Bulls 110, Nets 95: Bulls continue to play to win, and do so convincingly
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 23, 2012 11:58 PM CST
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It was another injury-plagued permutation of players for the Bulls tonight, as Taj Gibson and John Lucas were out, and the big news being Luol Deng missing his first game in the last season-plus. Deng's left wrist diagnosis is still up in the air, with the 'surgery' pre-game mention by Thibodeau being enough to freak everyone (including myself) out. It may not come to that, and post-game KC Johnson reported that Luol may try to rest it instead and play through the pain. That's not exactly better news on the same day that Derrick Rose conceded he'll likely never be 100% this season with his own toe injury.
Meanwhile, Rose did return, and the team put in another dominating performance over an overmatched opponent. Rose looked solid in his first game back with 22 points on 16 shots. He had a few boneheaded turnovers but those were his only few of the entire game. Tough to really gauge how much the toe hurt, as while he pulled off a couple elite finishes it wasn't a game where he was tested to do so constantly.
And with Taj and Deng (the only SF who can plausibly play PF) out, Brian Scalabrine actually played 23 minutes at the 4, and the Bulls weren't killed in that time. The Nets started small and stayed that way all game, so it was an actually somewhat-plausible move to see so much Scal and so little Asik (10 minutes), though nothing any Bulls fan should actually wish for. If the same players are available in future contests, you'd hope we'd see more of the tandem named 'JOmer' (Joakim+Omer) instead of 'Butterball Turkey' (Scal+Omer). No matter the combination in this one, the Bulls frontcourt dominated the glass and inside scoring. Asik was outstanding in his 1st half stint, and Noah was a force again around the rim with 7 trips to the line on his way to 16 points (and only 1 personal foul!), supplemented by Boozer's 14.
The big story on offense was the way the Bulls shared the ball, getting a season-high 33 assists. And the man behind the nearly a third of those was Rip Hamilton, who continues to impress. The Bulls and Hamilton are making it look so easy when he's on the court: relentlessly moving Rip off-the-ball, forcing the opponent to react and him either hitting a midrange jumper of dumping it to a Bulls big. The latter option has actually been the stronger suit of Rip all season, and I'm hoping teams never adjust and instead keep aggressively trapping, as he's proven constantly that he's willing and able to find the open man.
It was likely that opportunity to see Rip and Rose together that gave Thibodeau the idea to keep both in yet another very late and clearly-decided game. If that was the reason, or just the general order of taking every minute seriously, it's somewhat accepted at this point: This is Thibsball, and why you both get a full roster of guys playing their hearts out for a single goal, but also some unnecessary over-extending of minutes. And, in a word, that's what it is: 'unnecessary'. Hamilton, Rose, and Noah are all coming back from injury, and even if there's something to be said for game-time together, against the Nets second unit while owning a double-digit lead isn't exactly meaningful time.
Thibs has certainly been consistent on this, but one can be consistently wrong (I would know). And though you can't truly tie any of these present injuries to overexertion, that doesn't mean it's not better to play it safe, or even mildly cautious. However, the upshot is the Bulls just win, and swept through some dreadful opponents battling through myriad injuries. But with the schedule ramping up with the Pacers and Bucks before a Sunday showdown in Miami, the Bulls not only will encounter challenges from injury, but from their opponents as well.
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It was good to see Noah with a double double.
That may be another reason we did not see as much of Omer.
But Taj, please get well soon. Scalabrine may be okay against a small-line-up Nets team on a back-to-back-to-back, but I do not want a steady diet of him.
So far, Hamilton is playing much better than I expected. Korver, however, had an off game. Does Korver play better when Hamilton is out?
Thibs said he does not think Luol will need surgery. That should not freak anyone out, should it? Isn’t that good news?
well, its on his non shooting hand
and pain killers may be the route deng might be willing to take, lol.
I'd rather have him 100% in the playoffs
If he sucks it up it could affect his rebound and what is more important: he will be vulnerable in the playoffs. One hard foul on that wrist could bring his game out of balance
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 5:20 AM CST up reply actions
The Bulls w/o Deng and Taj are really vulnerable to a stretch 4
We all know Boozer can’t move and Noah’s instincts are to stay in the paint. Thibs went to Scals when Williams started knocking down open shots. That is a scary scenario against a better team.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 24, 2012 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
its very good that rip has some left in the tank, and its obvious the extra dimension
he brings, and the bulls’ general ability to move the ball and move themselves without the ball, makes beating the crap defensive teams even easier than last year. indy is a very good defensive team though, which should make it a decent test (no deng hurts of course) of what “the rip effect” can do against elite defenses. i always worry that off ball stuff wont really work against teams that know what they’re doing. hope im wrong (again).
"We would look at each other with a glint of recognition and one of us would say, 'So you worry about ASIK, too,' as if admitting a secret vice. Then we would share our crazy ideas-- because all ideas about ASIK that are not immediately wrong turn out to be crazy."
I am happy that Rip has something left...
But I am concerned that he can only bring it in about half the games this season (and next). Hopefully, he will be able to stay on the court through the playoffs.
New signature coming...but its a process.
I found the story i was looking for
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/06/03/attention_to_detail/?page=1
glad i did, because my recollection of the article was poor, here are the key excerpts that can be scrutinized today….
Thibodeau was on a fast track to a head coaching gig this past winter when a seemingly routine January home game against Atlanta threatened to derail his reputation.
The Celtics were leading by 10 when Doc Rivers was ejected for arguing a flagrant foul called on Davis. Assistant coach Armond Hill was also tagged with a T, and by the time the Hawks were done shooting free throws, the 67-57 lead had been reduced to 6.
Thibodeau was entrusted with the job of stopping the bleeding, but as Joe Johnson starting drilling shots for the Hawks, the Celtics went cold. In the final 18:16, Thibodeau did not make a single substitution, and Boston lost the game.
So what happened in that Jan. 11 game? Contrary to those who suspected Thibodeau was "unprepared,’’ it was his intimate knowledge of the fourth-quarter matchups that stopped him from making a move. The Hawks had sent point guard Mike Bibby to the bench and left Jamal Crawford to cover the point. Usually Bibby returns for the stretch run.
….
ahhh i cant do any more excerpts cuz i guess once you finish the story, the website forces you to join in order to see the context….yea….lame…
at any rate the story discusses two stories when thibs managing minutes shows up. The first is this one about the hawks, the second is about the celtics when they started off real bad. Tom wanted to figure out ways to work them harder, and doc decided to rest them saying “Legs before Brains”
I think the main point about this is that thibs might be the type who forgets players are human and have limitations….
Waiting for the Prodigal Son to Return KH12 BITCHES!!!!
In the Chemi-meter we trust!
by piccolomair on Jan 24, 2012 12:33 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I really didn't want Rose to play in this game
then after this dunk I really didn’t want him to play in the game.
I guess the good news is that he didn’t appear to hurt himself any worse, and now he knows how his toe will react in advance of the tougher game against the Pacers
-Jeeves The I in Team
sigh
I meant this dunk. I had pulled that first dunk as a way of comparing the relative height that Derrick jumped on his fast break dunk.
-Jeeves The I in Team
both of those he did halfway.
only dumbasses go for some showtime shit on breakaways if they’re injured.
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 9:42 AM CST up reply actions
true
but on the second one he did seem to have a little bit of a limp on the jog back D:
"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard
The whole game
I never got the feeling Rose was running naturally. Seemed like he was running tenderly, on broken glass.
He took his what to where?!
I had the same feeling
but could be just a precaution
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 1:22 PM CST up reply actions
He pushes his players cuz he should. The bulls havent won anything. They dont have a right to rest. Till thibs style of coaching proves to be a failure, i say all the griping about minutes should cease. The bulls are trying to win a championship. When we become champs then we can pace ourselves. Right now we dont have a clue what this team is capable of. When i see rose come back out in the 4th and then noah, i have to know its for a reason that benefits the team and their championship aspirations.
Bulls, Bears and White Sox, what!!!
by Rose2RipKaboom! on Jan 24, 2012 12:50 AM CST via Android app reply actions
But in order to win a championship you must be at your peak
this includes being healthy with bountiful supplies of energy
For the most part, the bulls got an idea of what it would take to beat miami in a seven game series. Why not use that edge thats needed in the regular season. Never giving in, always going hard. Rose falters playing a 24 minute second half against the heat last year. This year his body understands how to respond to that kind of adversity. There is a point where you run your body so much, that the effort it took before, you surpass it easily witout any extra exertion. At some certain point Deng body just got use to playing 40+ a game, and thats why he’s much better in the 4th quarter now than he’s ever been before.
Bulls, Bears and White Sox, what!!!
by Rose2RipKaboom! on Jan 24, 2012 1:19 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
Noah, Boozer, and Rose were all at less than 100% last year
When we lost to Miami
Noah came back from injury looking like crap. Boozer never adjusted to playing wit noah by the time the playoffs rolled around. And rose had never been that far before and just didnt know what it would take to get over. Deng’s game didnt falter tho. And he played more minutes than everybody. And then factor in RIP this year and everybody games get better. How do you really get tired with some of the easy victories?
Bulls, Bears and White Sox, what!!!
by Rose2RipKaboom! on Jan 24, 2012 1:24 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
I think it's hard to tell this particular group of players to not go hard
especially a group of supposed gym rats.
hmm, gym rats. I thought we got rid of this term with the Baby Bulls.
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 8:27 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'm beginning to think there's no point in really arguing about the minutes anymore.
I mean everyone has valid opinions, but Thibs is not going to change his ways. And the players themselves don’t want to sit out unless they absolutely have to. Even Rose wanted to play even though the medical staff advised against it. They mentioned in the pregame(Nets broadcasters) that the staff put in a special orthopedic insert in his shoe, so Rose could play. Derrick didn’t want to miss an opportunity to play against Derron, and he sure as hell wants to play against Indiana.
Show the world that the Bulls are even better than last year, win more games percentage wise, etc. This team holds true to Thibs Doctrine of 48 minutes of intensity. Even if it’s hobbled intensity. I’ve basically resigned to this fact. I just pray that everyone will be healthy enough during the season, and come playoffs. Because I doubt Thibs changes the minutes distribution. Might as well wait until the season is over, to really judge how it plays out.
On the J.R. Smith bandwagon until otherwise advised.
i for one refuse to believe our ridiculous fretting over minutes isnt wearing down thibs' resolve.
"We would look at each other with a glint of recognition and one of us would say, 'So you worry about ASIK, too,' as if admitting a secret vice. Then we would share our crazy ideas-- because all ideas about ASIK that are not immediately wrong turn out to be crazy."
by TheMoon on Jan 24, 2012 1:26 AM CST up reply actions 6 recs
Regarding the minutes
I think there is something to be said for rewarding players who play well with more playing time. As much as we’d like to see Thibs give Rose, Rip and Deng some more rest, let’s keep in mind that that’s probably not at all what the players want. The players want to play, not sit on the bench. I don’t want to speculate too much on what’s going own in their heads, but I’m willing to bet that there’s not a moment where Rose thinks to himself “I’m so tired I would rather sit on the bench than stay out here”. Rewarding players that give good effective effort with more playing time is a pretty good way to incentivize guys to play hard and stay disciplined while out there, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Thibodeau’s consistency in that regard is a big reason why the Bulls are one of the hardest-working and most disciplined teams in the league.
Obviously there’s sometimes a tradeoff sometimes between rewarding guys who work hard and maximizing your chances of winning, but generally, Thibs has been very consistent when it comes to this, on both ends of the spectrum (giving Deng and Rip more minutes when they play well and benching Boozer/Noah when they play poorly). We’ve always framed this issue as Thibs thinking short-term and trying to win regular-season games at all costs, but I’m starting to think he might actually be thinking long-term by making sure that guys continue to have to work hard to earn their playing time.
Pat Riley is the devil.
I contend that a player really cannot tell the difference in game
between a 40 minute night and a 32 minute night. but over a season, their body can. As far as their ego goes relating to playing time, if we are 15+ points the whole game, starters aren’t going to care much over those 8 minutes that don’t mean much in one game, but as a trend help in the long run.
"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."
by boyonthedock on Jan 24, 2012 2:54 AM CST up reply actions
yeah but if you're boozer or noah you can definitely tell the difference between playing in the fourth and not playing
I like what poloplaya is suggesting
By popular demand I am putting a moratorium on the Melo talk until the Knicks win the title in June.
See I think those 8 minutes do matter to the players, at least a little bit
Like I said, players want to play, even in games that are, for the most part, decided. In the long run, yeah they’ll get over it, but still.
Anyways, I’m not saying Thibodeau is necessarily right to keep guys out there for extended minutes during blowouts. I’m just suggesting another possible motive behind his decisions.
Pat Riley is the devil.
I'm no pro in any sport
but playing sports as a kid, every second on a bench felt like eternity. Any time I felt like I was good to play I was furious to be taken out.
"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard
48 Minutes of Intensity...
…is actually the Van Lier Doctrine.
i dont know how to feel about this stuff
by MartyMondays on Jan 24, 2012 1:12 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I think it all comes down to luck
that’s how I’ve always felt about injuries. I think the Bulls are a well-conditioned team. Thibs isn’t playing them 50 games a night. if they get injured, they get injured. shit happens. now, if a player develops chronic injury problems, then in my book he becomes a candidate for trade, but for the most part I don’t find myself count on or against injuries. it’s a luck whether they can get through a season healthy.
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:01 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
oh and let me just say this
Scal can ball! He might be our Brian Cardinal in the playoffs this year, i love his smart play.
by MartyMondays on Jan 24, 2012 1:14 AM CST via mobile reply actions
No he can't.
Don’t be fulled. This was not a playoff-quality team, especially after three games in a row.
he's got a point tho, scal played pretty smart
as long as the crowd is gonna demand his presence i’m glad to see him not embarass himself
"It was so despicable, it was beyond [the Lakers-Celtics rivalry]; it was a new kind of hatred.". -Flea on the Heat
by paddyfairview on Jan 24, 2012 8:07 AM CST up reply actions
Scalabrine was seeing real minutes in the Finals two years ago
It was due to an injury, but still, that guy can actually play (which is what makes the chants all the more maddening)
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 8:31 AM CST up reply actions
yeah, anyone who thinks he doesn't have some skill is fooling themselves
because they think he’s a “goofy white player”.
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 10:00 AM CST up reply actions
nah, he can't really play
so lets hope he doesn’t.
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"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
He's not good, but he can play
I mean, he’s serviceable in a pinch. This isn’t a Chris Richard situation
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 1:58 PM CST up reply actions
I'm glad we agree on that
Considering his extreme lack of athleticism I’d say he’s a pretty damn good player.
by MartyMondays on Jan 25, 2012 2:48 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
i think the only logical explanation for the minutes
is that thibs sees garbage time as practice time seeing as to how in this shortened season we have absolutely 0 practices scheduled. so why not use the other team’s second string guys while we are blowing them out as practice dummies?
By popular demand I am putting a moratorium on the Melo talk until the Knicks win the title in June.
Homers, Hyperbole, and Hysteria...Oh my!
My BaB experience tonight
tagline?
"It was so despicable, it was beyond [the Lakers-Celtics rivalry]; it was a new kind of hatred.". -Flea on the Heat
by paddyfairview on Jan 24, 2012 8:07 AM CST up reply actions
Rip Hamilton's stat line
His 22 point, 10 assist game on 10 of 16 shooting is the sixth time in his career that he has had a game of at least 20 points and 10 assists, and the highest percentage he has shot in such a game.
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 24, 2012 3:36 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
Rose approves
“He passes better than I do,” Bulls point guard Derrick Rose said with a laugh. “So he’s definitely going to help us.”
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 5:25 AM CST up reply actions
Glad that he said it...
because it’s absolutely true.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 8:55 AM CST up reply actions
Meh
Not really. They are different passers. Rose sets up passes with penetration and his own scoring. Rip sets his passing up by coming off screens and getting into the gaps. However, Rose is a solid passer. Rose’s ast% was 38.7% last year with a TOV% of only 13.1%. There have only been 25 times where a player had an assist% greater than 38 with a turnover% less than 14 and 5 of those times were Chris Paul! Here is the list. Needless to say, that is a pretty tough thing to do. Rip is a great passer for a 2 guard, but don’t be insane.
Friedell with some timeline
Nobody is quite sure if and when Luol Deng will return to the Chicago Bulls lineup. It could be a couple of days, or, if he has to have surgery on his injured left wrist, it could be a couple of months.
in line with what Geo said
As a Marquette fan, I honestly hope the Bulls trade Jimmy Butler.
This is getting ridiculous and Thibs is playing with fire.
by darksmokepuncher on Jan 24, 2012 6:12 AM CST reply actions
Are you freaking serious?
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 6:21 AM CST up reply actions
thats crazy. if jimmy makes it in the nba it'll be because he works really hard and is really smart.
even if he doesnt play much until next year, being on this team will help with both.
"We would look at each other with a glint of recognition and one of us would say, 'So you worry about ASIK, too,' as if admitting a secret vice. Then we would share our crazy ideas-- because all ideas about ASIK that are not immediately wrong turn out to be crazy."
because thibs is a freakin awesome coach.
"We would look at each other with a glint of recognition and one of us would say, 'So you worry about ASIK, too,' as if admitting a secret vice. Then we would share our crazy ideas-- because all ideas about ASIK that are not immediately wrong turn out to be crazy."
I am curious about Jimmy getting/not getting any burn during the season but at the same time
I can also really see the point in easing him into the rotation.
But more curious to me is what the long-term plan is for Jimmy here. Is he our 2/3 starting swingman of the future (given that we have an aging Rip Hamilton at the 2 for this year and the next at least, and Luol Deng with a not-to-distant contract expiring date and an unknown future)? Is he trade bait? Is he going to be a Bench Mobber? Of course it’s too soon for any of us to know what the expectations of him are internally, but I’ll be watching over this year and the next to see how it plays out.
Keep in mind he missed out on having a full off-season to work out with the coaches and rest of the team so it’s all a bit of a work in progress. I won’t sweat it if he doesn’t get every spare available minute.
"Left hand, right hand it doesn't matter, I'm amphibious."
- Charles Shackleford
by Locust_Inferno_666 on Jan 24, 2012 8:39 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not concerned with every spare available minute
I’m concerned with him getting a DNP during a blowout win against one of the worst teams in the NBA, while Luol is hurt and Scalabrine is getting 23 minutes.
Either he’s THAT bad (which I don’t believe) or Thibs is just playing ‘his guys’, which is concerning because I don’t want to see Scalabrine on the floor in the playoffs.
by darksmokepuncher on Jan 24, 2012 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
Rip Hamilton has basically walked in without a training camp and turned us into an elite offense
This is pretty remarkable stuff. I mean, there’s no doubt that Derrick’s awesomeness and improved floor game has helped as well, but just the way that Rip plays, the poise, the passing ability, the way he always seems to (quickly) make the right decision, has completely transformed this team. Not only that, but he seems like a terrific teammate, and fits our culture well.
I’m kinda stunned at all this to be honest. I was very skeptical of Rip, and preferred Richardson, Crawford, or a trade for some other younger player. As of right now, the only concern is that Thibs likes what he’s doing too much, and decides to give him the Luol Deng treatment (42 minutes against the Nets, Thibs? Really?). Awesome, awesome signing. It’s really been a pleasure to watch.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 8:29 AM CST reply actions 5 recs
Bulls are #1 in Offensive Efficiency after last night and #2 in Defensive Efficiency. o_0 . Crazy.
"If you have a hero, look again; you have diminished yourself in some way."
by fundamentallysound on Jan 24, 2012 8:58 AM CST up reply actions
agreed, but...
his play also further exposes some of Rose’s limitations. The fact is that Rose is not particularly good at running the team. He is not a good passer, and does not have the type of court vision/awareness common to other elite point guards (and Rip).
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 9:10 AM CST up reply actions
Hmm, do you have any other opinions that are wrong? Because I'd love to laugh at those as well.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 9:20 AM CST up reply actions 7 recs
so...
presumably you consider Rose to be an excellent floor general and passer. Correct?
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 9:24 AM CST up reply actions
I would consider him to be and outstanding floor general, very good passer, and more importantly, an amazing player
Looking forward to your retort (although, not really)
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 9:26 AM CST up reply actions
He is an amazing player...
who still has a long way to go before he becomes an “outstanding” floor general or passer.
He certainly does work hard, and is very likely to improve further. Also, Thibs’ limitations as an offensive coach don’t help matters. However, truly outstanding floor generals and passers don’t pick up their dribble nearly as often as Rose, they anticipate double teams rather than trying to dribble through them, or stopping and jump-passing over them, they show much more touch, and, like top quarterbacks, they anticipate where their teammates will be, rather than simply firing hard passes to where they are standing.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 9:39 AM CST up reply actions
Ok, those are actually fair criticisms
Whereas your short, vague comments came across as you trying to troll.
And to be honest, I agree to an extent. But the thing to remember with Rose, is that he does special things that other players can’t do. Physically, he’s a freak. This athleticism is what makes him special, and is why he dominates games, but it probably also stunts his mental game a bit. He doesn’t have to out-think opponents (like other great pg’s), he just beasts them.
Personally, I’d rather have a guy like Rose that is able to physically thrash people rather than the pure point that you’re talking about. To be honest, I think that stuff is fun to watch as a basketball fan, but it can also be a bit overrated. Rose can become a better passer/floor general (and I think he has so far this year), but Deron Williams or Chris Paul will never be able to play like Derrick Rose
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:03 AM CST up reply actions
This athleticism is what makes him special, and is why he dominates games, but it probably also stunts his mental game a bit. He doesn’t have to out-think opponents (like other great pg’s), he just beasts them.
That’s true. But to his (and Thibs) credit, he has attempted to refine his game this season, as the Miami playoff experience taught them both that even for a freak athlete, such domination has limits. It’s within the context of Rose’s attempt to become a better all-around PG that my criticisms are made.
I agree that he will never be a Paul or Nash, nor do I want him to be. But there are fundamental areas that he can obviously still improve in, and it is highly refreshing to see the way the team hums when Rip is on the floor.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 10:21 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think anyone believes that Derrick doesn't have plenty of room for improvement
when it comes to his pure pg play. But that’s a lot different from what you said earlier:
The fact is that Rose is not particularly good at running the team. He is not a good passer
He’s come a long way, and he’s still very young. Also, don’t forget that he was coached by a complete nitwit for two years, so that probably slowed his development. By the end of the year, I would guess that he’ll be doing many of the things that you want him to.
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
I was one of VDN's biggest detractors...
so you’re preaching to the choir. However, your earlier point about his freak athleticism was, to my mind, even more important.
Rose gained tremendous success from High School all the way to the NBA relying primarily on those gifts. Most, if not all pure point guards are forced to develop other skills much earlier. That window has long passed for Rose, and I don’t expect him to be able to develop brilliant passing skills or court vision (which is probably somewhat intrinsic as well) at this stage of his career.
I do have great respect for his work ethic, and expect him to improve. But I’ll be (very pleasantly) surprised if he is ever able to become other than an above-average passer.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 10:50 AM CST up reply actions
Well, if assists are an indicator of passing ability
wouldn’t the fact that he’s currently top 5 in the league mean that he’s “above average”?
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:01 AM CST up reply actions
No
I’d argue that his assist number are more a reflection of his being doubled regularly, and being able to get the ball to open shooters (who have been hitting shots) at least a few times a game.
In other words, given the regular double teams, a fair number of assists are to be expected even of an average passing PG.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 11:42 AM CST up reply actions
So you're basically saying that he's so good that his assists don't mean as much? Got it.
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
No...
I’m saying that teams double-team Rose in an effort to reduce his scoring, knowing full well that he isn’t (yet) proactive enough to make them pay regularly.
If he was a better passer, and/or was more proactive, you’d see even more open shots from teammates, and higher assist numbers.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 12:14 PM CST up reply actions
I posted this above, but this is just dumb
Rose’s very high assist rate compared to his very, very low turnover rate has been seen only by some very great players having great seasons. See above for more details.
Saying that something is dumb...
and throwing out a couple of stats is hardly a serious argument.
When a player is the focal point of the offense, and is regularly double-teamed, many assists will result. I’ve delineated what I see as his specific weaknesses, so why don’t to try refuting those assertions rather than using stats that only tell a part of the story?
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
Also
Derrick has had 39 double digit assist games in his career (which includes his rookie season in which he was not a very good passer).
Rip has had 0 in his entire career (which is much longer than Rose’s) up until last night.
Rip is not a point guard...
so the comparison is silly. It’s like saying that some linebacker doesn’t record as many sacks as a defensive end.
Your reaction to my assertion is an example of reading too much into bare statistics. All you need to do is watch Rose play in order to see that he isn’t a particularly good passer.
Perhaps it was partly tongue-in-cheek (though I’m not at all certain of it), but given that Rose himself admits that Rip is a better passer (see the post and link early in this thread), it’s ironic that his fans can’t see that he is not exceptional in that area.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
You went to saying he is "not exceptional"
to which everyone already agrees from
Rose is not particularly good at running the team. He is not a good passer, and does not have the type of court vision/awareness common to other elite point guards (and Rip).
You are subtly trying to change your position while claiming to be right the entire time.
He can run the team. He is a good passer. He is not as good as Rondo, Nash or Paul, but he is more than capable as one can tell by his assists numbers, the Bulls record, the Bulls offensive efficiency and the eye test. If your point is that he isn’t as good a passer as Rubio, Nash, Paul than know one disagrees with that.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 24, 2012 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
my original points stand...
and I’m not trying to change anything.
He can run the team.
is hardly a ringing endorsement. Yes, he is “capable”, which to my mind equates with “average”.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
Rose is
8th in the league in Ast%, 5th in total assists and among players who have an ast% over 30, he averages the 5th least amount of turnovers. I’m not sure what you are looking for but that is winning basketball in my eyes and that is all that matters.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 24, 2012 1:02 PM CST up reply actions
Although Rose isn't the greatest passer
I totally disagree with you that he isn’t a great floor general. He often seems to have total command of situations and I think he’s exceptional at controlling the pace of games.
Reading into statistics is at least a thing.
Your whole argument boils down to “Rose has no vision and can’t run an offense prove me wrong you can’t haha!”
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 1:27 PM CST up reply actions
Yes...
that’s what my argument might seem to boil down to to those who didn’t bother to actually read more than a fraction of what I actually wrote.
Of which you are clearly one.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 1:44 PM CST up reply actions
you know when you split a double, it's like a free two points like 98% of the time.
which derrick and all great players do quite a bit. and it’s not like he turns the ball over much doing it.
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 10:04 AM CST up reply actions
not saying he should play there full-time, but this is why I've argued from time to time that Rose might be better served playing 2-guard some
IMO, his passing skills are more akin to an elite wing, like Lebron or Wade. they are still great passers that can identify and get the pass to the open man. the down side to Rose’s passing abilities is that he doesn’t anticipate where players will be well. this is why he doesn’t throw many alley-oops and maybe why Boozer doesn’t roll as much as he pops. I remember D-Will being able to just drop that bounce pass right in the middle of the lane knowing that’s exactly where Booz was headed. guys like him and Nash have that uncanny ability. still, I would not take any of them over Rose, and that to me is what tips the scales in his favor.
nice handle, btw.
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:16 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I've thought the same...
Rose really does strike me as a more natural 2 guard, though it isn’t likely that he will ever see much time in that role.
I also prefer to have him than a more pure point guard. His work ethic is tremendous, he has improved his outside shooting rapidly, and, in my view, there has never been a stronger, more effective (guard) finisher around the rim.
Just hope he stays sound.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 10:30 AM CST up reply actions
While we're on the topic
I’ve never really liked the idea of a Chris Paul type being the best player on a championship team. it seems to me like the entire offense becomes so reliant on one guy to get everyone their shots
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:36 AM CST up reply actions
well, my case for him as a 2-guard has always been he'd be tough to keep up with off the ball
as by nature, he’s slowed when he has the ball. though I think no one is faster with the ball than him, so that kind of makes up for it.
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:40 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
imagine him...
on the receiving end of backdoor alley-oops!
Maybe the Bulls could sign Monte Towe at the vet minimum.
by Paul Warfield on Jan 24, 2012 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
well, when I saw him abuse Ridnour off the ball in the post
where here he spun off and caught a lob pass over the defense that he caught and made an easy layup, I was thinking “that’s what I’m talking about! see BaB, its possible!”
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:59 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Not being as good a passer as Nash or D Will
Does not mean you are not a very good passer
Who cares?
Really, who cares about any of this "floor general’ crap. The Bulls won 62 games last year with D.Rose being a lead guard – a guy who penetrates to the basket, scores, and carries his team. This year the Bulls have the #1 offensive efficiency, Rose is passing more but still attacking the rim and setting up teammates. Who cares if he wins some mythical floor general #1 ranking which, by my measure, doesn’t seem to mean shit when it comes to the playoffs or actually winning. Rose has room to improve – as does every player in this league. He is still the best pg in the game and a top 3 player. Chris Paul can keep the floor general ranking. Rose just wants to wee-un.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 24, 2012 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I agree
for all the talk people like to make about Magic was a great floor general type PG for championship teams, he was also a very physically imposing player for his position, much like Rose just in a different mold. plus, Magic could play just about any position on the floor. I’m not sure it’s so much that Magic was a great floor general as much as he was just a phenomenal basketball player, just like Derrick.
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:52 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
He's come such a long way in that regard, and I'd say he's now a top 5 floor general
He’s no Nash/Paul, but he’s starting to give Deron Williams a run for his money (if only because Deron’s sucking it up).
Pat Riley is the devil.
Yeah, I used to bag on that part of his game all the time
but it’s hard to criticize him nowadays because you can see that he’s improving. I don’t think he’ll ever be a Chris Paul type player, but really, who cares? What has Chris Paul done? I think assists are a bit overrated. Derrick is just an awesome “guard”. More like a Wade than a Paul or Williams.
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
How can people throw DWill under the bus this year?
That roster is absolutely abysmal. Jordan Farmar was their second best player last night. Good god.
Saying he's excellent is different than saying he's the best passer in the league.
You’re the one acting like it’s one and the same. The numbers don’t lie. His USG% is back to where it was in 2010 and yet his assist rate is at a career high.
Style points are irrelevant. I don’t really care that he isn’t capable of making the impossible pass like Steve Nash. If he gets the ball to someone in a position to score that is what propels a good offense. They were top 10 last year with Keith Bogans starting 82 games and Boozer/Noah missing over 50 games combined.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
lol
he’s who i wanted, too. of course, there was no guarantee at that time rip was going to be available anyway. i’m certainly fine with how things turned out…
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
Thonus has a spot for you right next to him on the bus
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:19 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I hate to say "I told y'all so,"
who am I kidding? I love it!!!! I was on the Rip train since day 1 and love the way they play with him out there.
Imagine if we had him last season
:(
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)
after watching Rip
do you still think we have no shot at the title?
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 10:12 AM CST up reply actions
Juice was just trying to jinx the Heat.
And it worked. They lost to the Bucks!
"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"
by ColonelFatheart on Jan 24, 2012 10:14 AM CST up reply actions
The Bucks are a formidable team
when they can overcome injury, poor shooting and Scott Skiles.
by darksmokepuncher on Jan 24, 2012 10:19 AM CST up reply actions
kept telling my buddies while watching some of that game on Sunday
Bucks will stay in games because they play gritty defense, and really, that’s all you need to give yourself a shot at winning in the end.
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:21 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
That
and also not playing Drew Gooden and Mike Dunleavy so you can sit Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Andrew Bogut for the entire fourth quarter.
Sorry, after that Hawks loss yesterday I am a living, breathing rage comic.
by darksmokepuncher on Jan 24, 2012 10:23 AM CST up reply actions
in other words
when they can overcome being the Bucks
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 10:25 AM CST up reply actions
The play of Rip is definitely encouraging in that regard
I still think the Heat will be incredibly tough though. We’ll probably need home court to do it. And not because I don’t think we can’t win on the road, but because I’ll bet the series would go 7, and it’l be tough as he;; to take those guys out at home in a seventh game.
In the end, I think Wade coming back (when he comes back) is our best hope. I seriously think he makes that team worse. He is redundant with Lebron, and every shot he takes is one that Lebron won’t take, and Lebron is a better player.
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:42 AM CST up reply actions
Wade doesnt make the team worse
If Lebron is out Wade would probably be beasting too. Those two just can play together consistently
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
So if they can't play together (which I think they can, I just think they're not AS good)
then why do you think they’re not worse with him?
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
Lebron never got further than when he was paired with Wade
The Heat w/o Wade are just another version of the Cleveland Cavs w/Lebron. They are not better w/o Wade even if Lebron is.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 24, 2012 11:04 AM CST up reply actions
Chris Bosh is far and away better than anything he had in Cleveland
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:07 AM CST up reply actions
Boozer?
He was pretty good when he was on the Cavs, wasn’t he? I swear he hasn’t always been this ground-bound.
"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard
He was, but Bosh right now is better than Booz was then.
Bosh gets a lot of shit for being a wuss, but he’s hard to guard.
"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"
by ColonelFatheart on Jan 24, 2012 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
well
wasn’t he on the Finals team?
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 11:11 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, but Lebron also wasn't quite as good then as he is now
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
You're crazy.
If Wade is not on that team that means teams are worrying about Norris Cole or Shane Battier or Mike Miller, guys who will all basically camp at the 3 point line. Without Wade their defense and transition game take a huge hit, not to mention that’s one less option to take shots in close games.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 11:15 AM CST up reply actions
I think much of it is mental...
In Cleveland, when they needed a last second shot… it was obviously Lebron’s turn. If he missed it, so what? He’s still the only guy they got, and he doesn’t have to worry about it being the right person to take the shot.
Now, when it’s the last shot, I think Lebron has to not only worry about making the shot, but the ridiculous downpour of “Why didn’t Wade take it?” when he misses.
He has to worry about disappointing teammates who are on his level… not scrubs. Without Wade, James is going to play a lot more loose and not worry about ball hogging or what Wade thinks of him. With Wade, he probably has second thoughts about everything – Wade’s thoughts, the media’s thoughts, fan’s thoughts.
It’s way easier to run the show on your own… Especially for a team of superstars.
dot dot dot
by Johannes Factotum on Jan 24, 2012 11:51 AM CST up reply actions
True, but they were a better defensive team
With Wade missing games they’ve dropped to a #9 defensive rating. That offensive efficiency will start to drop too as they trade Wade’s free throws and drives to the basket for Chalmers, Miller and Battier chucking up 3’s.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 24, 2012 11:21 AM CST up reply actions
I said "Consistently"
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
Miami is not worse with Wade
But as I said the other day I would rather face a full Miami squad with a full healthy Bulls squad than play Wade-less Miami without Rip or Deng.
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
You were not alone
I did not want the Bulls to sign Richard Hamilton. I didn’t think the idea was abhorrent, but I was squarely in the Jason Richardson camp. Well, I can be a notorious flip flopper, but right now, I feel pretty stupid for that opinion.
Watching Hamilton just makes me say “screw the stats, this just works”, but as it turns out, his stats are better than Richardson/Crawford too.
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 10:19 AM CST up reply actions
lol
yeah, I posted the link above
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:22 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
WARNING: this article contains love for Thibs, love for Scal and love for John Lucas
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 10:26 AM CST up reply actions
whoa!
who doesn’t love Scal? come forth for we must have words!
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:42 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I said it was dumb to sign a guy who's displayed chronic injury issues in the past few seasons.
So yeah he’s been awesome but I’m not going to bust out in dance yet. Let’s see him finish the season healthy.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 10:57 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah, this is obviously key
The jury is still out on whether he’ll be able to make it through the season and into the playoff in one piece. Especially now that he’s a Thibs’ favorite.
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
while I understand your concern I don't know with it was anything chronic
he left for different injuries – nothing like Arenas’ knee or Yao’s foot
I think the most chronic issue was Detroit sucking balls and his relationship with his coach
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 11:09 AM CST up reply actions
Free Jimmy Butler!
"If you have a hero, look again; you have diminished yourself in some way."
by fundamentallysound on Jan 24, 2012 8:56 AM CST reply actions
rose aint missing the miami game
I know he has to have the games circled and set on his google calander
by Belize on Jan 24, 2012 9:18 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Probably amped for the Indy game as well.
Miami’s the main rival, but Indy is more of a punk-ass team with the way the played in the playoffs, fouling the shit outta Derrick every time he drove the lane.
Totally. Can anyone name two bigger punks in the NBA than Granger and Hibbert?
Other than Rondo.
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 24, 2012 9:40 AM CST up reply actions
Easily.Foster and McRoberts.
General manager needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow,next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.
Sir Gar Paxdorf.
by Azabullsfan on Jan 24, 2012 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 6 recs
Agreed. Those two were way worse than Granger and Hibbert
What did Granger do anyway?
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:09 AM CST up reply actions
Foster and McRoberts are goons.
Granger and Hibbert are punks. We are geeks. These are not just generally insulting terms but have specific connotations that must be respected!
Granger and Hibbert are punks because they talk a lot of trash that they can’t back up and whine a lot.
Foster and McRoberts are goons because they use hard fouls in an attempt to intimidate their foes.
We are geeks because we are discussing this bullshit.
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 24, 2012 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
and Star Wars has nerds...
so which gets laid more: goon, punk, geek, or nerd?
I’m always of the opinion nerds are cool.
by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 24, 2012 10:43 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
i been nerdin out for years
and i’m cool as fuck
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 11:59 AM CST up reply actions
Granger and Hibbert are punks because they talk a lot of trash that they can’t back up and whine a lot.
This is very true. Their overconfidence and shit talking is extremely annoying. Not sure where it comes from, really.
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
Granger was the one who publicly called Jo a dirty player during the Indy series.
Total punk move. Especially when he is on the same team as Foster and McRoberts.
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 24, 2012 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
Talked trash
and nothing else
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)
Tyler H is not a punk.
He is a dope.
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 24, 2012 10:36 AM CST up reply actions
Tyler Hansbrough is likely a a serial killer, so I'll opt to not talk shit in case he's monitoring this site
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
You think he's not assuming every Tyler H mentioned on the internet is him?
"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard
by SidM on Jan 24, 2012 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
well, I can say it was another Tyler H
JBJ is in a tougher spot
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 11:14 AM CST up reply actions
True, but that just means he'll work over JBJ first...
You’ll get stuck waiting with the gimp
(Comanche in the background)
"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard
Indy Pacers= Detroit lions
Both dirty ass teams with douche coaches
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
They don't have the talent analogues of Stafford and Megatron, though.
But, yeah, Vogel does have that phony tough guy shtick like Schwartz.
"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"
by ColonelFatheart on Jan 24, 2012 10:30 AM CST up reply actions
granger is analagous to stafford, i'd say.
"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."
by boyonthedock on Jan 24, 2012 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
Stafford imo is overrated
I feel like any QB can lob to Megatron…Hell I seen him overthrow him a number of times….He’s good tho
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
Granger is an above average player
so is stafford. good, but not quite stars. so, analagous to me.
"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."
by boyonthedock on Jan 24, 2012 11:40 AM CST up reply actions
id love for him to miss that game
Indi is gonna aim at that toe for the whole game
by Belize on Jan 24, 2012 11:12 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Indy is number two in the standings right now.
They haven’t received much coverage, but that will change if they beat the Bulls. And they are a different team from the one the Bulls beat in the preseason.
also one of the few teams with an easier schedule thus far
but the Bulls injuries certainly close the gap.
They could also hold the Pacers to 57 points.
BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2012 12:18 PM CST up reply actions
teams with lower strength-of-schedule than bulls, atm
cavs
magic
celtics
knicks
sixers
pacers
ronpaul2012dotcom - it is important
They're good, but I'm not afraid of them.
They still don’t have a star player, they remind me of the Skiles Bulls teams a little bit, or maybe they’re a more defensive minded but less offensively capable version of the Atlanta Hawks. Either way, they’re destined for first and second round exits, IMO.
They're a terrible offensive team even with the addition of West and Hibbert making the leap.
The Bulls may only score 80 tomorrow, but Indiana might not crack 70.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
Is it too much to hope for them to only score 50
god I want to see them destroyed…I want tears coming from Fosters face, since I can’t see McRoberts tears anymore
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)
Lol at the Boozer picture.
It happens to be that he bricked that shot, but still funny nonetheless.
I think you are thinking of a different shot.. then where he got a really good aggressive rebound and jsut bricked it asking for a foul.... dunno...Okur seems to be to bar to be that play
by IIQuickSilverII on Jan 24, 2012 9:44 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah, thats the play I was thinking of.
He had a fantastic offensive rebound and then just bricked the lay-in.
looking at the schedule, i still can't believe they let derrick play in this game.
and it’s pretty obvious they would have won it without him anyway. i mean, scal was balling on their asses. i don’t like it.
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 10:13 AM CST reply actions
Memo to Howard
Look how good the Bulls make Scalabrine, John Lucas and Mike James look
Imagine what they can do with you…
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 10:34 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Rose won't be 100% for the rest of the season?!?
That’s TERRIBLE!! Deng might need surgery?? Also sucks. Taj might be out for some time as well? Not good. While Lucas isn’t exactly one of our ‘weapons’ it’s good to have him be healthy so the bench can at least be somewhat healthy to back up our top guys. Let’s hope that we get better news in the near future. I would absolutely hate for us to become the Eastern version of the Trail Blazers. Looking at our play recently, we should be happy, considering the injuries that are mounting, and the best record in the league is also a testiment to the talent we have on the team and that Thibs is definitely one of the best coaches in the league and he has meshed this team very well since he’s come on board. I think with Rip in their, and with him getting more and more used to the style of play and the new environment, he could potentially be our no 2 guy with Deng out of the lineup. He could also help Rose (if Rose isn’t 100%) with the fast break baskets and fast paced games. It’s also good to see Ronnie having an impact, but I am a little concerned with our front players. Asik and Destroy hasn’t looked too impressive yet, Boozer has been up and down, and Noah isn’t himself, yet. Hopefully we can get everyone clicking at the same time sooner rather than later.
anyone who's played a lot of basketball over time knows you're never 100%
it’s just a question of how badly hurt or injured you are.
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
Rose:
"I didn’t mean it that way," he said. "If someone steps on it, it’s going to hurt. You never know. It might go the whole year and nobody touches it."
"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 24, 2012 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Every Pacer is going to try to step on Rose's toe.
"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"
by ColonelFatheart on Jan 24, 2012 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
No doubt about it.
"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
Seriously, I'm worried about this.
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
This is where the team will miss Kurt Thomas the most.
They need that brick wall to step up to these punks.
"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"
by ColonelFatheart on Jan 24, 2012 11:14 AM CST up reply actions
Need for Sheed
Sheed would step in the face of Foster’s mom
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 11:16 AM CST up reply actions
Tyler H
getting knocked out…
Second best part of that series (first was McRoberts getting ejected)
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)
Imagine when Eddy Curry steps on his foot
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 11:15 AM CST up reply actions
to be fair
that’d flatten a healthy foot just as well
"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard
That's a dangerous game.
Stepping on another player’s feet is a prime way to sprain your own ankle or worse. Dirty players stick their feet under a jumping player for that very reason.
When was the last time the Bulls had the most efficient offense in the NBA this late into the season?
It’s truly impressive. Last year they beat down on bad teams but most wins were a slopfest. This year they are getting out to big leads early and keeping it that way. Their transition game is absolutely incredible.
That was my biggest issue with the team last year
They won a lot, but every game seemed like a grind. This year we’re just outclassing every inferior opponent
All this tells me, is that no matter how angry we were that Bogans was starting, we weren’t quite angry enough
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 10 recs
lol... ain't that the truth
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
national media was ripping his mere presence.
at least we’ll always have the jokes…
"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."
by boyonthedock on Jan 24, 2012 11:22 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah
Although with Brew hitting his jumper, The offense doesn’t look near as smooth, As when Rip is here, completly different team than what Miami faced. While Miami still looks the same a bit but I admit that they are better too
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
While i am not a fan of just throwing away the season fro the sake of being healthy...
I think if anybody is hurt, you need to just sit them…
Rose.. ok toe will not heal all year?…what about that those is a months recovery… so paced rest will help, help him avoind too many back-to-backs… or maybe bite the bulled for another week…. better he rests now than ..say teh last week of regular season and loose his edge due to too much rest at start of playoffs
by IIQuickSilverII on Jan 24, 2012 11:42 AM CST reply actions
Dear Tom,
Wow! It’s great to be playing basketball again. Man, we weren’t even sure if there would even be any games this year, you know with the lockout and all. We are 16-3 and Boston is 7-9. Looks like you showed them who should have been coaching in Boston, eh? We would be shocked if we weren’t at least the number 2 seed in the playoffs.
We do have one minor gripe though. If when the fourth quarter starts and that big scoreboard in the middle of the United Center shows us up by 20 or so points, it might be a good idea not to play us 11 out of the remaining 12 minutes. You do realize this is the NBA and not the NFL so margin of victory does not ever factor into who playoffs, right? Beating a Charlotte by 42 points, while probably personally gratifying to you, is just the same as beating them by 7. We would even go as far as to say that it’s okay to lose a regular season game here and there. Going 63-3 would be of little solace to us if we are spent like uranium rods by the time the playoffs arrive and we lose to New York in the first round as a result.
With that being said, it is great to have you here. We all know VDN had better hair than you but you more than make up for it with your style and substance. Here’s to a great 2012, that is as long as the world doesn’t end.
Yours truly,
Derrick, Luol and maybe Jokim
This space is available.
by MrBungle on Jan 24, 2012 12:09 PM CST reply actions 5 recs
Is anyone else here sick of the Scalibrine shit.
I hate the cheering, the fanposts, the fanshots, the photoshopping and all the other stuff with Scal. Just let the chubby white guy play a little….
REALLY does wonders for the Facebook page though!
BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2012 12:17 PM CST up reply actions
i bet you'd get a million likes if you put up a photo of you destroying fanshots
By popular demand I am putting a moratorium on the Melo talk until the Knicks win the title in June.
by sin on Jan 24, 2012 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
but he just clowned the Nets
it was AMAZING.
Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live
luol going to talk to the media about his injury soon.
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 12:21 PM CST reply actions
I'm also confused as to why people boo Kris Humphries.
What did he do to anybody? And btw, I caught an episode of that show he made with Kim and the Kardashians are fucked up worse than I thought. They were doing yoga with some naked black dude and when Humphries walked in and freaked out Kim got upset for him overreacting. You know you’re nuts when you think it’s normal to be doing naked yoga with someone other than your husband.
Cuz they're all fuckin idiots
Always give that dude props for bangin with PF/C’s and getting double digit boards in the process.
I've never watched the show but I thought people booed him because of his association with the Kardashians.
Is he like a villain or something on the show?
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
I think he came off as a real jerk on the show
One story I heard was that he made fun of some dude for not bringing any girls around, basically implying that the guy is gay. I don’t know – It seems like he was used pretty hard by Kim. On the other hand, I’d let her use me too.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 24, 2012 12:34 PM CST up reply actions
"reality" shows are all scripted.
that people buy into that as a reason to boo this guy…i mean, jesus christ.
by obnoxious american on Jan 24, 2012 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
hahah i saw that episode too!
well i saw part of it. but yeah… can’t blame him for being pissed there.
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
Yeah, and Kim and her friends were saying
“he just doesn’t understand….” I would love to have the kind of money that the K’s have, but shit…..Hollywood really fucks people up. Naked yoga with another man? That’s messed up.
just on another level of "wrong"
its quite disgusting if you ask me. Real or scripted, I feel Humphries deserves better, esp as a professional athlete who I think isnt a bad player.
You guys are acting like he's been persecuted.
He dated a reality TV star, got burnt and is now getting mocked. Dude doesn’t really deserve any sympathy.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 1:20 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not sympathetic to anything.
I’m just genuinely curious as to why fans, especially those in Chicago, are booing him? Why was he voted the most hated player in the league? I don’t feel bad for him and his failed marriage, real or not.
I don't know, maybe they hate ugly people.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 24, 2012 1:31 PM CST up reply actions
Humphries is actually a good looking dude.
My GF thinks he’s a better looking dude than Kim K is a good looking chick.
um...
i don’t see it :/
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
It really seemed like his job offers this offseason were affected by the hate
Coming off a excellent season, he wasn’t getting any calls. If true, that’s pretty messed up. The Kardashians get final approval over everything that gets aired on their show, of course he’s going to come out looking like the bad guy. I just happen to think he shouldn’t get booed around the league.
Yeah, seriously.
Go Kris humphries. >.>
Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live
The Pacers should see an angry Orlando team tonight...
and it should be a pretty physical game…
I am thankful we have a day off before this one… Thibs needs to get everyone paying attention to that team and ready for a big-a** fight.
Taj MaBall
If Orlando destroys the Pacers
we will be seeing an angry Pacers
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 24, 2012 1:27 PM CST up reply actions
The question is whether an angry Orlando team
can do anything except angrily shoot more 3 pointers and pray they go in.
by runningman on Jan 24, 2012 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
No shit
Nets went small last night and we still kept Boozer and Noah on the court. Would’ve been the perfect time to run him out there, oh hell any point in that time.
Yeah, but who cares? 16-3
Injuries. Fuck.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 24, 2012 2:04 PM CST up reply actions
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