Blog a Bull

Bucks 97, Bulls 90: Maybe in 6 more games Vinny will realize Nocioni is giving him nothing

2008-12-04T04:53:57Z

Before what I think is the main point of this game, some other call-outs of bad:

Gooden put in his second straight stinker (1-11 from the field), and his shot selection still has me thinking he really thinks he can do it all. The offense in general was no good at the start, a lot like the night before: Gooden and Gordon forcing shots, and Rose with a sloppy floor game (5 TOs overall), and Rose wasn't hitting jumpers tonight either. The frontcourt did a poor job of securing defensive rebounds, letting former PER-hero Dan Gadzuric get 7 offensive boards in 21 minutes.

The good was pretty much Luol Deng, who looked a lot more active on offense. And Larry Hughes, who was 4-8 from the field and only a couple were the typical awful Larry shots. I have no expectations for him, but I have to say he hasn't been absolutely terrible. He still offers nothing outside of volume shooting, so even when shots go in he's not doing that much...but it's better than the alternative. If he's going to play 24-ish minutes and be like this, maybe he'll regain some value before he gets sick of pretending he's ok as a role player and tries to kill the team from the inside.

On to Nocioni, whose trade value is plummeting to the point where an expiring contract with no working limbs would be fantastic return. There's nearly 4 more years of this, everyone!

But in Noc's defense, he's doing a great job showing very plainly that he just doesn't have it. It's on Vinny to pick up on that not-so-subtle cue. Instead he left Nocioni in for two disastrous stints:

First half:
Enter the Noc: 23-20 Bucks, 10:31 2nd quarter (Richard Jefferson enters as well)
Exit the Noc: 48-35 Bucks, 2:51 2nd quarter
Noc? 7:40 min, 3 Fouls, 0-0FG, 1Reb. Jefferson scores 10 points

Second half:
Enter the Noc!: Start of the 4th quarter, 76-72 Bucks
Exit the Noc, with clenched fists: 87-75 Bucks 7:32 4th quarter
Noc's hair? 4:28 min, 0-1FG, 1pt, 2 TOs

This is a guy who's given the team nothing the past several games, so Vinny should've been going for the hook at the first sign of awful. That first half stint was especially bad, as Vinny's next move after putting in Noc at the 3 was leaving him in as Deng returned and shifting him to the 4, first paired with Gooden and then Gray. (as a reminder: always a bad idea). In comparison, by this same time in the game Tyrus only had a bit over 5 minutes after one of his best games of the year. (VDN made a similarly odd decision in the 2nd half: after Noc put them in that big hole he went small...with Gray as the lone big man. Why?)

It was only 12 minutes, but a disastrous dozen for Nocioni. He really doesn't have to play at all. Thabo could be re-introduced to professional basketball (3 minutes against the Spurs followed by 3 DNPs), Larry (ugh, I know) could be at the 3 against smaller lineups, Tyrus/Noah/Gooden/Gray can handle nearly all the minutes at the 4 and 5. Granted, the Bulls weren't ahead when Noc entered the game either, because those aforementioned frontcourt guys like Gooden and Noah weren't offering much...but Noc was not only not offering anything, but actively taking away.

For the time being, he shouldn't see the court. Make up a leg injury or something, it's likely not that far from the truth.

Open Game Thread #19: Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks

2008-12-04T01:00:06Z

note on the gamethreads: I'd rather not sift through these and see people being jerkish.

While it's an open thread and therefore some 'rules' don't apply (like going off topic), the usual guidelines about trolling and inappropriate still do apply. So do me a favor and flag those comments that stand out as deserving so. This way I'll see them when my assistant brings me the flag reports each morning.

-management

Game Preview #19 - Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks

2008-12-03T21:18:21Z

[Thanks to Big D for today's game preview. Andrew Bogut likely returns tonight, and that's a huge help to the Bucks. -ed.]

The Bulls have another opportunity for revenge tonight against Scott Skiles (and that other guy who coached the team last year) when they face the Bucks in Milwaukee (7:00 Central, WGN).

Despite the addition of Skiles, the Bucks have been as bad as ever so far, with a record of 7-12. Skiles has done pretty much what everyone has expected him to do, and amazingly, he's actually turned the Bucks into a decent defensive team. They currently rank 11th in the league in Defensive Efficiency. Why, then, are they so bad? The answer is obvious for those of us who have seen Skiles in action - they're 26th in Offensive Efficiency. In fairness, Michael Redd is just coming back after missing 14 games with an ankle injury. If he gets going, don't be surprised if the Bucks get back in the playoff race in the East, because they have too many weapons to be one of the worst offensive teams in the league for long. For what it's worth, John Hollinger has the Bucks 13th in his Power Rankings (mostly because of a strong strength of schedule).

Blogging With the Enemy:

Brew Hoop

The Bratwurst

Bucks Diary

The less said about last night's game, the better. The Bulls have a golden opportunity to get back over .500 over the next few weeks, but if they can't beat teams like Philly at home and Milwaukee away, we're just going to have to face the fact that this team isn't that good. I've been reading a lot of comments about how the Bulls have exceeded expectations so far (mostly by going 3-4 on the circus trip). I don't really buy that, since who expected Derrick Rose to be this good right away? If you had told me that he'd be one of the best point guards in the league immediately, my expectations probably would have been raised a little bit. This team has a superstar now, so judging them based on last year's sorry performance doesn't cut it anymore.

Sixers 103, Bulls 95: Not the worst game I've seen, but that's only because I'm a Bulls fan so I see a lot of garbage

2008-12-03T05:14:16Z

blech.

The only reason the Bulls weren't blown out early was because the Sixers were trying to match their terribleness. Then while remaining close, it took the Bulls more Sixers awfulness to allow them to tie the game. And overtime was a whole separate steamy pile.

So much for whatever could've been built on from Sunday: the Bulls offense was completely discombobulated when the Sixers aggressively attacked them on the perimeter. Basically back to their 'my turn' offense, and with Derrick Rose joining in on the miscues (he was great when he shot the ball, but was not much else tonight) the team had no chance.

Drew Gooden really really thinks Drew Gooden is good. Heck, just ask him. Not only did he think he was good on Tuesday night, but he thought he was Amare Stoudamire. Just completely on his own trying to create plays from 22-feet inwards. Ben Gordon was not letting open looks come to him, and when not forcing shots in the lane (rarely did he take an open jumper) he was part of several missed handoffs on the perimeter.

So with those two not having good nights, and Rose having an uncharacteristically sloppy game, and Luol Deng going MIA in the second half, and the Philadelphia 76ers offense in general...just all sorts of bad. There's no excuse for this team to play like that. I do not accept this as some karmic retribution for 'stealing' one in Philly. That Philly team sucked, and the Bulls decided to match them.

The one bright spot was Tyrus Thomas, who had one of his best games of the year. Was instrumental in the final comeback, was not (well...a couple times) forcing things on offense. This was the Tyrus who once earned a spot in the rotation: the type of game where if you just leave him out there, good things will happen. And perhaps most importantly, it's now been several games since he produced a complete zero (through minutes yanking and bad play alike).

Vinny did some good and bad: I liked how he had Thomas as the first big off the bench and resisted going small. Not too much Hughes at the 3, Hunter at the 2, Noc at the 4, etc. I was trying to be clever and call out Vinny's sub pattern but missed repeatedly, which I consider a good sign. I thought he was a bit too aggressive in benching Rose late due to foul trouble, but it turned out to be necessary.

But man did he stink up overtime. (it even started out bad, why have Gooden take the tip and not Tyrus?) I realize this is the typical coachy' thing to do, but it was completely daft to ride the same lineup through the entire overtime just because they're the ones who got you there. Especially since it involved Andres Nocioni on Andre Iguodala. What's the sense in that? Even with the opportunity to switch out before the final Sixer possession in regulation, Noc remained in the game. Since Rose had been replaced by Hughes in that possession, Vinny wasn't averse to the concept completely, so he must think Nocioni is still even a passable defender. He actually hit a couple shots tonight, but on defense (and defensive rebounding, my god...) Noc is near toast. And just the way he's moving in general...if he isn't hurt he's at least worn out.

And I'll say the following with several caveats first (Deng's not having a good start to the season, I mentioned his disappearance in this game's 2nd half, he's not being paid like a franchise player but definitely like a very important player): isn't it significant that Vinny sat Luol Deng for the last 4.5 minutes of regulation and the entire overtime? I know with a mismatched roster that some rotation decisions are always going to be head-scratchers (Noah starting but always on the fast-track to the doghouse, for one). But benching Luol for the worst defender on the roster (and one who's gassed) shouldn't be one. I'll be curious to see if this is made out to be a big deal.

That last rant on Vinny wasn't meant to read that significant. It's his first overtime, he stunk it up, his team made him look worse by running no real offense. The more important time of this game was the 48 minutes of crap beforehand.

Open Game Thread #18 OVERFLOW: Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers

2008-12-03T03:15:06Z

Open Game Thread #18: Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers

2008-12-03T01:30:06Z

New thread at 9:15

Rose wins Rookie of the Month.

2008-12-01T21:04:54Z

Rose wins Rookie of the Month.

No surprise...the first of many awards.

Bulls 103, Sixers 92: Saving the best for last on the circus trip

2008-12-01T03:55:27Z

I taped the San Antonio game on Wednesday, but after seeing that the Bulls blew a lead and Larry Hughes played 39 minutes...decided against watching it.

Glad I didn't see it, because instead of being soured I was instead starving for red hot Bulls action after a 4-day layoff (I guess technically the circus trip was over already). And after a slow start, the Bulls put in their best game of the season in this blowout of the Sixers.

Drew Gooden was spectacular and outplayed Elton Brand, not only hitting jumpers but scoring in a variety of ways inside. It was crucial early as he was the only one providing offense (rough start from who's usually in charge of the scoring, Ben Gordon) in an otherwise terrible first quarter.

Derrick Rose closed out the half in spectacular fashion, and after he and Gooden were joined by a reheated Gordon in a 33-11 third quarter beatdown, the game was in control.

Nearly everyone played well: Tyrus Thomas had a solid first-half stint, and Vinny rewarded him (that's cred to Vinny, though I'd actually prefer entitlement minutes instead of reward minutes) with more in the 2nd. Noah got the start and while his conditioning issues are more annoying by the game, he at least was active when he wasn't wheezing. Even Larry Hughes had a good game, showing good shot selection in going 4-6 from three, putting the game out of reach as the Sixers didn't show much care in closing out on shooters in general.

I don't think it's bad fandom to expect not only victories but victories with the way I want them, and this just felt like a more meaningful win than the others on the circus trip. And especially nice to see, considering the growing consensus that this team's non-terrible record was enough to be content even though it's been mostly terrible (non-Rose) basketball.

But after a game where Rose is (once again) sensational, the other scorers are not just playing alongside him but with him, the young bigs don't stink (and Nocioni's abandoned when showing he doesn't have it), Hughes and Gray don't start (though Gray was the 6th man...rotation can never be perfect I guess)...

...I'm now very excited for some easy stretches of schedule.

Open Game Thread #17: Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers

2008-11-30T22:00:06Z

Game Preview #17 - Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers

2008-11-30T09:35:38Z

[Thanks to BigBenign for today's game preview -ed.]

The essentials:
Game time: 4 PM
Channel: CSN [Note by ed.: it's also on NBATV]

Bulls: 7-9, 2-7 on the road
Sixers: 7-9, 5-3 at home

The lineups:
Bulls: Rose, Gordon, Deng!!, Gooden, Noah.
Sixers: Miller, Iguodala, Young, Brand, Dalembert.

The match-ups:
Deng is back in the starting lineup, which means that somebody had to be bumped back to the bench. Thankfully, despite the obvious mismatch at the 2, VDN has opted to go with BG over Hughes. This could’ve been ugly, but credit Vinny with a good decision here. Though I suspect we’ll still be seeing plenty of Hughes as well. This will be a key match-up, as Iguodala has been struggling mightily so far this season. Will he get in a rhythm against Gordon?

The other obvious headache is Elton Brand. He hasn’t exactly been performing well, shooting a career low 45%, a full 5 points off his average. But there’s nothing like a visit from the Bulls to cure what ails you! Brand will no doubt abuse us down low, though don’t be surprised if it’s the athletic Dalembert who really goes off, taking advantage of our undisciplined bigs’ help D.

The spiel:
Siiiggghhhh, so many possible angles! Do I discuss the battle of Bulls #1 overall picks? The ongoing Deng v. Iguodala debate? Well…I guess I just mentioned them, so on to other matters.

For all practical purposes, the circus trip is over. While 2-4 is hardly a moral victory, especially after the Portland debacle, it’s not exactly a failure either. Rose has proven he can compensate for the often-inconsistent play of his teammates, and his ability to carry the team is already established. What has also been established is the Bulls’ utter lack of production in the frontcourt, and the often-painful substitution patterns VDN has been forced (in my opinion) into as a result.

Enter the Sixers. For some odd reason, of late the Blazers keep being compared to the Bulls. Yes, they both have collections of young, lottery talent. However, that is really where the similarities end. The Sixers, by contrast, have far more in common with our beloved Bulls. In fact, as little as a year ago, the Sixers and Bulls were oft-compared. They both had talented, promising wing players in Iggy and Deng, were athletic, liked to run, had no true star-player, and were both in youth movements.

The Sixers, it seemed, were following the Bulls blueprint to mediocrity success. They even squeezed into the playoffs, but then fizzled, as we’ve seen the Bulls do so many times. The difference, which takes me back to my point, lies in their prized off-season acquisition of Elton Brand. He is the source of all optimism in Philadelphia. Nevermind that he was once a Bull himself; he is what separates the Bulls and the Sixers. He makes 7-9 seem totally surmountable for them, while that same record has already doomed us to mediocrity. With that one off-season move, Sixers GM Ed Stefanski did what Paxson has failed to do in his entire tenure: secure an effective low-post player.

While I could easily devote the rest of this preview to highlighting Paxson’s missteps as GM, I will refrain—it has all been said before. The fact is, with Rose, the Bulls don’t need Elton Brand to walk through the Berto Center doors. We are a mere role-playing big-man away from relevancy. Whether through trade, free agency, or player development, Paxson has before him a multitude of opportunities to succeed.

By all means, bemoan our frontcourt deficiencies until one of those moves materializes. Shake your head in disgust when Brand puts up 20 and 10 with the same ease with which VDN combs his hair. Turn away as Dalembert takes lobs, while Joakim huffs and puffs (and puffs some more). But I urge you, Bulls fans, not to envy the Sixers, or any other team. Because the real difference—the most important difference—between our two teams is that their players limit the Sixers' ceiling. For them it’s Brand or bust. The Bulls, with Derrick Rose in charge, have nearly unlimited potential, and we’re just a few moves away…

Open Game Thread #16 Overflow: Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

2008-11-27T03:30:05Z

Open Game Thread #16: Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

2008-11-27T01:30:05Z

I'll post the overflow thread at 9:30.

Game Preview #16 - Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

2008-11-26T16:33:17Z

[Thanks to Ayeljay for today's game preview -ed.]

Gametime: 7:30pm
Channel: Comcast SportsNet
Bulls: 7-8 (2-3 on current west coast swing)
Spurs: 7-6 (4-2 @ home)

The Spurs are still missing Tony Parker, while Manu is back from injury. As always with the Bulls, the question is will our frontcourt come to play? If they can limit the Spurs second chance points, I believe the Bulls should be able to get out and run. Look for D. Rose to really push the tempo tonight....depending on Tyrus, Drew and Joakim cleaning the glass.

Before I launch into a rant, I'm actually predicting a Bulls win tonight:

Bulls 111
Spurs 104

Random Thoughts:

Can Tyrus learn fundamentals from Duncan by virtue of Osmosis?

Who will win the battle of South American floppers; Manu or Noc?

Can Bowen stick his foot under Hughes' foot when he shoots a J, and take him out of commission for a few weeks? (errr....just joking)

Seriously...

When discussing the Spurs, the obvious focus is on the Big Fundamental himself, Tim Duncan. Secondary focus is placed on two great complimetary parts, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. This franchise has been arguably the model franchise for the past 10 years. The Bulls...well....they haven't even been an average franchise over the last 10 years. Actually, there's been a few years in which an argument could be made that they didn't field a franchise at all.

The Spurs have a great piece to build around in Tim Duncan. We believe the Bulls have stumbled upon a great piece as well in D.Rose. Now here comes the primary difference between the two franchises as I see it:

Who do you place more faith in to build a team around a star: The team of Pop and R.C. Buford or the Paxson's?

Now granted, the Spurs did stumble across Tim Duncan by virtue of David Robinson getting hurt the previous season, and then tanking the season to increase their chances of landing the #1 pick. Even so, Pop and Buford have done a great job of putting the correct pieces in place to complement Duncan, especially during the 2003, 2005, and 2007 championship runs.

Do you really trust the Paxson's (John, Jim, Lil Marine Ryan or even Grandpa Paxson) to find the right pieces to place around Mr. Rose. Pax has drafted solid players, don't get me wrong: Deng, Gordon, Hinrich, as well as potential solid players in Noah and Thomas....and maybe Sefolosha. Solid, but not spectacular.

Meanwhile, the Spurs have drafted Tony Parker, Manu, Luis Scola and even Leandro Barbosa...with very late first round or second round picks. They even seem to have landed a steal this year with the choice of George Hill out of IUPUI.

Hell, even Crumbs Krause drafted "Scott" Pippen out of Central Arkansas, Ho. Grant, B.J. Armstrong, Toni Kukoc from the other side of the world, Ron Artest, Tyson Chandler and Elton Brand.

Point is...Do you really trust Paxson to put the pieces in place(as Dave Wannstedt would say)?

Bloggin' with the Enemy: Pounding the Rock, 48 Minutes of Hell

Bulls 101, Jazz 100: Bulls have a go-to guy. No, it's not Larry Hughes.

2008-11-25T05:38:06Z

via d.yimg.com

First regarding the final hero of the night, Larry Hughes. Finally, all of those forced up leaning 22 foot jump-shots paid off. He's practiced that in any situation, with any group of teammates, and against any opponent. So he knew how to get it done as the clock (which he couldn't even see as the Jazz arena was a joke tonight) expired. May this get you traded after all, good work!

But this was a game that was truly won by Derrick Rose. Faced with daunting odds: not only the Utah Jazz, but his own coach who left out an atrocious defensive lineup and ran out of time outs, Rose was sensational down the stretch. Beating his man at will and letting the Jazz do what they do best, foul.

This could've played out like any other blown lead over the past several seasons due to mismanagement (why do our coaches not value rebounding and defense in crunch time?), but that's the difference when you have a player like Rose, who can make something happen on every possession, even if they're disorganized ones.

The Jazz were without most of their team tonight, but a win in their arena is still a nice prize. They catch another break with the similarly (though Manu is back) banged-up Spurs on Wednesday. So while it may not be a pretty road trip, and this team is still pretty much a mess...the results may be successful after all.

Other random real-quick observations:

Good: Tyrus played a lot more than he had the previous few games, did some decent non-scoring work. Gray had some key offensive rebounds. Noc did hit a couple shots in the 4th to partially mitigate his damage on the other end.

Bad: Tyrus had only 2 points. Him and Noah were again buried at the end. Gray was out a bit too long. Thabo got a DNP.

Terrible: Luol Deng. What the hell was that? Either he's still hurt, or he really is lost. Up there with Tyrus' jump shot early in the season, Luol's one-on-one play is something that was worked on over the summer but is now being showcased to the team's detriment.

Awesome: Rose! and any Circus Trip victory.

Open Game Thread #15: Bulls at Utah Jazz

2008-11-25T02:00:05Z

Game Preview #15 - Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz

2008-11-24T21:02:49Z

[Thanks to Duhon's Hangover for today's preview -ed.]

The November "circus trip" for the Bulls has been an a utter disaster in the past 10 years. Their 6-52 cumulative record over the past 10 years is comparable to FEMA's track record. Starting off with a 1-3 record on our 2008 voyage, the Bulls may be able to nip Utah as they're playing short handed. Utah however has been 6-0 at home and has won its last 33 of 34 home games.

The key match-up for this game would have been public enemy number one, Derrick Rose, against the all-star Illini Deron Williams. But, luckily for Chicago, Deron is still out due to injury and is slated to match up against Memphis on Wednesday. Utah's Tango to Deron's Cash, Carlos Boozer is out due to an injury which frees up the next key match-up. Even without Chief Williams and Alaskan Boozer for the last 13 games and 2 games, respectively, the Jazz have remained competitive at a 9-5 record and the title of the Northwest Division leaders. The Ronnies (Price and Brewer) have been contributing to the starting lineup and Andrei Kirilenko has been AK-47 of years past. AK has been coming off the bench (which he seems to have accepted) and is averaging 1.3 blocks per game. Okur, who was attending to an ill father, has been playing well and should see strong numbers as he will be the main offense weapon on this injury ridden team.

The main problem that arises when playing against the Jazz is well it's in Salt Lake. For those who do not know about the Jazz hometown atmosphere, think back to Bulls vs. Jazz finals or as more of late the Derrick Fisher homecoming. The Bulls have played some tough teams on this road trip, but sadly enough we haven't played to our potential as a team. The Bulls lost a competitive game against the Nuggets and had a big win against the Warriors. They even gave the Western Conference Champs a run for their money. But then there is the stigma, the Blazers game. ...That game, we were all out of sync and could not do anything to put up points on the board or stop the Blazers from doing just that. It was almost vintage Bulls from a year ago where we could not even buy a basket. We made Joel Przybilla look like an all-star candidate, a candidate, not an all-star. Joel Przybilla should never be considered much more than a 2 and 7 guy. But alas, I digress.

For this game to be competitive and for the Bulls to ultimately get the "W", we are going to need to execute down the stretch. We got complacent towards the end of the Denver game towards the end and could not the put the game away even though we were close the entire game prior. The Bulls are a solid team with a potential ROY. Although Hinrich and Deng are out, we have more than enough swingmen and shooters to fill the void that these two leave. Our big men also have the advantage over Utah's frontcourt, Okur and Milsap, both who are not known for their defensive prowess. Don't forget, we got Lindsey Hunter (why did we get him again?). All in all though, this should be a good match and a real test for the Bulls as they are coming into very unfriendly territory to get wins before this circus trip is over. Can anyone still remember the cross over by Jordan on Russell? How nostalgic..

Do watch the game on WCIU the "U" at 8 pm CST, because I will be.

Random Thoughts:
What will happen with Tyrus Thomas as he is not getting that much PT?

Will the Bulls make any drastic changes for the greatest signing year ever, 2010?

Does Thabo look better in cornrolls? At least he keeps them clean, unlike Chester Frazier, for you Illini fans out there.

I hate Ashton Kusher and by the transitive property, I hate Kyle Korver.

Blogging with the enemy: SLC Dunk, True Blue Jazz

Quick observations of Bulls/Nuggets

2008-11-24T14:55:14Z

Mostly unsubstantiated, since I don't have much time. And there's a game tonight anyway...

Vinny's going small way too often, and sometimes following it up with going suck. He had Rose/Gordon/Hunter/Noc/Gooden for nearly 6 minutes, then brought back Larry Hughes and Aaron Gray to close it out. So basically re-read this post, replacing 'starting' with 'finishing'.

I thought Gordon and Rose had their best game together. It wasn't merely taking turns, there were spots when they were creating for eachother. That was neat.

It kept them in the game (plus some poor Denver FT shooting), and it's some solace that they hung around against a better team, but this Vinny thing is trending badly...and had been doing so even when they were getting wins. He brought Larry Hughes and Aaron Gray (who had a good stint earlier, but it should've been appreciated and not tested for a reappearance) back into close a game, so he actually thinks those players can be relied on.

Can Thomas and Noah be relied on? meh, not really. But, hell, they lost anyway, and we still know nothing about if they're going to get untracked this season. I already knew Nocioni couldn't set a proper screen and Gray can't defend the basket.

Maybe he's resting the young bigs knowing that more games against good teams will further destroy their confidence...saving them? or something? Or Vinny really has no plan for the season and is just throwing out whatever works. Or what he thought worked.

Nuggets 114, Bulls 101: Bulls go small, collapse

2008-11-24T04:52:18Z

I'll have more later, this is a mere postgame stub for now.

(It's short like our lineup!)

Open Game Thread #14: Bulls at Denver Nuggets

2008-11-24T02:00:06Z

Game Preview #14 - Chicago Bulls at the Denver Nuggetts

2008-11-23T14:57:49Z

[Thanks to chgobr for today's preview. I predict we go small and get murdered. UPDATE: According to KC, Deng is out and Noah's starting. -ed.]

Why we should watch the game beside it starting at 8PM?

Can we win our first two road games in a row?
Can we take 1 of the next 4 games and exceed my 1-6 road trip expectation? Expect low so you don't get disappointed. 2 of the next 4 and I am in basketball heaven.
Can Rose continue his unbelievable play?
Can we overcome the pathetic play of Tyrus, Noah, Gray - the smallest big lineup in the NBA?
Should we go with the small lineup? I have been one who cringed when Skiles did the small lineup. I am so fed up with the play of our bigs that I am warming to the logic to 4 guards and a PF. The Tribune starting lineup has Gordon, Rose, Hughes, Deng and Gooden. It is fun (and a bit sad) thinking of putting Gordon on Nene to dare him to shoot. Sam Smith has Gordon covering Dalembert which is a funny thing to imagine. A small lineup plays to our strengths and Sam Smith is a convert.

So everyone thinks you need a seven footer at center and more size next to him and a big man post presence.

If you don't have it, you don't keep putting big people in there who don't, won't or can't impact the game.

A bit about Denver

Denver, 8-5 is 7-2 since acquring Billups. This is not your depleted Golden State Warriors. Denver has won 8 of the last 10 games against our Bulls even though we won the last game in a defensive gem 135 - 121 at the UC 2/22/2008. We need to get beyond the liklihood of Carmelo, Nene and Kenyon Martin dominating the post. I do get a bit of heartburn when JR Smith uses his 25.9 MPG and goes off on us as pay-back for labeling him as an immature, mentally unstable, talented chucker - which he is

Oh yes - trades:

I apologize but I cannot avoid the elephant in the room. Watching the Bulls makes you scream "trade". Donnie Walsh demonstrated someone who has a plan and some guts. He has ditched the next two years on the hope he can nail Lebron in 2010. Risky business but the man has a vision. Winning in the NBA is really difficult. 30 teams all want to be contending. 1 of the 30 will win and be happy. I believe Paxson is really trying to make a deal for a big however we do not have an abundance of assests others crave. Hiesley screwed Paxson and himself by not making a deal with the Bulls for Gasol. Many of us here, including me thought we hit a homerun with TT. Now it looks like we struck out. Noah is disappointing. Gray is, well ... not NBA ready at best. Deng is base year and Gordon's Qualifying make them almost impossible to move. Hinrich is injured. I watch Mbah a Moute and think what are we doing wrong here. VDN is disappointing but still deserves the year before I judge him. Enough of the negative - I'm getting myself depressed. Most teams haven't won 6 championships in their whole existance. We have Rose which is truly a shining light in this challenging season. Patience (I know we heard this before), some team will be desperate and we may wake up and find Hughes gone and a big in. Well we can dream!

TV/radio: 8 p.m. Sunday; CSN, WMVP-AM 1000.

Blogging with the enemy: the Denver Post, Denver News Nuggett Blog

PickAxe and Roll