

If Booz really keeps shooting that well

his new style will be better than the old one to face MIA, I think

by JustAnotherFan on Jan 21, 2012 1:24 PM CST up reply actions  

I really like the word "jumper-iffic"

is it an omairism or did you find it somewhere?

Let us cavort like the Greeks of old! You know the ones I mean.

by hedonism bot on Jan 21, 2012 4:29 PM CST up reply actions  

pure omairism

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 4:46 PM CST up reply actions  

boozer is looking good.

He needs to delete those running leaners though. All attempts (if i recall correctly) in this game resulted in either boozer getting blocked or getting called for the charge.

by haypete on Jan 21, 2012 4:42 PM CST up reply actions  

What says more than anything about how good Rip is,

is that fact that all those pre-season “shouldn’t we have kept Bogans for the minimum?” comments have completely and utterly stopped.
It would look wasteful and foolish to have Bogans warming up that bench and it would have been a bigger insult to him. Everytime he got thrown in for garbage time would have looked bad. I think we gave him a fair send-off and the chance to keep playing with a team that’ll use him (if they want him, though so far no one has).
Hamilton is our man.

by Micdiddy on Jan 21, 2012 4:44 PM CST up reply actions  

you sort of remind me of wjb

with the way you present stats and how they fare historically or nationally…..its pretty awesome

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 1:34 AM CST up reply actions  

And no Hinrich nonsense!

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 1:52 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

but i miss the hinrich nonsense

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 2:04 AM CST up reply actions  

haha, I forgot, weren't you a big Hinrich guy too?

Myself, I am LOVING the no Hinrich era. I just got tired of his game. I always liked him, and he was a very good Bull, but I think the relationship ran it’s course. Too foul-y, too reach-y, too dribble-y, and the jump shot inconsistency bugged me

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 2:28 AM CST up reply actions  

I miss the mopey Iowan tagline

I still don’t know what happened to his game as in he was much better in his first 3-4 yrs than he’s been in his “prime”, but he is better than his stats. I’d just rather have a 2 guard than Kirk out of position

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 8:21 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

Theres far too many reasons for me to adequetly explain why im such a big hinrich fan

I didnt go to Kansas or watch him play there, the first time i watched him play was more or less out of boredom when i moved to the then inhabited bolingbrook (a new neighborhood/subdivision surrounded by nothing by farm, after spending 14 years in Franklin Park, learning the bulls had finally made the playoffs i turned on a game just to watch hinrich drop his playoff high. Up till that point i didnt know white guards that lacked athleticism could be that dominant in games, after all the last remnants of nba basketball i watched was the bulls final championship, which at the time to me was more akin to a superhero tv show where jordan was the hero and the bulls the good guys…

Eventually they built a park near my house, and the only way i could interact with people was to play basketball, and the more i watched hinrich the more i found a sort of connection with his playing style, since i always liked playing defense and shooting 3s…

In that since he became sort of an idol for me in terms of how i molded my own basketball game, and its where my perfectly illogical fan-boyism stems from. Now its less of that same idolizing, but like how many of us hold certain nostalgic memories in high regards knowing its not actually all that, thats how i still feel of hinrich. I still think his style of play and his game have merits, more because i embody that in my own game, but i also get he will never be the all-star i once imagined he would become.

I still believe he could be productive, and has been productive away from the bulls. I still think this blog is just as biased because hinrich in a sense represents many of what went wrong with this organization, he is the embodiment of Paxsons initial team design, the skiles era, and the embodiment of ben gordon no longer being a bull, and so i feel people shoot him down more because of those reasons as opposed to him playing basketball.

The guy is never gonna be a dominant player or a star player, but i hate that people act like hes just as bad as pargo or something, sure he had flaws, but he was and still is a great ball player

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 1:27 PM CST up reply actions  

fuck

i ranted

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 1:27 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

See I like hinrich

And it’s a diff story, I first really learned of Kirk in college his sr year. I was a yr out or so and was still then really following my Marquette team with Wade. Marquette was solid and Wade was then horribly underrated (people difnt think his game would translate) but Wade blew up against then number one thought to be unbeatable KY—with Bogans mind you—and Wade almost single handily beat KY posting a triple double and my rolled into the final four to play ks.

I had seen a ks game here or there but never saw anything too much from Kirk tho collison was awesome in college.

So anyway I went up to mile to watch that final four at major goolsby’s across the street from the Bradley venter and almost from the tip Kirk amazed and his team crushed my Marquette by 30-35 pts if was embarrassing.

So when the draft came of course Wade was still underrated and I thought as did the analysts we’d get him but in the end we got Kirk and I thought he was a decent pick.

I actually went to his first game -he was sick or something and missed the first few games (bulls tix were dirt cheap since we sucked) and I remember he came on and gave us a spark.

Then the next few yrs he got better and he’s the guy I attribute to turn around our laughably bad team back to respectability and that’s why I am and will be a Kirk fan.

I still think he’s better than his numbers and a great defender, but I do wonder what happened to the almost all star Kirk….still puzzling that the 05-06 yr turned him from legitimate pseudo premier Pg and turned him by losing confidence into a role player so early on in his career

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 3:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

wjb once made an interesting critique

citing that from 05-08, every offseason he kept putting on alot of muscle weight, mainly because on defense he was constantly delegated to guarding the teams best perimeter player, often a sg, and he needed the muscle mass to body up with them and not get posted up (in the year we went to the second round, both billups and rip took turns posting up hinrich) however that added weight really affected parts of his game. He lost a lot of quickness for the most part. He was never an explosive athlete to begin with, but his frame was thinly built and his game was sort of built around a sort of decieving amount of quickness he possessed, but the top heavy-ness of his added muscle took that away, making it harder for him to really stay with some pgs, or be as much of a threat off the dribble.

A second thing, that i feel it had an affect on, was his shots. Its not a big secret that when you work out your arms enough, and add alot of muscle there, it affects your shot mechanics because of now the extra force you are generating. Adding that to the constant thumb injuries he kept getting, and i think that explains why his shot was so badly affected especially in the last few years as a bull.

You also have factors like vdn’s terrible coaching, then playing with an immature wizards team, and a hawks team that hes never really had a chance to settle in with, and to me it seems alot of his woes came from being thrust into constantly poor situations after his one real bad year.

I always thought hinrich would have been terrific in a thibs system, defensively and offensively, and im hoping he gets a chance to play in it, or just finds a team that can actually make better use of him and is winning….id like for the last couple years of his career to be as good as his first couple years production wise

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 3:39 PM CST up reply actions  

I rem that post

And it does make sense.

I still think hinrich is good but I do think he lost some confidence. A good coach (like thibs) may work him back—I mean look what thibs has done for deng—he’s now no longer disappearing in the 4th

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 22, 2012 11:01 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

Did wjb stop posting

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 8:17 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

I think she said she was a Hinrich fan way more than a Bulls fan

When he went to the Hawks, she went to Peachtree Hoops. Think she commented a few times during the playoffs last year

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 9:12 AM CST up reply actions  

In other words

she will be back next year

by JustAnotherFan on Jan 21, 2012 1:26 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Wow so that was over a yr ago

She was good, I don’t remember the specifics but the name… Maybe like piccolo us hinting fans stick together

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 3:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

this post started awesome until

I got to the 2nd to last paragraph and then it turned into a horror movie ..seriously wtf just happened…did we just lose 3 people tonight?

by Belize on Jan 21, 2012 1:50 AM CST via mobile reply actions  

The worst part of the Gibson injury is that we may be subjected to an entire game of Scalabrine madness tomorrow.

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 2:30 AM CST up reply actions  

hoping maybe it means some JOMER time!

even if scal does have to play real minutes… :(

Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.

by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST

by Jaina on Jan 21, 2012 9:09 AM CST up reply actions  

Now THAT would be fun

Have those two even been on the floor together? It feels like I’ve never seen it, although I guess it could’ve happened a couple times, briefly

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 9:14 AM CST up reply actions  

i believe last year, yes

could be wrong about that

Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.

by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST

by Jaina on Jan 21, 2012 11:45 AM CST up reply actions  

People need to really notice what Gar has done so far

Also, don’t know of anyone has ever one COY twice in a row but if there ever was a time ….

by Option27 on Jan 21, 2012 2:01 AM CST via mobile reply actions   1 recs

WHY HE NO DRAFT MARSHON BROOKS???

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 2:31 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

For the record, I was being sarcastic here

I couldn’t care less about him passing on Marshon Brooks. I like the Mirotic pick

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 4:26 PM CST up reply actions  

yeah, CJ Watson is just fantastic pro scouting on their end

I almost want to give Gar credit for the Asik pick too even though it was technically Pax.

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 21, 2012 11:41 AM CST up reply actions  

That was definitely an off the radar move

I barely knew who he was when the Bulls got him. It really put into perspective how much Hinrich was overpaid though.

by runningman on Jan 21, 2012 1:41 PM CST up reply actions  

He's getting snubbed this year I can already smell it.

Even the GM’s list of who they think will win didn’t include him in the top 5. I think Thibs deserve the award just as much this year as last if not more. Last year he was part of the story and the historic rise of the Bulls, this year the defense is EVEN BETTER and already breaking records.
Not to mention the offense is better, the games without Rose speak volumes to how well Thibs can draw up good offensive schemes. And the unity of this team, held together by all buying into Thibs’ system, also shows what a leader he his.

by Micdiddy on Jan 21, 2012 4:51 PM CST up reply actions  

my favorite line

bq Poor Tristan Thompson not only had 4 attempts sent back going 2-10 overall he very early became the designated ‘opposing player Neil Funk shits on all game’ of the night (sponsored by LensCrafters)

thats gold yfbb

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 2:17 AM CST reply actions  

Wow, there's gotta be some amazing photoshop opportunities with this one

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 2:32 AM CST up reply actions  

I'm on it.

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08

by Fukudometer on Jan 21, 2012 10:58 AM CST up reply actions  

That's classic.

I thought rays of light behind his body would be cool too. He seems to have been picked long ago as the chosen one by even opposition fans.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jan 21, 2012 11:34 AM CST up reply actions  

Make one of Scal as a flasher.

Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek

by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 21, 2012 2:01 PM CST up reply actions  

ugh

so close to a flagging

"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard

by SidM on Jan 23, 2012 10:37 AM CST up reply actions  

Fantastic

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 4:27 PM CST up reply actions  

Boo he's the one player I hate on our team

I see it as racist how people clamor for him and not for the young rook butler or the d league guys who gave worked their butt off for a chance in the league and instead we have to cheer for this guy cuz he’s white and has befriended some coaches…I mean he’s earned like 30m in his career as a bottom 5 player. Boo.

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 8:27 AM CST via mobile up reply actions   1 recs

awe, comeon man

lighten up. He’s the victory cigar incarnate. Like when the 90’s Bulls brought out big Dicky Simpkins.

Sadly the 99 team actually started Dicky.

by 72-10 on Jan 21, 2012 9:16 AM CST up reply actions  

I don't like him cause he's white

I like he because he seems like I really good guy and teammate and it gives me an decidedly average guy to cheer for who made it to the NBA. Its no different than cheering for the last guy off the bench in a high school basketball game and hoping he scores a point

WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan

Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)

"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
to be as bad a WCG Contributor as you are an announcer/authority on anything. Peace be with you. " (JoetheBoss)

by ThorCo on Jan 21, 2012 9:41 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

I don’t like him cause he’s white

ha! racist

by obnoxious american on Jan 21, 2012 9:50 AM CST up reply actions  

white on white hating

WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan

Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)

"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
to be as bad a WCG Contributor as you are an announcer/authority on anything. Peace be with you. " (JoetheBoss)

by ThorCo on Jan 21, 2012 2:52 PM CST up reply actions  

ya i dont like him just cuz he's white

honestly, he’s what you would want out of every 12th man..he works his butt off..always comes in ready..and ive heard hes a great practice player..steel sharpens steel in this locker room

by Belize on Jan 21, 2012 10:56 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Really?

You had to play that card…wow. I’ve never heard anyone think that and I’m not gonna worry about why you think so. Big debbie downer moment here.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jan 21, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions  

I'm white and I find it racist

I guess if he was anything more than a bottom 5 player in his 10yrs in the league or thereabouts I’d feel differently, or if he made 40-50k a year, but I hate that he steals time from potential players and even better than him d leaguers. I mean if he was our asst. coach fine or if the Boston and now our fans didn’t clamor for him so much I’d feel differently.

I think he’s a jamoke icon mostly cuz he’s white… I wouldn’t see Boston or sadly our fans going so nuts if he was the same guy he is now but had a diff skin tone.

I don’t know maybe I think a guy making 1.2m should reasonably earn that….

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 21, 2012 3:35 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

dont blame it on scal

thats out of his hands. blame it on the racist yuppies who come to bulls game and are also the same idiots that demand big macs and go nuts for cuppy cup race.

Under construction.

by anorexorcist on Jan 21, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions  

cuppy coffee wins most of the time

because it is the cheapest item on the menu

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 12:26 PM CST up reply actions  

Haha I always laugh

at the idiots screaming for the bagel. Not only is he the heaviest motherfucker out there having a heart attack by lap 2, but he’s also the most ‘spensive to Dunkin D’s.

Biggie sucks.

by Bin Bin on Jan 21, 2012 4:55 PM CST up reply actions  

my mom doesn't even drink coffee

yet she’s obsessed with cuppy… she is sad when he doesn’t win LOL

Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.

by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST

by Jaina on Jan 21, 2012 5:50 PM CST up reply actions  

Here's a hint

the Indian guy who works at DD doesn’t know who wins the race, so every game card is a “winner”.

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08

by Fukudometer on Jan 21, 2012 6:05 PM CST up reply actions  

That is who I blame it on

And sadly I see it with scal—it was nice to see scal play and do a few things yesterday

The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

by majoyenrac on Jan 22, 2012 11:02 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

Scal is a singularity

We didn’t clamor for aaron gray in blowouts. Boston didn’t have harangody chants in theirs (arguably just as white and goofy and nailed to the bench as scal). He probably wouldn’t enjoy as much love as a bench guy if he wasn’t white, but it is far from the only reason people love him.

"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."

by boyonthedock on Jan 21, 2012 1:59 PM CST up reply actions  

I agree with you, but I also hate the chants for even another reason too

It was a Boston thing. Come on guys. Stealing other team’s gimmicks is just so lame, and taking it from Boston is about the worst we could do.

by tuluse on Jan 21, 2012 4:32 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

this guy

i bet he hears rocky theme music in his brain or something in that vein…maybe the superman theme..i mean, just look at that focus…he could be a motivational poster

by Belize on Jan 21, 2012 9:52 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

One other point that I haven't seen brought up

It’s likely no coincidence that the Bulls come out looking unstoppable after their first two day rest of the season. I think a lot of the players like Noah and Deng (scoring wise) have been especially affected by the schedule, perhaps more than we thought. Once the schedule lightens even more, and we get everyone back, it will be really interesting to see how we look

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 3:00 AM CST reply actions  

On the ESPN NBA Today podcast a few days ago, I heard a pretty interesting point about fatigue

Tim Legler was talking about fatigue during this season, and he mentioned that he thinks it is the most overrated concept that the media discusses. He basically said that travel will wear on players a lot, but if they are actually playing in games, they are for the most part in good enough shape that adrenaline will carry them through the game without making them feel tired. Looking at Deng out there sometimes, I’m not sure I agree completely with him but it’s food for thought coming from an nba veteran.

by TheHungarianJordan on Jan 21, 2012 10:58 AM CST up reply actions  

Offense is down dramatically this year

and the most likely explanation is fatigue. It may not make a difference during an average year, but it sure looks like it’s having an impact this year.

by runningman on Jan 21, 2012 11:17 AM CST up reply actions  

Probably has more to do with the lack of practice.

"Before the game, we all thought he’d get 20 (points)," Chicago’s Kyle Korver said. "We didn’t know he’d shoot 28." - speaking about JLIII

by chicity773 on Jan 21, 2012 11:51 AM CST up reply actions  

agreed

A higher level of fatigue across the league might actually increase scoring? I would expect that exhaustion would show itself more on the defensive end of the floor, rather than on offense.

by folky15 on Jan 21, 2012 12:16 PM CST up reply actions  

Why does practice affect the ability to make a shot?

They’re not taught how to shoot during practice. Shooting is the one thing they can practice as much as they want without the need of teammates, plus they still have shootarounds on game days. It’s not like the offensive sets are changed very much either. I don’t think there’s any basketball player out there that will tell you that being tired doesn’t affect their jumpshot. Unless we assume that these guys are so well conditioned that 6 games in 8 nights has no effect on them, I don’t see how it would be dismissed as a factor.

by runningman on Jan 21, 2012 12:54 PM CST up reply actions  

Less practice means that offensive sets won't be executed as well.

Fatigue is also a factor, but it also stands to reason that fatigue would lead to worse defense as well.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Jan 21, 2012 12:56 PM CST up reply actions  

You don't have to have great form to play defense

Both the offensive and defensive player will be a step slower, but there’s no defensive equivalent to shooting with poor form. When I see Luol out there in his 44th minute, he’s still staying in front of his man, but his jumpshot looks like crap.

by runningman on Jan 21, 2012 2:04 PM CST up reply actions  

I disagree

I’ve seen Deng exhausted to the point where he isn’t fighting through screens like we’re used too.

by tuluse on Jan 21, 2012 4:33 PM CST up reply actions  

Sure there is

Getting lazy and failing to get into a good defensive stance can easily lead to a guy blowing by you for an easy bucket.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Jan 21, 2012 4:53 PM CST up reply actions  

shooting in an open gym is nothing like shooting in a game

you cant do scrimmages on your own.

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jan 21, 2012 1:29 PM CST up reply actions  

Well, the days in which they would do scrimmages

They’re actually playing games, so it’s not like they’re shooting any less. Does your shooting percentage go up the day after a scrimmage, vs the day after a game?

by runningman on Jan 21, 2012 1:42 PM CST up reply actions  

Offense is also down dramatically at the start of every season, and picks up as the season goes on.

Comparisons to previous full season numbers should not be made at this point. Although it is understandably down a little bit more this season relative to the early part of previous seasons, but when most of training camp was also missed the increased frequency of games can’t be considered the sole reason.

by Scotter on Jan 21, 2012 4:03 PM CST up reply actions  

This was actually their 2nd two day rest.

After the GS lost, they had two full days off as well.

"Before the game, we all thought he’d get 20 (points)," Chicago’s Kyle Korver said. "We didn’t know he’d shoot 28." - speaking about JLIII

by chicity773 on Jan 21, 2012 11:50 AM CST up reply actions  

Yea

Some have been beating Noah up for his conditioning and picking up too much weight (though it is muscle and not fat), maybe it is just the number of games? Though they are legit concerns.

by chowder on Jan 21, 2012 1:28 PM CST up reply actions  

Great game!

Now what if this kind of offensive punch comes to be expected in chicago. When healthy, wit RIP taking pressure off Rose and Boozer what if all around balanced offense gets the bulls to the promise land. Then Derrick can become a true assassin. I think the single biggest issue we have when it comes to overcoming miami, is avoiding major injuries. This season we got great D for the heat and a offensive punch to go along wit it.

Bulls, Bears and White Sox, what!!!

by Rose2RipKaboom! on Jan 21, 2012 3:02 AM CST via Android app reply actions  

LOL

He was dissing him all game long.

by cowraiser on Jan 21, 2012 5:39 AM CST up reply actions  

hahaha

Seriously, does Funk have any clue how bad he comes across with his bullshit? I can live with Stacey’s kind of homerism because it’s fun and good natured, but this guy just has a bug up his ass. He NEEDS to make fun of someone during the game

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 9:18 AM CST up reply actions  

I get the impression that funk feels he needs to make these points to validate himself

He makes these inane evaluations and strategy critiques to make himself sound knowledgeable about the game, maybe because he feels he needs to qualify himself as a basketball announcer. But he’s the play-by-play guy, not the color guy. He should just stick to his role. He’s actually not bad at doing play by play, but his analysis is just brutal most of the time.

by TheHungarianJordan on Jan 21, 2012 11:01 AM CST up reply actions  

well i think a problem is

stacey king encompasses both roles of the traditional sports announcing tandem. He is not only offers NBA expertise, he also has useful commentary and is funny. Neil Funk is just along for the ride and he knows it.

Let us cavort like the Greeks of old! You know the ones I mean.

by hedonism bot on Jan 21, 2012 11:16 AM CST up reply actions  

When I hear him broadcast, I'm always hoping he'll ask Stacey why some things occur.

It would take away some of these bullshit moments he uses as filler during the game. Have Stacey explain why the illegal defense was called. Or why you wouldn’t consider using the zone defense. Hell even why Thibs should argue calls more or less than he is. Something has to be more interesting than ragging on one guy just trying to earn a living to fill space. There’s always young fans in the audience who could benefit from it.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jan 21, 2012 11:42 AM CST up reply actions  

I don't know why it bothers me so much, I love hating on players too

I think it’s mostly because I also shouldn’t be doing play-by-play. And Neil can’t fucking see. And maybe I have Gordon/Tyrus flashbacks for when the ire was turned towards the home team sometimes.

Tristan Thompson was seriously bad though.

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 21, 2012 11:43 AM CST up reply actions  

it's just pure hate, too. he doesn't really have any fun with it, so it gets repetitive.

we get it. you hate yi’s game. it doesn’t need to be brought up every time he’s involved in a play.

Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.

by MarketMaker on Jan 21, 2012 1:17 PM CST up reply actions  

i didn't see the Bulls broadcast and Thompson was bad

but he is also a rookie. It reminds me of Funk talking trash about Gallinari who turned out to be a pretty good player. He just picks someone to pick on and the thing that bothers me is how biased it all is. He will criticize Gordon or Gallinari for a bad shot but never do the same for a Bulls player. He also has a terrible habit of when he is be proven wrong, when Gallinari starts hitting shots, of saying it was just luck. That annoys the crap out of me.

by Basketball Smurf on Jan 21, 2012 5:38 PM CST up reply actions  

its to compensate

for his ugly ass

Under construction.

by anorexorcist on Jan 21, 2012 11:47 AM CST up reply actions  

I really like that Rip fastbreak jumpshot.

He (and now I on him) is very confident in taking those shots. Love it.

Walk the talk, Bulls.

by JLbuLL on Jan 21, 2012 7:30 AM CST reply actions  

Jimmy

I’ve loved how Jimmy Butler has played, though obviously only in extremely limited play. If he can sustain that energy over more minutes, it’s only a matter of time before Stacy adds “the Butler did it” to his sayings repertoire.

by xFIB on Jan 21, 2012 7:55 AM CST reply actions  

Boy I'm glad I was dead wrong about the match ups in this game.

The snow and family things kept me from the game, but catching the replay, I’m glad Jo is dunking again, as trivial as that seems.

Chicago, A Drinking Town With A Sports Problem

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
Michael Jordan

by MRubio52 on Jan 21, 2012 9:13 AM CST reply actions  

Still can't believe you gave them the edge :p

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 9:19 AM CST up reply actions  

I know

It was fucking awesome to see the frontcourt rip theirs apart. Verajo put up some good numbers and he was looking ok, early, but damn that game was awesome to see.

Chicago, A Drinking Town With A Sports Problem

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
Michael Jordan

by MRubio52 on Jan 21, 2012 6:50 PM CST up reply actions  

i wish dang wouldn't play 33 minutes in a game won by 40.

Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.

by MarketMaker on Jan 21, 2012 1:22 PM CST reply actions  

33 minutes for Deng is like an all-star break.

He’s probably super rested after playing so few minutes.

by dakoose on Jan 21, 2012 1:34 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

and defensive metrics really need some work.

win shares give so much credit to team defense that carlos boozer is tied for 4th in the league in defensive win shares.
forward that around the league and let’s find someone to take him off our hands.

Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.

by MarketMaker on Jan 21, 2012 1:25 PM CST reply actions  

He may not be responsible for the great defense

But it does highlight that he’s not killing the team’s defense when he’s in the game, despite what some like to think. Even when Boozer is in the game, the Bulls are one of the best defensive teams in the league.

With Gibson and Asik in the game, the Bulls are other-wordly on defense. The dropoff from them to our starters makes the situation look a lot worse than it is. A brick wall looks weak when you compare it to a titanium one.

by runningman on Jan 21, 2012 1:56 PM CST up reply actions  

That or 4 good to very good defenders can cover up one shitty defender.

Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.

by MarketMaker on Jan 21, 2012 3:33 PM CST up reply actions  

I mean you can say that

But the Utah teams he was on we’re always pretty good defensively and they weren’t loaded with All-defensive team candidates. I’ve always thought his defense was merely subpar and not absolutely terrible.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Jan 21, 2012 4:50 PM CST up reply actions  

“We feel there is a big picture in mind. We want to make sure our guys are ready to go and healthy for the stretch run. It’s still early.”

Spoelstra on Wade (Via Ira Winderman)

See, now why can’t Thibs just come out and say something like this, as opposed to his approach, where he’s basically saying “Derrick can play when he stops being such a sissy”?

I know its not a big deal, but I find it bothersome. Nothing wrong with recognizing that “that night’s game” isn’t the most important thing ever.

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 5:31 PM CST reply actions  

Also, according to various tweets (that I don't feel like linking to)

it looks like Derrick, Taj, and Lucas will all be out tonight. No word on Noah yet. Tonight should be interesting, to say the least. Thank God we’re playing the Bobcats.

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 5:35 PM CST up reply actions  

High ankle sprain for Taj. Are those as bad for Bball players as they are for football?
vxmcclure23 vaughn mcclure
Suferred a high ankle sprain. He said he’s lucky not to have any ligament damage. Day to day

Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.

by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 21, 2012 5:43 PM CST up reply actions  

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