Ankles be rollin'

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 26, 2007 8:27 AM CDT in News Comment 77 comments

Update: injury report (from The Score): Wallace and Tyrus should be O.K., Noah may not make opener.

Right now the reports are quite vague on each of the Bulls big men who rolled their ankles last night (Wallace, Thomas, and Noah): The team doesn't "believe any of the injuries are serious, but there is not yet a timetable for anyone's recovery."

The season doesn't start until next Wednesday, so I'll be optimistic. Nocioni already was scratched in that game for another leg injury, so it's a rough way to end the preseason.

It's too bad, because on the court the team looked good last night. I'm very excited for yet another year of Deng/Gordon/Hinrich. Unsurprisingly for players not yet in their prime: they just look better. And Joe Smith had his best performance.

And to wrap up Grayte, Skiles had a good game, keeping the rotation tight and sensible when everyone (sans Noc) was available. If Wallace is indeed out, I'd imagine Smith would get the start. That's still not an ideal scenario, obviously, so lets just hope these sprains aren't too bad.

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vs Nets

Kristic is not really healthy yet so Nets are like Bulls as in they really don't have much of a post game, except when they post up Bulls smaller guards of course. So hopefully as long as 2 of the 3 injured bigs are able to go Bulls will be okay. Obviously would like to see the vet Wallace be out there and is best probably if Thomas gets off to good start this season.

Overall in Game1 I think Bulls will be best served by not going small against Nets, so hopefully limited Duhon and more Thabo at guard not SF to matchup better.

I think if Bulls don't allow Nets to get up early that will help as Bulls should be stronger Defensive team. Hopefully Deng/Gordon will be 100% and ready to lead Bulls in scoring in game1

by NY Chicago Fan on Oct 26, 2007 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

But will they find their joy?

They did seem in good form, and Neil and Bill were happy with what they were seeing. 'Specially the low turnovers by the starters.

But Sam Smith says they don't have any Joie de vivre. Maybe they just weren't happy to see you Sam.

Warning, more needles Tyrus bashing in Sam's column.

by KT on Oct 26, 2007 9:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Get over it

Tyrus doesn't want to talk to you Sam!! He had a decent game, I saw a different game from what Sam saw. Tyrus was out there blocking and changing shots. He's a young player give him a chance to get better before you rip on him every single column!!!

by tyrus4prez on Oct 26, 2007 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I already wrote

to Sam about it last night...told him pretty much the same thing you say here.

...part of my email to him: "Hey Sam, give it up about Thomas willya? EVERYBODY KNOWS you have it out for him. Just change the subject, or pretty soon nobody will care what you have to say about anything."

He's usually pretty good about answering his emails, so we'll see what he has to say. I do wonder about Sam, though. Has he lost sight of the big picture?

by alec on Oct 26, 2007 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's obvious

that he has...any professionalism that he may have had went out the window about a year ago. He's WAY past the realm of getting his personal feelings too involved in this.

Maybe he wants TT to let him in his inner circle of friends...maybe he's expecting the current players to treat him how some of the older players treated him (more of a buddy and less of a reporter)

Whatever it is, he needs to get over it quick. That article this morning was garbage. He couldn't find anything else to rip on so he chooses lack of enthusiasm?? Gimme a break...

by ScottieCartwright on Oct 26, 2007 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Sam

and he should never be allowed on CTL ever again.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wrote Sam

He responded pretty quick,

Said that its hard to see what he sees about Thomas on TV, so its hard for him to answer my question about why he seems down on him. Said, "dunking the ball and screaming" dosen't equate hustle.

Then said that the point he was trying to express about the team is that they haven't been playing with the "enthusiasm and interest" they have before and he hopes it will change with the coming season.

I'm thrilled, now I can get a jersey with my name on the back!

by SouthSideIrish on Oct 26, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then finished with

"it's just my opinion; it doesn't mean it's right. it should just be more information for you to consider and then you should have your own opinion"

At least he admits its an opinion. I don't always like the guy, but he is marketing an opinion. It's his job. Gives us something to talk about :).

I'm thrilled, now I can get a jersey with my name on the back!

by SouthSideIrish on Oct 26, 2007 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait.

Call me crazy, but wouldn't you think that a professional writer would be best suited to articulate a complicated concept or opinion with words? Maybe that's just me.

by paxson43 on Oct 26, 2007 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The truth is,

I'm pretty sure, that it's Sam that isn't happy, and he's simply projecting

by alec on Oct 26, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't even bother mentioning that

It just made no sense whatsoever. I thought Sam would be over his early-season slump by now, It's not going well.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 26, 2007 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's obviously taking orders

from Rick Fox and Isaiah Rider.

by hscs on Oct 26, 2007 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am so f'ing sick of Sam Smith's consistent

efforts to assassinate TT's character through the media.

It is so tiresome and irrational.

Hey, Sam, that Portland with Aldridge team is f'ing awful. With Hinrich, Deng, and Gordon on the team, do you really want Tyrus to regularly take enough shots to score 31? I'm sure he would be happy to do so, but then you would call him a ball hog.

by 1958ChiTown on Oct 26, 2007 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

veterans

''I think any coach would like to have as many veterans in your starting lineup as you can get,'' Skiles said. ''That just may not be the case for us.'' (from Brian Hanley's Sun-Times story today)

by alec on Oct 26, 2007 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope Kirk

plays every game as hard as he played last night. I thought all the starters played well. Gardner had some great shots at the end of the game too.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yep, i'd agree

all homer-ing aside, I said the exact same thing when watching the game (thanks for the channel again too), that Kirk looked like he was playing pretty hard. He wasn't hesistating at all...he made a couple of really nice passes and ran the offense great. And it certainly helps that his shot was on.

Now if he could only do that for 82 games instead of 52 we might have something here :-)

As a side note...BG started off real nice, but he definitely cooled down in the 2nd half. To me, it looked like he started to tire out...probably still getting his legs back and shaking the rust from being off with the ankle.

by ScottieCartwright on Oct 26, 2007 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're welcome

for the channel.

I think Ben will get better each game. He just needs to get his strength back and his shooting will get better.

Kirk definitely looks stronger but like all players he will have off games. I just hope not so many this year.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

channel?

what channel?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Oct 26, 2007 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I told

you I'd have to kill you. :-)

I just found the CSN+ channel on Direct TV for him for the game last night. No big deal.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sue, I think

you might appreciate this. It's a USA Today story of Thomas Gardner's greatest collegiate game.

by alec on Oct 26, 2007 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice read, thanks.

I think he will make the most of every minute he gets to play. He has a great attitude too.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kirk...

was GREAT last night. Ran the offense well, shot the ball well, played some fantastic defense. Let's hope this becomes a habit.

by ChrisRobin on Oct 26, 2007 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK. Got a reply

from Sam. I'm not going to print it, but let's just say he's unrepentant.

by alec on Oct 26, 2007 11:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Aw c'mon -- he won't mind

I probably won't write Sam, but if I were to, I might ask him whether he is a fan of the Bulls or not. If he is a fan, does he really think its the best thing for the team for sportswriters to be excessively harsh on one of their important young players?

I understand he's trying to "report" and express his opinion, but there is such a thing as constructive criticism. And there is such a thing as being encouraging rather than being derogatory, even while expressing an opinion.

Time Warner Cable: The Place to Be, if you want to see no preseason games even after paying for League Pass.

by preverbal on Oct 26, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks fo the update!

Saves me time for havin to check myself!

by AngryAsianAce on Oct 26, 2007 2:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good to hear

that Ben and TT will be ok. I hope Joakim doesn't have to miss too much.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 5:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

K C Johnson

is on CTL tonight. He was talking about who will start between Smith, TT, Gray or Joakim. He said he thinks Joe will start but we will see TT and Gray start at other times. He said Joakim is last on the totem pole. He also said the coaches are very diappointed in the lack of progress TT had over the summer. Hopefully he kicks it in soon. I think he would scare himself at how good he can really be.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 5:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Noah

It's amazing how all of a sudden Aaron Gray has become a big deal on this Bulls team. There is a reason the guy was drafted in the second round. Was he the 49th pick? For all the Pittsburgh fans pumping him up as if he is big deal, I remember in the run up to the Big East Tournament how much his fans were touting him as special. Then when the tournament started he was a disaster, couldn't stay out of foul trouble and had a permanent place on the bench with little or no points. The guy has good siize and some skill, but let me warn you, guys like Gray are not winning players, they have no heart in a big situation. Mark my words, he's going to be exposed if Skiles makes the mistake and banks on him. Say what you want of Noah, he's a winner, and the only thing that can hold him back is bad handling by Skiles. If he's not careful, he'll lose Noah.
All of a sudden Gray is being promoted as a player who's quickly learned the system and knows what Skiles wants. What does that mean? Noah has always had a high basketball IQ and is a cerebral player. Maybe the problem is Skiles. I feel that if you're a good coach you should be able to get through to an intelligent player. You know what? Makes me sorry that that deal Phoenix had with Jordan fell through because had it gone through Noah would have been a Phoenix Suns and Mike D'Antoni would have had the player he scouted the last two years, to fit perfectly in that Phoenix lineup.

by SlamDunk on Oct 26, 2007 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was not my

observation it was K C's. I love Noah and want him to be a great player on this team but he has said himself he is having problems learning the system here. Hopefully he makes the adjustments soon.

None of us can say with certainty what Gray will bring to this team. We aren't at practice so we don't know what the coaches are seeing. If he does amount to something it's great for this team if he doesn't they aren't out much.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 26, 2007 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah needs to work past TT, not Gray for more time

I still think comparing Gray to our other big men is like comparing apples to oranges. His body build along with his skills in the paint and IQ (both needing a lot of work, granted) allows us to match up differently with certain teams. Like when we'd put in Sweeney because he was bulky enough not to be shoved out of the paint...too bulky at times which is why he isn't here anymore.

Gray won't be a blanket answer to all of our problems, but it will come in handy from time to time when we need someone like that on the floor. Which is why he seems to be third behind Smith and TT, but won't be seeing nearly as much action as either of them.

I think Noah has to work past TT and not Gray for more attention. To replace what Gray gives us he'd have to gain a ton of weight or glue his feet to the floor when he posts up or something. To me Noah seems more interchangeable with TT, just not as good yet. And like everyone has said over and over again, TT has seniority now and should be getting the bulk of the time out there.

by cranscape on Oct 26, 2007 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kobe

Peter Vecsey in today's (10-26-07) New York Post in reporting that "Chicago has had dialogue with the Los Angeles Lakers regarding Kobe Bryant, but proposals were not made." According to Vecsey the Bulls are interested in acquiring Kobe but would not give Luol Deng in a package. He says "John Paxon pictures Bryant and Deng as a reincarnation of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen," but wouldn't drain its assets to recreate that scenario.
I think Vecsey is on the money when he says the Bulls, as currently constructed, are one of the favorites to come out of the east and are very attractive to their fans and there is no reason to disrupt a good karma. According to Vecsey, "Why risk a chemical imbalance by importing a potentially selfish superstar carrying a conveyor belt of baggage?"

by SlamDunk on Oct 26, 2007 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The New York Post is

full of shit!

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 26, 2007 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The New York Post in gerneral,

and Peter Vecsey in particular.

by alec on Oct 26, 2007 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kobe

The subject is Kobe. The disclosure and opinion are from Vecsey. He's a well-known columnist with four decades of experience covering this game and has many contacts. What's your opinion on the subject?
I don't agree with everything Vecsey says but I respect his opinion because he has been on the money many times.

by SlamDunk on Oct 26, 2007 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

child of the 80's?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9Y-oFFkSIts

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 26, 2007 11:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Memories

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xKmys-Tys90

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 26, 2007 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yahoo! is reporting

that things don't look good for our boys. They're saying Wallace and Noah are out indefinitely with Tyrus day-to-day.

by torch on Oct 27, 2007 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow! That's not

what anyone was saying at the dinner yesterday. They said Noah definitely was out but nothing had been decided on Ben. Noah didn't even make it to the dinner and they said they had to haul him out to his car on a cart after the game. When they talked to Ben he said it was sore but they were going to work on his ankle and see what they could do.

They have practice this morning and I'm sure there will be something said after that.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 27, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

bulls.com is echoing the article

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/injury_report.html

by milesgmsu on Oct 29, 2007 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was

from Friday. We'll see how it goes the first few days this week.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 29, 2007 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here is

KC's article from yesterday on the injuries.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-071026bulls,1,674047.story?coll=c s-bulls-headlines

If you didn't get to see KC on CTL and you want to know what he said about Lu and BG's contracts I'll tell you but don't flame me if it's not what you want to hear.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 27, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do tell

Time Warner Cable: The Place to Be, if you want to see no preseason games even after paying for League Pass.

by preverbal on Oct 27, 2007 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's nothing new

both sides are still far apart on money. I like KC, but remember the front office chooses what to 'leak'.

by hscs on Oct 27, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the front office chooses what to 'leak'

Boy...ain't THAT the truth... (sigh)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Oct 27, 2007 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

and it's not like KC hasn't been way off before on some things...let's see how this plays out...there's still 4 days left to get something done.

by ScottieCartwright on Oct 27, 2007 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KC said

he had learned that discussions were going well with Lu and his agent and they expect to have it done by Wed.

Things are not going well with BG's. Chuck Garfien the host of CTL asked why not since BG is their best player and KC said he's not the best player on this team yet. He's the best shooter but his game is lacking in some areas. BG wants star money and his camp is not moving from that.

KC did not give any amounts of money being discussed in either negotiation.

If you believe KC that is up to you. I'm not surprised at all about BG. I do think Pax will be fair with him but I think BG has a higher value of himself than maybe Pax does. That's just my opinion.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 27, 2007 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think

That signing Ben Gordon this offseason is unnecessary.

Next year he will be a restricted free agent, and if he proves to be the best player on the team, and a must-have, then he will cost slightly more than he is probably asking now(only if other teams can afford to sign him, though). The knowledge of his development is worth that extra money(if there is any, because few teams seem to be able to afford him), IMHO.

I think the Bulls could be thinking about a Gilbert Arenas sign and trade, and if they sign Ben right now, trading him next year would be pretty unfair to him. Not to mention that his contract wouldn't have high money, being the last year of his deal, I think he would get his rookie contract's last year salary. Someone out there must know whether that is true or not. Anyway, this lineup would rock:

Gilbert
Kirk (move to SG, I think)
Deng
Thomas/Noah
Wallace

We would have a go-to scorer, a lot more moxy, and more scoring than we have had since Jordan. Can Gilbert play defense? Or can Skiles ignore that for 30ppg? And salary-wise, we would be similar, since few teams could pay Gilbert more than we could pay Ben.

I'm excited about the current team, but Ben Gordon if thinks he's the best player on the team, he may end up taking a big chance just to try and prove it. IMO, he should take Kirk money(what I would guess they are offering him), buy his Bentley, and go to the Berto Center to practice.

Get that out of Tyrus' House!!!!

by cubbybear on Oct 27, 2007 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For me the

long term security would mean a lot. That is why Kirk took it. If BG doesn't and he has an injury that takes him out for a year or two he's screwed. I hope nothing like that happens.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 27, 2007 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmmm

Not sure I'd really want Arenas any more than Kobe.

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Oct 27, 2007 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah that

doesn't excite me too much either.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 27, 2007 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uhhh...

Arenas isn't going anywhere as long as the Wizards offer a max deal.

by Kemp on Oct 28, 2007 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I were Ben Gordon I would test the market, and

if I were Paxson I would let him. Scorers are overpriced, but Paxson does not buy into the conventional wisdom about scorers, as seen by the people he has drafted and signed. So Ben may indeed get a better contract elsewhere. He may not, however, get a championship elsewhere.

by Tim S. on Oct 27, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well put.

I would give him Kirk's deal, scrapping next year's rookie salary, and then tell him to take it or leave it.

Get that out of Tyrus' House!!!!

by cubbybear on Oct 27, 2007 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention the ace card

which is that not matter WHAT contract is signed, the players seem to be able to hold out for more $$ and "re-negotiate" if they improve their play...something I've never been happy about.

So with that in mind, then Ben SHOULD take whatever millions he's offered, shut up and play, and let the cards fall where they do.

Because if he continues to improve, he'll be holding out for more anyway....trust me.
And the sad thing is that it's largely due to the greedy agents as much as it is the players.

Anyone remember when MJ came back from retirement (the 1st time) and played the final year of his already existing 3.3 mil contract when he COULD have held out for who knows HOW much and got it?

'Course, the following contract year he DID stick finally it to Reinsdorf for what-- 30 MILLION I think? :-)

But the point was and is that MJ honored the deal he had made - something that isn't seen much of anymore.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Oct 27, 2007 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

are you sure about that?

I can't recall a single instance of any player holding out, or renegotiating a contract they were signed to at the time. And don't say Sprewell; he declined an extension, and was without a contract.

by hscs on Oct 27, 2007 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you can't renegotiate in the NBA

and i beleive that that provision has been removed from the NFl after peyton did it

by milesgmsu on Oct 29, 2007 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

miles where do you get this stuff

guys hold out in the nfl all the time to renegotiate. Javon Walker did it. The defensive tackle the bears traded for this year did it.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Oct 29, 2007 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

It's a good thing that Deng may be wrapped up.

then Chris Sheridan of ESPN says this.

Haven't we heard enough of this? I don't want Bryant on this Bulls team, especially with this very old trade scenario. The whole reason why this team has been one of the best attended tickets in the league is because Chicago loves watching how these guys compete and grow together.

If they can get Deng signed, then there would be more of a serious offer from the lakers. That whole Deng, Gordon, TT and Noah thing is only doable because that's the easiest way for LA to work the money and fleece the Bulls.

Maybe the Bulls put this information out there to get more leverage on the Gordon camp? maybe like, if we give you the superstar money, then we'll trade you for one, so you can start all over with a rebuilding team?

by brianmita on Oct 27, 2007 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't want him

on this team either. I personally have heard enough on this too.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 27, 2007 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldnt mind having the best player in the game

If:
A) the team is not gutted, the core (to me) consists of four players thus far, hinrich, gordon, Wallace and deng. I think its absurd to give up more than one person from that group. Deng and a bunch of other guys, okay...gordon and a bunch of other guys....i dont want hinrich traded, and i dont think the lakers will really want him anyway (i hope) since he is a poison pill, and plus hes not flashy and the lakers love flash

B) If the best player in the game is willing to concede to bulls basketball. Seriously having a guy like kobe, play like a ben gordon is ideal for our team. If we gave up only gordon from our core, i guess we could have deng be a "pippen-like" player (playing styles are way different i think) and hinrich be a steve kerr or stockton like player. So long as it didnt turn into the "kobe bryant show" im fine.

Can A be helped?? Will the lakers buy into getting something like gordon, noch, thabo...etc small pieces, and let us keep hinrich, wallace, and Deng? I think all of our players (except A Drain) are good players for a rebuilding team. But would the lakers agree?

Can B be helped?? Kobe bryant really wants to make one fact known to the world...he is the greatest. The championships he got in L.A. are said to be due to Shaq, not Kobe. Lebron took a team of crap into the nba finals, kobe cant get past the suns in the first round. Kobe might pull an A.I. and pass the ball around, but i think it may be a matter of time, before people start saying, man if not for deng kobe couldnt do crap, or if lebron had a hinrich like player next to him, he would dominate.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Oct 27, 2007 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How many of

the people in here will be pissed off if they trade for Kobe and we have to give up two of the core players and at least two good bench players and in two years there still is no championship? What happens when what is left of our core want traded because there is friction on the team now known as the Kobe Bulls?

Trading for him does not guarantee a championship.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 27, 2007 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sue...

I was with ya on hating the idea of Kobe going to the Bulls. In fact till this day, I feel like I may be one of the biggest Kobe haters in the world.

Then I got to thinking how much my love for the Bulls compare to my hate for Kobe.

Then I thought of a possible lineup of Hinrich, Bryant, Deng, Noah or Thomas, Wallace....I know it don't guarentee a championship BUT you can not tell me this team wouldn't be favorites to win it all for a few years to come.

The defense would still be there and possibly better with the loss of Gordon and the offense would definetly be there with Hinrich, Kobe and Deng.

Plus, this allows Skiles to not always be so hardcore with the bench and let the damn starters play some serious minutes. I'm all for getting the best player in the league, even if I despise him. I can learn to love him. You might as well learn too cause this looks like it's inevitable.

by Option27 on Oct 27, 2007 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot to add . . .

While the Bulls would be favorites for years to come, when Wallace's contract is up in 3 years, they'll have some serious room to add another significant player...which is why I would hope Tyrus is sent to LA instead of Noah. I could see Noah being the starting center for our Bulls after Wallace is gone. Then you spend that money of Wallace's on a great PF who maybe available. So many options. It's not like Kobe will kill our chances for a great future if we don't win immediately.

by Option27 on Oct 27, 2007 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are assuming

that Kobe will be happy in Chicago and that all of his new team mates will just love him to death. Not to mention Skiles. There is no guarantee of that happening. I would have a real hard time watching the Bulls if he is on this team. I hope it doesn't happen.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 28, 2007 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are assuming

Only the negetive...have you actually thought about the positives of having kobe.

You dont like his character, well i hate ty2 character, and from everything i read about hinrich by those who "know him personally" hes an ass. Who cares? This is basketball, and above all else its winning that really matters. Kobe was a ball hog on the lakers, but honestly i believe that, if we retain most of our core (im hoping to only lose gordon out of the four) i think kobe would have reasons to pass. Ive talked to numerous laker and kobe fans, and even some people who dont like kobe but are big basketball fans, and they have all said the same thing. A kobe less laker starting line up, will get pwned by a bulls starting line up missing any member of the core.

Let me ask you this, do you think that the bulls right now, can beat the spurs??? I dont see it happening. i think with kobe, if we lost either deng, gordon, or hinrich (only one) we would still be able to beat the spurs (if we lost more than one then i may question it).

"But the bulls might be good enough to win it in a few years!!!"....i think a good general manager wants to win NOW, skiles didnt tell the bulls at the start of training camp that they were going for the eastern conference championship, if he did then he is a sucky coach.

Kobe might be an ass, but if he comes to chicago and plays ball and helps us win...well its good for the team.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Oct 28, 2007 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes it is about winning

Kobe just doesn't help teams win as much as everyone seems to think he does. See my diary for the rest of my thoughts. But, the Bulls aren't trying to beat the Lakers. They're trying to beat the Spurs. There's not alot of trades that help the Bulls beat the Spurs. Kobe isn't exactly known for lighting up Bruce Bown.

by Scotter on Oct 28, 2007 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can want

him on this team all you want. I don't. There is no guarantee that he will help this team do squat.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 29, 2007 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're absolutely right

in that they would become a far better defensive team with Kobe. His intensity/atheticism combo are pretty much unparalleled at the position, and he takes us from being an undersized backcourt to a large one.

One other thing: Kobe brings us post presence. He has the ability to recieve the ball around the block, score, or create for others. We've noted several times that post scoring doesn't need to come from a hirsute, seven-foot, chain- smoking spaniard. Well, Kobe presents low-post scoring non-pareil; and a go-to guy for when offense breaks down.

The Bulls have the deepest team in the east, yes - and here's a terrific opportunity to cash in on that depth. As long as we keep Hinrich and Deng, I say go for it.

by Freethefro on Oct 27, 2007 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Somebody said it here

the other day...that Sam Smith pines for the old days when his opinions mattered, when the playes talked to him, the old school players and their old school ways. Well, in theat vein, he did a great story in todays Trib about Jerry Sloan. Good reading.

by alec on Oct 28, 2007 10:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ah, the annual Sloan puff piece

Sloan has always been a tough guy who punched the people who deserved it, and so what if he called Lazybones Amaechi a "fucking cunt" (deserved it too). Of course Ron Artest, Sprewell, Brendan Haywood, etc. are out of control locker room cancers.

by hscs on Oct 28, 2007 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that was me

who said that

good ol' Sam...his articles are like bad car accidents

by ScottieCartwright on Oct 29, 2007 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sixers = Bulls

I just hope Sixers in 2-3 yrs will become like the current Bulls, keeping their core of young players and adding some nice veteran through free agency and trades

I relly think Bulls this year will be the team to beat in the East, I don't see any particular weakness or deficiency, and for sure I will root for you guys, I really like this Bulls team and the way it was built

and kudos to Matt for the blog, it's really just as strong as the team

regards from Italy

by Ricky Sixers4guidos on Oct 28, 2007 11:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey Ricky

Where are you from in Italy ?

I'm also a fan of the sixers (because I lived in Philly for a year when at college) and of the bulls (because I was born, raised, and still live in Thabo's hometown of Vevey, in Switzerland, but also now for more reasons than Thabo, I've grown to love this team and its direction, and the community here at Blog-a-bull is a lot of fun and very lively).

Cheers

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Oct 29, 2007 4:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

to Diabolo

I am from Genoa (Genova), a NON basketball town unfortunately

yeah this is a great blog, too bad I discovered it only over the last months...but I'll check it often now

if you want to talk about the Sixers sometimes come to mine

BTW I just heard in Italy there will be WIDE coverage of the NBA this year through two channels (Sky & Sportitalia), do you catch them in Switzerland? We will have the chance to watch like 2 games a day, and even live !

if you need more info drop me an email

by Ricky Sixers4guidos on Oct 29, 2007 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs