Fire Skiles

by majoyenrac on Nov 11, 2007 9:26 AM CST Comment 47 comments

The team is in complete disarray. THey are way too talented to be this bad. I know Skiles' teams start off slow, but this seems to be a mutiny......it's either that we're trading for Kobe on Dec 15th and because of that the guys in the trade aren't interested, we've tuned out Skiles, or both.

I like Scott, but I've always questioned whether his micro-managing would be good for us to take the team to the next level. I wish Skiles luck in the future, but these guys obviously aren't playing with any intensity or grit. THe only reason we played well against Detroit is because of Big Ben....

This team definately needs a change of pace. I know it's early, but to lose at home (unfortunately I didn't watch the game as I was at a friends 30th birthday party, but when we got to the bar it was something like 90+ to 50....

It's completely unacceptable. Why suddenly has "Captain" Kirk gone from very solid defender, good leader and top 5-6 PG to possibly the worst PG in the league.....why suddenly has Mr. Consistent Deng become so horribly inconsistent.....why suddenly has Big Ben played without any intensity whatsoever....why is the rookie Joakim Noah calling out the team after his first game basically speaking of discontent in the locker room--without specifically saying so....why are our guys playing so freaking listless.

It has to be issues with management, either Pax or Skiles (And likely all has to do with trade rumours)....

How can we possibly be this bad, we have the deepest (talent wise) team in the league, not likely any top 4 players at any position, but many 5-7's in the league (although Big Ben if he played at his normal self would be a top 3-4ish guy at Center).

We have several people who seemingly could be starters on our bench, and yet we're not getting anything from anyone besides the young, freak talent Tyrus (Who still isn't consistent) and our best player to date this year has been (albeit a very underrated) journeyman Joe Smith....

I think we need a change to try to salvage this season.....get rid of Skiles, hire defensive minded Jeff Van Gundy (a good coach, who won 51 games with the Rockets last year and was ousted rather unfairly after the loss to a good Jazz team in the playoffs). I know JVG's slow style didn't work with Tracey McGrady's speed and the ridiculously slow Yao Ming, but I think it would work better with our guys....JVG's always a defense-first coach, and really defense has typically been our team's strength (all our guys are above avg defenders--maybe sans Gordon).

I like Skiles and wish him well in the future, but this team is playing as if there's a mutiny against him. Skiles' outspoken behavior and micro managing the lineups seems to be totally wearing thin on this club.

I know it's kind of a cop out because the way the guys are playing we really should release Kirk altogether and Big Ben too.......but obviously those guys have gobs of talent....

There is no way this is the same team under Skiles that we've seen the last few years. We're too talented to be this listless.

Even T.J. Ford said ""What's going on with this team?"
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271110004

I mean there's some major issues with the club all around, and given the talent I think Skiles has to be our fall guy.

Let's get him out while our team still has chances to practice and while the season is salvagable. It's a shame for a guy who had brought us back to futility, but he's lost this club and needs to go.......

Good luck in the future Scott, I'll still be a Skiles fan even though I'm saying to oust him (and possibly jumping the gun), but unless things change in 2 games, he's gotta go, our season depends on it.

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

0 recs | Comment 47 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Skiles has "gobs of talent", too

I don't think I buy the concept of Skiles' style grating the players. He's coached the same core of guys to the playoffs three years in a row and it's not like, entering this season, any of them could/would expect him to change his attitude/style.
To me, the strange thing has been Gordon and Deng not signing contract extensions. If they're trying to drive their value higher and force management's hand by having great seasons, great! But they're playing worse than last year...

by bleargh on Nov 11, 2007 10:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gordon and Deng may regret

not signing those huge contracts. Why do you need more that $57 million over five years? What can't you buy with $57 million that would in any way make you happier? A terrible season or injury and you just risked $57 million. The risk-reward seems to favor taking the deal.

by chgobr on Nov 11, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Deng

Got 5/57.5M, with incentives that brought it over 60 if he did stuff that was good.

Gordon didn't get more than 5/50. Gordon might be more justified in turning it down.

It's true though. One broken wrist from getting 5/45 offers instead. Deng didn't take it also because he wanted a 6 year deal he can't get this year.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes he's coached them for 3+ seasons....

But never had they had the title aspirations/expectations of this season, and also never have they looked this pathetic. Even when they were 0-9 in the Gordon/Deng rookie year, they never looked as bad as they did last night or as sluggish as they've been every game so far this year.

I mean we've got talent, we've had guys who play their hearts out, and suddenly we look completely outmatched talent wise by a 76ers club that should be bottom feeders in the East, and we look like a high school team against the Raptors, and have no energy against the Nets (for significant stretches at least)....

THe Raptors are a good team, but they on paper aren't necessarily a better team than the Bulls, and yet they crushed us at home and even their guys called out our guys saying something's wrong.

Skiles' micromanaging and issues with past players (Kidd and the Suns and Big Ben last year) all seem to be creeping up on him again. This team might end up with the worst record in the league if we continue the way we're playing and that is grounds for a max exodus and a coach firing especially given our talent.

I like Scott, but his time has passed.

by majoyenrac on Nov 11, 2007 10:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure how you can blame the

horrendous play of the Bulls' most important players on the coach.

I seriously doubt that this is an organized mutiny. I don't think the players have made any pact - exolicitly or tacitly - to play poorly in order to spite Skiles.

Hinrich, Deng, and Gordon are supposed to be the "core" of this team. They are professional athletes and they are paid to play well and win. Instead, they (especially the guards) are playing horrendous, humiliating, incompetent basketball. That's not Skiles' fault. It's the players' fault. It doesn't matter how Skiles manages the team if the three critical starters are terrible.

SUCK IT SABAN!

by 1958ChiTown on Nov 11, 2007 10:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

TJ Ford comment.

The Media and Fans can be wrong. I am not a professional basketball player. But TJ Ford is. TJ was on the court, and he saw and felt it.

It's a long season.

by chicago-homesick-blues on Nov 11, 2007 10:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think the players are to blame.

Every damn post game interview, they all say how hard they're playing...all a person with a brain has to do is watch the game, obviously they are not playing hard...ow many times have we heard already this season" We work so hard, I don't understand"???? To many to count....BEN WALLACE SHOULD BE FIRED BEFORE SKILES!

by SlickRick76 on Nov 11, 2007 10:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Let Skiles own words be judge ...

Skiles comments in regards to removing the starters from the game show that he is over his head and ability...

"I never want to do that on a night when the boobirds are already out," Skiles said. "I don't like to embarrass the group like that. I thought I'd take a gamble right there to try to find a catalyst.

"Then it got so far out of hand so quickly that I would hate for somebody to come back in the game and get injured."

Why all 5 starters at once, or 4 of the 5 at once? Does this really make sense, or is he trying to justify and hide his public frustration that occurred during the game and now soften it up during post game comments for damage control.

Maybe, Deng and Gordon don't sign because playing in chicago under Skiles is not really a bed of roses. We won't know, because the code of ethics for chicago is only the coach can blast the players in public.. "noah" rook you aint no gator now...

I think Skiles major problems are his slow offense, micro managing, control, public bashing/blaming players for failures, and little patience for young player mistakes which lead to public frustration displayed against the players.

I'm not to sure about JVG as coach, maybe Ron Adams as interim. Then maybe look at Bill Laimbeer?

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 11:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

As a Bulls fan from the late 80's--now

I can never hope that we hire Bill Laimbeer no matter how well he's doing in the WNBA....He was one of the arch-nemesis guys as a Bulls fan (along with Isiah, Reggie Miller, James Posey and I'm sure a few others...when I hear them). Bill Laimbeer was a jerk of a player

by majoyenrac on Nov 11, 2007 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

arch-nemesis

that part I really don't care about...it's the fact that Laimbeer just CAN'T COACH. Have you ever heard him when he's mic'd up during the WNBA games? The guy's an idiot...

by ScottieCartwright on Nov 12, 2007 8:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's good to know

I haven't heard him as I don't watch the WNBA, I do know that Laimbeer's had lots of success in the 1.5 yrs I think he's been their coach (it could be 2+ years, I remember hearing he got a job there and then keep hearing how well his team's doing)....

I would HATE it if he was the Bulls coach, the guy was a complete dick.

by majoyenrac on Nov 12, 2007 9:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

firing skiles

the best thing is not to fire him, but have him suit up & give the bulls some minutes. he's the best point gaurd on the bench!

by the truth on Nov 12, 2007 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel bad for the fans at the game.

What a waste of their hard earned money. Do you think 57 million would make up for it???

by SlickRick76 on Nov 11, 2007 11:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

skiles is a builder, not a finisher

he is perfect for getting a 35 win team to 45 wins, maybe 50 in a bad conference (check)

but hustle and spite can only get you so far

skiles/paxson have held onto a sub-par precious "core" for too long

by fireskiles on Nov 11, 2007 11:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Have you ever worked for a

Micro managing control freak dictator boss?

If not the environment and motivation is not very good in thoses situations.

Players might think they are playing hard, but that mojo thing called motivation and having fun is missing. And they really can't figure it out. I don't think it's mutany, is just call escaping.. ie ("players in their own little worlds").

If you have every worked or played on a sport team in this environment, then you might be able to relate somewhat.

A micro-mgr that calls every play,and tells the guards to always slow down when they try to run/push the ball up court because they can feel an internal tempo "explosive offense" inside their belly. But its stagnant because that it's they way we play Skiles basketball.

Maybe the thing T.J. Ford was talking about.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 11:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

correction ..

But, its stagnant because that isn't the way we play Skiles basketball

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Could you imagine

Jason Kidd, running a Skiles slowed offensive? Kidd's whole game is based on running, eyes in the back of his head type guy.

He was an accomplished veteran, and he wasn't going to let a rookie coach change his style of play that got him to the NBA.

I really feel for Kirk, I might have judged him wrong in some cases, a young guy trying to conform against his real strength. Gordon also.

Kirk's career and development is at stake, I don't think this is a trival issue.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If we had won the Toronto game

This post never would have happened, and so I think that because any one game doesn't necessarily point to a trend, this post is patently overreaction. I will wait for the next few games before I indict Skiles. We are shooting .381, after all. Is Skiles greasing the ball or something?

GO BULLS!

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 11:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

next few games

daaaaaBulls... away Phoenix, Clippers, Lakers from the Boos of Chicago fans might have some positive impact on the team? But still I believe this issue did'nt just start this year, and a few wins here and there will just delay what will happen sooner or later anyway. So might as well fix it sooner.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Really

I just don't see anything more than conjecture on how Skiles is the problem with this team.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

conjecture ...

Most coach firing are based soley on conjecture anyway, regardless if some parties agree or disagree.

I don't like the situation as well as you, I also don't dislike Skiles. Skiles personality, lack of patience, and frustration issues probably can be tempered with dedication to make a change. imo. It just doesn't seem easy with Scott.

But, do you believe a person of the type I've described could have a negative impact on team's motivation?

More importantly if this motion offensive doesn't work to the current players strengths, then if you stay committed to this coach, the next move will be to trade current players and sign players which Skiles now believes will work better under this slow motion offense.

Bulls have been there and done that already, I wouldn't want to see it start again.

Yes, some of mine and well as others on this site opinions are based in conjecture. So you're correct you can take it as a grain of salt.

Yet, if the Bulls under Skiles coaching, win the Eastern Conference Championship this year 07-08, then I'd need to reassess my opinion of Skiles.
The bar was set high at the begining of the season and Paxson or Skiles apparently believed the hype and said little or nothing to lower the expectations.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but...

The fact is we were demolished against the Raptors, and we were beaten very badly by the 76ers (first home game) and the Bucks (mediocre team)......

We should NEVER get crushed the way we were crushed....sure if it was one game, I'd be fine with it, or if we played hard and the other team just hit everything and then some.....but so far this year besides the Pistons game we really haven't brought it.

THe team used to bring it at a 110% every night all up through last year.....suddenly we're playing with about 50-75% energy levels (and most of the energy is coming from the new guys Smith, Noah, and our second year future star Tyrus Thomas).

The core hasn't brought anything to the table, and the fact is that we as fans have seen Skiles' micro-managing behavior......and Skiles has that bad rep from the SUns.

I like Skiles, I've thought for a while that he was a great hire for us in that he was a perfect guy to get us to some credibility, but when a team does a complete 180 the way we've done with essentially more talent than we've had before, then it has to be the coach.

I wish him well, but the Bulls need to move sooner rather than later. 2-3 more games unless we see a spark....

by majoyenrac on Nov 11, 2007 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Skiles has got to go

this angry dictator type of coaching went out years ago. This is the NBA and if these players need a coach like that to fire them up, then they won't last long. You need a players coach. The Bobby Knight school closed years ago.

FU Skiles. FU Pax.

by Chad on Nov 11, 2007 11:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

150% Agreed

I can't exactly be referenced here, but I remember that when Skiles was first hired he was labeled as a Point A to Point B kinda guy. He'll set forth the philosophies and character that a championship team needs, but is far too stubborn and hard-nosed to see that no sacrifice equals no victory. I love what Skiles has done to set the team up, similar to his stint in Phoenix and I can visualize striking similarities between the two clubs. But we need a coach to take us over the top...the ones in that know how to manage the likes of Gordon, Deng, Thomas to evolve from star to superstar level. It is time for these kids to grow into their potential but I don't see it properly managed by Skiles. Seems like the beginning of the end is near...the team is far too complacent and frustrated by Skiles' minute distribution, roster rotation, and lack of chemistry. Anyone know any Point B to Championship coaches available?

by chicagosportslove23 on Nov 11, 2007 4:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

there's no such thing

If Collins was never fired, 'A to B' wouldn't be in the moron fan's lexicon. Skiles sucks with lineups, and there is a possibility he isn't very good with player development (which negates point A).

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 11, 2007 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I forgot to add that

I would have to see the list of other potential coaches before I settle with JVG.

by chicagosportslove23 on Nov 11, 2007 4:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

wow

Conjecture. The reason skiles needs to leave is not just the bulls record this season. We traded three players who weren't skiles type of player for little to no gain. Curry for TT and Noah. Chandler for P. J. Brown and J. R. Smith. Then Trade J. R. For nothing. TERRIBLE deals. We signed an over the hill Ben Wallace then played hardball with our two best players after dragging their names through numerous trade scenerios. No this is Paxson fault. He drafted Gordon #3 overall to play with Hinrich. He gave away two seven footers for next to nothing. Extended Skiles and Noce for more than what their worth. Didn't get Gasol, Garnett, Kobe, Pierce, etc. But last I checked GM's don't fire themselves so Skiles has to be the fall guy. I'll be happy when we get a coach that can maximize our offensive potential. Let an interim take over then try to hire Eddie Jordan or Don Nelson in the summer. That's the best I can come up with but its still early.

by Blacknight23 on Nov 11, 2007 5:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Revisionist Historian

Curry couldn't get health insurance, and wouldn't take a genetic Test. Paxson traded him for maybe our most promising player, and some cap flexibility. JR turned out to be a team cancer for Denver this year. Tyrus and Noah also make less money together and are two separate players, rather than the fat man and his fatter contract.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Paxson

seems to be a very loyal guy. He's made some mistakes like everyone. It probably would have been good for him to have been a coach or an assistant coach for a while before this GM elevation.

I don't think he can bring himself to releasing Skiles, because he has entrusted Skiles with architecting the franchise with the details.

Paxson's pet issue was getting character guys from winning programs. He has delivered that and also has made some pluses and minus in signing.

Skiles probably was a big influence for trading Tyson and getting Wallace. Paxson help make it happen.

Skiles, Paxson, sometimes it seems hard to separate the two. Now, I think Paxson has too distance himself from Skiles. You can bet if he does it will be admirably almost apologetically emphasing the positive influence Skiles has had on the franchise.

Ok.. Good let's more forward. Paxson will then need to find a balance of imposing more of his architecture vision into the details similiar to that new GM in Toronto and maybe find a coach whose personality is not so forceful as Skiles, with good player development skills among other things.

You can't bet your career on some coaching guy who has had problems in the past. Be careful, there are some crazy guys out here like.. Larry Brown, and Isiah Thomas.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

More Revision of History

Reinsdorf was the driving force behind the FA signing of Wallace, and Paxson had to be convinced. The strong relationship between Ben's agent(Tellum) and Reinsdorf was referenced by many sources. So it's safe to say that Paxson might not have wanted to sign Wallace and then have to trade Chandler. Skiles might have felt differently, and the man with the pocketbook really has the power. This all has little to do with what's wrong with the team.

from the Detroit times:
"Paxson started making overtures toward Wallace only after being encouraged by owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Reinsdorf has done a lot of successful business over the years with Wallace's agent, Arn Tellem, who might have pushed for the Bulls to consider Wallace."
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-14-7/The-Battle-of-Big-Ben.html

I'm just saying that Skiles may not be the problem, and Paxson is behind the curtain, but the only influence. I just hope they win the next game(s) so we can start to think the playoffs are going to happen again.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't read that as Pax not being interested

read that as Pax not thinking Wallace would be interested in leaving Detroit. Tellum's call to Reinsdorf was probably just letting Reinsdorf know Ben was really interested in leaving Detroit.

by KT on Nov 13, 2007 6:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't fault him on Eddy Curry going...

But I am still annoyed we didn't use PJ's expiring deal for anything. And while I do think Wallace completely outplayed the 05-06 Tyrus (And I still think when Ben play's Ben's game he's a better defender than Tyson will ever be even if Tyson can get some stats).....I think Skiles and Tyson had it out and Skiles made Tyson lose all his confidence....

Now it seems Deng and Hinrich have no confidence and Big Ben seems disinterested.

As for the other posters saying to fire the team, I don't think we can possibly do that.....these guys have talent and we shouldn't just release them for nothing.

I know Skiles will be the fall guy, but maybe that's what needs to happen. I'd be happy if he's the fall guy in this and we still end up losing, because at least it meant we tried to do something to save the season...

It's early enough too that I wouldn't want an interim coach, there's a few guys out there we can get....maybe Rudy T'll consider coming out of retirement, JVG I think is a solid coach and I know there's a few others.

by majoyenrac on Nov 11, 2007 6:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good Grief

You're excited about Rudy T? You do remember that his idea of offensive strategy was four guys standing around behind the arc and his Lakers stint was a complete failure. And if you think JVG is any better than Skiles then you're insane. JVG isn't going to make the defense any better, and he sure has hell isn't going to make the offense any better. The other retread names aren't any better than Skiles either. You want to fire Skiles fine, but at least be able to name someone that is actualy better 1st.

by Scotter on Nov 11, 2007 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Last I looked

Rudy T's got a few championships as a head coach, so yeah I'd say he's more qualified than Skiles.

Van Gundy's got a .575 winning percentage and has had success in the past (And was in the running for coach of the year last year before he was ousted)....

Yeah I'd say those guys have nice credentials....

by majoyenrac on Nov 11, 2007 11:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You know what Skiles's career winning %

is without his 1st season with the Bulls when he had no chance to win? 57.3%. A 57% winning % is a 47 win season, it's good not great and not any better than Skiles has done. And Van Gundy had either Ewing or Yao for almost his entire coaching career.

If you knew anything about Rudy, you'd know he was a good, but not great coach. And he certainly wasn't much of tactician. He got carried by Hakeem playing in his absolute prime. And Skiles is certainly good enough to have gotten carried by Hakeem too. Tomjanovich's teams only won more than 50 games three times, and never won more 58. I'd take both Skiles and JVG 1st. Neither is a clear or likely upgrade over Skiles.

by Scotter on Nov 12, 2007 1:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

JVG

Yeah but Van Gundy's career winning % was also hit hard by the injuries in Houston especially 2004-2005 when YAO and TMAC could never play together at all. Neither of which have really been a pillar of health and that has hurt their teams.

I don't care as much about season records, when a guy has lead his team to 2 championships, that's pretty darn good. Plus correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a 58 win season better than anything Skiles has had? And while perhaps we haven't had a big like Olajuwon, we have all kinds of depth all over the place and are a deeper team than those Rockets teams were but without the 2 superstars.....

No I know we'll disagree, but I'd hardly say these guys are bad candidates.

I like Skiles, don't get me wrong, but the lackluster play from a group that has always played with intensity is a sign to me that their coach has lost them (I mean intensity was their biggest strength the past couple of years).

Sure Skiles is a good coach, and I applaud what he's done to this point, but I think he's lost his team.

Plus no head coach regardless of what happens should ever do the 5x5 switch. I don't care, that embarasses a team completely especially a team like the Bulls who already have the Kobe boo-birds going on......

I think his Chicago time is up, I expect him to head elsewhere and be successful in the future.

by majoyenrac on Nov 12, 2007 7:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This thread

Seems more like a venting session. You guys have to express problems before the circumstances perfectly fit them. I just don't see this team as that bad. They're having a tough year so far, and maybe there's something wrong, but can we stop looking for a scapegoat and assure that the team is in fact in disarray, when about 2 weeks ago we were the favorites of the East? If 6 games shakes your faith, maybe you're all projecting your lack of resolve onto the players, who, for all we know, are just not playing well. We're in a funk, but there's no reason to press the panic button. Paxson doesn't even have one.

In Paxiles I trust.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 7:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

daaaaaBulls

you and others thought they were favorites in the East? Other's didn't.

If the Bulls begin a winning streak of 10 games starting next thursday, most of us anti-Skiles guys, like me, will be silenced, only for so long because the same problem that exist also existed last year and the year before. It will resurface again, and again, until dealt with.

The year the Heat won the NBA championship, the Bulls should have beat them. Kirk was playing in a zone running ( I said running) an offensive, then the next couple of games Skiles instructed him to slow down. The rest is history, they have been slowing down ever since.

The same problem, address it now or later, but you can bet it will be addressed, the question is how much damage "player development" will be done in between the time.

Thabo is now a shell of what Paxson envisioned him to be, his confidence is shot. Kirk's also. I haven't completely given up of Thabo.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone but Jeff Van Gundy or Mike Fratello

You really want to see a bunch of 70-65 games? Van Gundy's style is so boring that the Houston Rockets - with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady - had trouble drawing fans last year. I want the Bulls to win games as much as anyone, but I don't see why we should have to be bored out of our minds to get those wins.

by Big D on Nov 11, 2007 8:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This Skiles mess

Everyone was making fun of this Skiles tough guy image. It's overrated, unimpressive and not funny.

Skiles, who labels himself a 'grown man" during his contract negotiations staring down a 20 year old kid, LaMarcus Aldridge, well Aldridge seems to be staring down other NBA teams and players.

Had a great games against the Spurs in a loss, but his last game stats in a win against Grizzlies was

30pts - 10rebounds - 3 blocks - 2 assists (+10) rating. Please Skiles supporter stop saying he "Aldridge" has no low post game, or doesn't rebound. He had a post game while at Texas playing with Boobie Gibson, who sometimes gave him the ball. Aldrigde also was in the top 5 players in the NBA for blocks per game last year as a rookie.

Oh by the way Portland has won 3 games already, and Viktor can't seem to get off the bench.
This is not a knock on Tyrus or Paxson, but the Skiles influence and mess.

If you guys want to see tough guys staring down others then go to the movies, watch HBO fights, or ultimate fighters. I prefer wins in basketball.

Maybe Skiles can get a role in a new movie with Bruce Willis, Die Hard 5 and then he can use the intimating stare all that he wants.

Then at least the young Bulls player won't have to look over at the bench after a little boo boo and witness the stare of skiles. It's such a great motivation? come on!

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 8:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

that's a fine leap of logic

that a 'stare-down' anecdote had anything to do with not taking Aldridge.

Or that it's decided who's the "better" fit in the first place.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 11, 2007 9:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my apology

its disjointed, but I'm sure something there is concrete in my distaste of Skiles coaching the Bulls.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would feel better about Skiles

If we had a Skiles-O'Neal rematch at halftime of the Heat game. Size of the fight in the dog, you know.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 9:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with Matt on this one

Tyrus has the higher potential according to a lot of scouts, and frankly it's much too early to judge who would be the better fit. Also, trading one for the other meant that Tyrus has a slightly lower salary, about 1M/year less. And Khyrapa could have not sucked, too.

On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 11, 2007 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus and Aldridge

my hope is both will be equally good. I'm not trying to pit Tyrus against Aldridge. That's not my point. Tyrus is a Bull, Aldridge is not and I'm ok with that.

by exult463 on Nov 11, 2007 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah and Aldridge

Had a history of playing disinterested in college.

I do think in 2 year's Tyrus (barring injury) will be hands down better than Aldridge.....but we drafted Tyrus as a project (a fantastically gifted athlete project).....I think the returns to this point have been very good.

by majoyenrac on Nov 11, 2007 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What about Skiles' Vaunted Playbook

Over the past three or four years, it seems, we've heard a lot about how creative Scott Skiles' playbook is. Is it possible that he's run through all of his best stuff? Or are the plays working (and I'm not just talking about set plays either), getting the players open, and the players are just not hitting their shots?

Lady Astoronce, to Churchill: Winston, if you were my husband, I would poison your coffee! Churchill: Madam if I were your husband I would drink it!

by bullhockey on Nov 12, 2007 4:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs