Bulls vs. Hawks: Deng the All-Star? Boozer-Noah combination failing, and more.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 10:09 AM CST
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PrintSome more notes from last night's comeback victory over the Hawks:
- Sam Smith has pretty much every quote in his gigantic recap, and there are a couple gems. My favorite may be this from a jesting Luol Deng: "I’ve had so many (game winners), I’ve got to go back and watch the tapes. Go back and see which one was my favorite." Deng may not have many game-winners, but as Bulls Confidential points out between last night and the Lakers game Luol is doing wonders to erase the stigma of being someone who disappears in the 4th quarter.
Luol isn't doing statistically much better (slight uptick in rebounding) this season, but his typically solid work over so many minutes may get him his first All-Star nod. The Bulls will undoubtedly have one of the top records in the conference and he's the most obvious candidate to be alongside Rose. - Because Boozer and Noah certainly aren't playing at an All-Star level. I mentioned it in the recap that it's just not going to work this season if both guys don't play better. There's not many more outs than that, any cry for 'Amnesty' in-season doesn't know the rules and is just annoying at this point. Boozer will always get the most flak because when he's not producing on offense it just makes his defense more difficult to watch, but Noah isn't faring much better: while his effort and talent on that end far exceeds Boozer, he's simply fouling too much. So the Bulls now have both of their starting frontcourt members struggling on both ends of the court. Hey, they're 5-1, so that's...encouraging? But the Bulls outstanding frontcourt depth (and Thibs willingness to use it) is acting as much of a mask as it is a help. And I'm not sure of a way out of it, maybe try something subtle like phasing Boozer into more bench-mob units.
- No Bulljive (you all should follow this blog) points out another key mitigating factor of the awesome comeback:
The Atlanta Hawks are the best "good" team to come from behind against. They are an erratic team (in effort and execution) on both ends of the court and boy, do they love to settle for lazy jumpers. This game proved to showcase these traits. The ATL started by moving the ball around with great force in the first and opened up the Bulls famed D. But, I guess that was working too well for them and they played H.O.R.S.E. for the most of the last three quarters.
I do think that if healthy (including Kirk Hinrich coming back, so he can blow 4th quarter moments instead of Teague) the Hawks are a really tough out in a 7-game series, they've proved they can at least hang with the best in the conference. The odds of them being all available and in sync by that time is doubtful though. - Another great quote from Sam's recap that feeds the legend of Derrick Rose, from Al Horford:
We contained him the first three quarters, but there is a reason why he is the MVP. He made plays for his team. Not only him but Deng and the bigs stepped up and made big shots. I felt like we played a great game. We were right there with them. We dominated them for most of the game. Just Derrick Rose happened.
The Bulls were a bit fortunate to ride Rose for so many minutes Tuesday as the blowout win against Memphis allowed for more time to rest. That may not be the case tonight, so expect more than 4 minutes for John Lucas, which is a problem.
- And finally, as he was in town, the Kirk Hinrich return rumors must be put out there. Though it's not so much rumor as it is an inevitability. He'd likely help, but think to yourself if it's truly worth reading more of this.
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If Joe Johnson makes another all-star team instead of Deng, I'll be pissed.
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on Jan 4, 2012 10:18 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Deng's stats aren't much better than last year's, but I thought he's been our best player in the games I've watched.
Rose got all the credit for the Lakers game for that amazing shots, but Deng had basically done everything to get them to that point in the previous 1-2 min.
by msquared10 on Jan 4, 2012 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
I think Rose has been our best player in the games I've watched
I don’t really think its been close. Deng is certainly all-star worthy. But Rose is playing like a franchise player.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 11:20 AM CST up reply actions
Isn't because
Rose IS a franchise player? lol
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
well yea, but that is my point
I keep seeing these Deng is playing as good as Rose comments or Deng is 1(b) and Rose is 1(a) and I just have to shake my head. Deng has played well, but offensively, Rose is everything for this team.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I think they are playing very different roles right now.
What makes Deng great is he has all those intangibles that don’t show up on a stat sheet. He plays hard for 40+ minutes every game, making an effort to impact every play offensively and defensively. If I had to make a terrible analogy, I would say Deng is like the ship’s captain, trying to keep things righted throughout the entire game, and Rose is like the coast guard, saving everyone’s asses when things get bad. ;)
Of course, that’s not to say I don’t think Rose isn’t having an impact for the entire game, but I do feel like Deng has been by far the most consistent, in that regard.
WWCD? CDGAF.
by JStymie on Jan 4, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah.
I think Deng is kinda growing into the Scottie role. He’s been amazing. Aside from elbowing Rose in the head.
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
was that actually deng though?
on the replay it looked like maybe noah was the one who hit him heh.
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
I thought it was on the replay but I could be wrong.
/shrug.
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
I think teams are feeling Deng's power and that helps
the problem for Deng is that both Melo and LeBron are in the East now. As a SF he would have more chance in the West, imo
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 4, 2012 11:33 AM CST up reply actions
i don't think he gets voted in at the forward spot regardless
it is a bit of a problem with melo now also in the east, but if he can keep it up maybe the coaches finally vote him in. especially if a a guy like pierce is finally starting to wear down.
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
I think if the Bulls have one of the top 2 records in the East
he’ll get in on the coaches vote
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 12:14 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, if our record is that good again, there's no way they can just take Rose like last year
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 12:40 PM CST up reply actions
you'd think
except when we were the only team with a winning record without an all star in 2007 (and were skipped over by not only fans, coaches, but also the commissioner)… or how they voted in MAJOR losers last year (griffin and love).
i don’t know. i don’t have faith. hope he gets it though.
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
The only reason
I think that he’d get in, using that rationale, is that if Rose is the only all-star again – we’re talking MVP rd. 2.
If Deng makes the all-star team, then the NBA can give it back to some jagoff like Lebron or Kobe.
dot dot dot
by Johannes Factotum on Jan 4, 2012 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
All Star?
As much as he deserves it, he’ll probably need the rest by then.
by El Toro de Goro on Jan 4, 2012 1:39 PM CST up reply actions
Rose won't win it again
Even if this year is superior to last. That’s just the way it is.
now you can do something about it
http://www.nba.com/allstar/2012/asb/eng/landing.jsp?referrer=asb12_chi&cid=asb12_chi
start voting.
Bulls when Keith Bogans, err, Rip Hamilton scores 6 or more points:
3-1
by anorexorcist on Jan 4, 2012 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
You should fanshot that
(And we should rec it, so it sticks, and people remember to vote)
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions
I agree. He was already shafted for one year
Make sure you vote if you really want Deng in the Game. Ballots are out already.
(you all should follow this blog)
Scumbag yfBB:
says we should follow blog; doesn’t link to it.
by NittanyCub on Jan 4, 2012 10:21 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
ha!
I’ll fix that, thanks.
BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
wow
3 people vote for the bulls as most impressive so far. have they been watching the same team?
or maybe i haven’t watched enough other basketball, 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
I've been watching a lot of games this season...
And I would believe it. Granted, we just squeaked by the Hawks, but the Heat got some of their wins just barely squeaking by teams like the Timberwolves. Right now, the Bulls look much more solidified as a team than any other group I’ve watched.
WWCD? CDGAF.
well the bulls are 5-1
but they could easily be 3-3. i guess that’s why i don’t see it.
but, i could see why they look like one of the more cohesive groups out 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
So could the Heat
But the Heat’s close wins came against the Wolves and the Bobcats. Our close ones were against the Lakers and the Hawks.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
i'm not even arguing that the heat are the most impressive team thus far, though
but it’s hard for me to believe it’s the bulls, is all.
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 i mean guess you all are right
it seems like we’ve been struggling but i guess everyone has…
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
We may have struggled
But the teams that we struggled with are playoff teams likely. We struggled against the Lakers, GS, and the Hawks. The Lakers and Hawks are going to the playoffs (and the Hawks are in my opinion a top 3 team in the East), and GS is playing like an above average team.
The Heat needed final shots to beat Minnesota and the Bobcats. 2 teams likely to be picking in the lottery next draft.
"truTV is like BET for white folks." - Chuck
"Brian Dawkins is always 100% Eagles related."--macjack09 & BGN Nation
I like how we've all just agreed
to not mention Golden State ever again.
by runningman on Jan 4, 2012 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, but the same could be said of the other 5-1 (or similar) teams.
Portland (4-1) squeaked by Philly and then dropped a game to the Clippers, though they did have a solid win against the Thunder.
OKC (5-2) had close games / buzzer beaters against Minnesota, Memphis, and Dallas (all 4 point or less victory margin), then turned around and dropped 10+ point losses to Dallas and Portland.
Miami (5-1) had buzzer beater games against Charlotte and Minnesota, and likewise got their other wins against struggling teams.
No team has really dominated through all their wins so far, and I’m guessing the Bulls got some extra nod from the writers since they opened on a road trip. :)
WWCD? CDGAF.
by JStymie on Jan 4, 2012 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
fair enough
esp regarding the road trip, and then of course a 40 point victory.
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
Lu has not shot well from the outside this year, but he has been very, very solid.
Hopefully he finds his stroke…although we might have to give him a bit of a pass if his 3 point percentage dips. It is clear that Thibs is not going to conserve him, so these minutes will take their toll on some nights I’m guessing.
by bleigh82 on Jan 4, 2012 10:57 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
I don't know how many passes we can give if we hope to win a championship
Deng gets a pass
Boozer gets a pass
Noah gets a pass
Asik gets a pass
All of the sudden its like John Stockton has joined the team!
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Boozer sucks
Noah has no offensive game, but he does bring energy and defense. They should’ve never signed Boozer, he just don’t fit with this team. Deng has always been the Bulls next best player.
For Crissakes
This is a six-game sample size, Boozer and Noah both have PERs around 16, and the gripe here is…what, the bench is playing too well? Roughly 27-28 teams would kill to have this “problem.”
by BenGo07 on Jan 4, 2012 11:08 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
How many teams can finish a game with 3 of their starters out
Because the bench as a unit was playing hot….I bet miami would love to have a bench like ours too…Our bench more clutch than lebitch
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
I knew your name looked familiar
What happened to all the other contributors? Is it just you over there now?
I'm not sure if I'm even over there now
…although I hope to pick things back up at some point in the near future.
Unfortunately only 1 team can win the championship
and 29 teams would kill for that.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
the Bulls are competing with those other 2-3 teams
The Boozer-Noah issues are an ongoing trend by now, don’t you think?
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"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Boozer actually played well in the Miami series (better than Derrick, at least)
Last year he was our best defensive rebounder (and great rebounder overall), and finished the season with a PER of 19, after being in the top 15 for most of the year, until the foot injury. Really sounds like a guy that needs to hang em up….
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
Wow, just wow.
He averaged 14/10 against Miami,. while Bosh plugged in 23/8. He couldn’t stay on the floor in fourth quarters. Rose played poorly because he had to try and single-handedly score against the big 3, which he wouldn’t have had to do if Boozer did what he was supposed to.
He still played better
And that wasn’t even my point, anyway
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
And I still find it remarkable how you bitch about Rose even more than I do in most of those game threads
Then you come in threads like this and act like none of that happened
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
We all might as well agree to a new tagline.
Bitch-a-Booz: We think he gave 1.7%.
WWCD? CDGAF.
by JStymie on Jan 4, 2012 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Have I ever denied it?
I know that I can get very reactionary in those game threads. So do most people. A lot of bitching going on in those threads
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 1:22 PM CST up reply actions
I bitch about everything in game threads to let off steam when I watch.
Game threads are retarded and reactionary. These threads are where I step back and look at the big picture.
And here’s you 6 months ago.
Yeah, Boozer and Noah have replaced Luol as the two contracts that freak me out going forward
Ok, your point?
Those contracts still freak me out going forward. In fact, I think that’s an even truer statement today than it was six months ago.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 1:35 PM CST up reply actions
I think he believes, as I do, that Boozer's good right now, but he probably won't be when he turns 33.
Pat Riley is the devil.
Exactly
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 2:00 PM CST up reply actions
Well, he turned 31 two months ago.
He hasn’t been very good so far this season and his problems aren’t new, they’ve been around for a while. He had the injury excuse last season, but he doesn’t look different now, so I’m kind of done with that. My opinion of Boozer won’t change with one game either, I need to see him rip of a bunch of very strong games against real teams. i don’t give a shit if he gets buckets against Toronto, Detroit, Cleveland, etc. I’ll only back off of him if he can show me something against teams that can actually play.
Booz is 30.
Same age as me. I’m old :-(
One day you feel like you're on top of the world when you beat the Lakers and then the next night you lose against Golden State. - Joakim Noah
his problems aren’t new, they’ve been around for a while
That’s the thing though, these “problems” you’re talking about are not that big of a deal. Sure, he’ll never live up to that contract, but he’s still a productive player
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
Also, I get that those threads are reactionary
but at least I recognize some of my stupidity. It’s almost like you’re in a complete state of denial. And the fact that you go as far as criticizing other people for what they say in those threads, is bothersome.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 1:37 PM CST up reply actions
Who did I criticize for their talk in game threads?
Everything I’ve talked about here is in response to what’s been said here. You brought up game threads.
Yeah, I wasn't talking about anything you've said in here.
I was speaking in general terms. I know for a fact you’ve called me out on several occasions for things I’ve said in those threads. Pretty sure I’ve seen you do it to other people to, but I don’t remember any specific quotes or anything. Whatever, no biggie.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 2:06 PM CST up reply actions
Additionally,
the only player that I really go after too hard in game threads is DRose, and I admit to that. Most of my vitriol in game threads is aimed at Noah, Boozer, Taj and CJ, and for the most part I stand by the criticism.
Noah is overpaid, overloved, would be better off never posting up anybody ever again and should really consider trashing his jump shot.
Boozer is overpaid, under-productive and lazy, in my opinion. He’s a con-artist, too, as he supposedly woo-ed over Noah with that lobby meeting and has talked a big game this offseason, yet hasn’t brought much offense to the table. He has skills in the post yet he relies heavily on his jumper; that’s laziness in my opinion. Instead of working hard to get deep position on his man he settles for mid-range face ups.
Taj is a decent player, and what I bitch about in game threads is his shot selection. His shot is not good, and while he’s not as dumb with his shot as Josh Smith, he shoots jumpers too often. He, like Noah, should be relegated to cleaning up the trash.
CJ………I see a guy who shot 37 percent last year and is down at 31 this year. He likes to jack shots, especially when he sees Rose get up off the bench. I’m not a big fan of his, but I also think he’d be better off if he was a 2 guard instead of the PG with the second unit.
Granted Noah has had a rough start, I think his passing ability is
really underrated and he’s not as bad in the post as he showed last night. He’s one guy I’m not terribly worried about. He’s a big who can move and even start the break. This is more than just saying, oh wow, I like him, he is neat to watch, I just think if the guy gets his clock right, and starts pressing the fucking jump button when he should, he’ll be alright.
He can definitely pass,
as we all saw in that final play last night. But all that talk about having a center lead the break is meaningless, IMO. With Rip and Derrick on this team, I want him giving them the ball any time there’s a chance to run. He has nice plays sometimes, but is it worth it chancing a fast break on his ball handling when the chances of success are greatly improved if he dishes to Rose of Rip?
It looks good and is fun when you see a big push the ball, but it’s not always the best basketball play.
The worrying thing about Noah is the injuries
Other than that, you’re right that there will always be some pretty good value in what he provides.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
Yet somehow we'll likely have one of the best records in the league for the second straight year with that group of misfits...
I just find it funny how the hyperbolic negativity is only tolerated if it’s not aimed at D Rose. It’s a strange double standard.
I’ve always felt like Rose should be more accountable, seeing as he’s the best, and highest paid player. Meanwhile, other people want to blame everything on CJ Watson who plays about 8 minutes per game on a good night. To each his own I guess
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
Lol,
I never said those guys sucked. They’re all good players, and the team is great, but that doesn’t mean there are a lot of things that can be corrected.
Should Taj and Jo not shoot as many jumpers or get post feeds? As long as there’s a better option on the floor(Rose, Deng, Boozer), they should have to defer touches and get their points on fast breaks and garbage plays.
And now you’re getting on with the hyperbole. When CJ fucks up, I say something about it. I don’t blame everything on him, I just think he’s a bad basketball player, or at least a bad fit on this team.
My post mentions their flaws as individuals and why I call them out in game threads. Each of those flaws are legitimate. They’re clearly not killing the team, but little changes can have drastic effects come playoff time.
I wasn't talking about you specifically with the Watson stuff, and yes, I was being hyperbolic there
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with calling out players, I just think if people nitpicked over Derrick’s flaws in the same way that the other players are, people would be all over that shit. Again, this is not directed specifically at you.
But you did just remind how pissed I was at Taj last night at one point. I knw his defense was stellar, but I his combination of never wanting to pass, not hitting jumpers, and takng bad shots, has been pretty tough to watch
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
Um, maybe?
But I just don’t view it as direly as many seem to. Every team has problems. That Boozer and Noah don’t always mesh as nicely as one might hope (sometimes they do; I didn’t hear any complaints after the Memphis game) is one of them good problems. Just trying to keep some perspective.
by BenGo07 on Jan 4, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I won't complain as long as Chicago can keep injuring the opponent's best big man.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 4, 2012 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
booz still had 4 pts, 6 reb, 1 stl
while randolph was in the game.
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 4, 2012 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
This isn't a six game sample size. Noah and Boozer have had issues dating back to last February.
And every 3 days there’s another excuse. And that awesome depth we enjoy now? It’s gone by next season.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 4, 2012 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Why is it gone next season?
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
luxury tax? it doesn't have to be gone
but unless the Bulls plan on paying the tax, there will be some drastic changes to the bench mob. I predict either CJ, Brewer or Korver gets the ax, probably 2 of the 3 if it means keeping Asik.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 11:38 AM CST up reply actions
Right, but it doesn't necessarily mean our front court depth is gone, like Ozzie said
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:40 AM CST up reply actions
You think the Bulls can afford to keep both Taj and Asik on the bench?
Other teams are going to make offers and the team is capped out.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 4, 2012 11:38 AM CST up reply actions
I thought I heard that Asik is not eligible for a very big contract this time around for one reason or another...
As for Taj, that one will be tricky. Although due to the fact that he’s undersized, I don’t think teams will as quick to throw silly money at him. I think he has more value for this team (due to some of Boozer’s faults) then he would for most others.
Asik is the guy that some team would throw silly money at
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:42 AM CST up reply actions
They technically can get by for another season with both on the bench
Asik’s first year offer tops out around $5m, and Taj isn’t an RFA yet, so maybe backcourt/wing depth is lost as a result but not everything.
That’s why it’s more likely no Amnesty next offseason regardless for Boozer, they’d really need it the following one.
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"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
There is some 'early bird' rule in the new CBA that says Asik only gets 5 million for the first 2 years of his next contract.
I do not know the details and would jump off a bridge before reading the CBA. Anyone know the exact details?
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 4, 2012 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
Taj is still on his rookie deal next year.
Calm down
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on Jan 4, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Anyone else notice that monstrosity on Noah's right elbow?
Is that new, or has it been there the whole year?
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
that looked new to me as well
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"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions
yeah, i mentioned that last night
couldn’t remember if he had been wearing it before either. i was a bit worried about 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
Their shot selection was dreadful towards the end
but I thought they really did do an incredible job of controlling the pace (not easy to do against a Derrick Rose led team), and they were pretty terrific on D. If they hit a few free throws and/or drive to the basket instead of taking a stupid jumper or two, we’re probably very sad right now
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:44 AM CST up reply actions
but they shot poorly almost all game
so it’s not a great game
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 4, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Shooting poorly doesn't = bad game, necessarily
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions
I thought they were a smarter different team in the 1st quarter
then they went back to what they really were…Thank you J smoove
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
bring back captian kirk!
He looked so sad on the bench last night, like “man I wish I will still on that team” :(
by Da Bears2333333 on Jan 4, 2012 11:37 AM CST reply actions
I think the Bulls will clear out Watson, Korver, and Brewer. Sign Hinrich, and tell fans he's the perfect amalgamation of all three
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions
I like captian kirk but
not that much!
by Da Bears2333333 on Jan 4, 2012 11:54 AM CST up reply actions
If we keep brewer and sign Hinrich for cheap I’ll be happy.
by HeXDeMoN on Jan 4, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Isnt he though...
okay hes not….id like to keep brewer though, i think you can find a 3pt specialist for cheap, i think hinrich can be more pg-ish than cj (maybe not the same scorer though) but hinrich will never have brewers tremendous athleticism on defense…and for that reason brewer should be kept if at all possible…
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!
I'm guessing the org will drop KK and CJ
Bring back Brewer, sign Kirk and give Butler a few minutes a game.
"Shit just got real" - anorexorcist.
by illwill on Jan 4, 2012 1:47 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
after i posted my comment
i wondered if butler just couldnt replace brewer as the athletic 3 and d guy…but the fact that the organization wont play him at all this season makes me think otherwise….even if he had the athletic ability of brewer (which i dont think he does) the lack of playing time and experience hes getting is probably reason enough to believe that next year he wont be able to fill brewer’s shoes..
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!
They need to keep some depth
so they wouldn’t get rid of CJ Korver and Brewer, who are all currently in the rotation and replace them with only Kirk and Butler. Thibs likes going 10 deep.
That's why I get nervous when people talk about possibly trading Asik at some point because he'd return more value than Taj.
I’m more concerned about our big man depth than anything, with how much people are overpaying bigs right now, and the fact that we’re not likely to have a decent draft spot in the next couple years.
WWCD? CDGAF.
I think that's actually a legitimate possibility
Assuming Kirk will take any contract the team gives him, it would allow them to save quite a bit without much talent dropoff.
I can’t wait to see which blogabuller explodes when this happens.
I'm not even sure it'll be that big of a deal
Kirk will be a backup, like you said will take less money, and we’re all expecting it.
The explosion will happen after Thibs really likes his grit, and starts him opening night :-)
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"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Bulls against the Zone
Why did Atlanta abandon the zone. I thought they had the Bulls really confused and struggling against it. The Bulls started scoring some points when ATL switched back to man defense with 2min left in the 3rd qtr. 37 points up to that point and then 39 points in 14 minutes from there on…
yeah, that was a big mistake by the Atl coaching staff
the zone forced Rose to give up the ball and stopped his penetration. The one thing I can say in their possible defense is that its harder to set up a zone after you’ve missed a shot and they missed a bunch of shots.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 11:43 AM CST up reply actions
Also, didn
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions
oops, also, didn't we have a run of offensive rebounds while they were in it, or am I imagining things?
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
I was pissed at how easily Derrick was giving it up
He would essentially take a few steps circling the 3 point line, pass to one side, wait for the pass back, take a few steps the other direction and pass to the other side, then when the clock was at 2, someone would throw up a terrible shot.
It shouldn’t be that easy to completely throw the Bulls off of their game.
there was a lot of bad luck involved too
Bulls had a lot of ins-and-outs and shots they usually make
by JustAnotherFan on Jan 4, 2012 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
1st 3 quarters
we’re the weirdest 3 quarters i’ve seen…Missing shots, missing bunnies, and horrible reffing…oh wait the reffing is normal.
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
Yeah, if it was an away game
I’d accuse them of tightening the rims.
by runningman on Jan 4, 2012 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Let's pretend they tightened the rims even though is was a home game.
I like to imagine that the Bulls just wanted to make shit harder for themselves after the Memphis game.
They just have to play hard
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
In response to this anti-Boozer vitirol
1. The Bulls do not need a better low post player. DRose became the MVP because there was no such low post player clogging the lanes. All of this talk about getting a 2nd shot creator that has been circulating since the ECF is insane. We do not want the ball out of Roses hands. We want players who set screens and play off of the ball. We have gotten them.
2. Boozer is a bad individual defender. However, he seems to have bought into Thibs system and is starting to step up his team defense. He has been showing over screens and filling the lane. He has not been perfect but I see good signs and I think that he will function very well in Thibs scheme by the playoffs.
3. Booz did not sit yesterday because he was especially bad. First, as has been pointed out, the unit on the floor had tons of momentum and Thibs wisely rode the hot hand. The other reason is Josh Smith.
Smith is a physical phenom and the only players on the Bulls who have the physical ability to guard him are Lu and Taj. Lu was (wisely) guarding JJ. Josh Smith will kill you if you don’t play him tough. However, if you take him out of his game, not only is he ineffective, but he actually hurts his team (ball stopping and poor shot selection). Thus, it is absolutely vital that you put a strong defender on him. This is a matchup problem with the Hawks but not a problem that will repeat itself on a nightly basis. Everyone matches up poorly with the Hawks. Their skill sets are bizarre. You beat them by playing them tough and waiting for them to do idiotic things.
As such, I am not at all pissed about Boozer. On the contrary, as he is stepping up his defensive effort, I am pretty hopeful. We are also doing many things to integrate his game into the offense (signing Rip, more PnR). Last night was bad, but was definitely not the worst Bull on the floor last night (although his shot selection was awful). By playoff time, the Bulls will be a damned machine and Boozer will be a cog.
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 4, 2012 12:06 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
back to vitriol
1) I don’t care if Rose never wins another MVP, it’s about the team having a better offensive options to help him, not just to end the ECF but over the course of a season to lessen the load.
2) I don’t see this at all. Even if he’s more willing, and Thibs has his back, he just can’t move well enough or has the instincts.
3) Even if you think he didn’t sit because he played bad, he sat and he played bad.
I dunno if last night was some kind of turning point for me or what, just the fact that he’s looking to become an exclusively outside player is worrisome. Who knows he can dominate Jonas Jerebko tonight too.
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"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
I agree completely that his shot selection was awful last night.
However, as Rainman points out, the strength of zone D is that you cannot get good position in the post without easy double teams. You couldn’t design a defense to better take Booz out of his usual game and, when that happens, you look for other options. In the face of zone D, it is the job of the rest of the team to hit the open 3 and attack the seams on the drive. The defense is designed to minimize the post-up threat but it creates other weaknesses, which should be exploited, but which lay outside of Booz’s skill set.
In response to 1, I do not care about DRose’s MVP status in the sense of accolades. In order for him to become a top-5 player he needed that space to work. Have you seen him in the team-USA games? He is totally outside of his game when there are other ball-stoppers on the floor. Yes, we need other offensive threats to lessen the load on Rose. My point is that Boozer has a good skill set to be that offensive threat without taking DRose out of his game.
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
by THEKILLERWHALE on Jan 4, 2012 1:49 PM CST up reply actions
Boozer looked like the only player who understood the zone d
When there is 3+ perimeter passes before the ball goes to the middle with 6 seconds left, it’s hardly the fault of the guy who just caught the “hot potato”. I can’t believe how many people are so down on him. Yes, he is a defensive liability but he rebounds.
Bulls don't have rebounding problems
But they do having a scoring problem which is what Boozer was brought here to do and be consistent. (not just against bad teams).
And even with his soso scoring numbers, his defense , or lack there of erases those gains.
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 4, 2012 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
The Bulls are actually scoring better than they're rebounding this year.
They have the 8th best offense in the league right now, but they’re only 16th in defensive rebounding.
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on Jan 4, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
let me rephrase this
The Bulls wouldn’t be hurt if Boozer didn’t rebound as well. I’m sure Asik/Noah, etc would pick up the slack.
What they need Boozer to do is score when Rose ain’t, especially against good teams.
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 4, 2012 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
Not to distract from the Boozer bash
but what in the hell has happened to Noah, because he has been worse than Boozer. Is he out of shape, injured, does he need to find his rhythm. One thing I’ve noticed is that his technique for blocking out and rebounding has become poor. I don’t know if that is fatigue or simply because he could in the past rely on his athleticism and didn’t need great technique. He always got pushed around but now it seems he is failing to do the work before the shot is put up. His defense still looks strong to me, although even there he is not quite as active, but I’m waiting for the return of 15 rebound Noah.
I firmly believe to beat the Heat the Bulls have to dominate the interior. Right now, Noah isn’t getting it done.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 12:38 PM CST reply actions
Yeah every missed shot seems to end up with Noah getting pushed out of bounds.
Is he flopping?
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 4, 2012 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe he is flopping
he is being pushed under the basket on many of those shots and may have little recourse but to flail like he was fouled.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 1:22 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, it sucks
This has always been the concern, considering his body type, style of play, and the fact that he was never a particularly skilled player.
At least with Boozer he provides the threat of offense, and solid defensive rebounding. Noah is just there.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
Not a particularly skilled player?
So all the Noah cliches are back in full force.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 4, 2012 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Isn't he the definition of "particularly skilled player"?
His skills are very particular for a center.
It's weird
Noah’s offensive rebounding is as good as it’s ever been, but his defensive rebounding has plummeted. I looked up the Bulls’ overall DRB%, and it turns out we’ve been below league average this year, compared to 2nd in the league last year. Boozer, Taj, and Asik are all also pulling in fewer defensive boards than last year. Hopefully this won’t be a trend.
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on Jan 4, 2012 1:23 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
could this be related
to our improved play in transition?
"Shame he’s such a goofy fuckface."
-JBJ, referring to Dwight Howard
by SidM on Jan 4, 2012 1:23 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Possibly
It does seem like the Bulls are focusing on leaking out more. This is something I will be paying particular attention to over the next few games. There’s going to be a tradeoff between fast breaks off of misses and defensive rebounding.
i didnt see the game so im not sure if i would have noticed
but jaina pointed out noah was wearing some arm band or sleeve or something…maybe he is injured. The bulls are a weird organization where they dont make injuries public, and let the fans hate on a player for so long that by the time the players injury is publically announced, the fans think its bs. Thats what happened to boozer last year (i think boozer is playing better this year, even if its incredibly streaky)
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!
Anyone else notice that Rose hasn't dunked yet this year?
And not only that, but he’s had some shots that he would usually dunk in past years, but is laying up instead.
He’s still been lightning quick, and his all around game has been incredible this year. But do you guys think he’s losing a bit if his athleticism, is this a change in approach where he just doesn’t want to exert the energy to dunk as much anymore, or is this just a really small sample size?
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
I also noticed the lack of dunking
I don’t think it’s something we should be worried about at all. He definitely hasn’t lost any athleticism. I think it’s a matter of him not giving a shit about style points, and yes, conserving energy.
I'm getting too old for this shit...
by Judge Mental on Jan 4, 2012 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
I thought so too, but he he had that one layup last night, late in the game, where it looked like he WANTED to hammer it down
but was unsure once he got up in the air, and layed it up instead. Also that lob from Hamilton in the preseason where it looked like he just didn’t have the explosion. There’s been other instances too, but those ones just stuck out to me
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 4, 2012 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
yeah don't remember which game it was
but i remember making the comment “dunk that shit!”
i dunno. i’m not gonna worry about it too much unless it continues.
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
Dunking takes a toll on the hands and wrists especially
which is why lots of guys skip the dunk contest, or only do one or two early in their careers. It’s smart policy, if you ask me. Why dunk when you don’t have to? the only reason really is the entertainment value for the fans. He’ll dunk when he needs to, not when he doesn’t. Asik on the other hand needs to dunk every time and not even think about layups.
I'm getting too old for this shit...
by Judge Mental on Jan 4, 2012 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
two offseasons ago
he sort of made a comment about not dunking so much because it took a lot out of his legs. Its possible that with the shortened season, he might feel that he should not dunk unless its imperative in order to save those legs a bit….
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!
Absolutely not.
I think Rose is making a mental effort to appear more controlled. But losing his athleticism? No freaking way. He has soared on plenty of plays so far this year. Even last night’s game — watch the replay for his late layup over Josh Smith. It’s insane how much clearance he got over the top of him.
If you listen to the way he’s talked in interviews, and how he’s been trying to play more of the facilitator… I get the feeling Rose wants to be a little less “spotlight” this year. Maybe that’s not the best way to put it; maybe it’s more that he’s trying to distance himself from the “showboat” mentality. Either way, I think it’s just a mental change and has nothing to do with a loss of athleticism.
WWCD? CDGAF.
whhhhha?
He’s not trying to be more controlled, merely ‘appear’ to be more controlled, so that Skip Bayless likes him more?
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 2:32 PM CST up reply actions
is it wording
or do you think Derrick is dunking less to showboat less, not to just save his strength (or whatever).
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"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2012 2:40 PM CST up reply actions
No, I don't think he's dunking less because he is trying to give a particular image.
I think Rose has really bought 100% all-in to his “all I care about is winning” mentality. I get the feeling he just really does not care about the flash right now. Critics may want to see him put up 30 points, but if he feels the team plays better as a whole if he goes for 15 assists on a given night, that is what he’ll do. When it comes to dunks, it seems like the thought to put on a little extra show isn’t cropping up into his mind, he just wants to get the two points and move on to the next play.
WWCD? CDGAF.
For all I care,
the next time he dunks is in the ECF against Miami. I think it’s fair to say that if dunking, in and of itself, was important to him, he would be doing it. Thankfully he’s not your typical NBA highlight whore.
I'm getting too old for this shit...
He's hurt his wrist a few times dunking so maybe he's taken it easy
I just don’t think he cares about style points that much. He’ll unleash one soon enough though
"You know what Neil, stop being such a sourpuss." - Stacey King
I noticed that too...
He could have very easily dunked that ball last night but he chose to lay it in. I think dunks will come but I think we’re looking at a guy that’s trying to conserve energy and work on other facets of his game. I surely don’t think that it’s a loss of any athleticism.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
Those cross overs last night should be proof enough that he hasn't lost any athleticism.
That said, you are right…the dunks have been a missing. They will come I’m guessing, but I’m fine with him conserving them for fast breaks if he thinks he has to.
i thought he was going to dunk it but became worried about
1. how he was going to land and 2. where he was at in position to the rim. I think he had less of a challenge than he probably thought he would have.
by Basketball Smurf on Jan 4, 2012 3:25 PM CST up reply actions
I rember reading
That Rose was playing with tendonitis in both knees. Could be a factor.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
by DRose01 on Jan 4, 2012 3:56 PM CST via Android app up reply actions 2 recs
It's his shins, not the knees
Derrick Rose is dealing with tendinitis in his shins, one reason he’s wearing protective padding on his legs.
by Option27 on Jan 4, 2012 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Oddly,
I feel much better about him having shin tendinitis then in his knees.
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 4, 2012 5:18 PM CST up reply actions
Ahh thanks
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
by DRose01 on Jan 4, 2012 5:28 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
The NBA Where Derrick Rose Happens
Thibs got his team a chemistry set for Christmas
by livesinnoahsbasement on Jan 4, 2012 3:49 PM CST reply actions
bulls still suck
yep
grammer geeks you make me sick
by angryandy on Jan 7, 2012 5:44 AM CST via Android app reply actions
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