Death of the early season optimism (Open Game Thread # 7: Bulls at Phoenix Suns)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 5:43 PM CST in News Comment 287 comments

Judging by this whirlwind week of potential lineup changes culminating in Skiles' decision to bench Tyrus for El Flopso, I have to wonder what Paxson is thinking. Because his coach is basically saying this team's no good, and their 'core' is never going to get them anywhere.

Just look at these quotes alone, highlighted by calling his team 'fragile':

We've over-dribbled a little bit. We've been tentative on our shots. Noce generally is not tentative. We're hoping he opens the floor more to get the other guys going than anything else.

No, Noce definitely isn't tentative, he's a chucker. Which is perfect coming off the bench, but that's a lesser issue.

What gets me more is that Skiles has seen enough evidence in six games to undo any optimism we had that this season will be any improvement over last year. That Deng and Gordon would mature and improve, that Tyrus would become a force. It's all been shot down. Already.

Where Paxson has made all indications (by his non-movement and offering contract extensions) that this team would improve internally, Skiles has called it out as bullshit.

The real question is whether he's right: If Hinrich, Deng and Gordon really need a wild-eyed Argentine to get them going, then they're not that good. If Tyrus Thomas can't start on this squad now, he's not really being counted on to be a major contributor.

The only way I'm behind this change is if it's for Phoenix (because of their poor rebounding and high-paced offense), and only Phoenix. That's definitely not happening (if anything it'll be several months), so this message means more than the result of tonight's game (9:30PM, TNT). They could come out hitting shots, or Noc will be flailing away on a late close-out while Marion hits his fifth three, or both. I hate what this change means for the team in the big-picture, whether it's a 'spark' or not.

Blogging with the Enemy:
Bright Side of the Sun

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oh, forgot to mention

for every Bulls loss on this roadtrip, I will ban one unruly user. I think it'll make us all feel better...unless you're that particular user, but the people I'm thinking of love it when the Bulls lose anyway, so they'll be fine.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 5:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

that may make some of us want to see the team loose. (Just kidding. Really).

You really think Noce starting is an indication of Skiles/Paxson not seeing eye to eye? That's a different take on this than I've seen anywhere.

I'd just wish they'd put Smith in instead of Wallace.

by KT on Nov 15, 2007 6:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

From Paxson's statements

and other information, it's seems likely that Paxson and Skiles disagree on several issues. How much Tyrus and Thabo should have played last year and how much they should play this year. How little Duhon should play. They disagreed over Thomas v. Aldridge. I've always thought Paxson sees the big picture, and I sometimes whether Skiles can see past the next two minutes of a game. But,that's a common problem with even successful coaches.

by Scotter on Nov 15, 2007 6:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I know they disagree

I'm just not sure if the Noce starting is a sign of it. I don't think their joined at the hips, and someday, I wouldn't be surprised if Pax tells Skiles to take a hike, but I'm just not sure if this is a sign of a major disagreement.

by KT on Nov 15, 2007 7:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

tough to say Noc is a lightning rod

for debate, considering Pax gave him a 5-year contract.

I mean more that Pax seems invested in Deng and Gordon, where we have Skiles telling us they're soft.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what makes you think there is disagreement

can you expound? I don't really see that. Also, did you guys notice Thabo escaped being inactivated?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 7:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not an explicit disagreement

it's just look at different messages from each:

Pax: These guys are our core, heres 100+ million in future contracts

Skiles: These guys are soft, they need Nocioni to spark them.

Would you call Deng and Gordon cornerstones if they fall on their face and need a lineup change in 6 games?

And it goes for the whole team, although maybe Pax really is trying to package these guys somewhere. Because a contending team doesn't have Andres Nocioni as their starting power forward, and therefore these aren't contenders. I would've liked more time before making that concession.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Bulls are soft?! YOU'RE soft!

Starting Noc at this point in the season to jolt a discombobulated group does not mean that this team cannot contend. Frankly, starting Noc in game 40 would be a much more worrisome event.

Look, no one likes this, but if they're playing well and .500 by New Year's, who's to say they still don't play in the ECF?

Weren't you the one saying you'd say its early until it isn't? A lineup change in game 7 of the season does not make it game 8 or 9 or 40.

Let's all take a deep breath . . . in . . . hold . . . exhale . . . ahhhh.

We may well get crushed tonight, but its still early, my peeps, still very very early.

My favorite metric of a team's quality is the often underappreciated "win/loss record"

by preverbal on Nov 15, 2007 9:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who goes first?

vlad? miserabull?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 7:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lets hope it doesn't come to that

Although, like Skiles, I will weigh this one-game sample quite heavily :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 8:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

??I don't "love it" when the Bulls lose.

Is it wrong to get frustrated? to speak up? I'm going to be quiet because I want everybody to be happy even if we get our asses kicked.

by miserabull on Nov 15, 2007 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow, deterrence works(?)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 8:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If our collective angst

had any bearing on anything, then by all means agitate. Since it doesn't, you're just being a smacktard. I vote for miserabull.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 8:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

you were waiting all day for me to respond huh?

by miserabull on Nov 15, 2007 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

all day? huh?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no voting allowed.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 8:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

People shouldn't specify who they'd vote for. That is mean.

What is the difference between vlad001 and a moron? Only vlad doesn't know the answer.

by bashuck on Nov 15, 2007 9:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I still think the Bulls can win the East

they started out bad last year, worse than this, and I still think they'll be better this year.

...i dont really know why I think that, but I do lol

1-5? So what! The Bulls will win the East!

by hongydraw on Nov 15, 2007 5:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

why so negative?

The Office and the game don't collide tonight.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 5:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yah man

Got to watch the debate, too.

by Freethefro on Nov 15, 2007 8:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The ridiculous thing...

...is that Ty has been one of our better players in this horrid six-game stretch. Even though inconsistent, he's certainly been better than Wallace, and in a lot of ways more effective than Hinrich, Gordon and even Deng.

by BenGo07 on Nov 15, 2007 6:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Being on TNT worked well for the Bulls

last week...

Can't wait to hear what their biggest fan, Charles, has to say tonight.

"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 Nov 15, 2007 6:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Skiles

I don't think this change means he's given up on the growth of the core.

I just think he knows they're still young and can use a spark like Noc to get those guys going.

Also worth mentioning is that they're very comfortable when Noc is at the 4. They didn't play much together when Tyrus was starting at the 4 so maybe it's a case of being familiar with each other?

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 6:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather have that unfamiliar feeling

of 55 wins and title contention.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 6:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you extrapolating those 55 wins

from the 1 out of 7 that they have so far?

Exactly how many games do they need to look totally lost and confused in before it becomes necessary for something new to be tried?

1 more game and they will have played 1/10 of their schedule.

by rexisourqb on Nov 15, 2007 6:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'd say 20-25 games

and the 'change' is then a trade. Which may be coming anyway.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 7:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since when

was starting Tyrus supposed to guarantee the Bulls 55 wins and title contention?

That's unfair to the man. He is still really young and will most likely be a major part of this team in the future unless he gets traded

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 8:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't think it was that subtle

The Bulls get better (i.e. more wins) by improving. Improving means playing better players more. Tyrus Thomas this season should eclipse Nocioni, and pretty much already has.

So not only will Tyrus not be starting, apparently Gordon and Deng aren't improving either, else they wouldn't need 'the spark'. That's my point: we've already seen what they can do as is...going into the season I wanted to see more.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 8:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They don't necessarily get more wins by improving

if everybody else improves as well.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 9:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This has been a painful week.

People who know me avoid the topic of the Bulls knowing how upset I am about this horrible start. I'm hoping, despite being against Vegas odds, we have something to smile about at 12:05 AM

by chgobr on Nov 15, 2007 6:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why not bench deng for nocioni instead?

I barely notice that Luol is on the floor most of the time anyway. That is except for the one play at the beginning of each game where they pass it to him in the post and the play always ends with a turnover...

Maybe bringing him in off the bench where his role is clearly designated as a shooter would help him. Meanwhile the starting lineup gets somebody who won't disappear.

This won't happen, mostly because Luol was crowned as the untouchable in a Kobe trade, and everyone would look silly if he got benched shortly after.

by rexisourqb on Nov 15, 2007 6:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

people that matter didn't make him untouchable

And you're right, he's still dissapearing for major portions of games, so he's a candidate to go as well.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Before we start jumping off of buildings

one thing to remember: none of the core should be considered a finished product yet. These guys are still young. Noc is the only guy I would consider anywhere near "done" in his evolution as a player, and I don't consider him part of the core.

Does anybody else remember before the bulls went on their first run how much angst was built up by not being able to beat the Pistons for three years? There was even talk during the first championship season of blowing the team up if they couldn't get over the hump. Everybody needs to relax a little bit and let these guys play. If Tyrus continues to play and improve like he has shown he can now, there will be no keeping him off of the court.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 6:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

meh that's what we said last year

And I don't remember the late-90s Bulls very well, but I assume having Michael Jordan made the angst a little easier.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It was a lot worse

Jordan was like Peyton Manning (before he won his ring, obviously) and Dan Marino combined with the "greatest not to win a championship" stuff. Young Jordan was better than any of the guys playing today by far and the league was much more star driven than it is today. The bulls got to the conference championship twice and were even up 2-1 one time. And Pippen had his headache, and Grant had his lisp and his goggles and was called soft, too. They even tried starting Stacey King over him a few times. Unfortunately, until you win it all everybody is going to question how good and tough you are.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 7:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of jumping - - at least

we are not the Knicks. We do have a young good core verses Marbury in the locker room.

by chgobr on Nov 15, 2007 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Please get

a win tonight. I don't think I can take much more whining.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 15, 2007 7:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A win is guaranteed

Have no fear Sue, we seem to show up for the big games on national television. They said we couldn't beat the Pistons and we would get clobbered. Guess what? They beat the Pistons. It will be a tremendous effort, and the Bulls will play good spirited defense and beat the Suns. It won't be a high scoring affair. Look for a great effort from the Bulls bench. forget about those "nattering nabobs of negativity," to borrow a famous line by Spiro Agnew.

by SlamDunk on Nov 15, 2007 7:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Noce

Hey Matt, at least with Nocioni starting now you can't say the Bulls overpaid a bench player. ;)

by Mike Aparicio on Nov 15, 2007 7:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

heh

Good point :)

I admit I'm reaching a bit. But then I remember: Nocioni is starting for us. It's not a good feeling even after rationalization.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 7:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A little bit off topic, but still interesting

I notice that much of the discussion tonight is focusing around Noce being put in the starting line up (hope that at least means that Skiles has given up on starting Duhon over Gordon). Personally, I'm still holding out hope that it's Wallace who gets benched and not T Squared. Anyways, was playing around with the comparison tool over at www.basketball-reference.com. I compared a favorite target of many here, Captain Kirk, to Kidd and Nash through age 26. I like Kirk and, especially after reading Hollinger's piece last season about big pg's, think the Bulls should keep him around for awhile no matter what else they do. Anyways, Kirk compares very favorably to Kidd and Nash through age 26. While Nash played fewer minutes and Kidd about 100 more games, if you compare by per 48, Hinrich's numbers are up there with either of them in many categories. The most shocking to me, is that he has the lowest turnover/48 of the 3. Take a look for yourselves. http://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/pcm.cgi?req=1&cum=1&p1=kiddja01&y1=2000&p2=na shst01&y2=2001&p3=hinriki01&y3=2007

by snley on Nov 15, 2007 8:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Link to the Hollinger PG story

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&id=2696062

by snley on Nov 15, 2007 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Chuck wisdom at Spurs/Mavs halftime

on lineups: "There's a reason the guy was on the bench in the first place, remember that"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 8:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping you were watching

when I heard him say that!

"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 Nov 15, 2007 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

just hit me

God, living on Chicago time when the Bulls play 7:30 time over here must really be hard.

Do you guys really stay up till the game is done over there?

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 9:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm lucky this time

We have tomorrow off because Oklahoma is celebrating it's 100th year of statehood.

But usuall with the late games, I don't make it to the end. It makes the next day too rough.

"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 Nov 15, 2007 9:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've wondered this too.

It gets compounded when you realize they never get the second game started on time either. Wouldn't it make more sense to start the first TNT game earlier than the norm, rather than make PHX wait 1hr+, and everyone east that much more?

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

One of the fortunate things of living in LA is that an early game is at 430. Regular games start at 530 and the latest is 730.

So convenient.

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We have the same

time until Halloween now. But the TNT (and ESPN?) games are 1/2 hour later still....6:00 and 8:30 (really 8:45).

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i hate being in the eastern time zone

shows don't come on until 8, if you want to see the news or sportscenter, it doesn't come on until 11. I would love to be on the west coast and roll out of bed at 10 am on a sunday and have a football game ready to go.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There are

compensations. New York traders don't have to be in until 9:30, while out West traders have already been at work two hours by the time I even roll out of bed.

by alec on Nov 15, 2007 9:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't make it through the whole game

I start work between 7 am and 7:30 am. Friday's are hard enough at work (1/3 to 1/2 the people out) without being beat. And I'm frequently all alone in my row. The last thing I want to do is fall asleep and have the big boss stop at my desk!

by KT on Nov 15, 2007 9:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Almost

Game Time!! They better be ready or else the next to drop is BG...

by tyrus4prez on Nov 15, 2007 9:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This

Is very cool. I'd much rather watch Mavs, Spurs...

by gobulls1124 on Nov 15, 2007 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

the spurs and mavs need to hurry the f up

1-5? So what! The Bulls will win the East!

by hongydraw on Nov 15, 2007 9:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bulls will do well enough

against Suns tonight, even with Noc starting (Ha). I won't guarantee a win, but I can't believe with all the time off (for hard practices) they'll lack the effort to transition D, defend the 3 (Suns drive maybe less than Bulls do), and rebound. Doing those three things keeps you in the game, at minimum, against them. And Noc WILL take it to the rack, if no one else will! Gotta make some shots, or a lot of free throws to win, though. This won't be like MIL game. Somebody's gonna score 100.

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 9:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

More Kobe rumors...

they just said on TNT that LA is talking with detwat?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

For the Bulls to have a chance:

they need to get the calls. All season they can't get a single call under the basket and unless that changes they won't beat many quality teams this year.
they need to rough up Nash. They need to be physical with him and prevent him from running in circles and picking teams apart like he always does.
they need to get inside Amare's head. He has all the talent in the world but he is a mental midget. If they actively attack him it may be enough to cause him to implode and beat his own team with his ego like he does every year against the Spurs.

What's the difference between a steakhouse and the United Center? One serves people steak, the other is filled with a bunch of dead Bulls.

by vlad001 on Nov 15, 2007 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

they need to make layups...

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 9:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

albert and collins?

what?

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 9:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

who'd you expect?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 9:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't remember

both doing the same game since Collins was canned. Collins and Harlan, Albert and the Czar/Kerr,

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 9:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

albert and collins

with Kerrrrrr in the middle

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 9:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

isnt everyone

glad that we started noc tonight?

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 9:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

glad Nocioni was in

to inhale Marion's fumes.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i love Noc

but I am ready for Tyrus to come in.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is just wrong already

Hope things get fixed before this mess gets outta hand

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

bwaha oh man

whoa. 3 misses. Gave up a offensive rebound. Got the ball stolen from behind.

Spark.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 10:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was waiting for that

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe if the Bulls are lucky . . .

Marion's arm will get tired from taking all the wide-open jumpers he'll get tonight.

by Big D on Nov 15, 2007 10:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Serenity now, serenity now

by chgobr on Nov 15, 2007 10:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

before this mess gets outta hand

too late...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

brick fest

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nocioni is the post up answer!

Keep Nash on him.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 10:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Are the refs even in the building?

Neither team is getting calls.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Noc trying to do way too much out there

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

other than

the shitshow that is noc the defense has been pretty good

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 10:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

agreed

even the Suns are cooling off and now the Bulls are starting to hit...

Might there be hope here?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Love the Noc hate...

it never gets old.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I actually like Noc

He's just a victim of circumstance: signs the extenstion (why wouldn't he?), gets thrust into the starting lineup (and predictably goes hog-wild) when he shouldn't be...

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Alright, things are starting to look up

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They blew a call after Tyrus' TO

when Amare was clearly out of bounds with the ball.

Just wanted that for the record.

Besides that: hey once Noc got out things were pretty good. Wallace is having a good game.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I thought he stepped out as well

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wallace is having a good game

must be the new hair...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hehe, I thought I noticed that

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Keep hope alive

Joe Smith . . .

The new "calming influence"

Taking over Adrian's spot

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Deng must be a germaphobe

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 10:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

it's like BG is 4 feet tall

he gets blocked way too much.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

not to sound like a homer

but he gets fouled a lot too and a lot of no calls

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he leads with his left hand

and the refs think he is initiating contact or something.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

theres no way barbosa blocked that without fouling

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 10:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, not a homer

You have to figure the law of averages would be that a foul is called at least occasionally when he drives and hits the deck (as opposed to never). As we've seen, it certainly seems to work the other way.

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nocioni

has a helluva spin move when he gets to the paint

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

At end of 1st,

Bulls D looks real good in half court. Hate to agree with Collins, but Deng does seem more energetic...

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 10:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I really want to see Wallace back

He's having a great game so far. Also wanna see how Noah does on the road in a prime time game

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I MUST be halucinating....

the BULLS getting foul calls....on the ROAD no less??

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That light they have changing colors

is irritating.

"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 Nov 15, 2007 10:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

anyone

else wanna see tyrus get a touch or two sometime today?

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 10:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Has brick Hinrick even made a shot tonight?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He's made a couple nice passes

But that's all I seen.

Maybe he should have gone to play with Team USA to get his "swagger" back

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

had

a layup in the first, prolly about 1-6. sounds about right. i think they shouldve given thabo or gardner some burn here during nash's break, now you almost need kirk to guard nash

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 10:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For

the love of God make a shot KIRK!!!!

by tyrus4prez on Nov 15, 2007 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't know why I thought of this, but

Nocioni reminds me of the basketball scene in The Cable Guy. Not sure if that's a good thing.

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Seriously though

He is kinda doing his part to keep the Bulls in this.

I'm liking Noc a lot right now

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No one can ever slam Noc for his effort

and intensity...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

NO WAY

BEN NO!

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This will only mean

more Duhon

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gardner hurt him

and Doug's right about not being able to watch knee injuries

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 10:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

agreed

one of the many reasons I don't particularly like watching football.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damnit Gardner!

1 minute in his debut...that's gotta feel crappy

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

team mate collision for BG

hope he's okay....he's been hitting tonight

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That's not good

He's playing better.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They're gonna attack Gardner every time

Take him out now please. You drafted Thabo for these kinda moments

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

this lineup

is god awful.

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 10:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You can't have Gardner guard Barbosa

That's just not fair to him - no way can he keep up with Barbosa.

by Big D on Nov 15, 2007 10:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gordon's on the bench

at least

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 10:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

this lineup

is so bad defensively they just gave up grant hills first dunk since he had a flat top

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 10:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

is the backcourt really

Duhon and Gardner?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

It's disgusting to watch. Bring in Kirk and Thabo. At least we'll have some defense going for us

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is it Lu on Hill?

If it is, he's leaving him every time

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure it's Noc...

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yup

the latest 3 was with a flat-footed Noc.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can just see it now...

yet another old guy (Hill) beats up the young Bulls...
How many does he have already...18?

Yikes....

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

pretty close

17, nobody else has more than 9 yet.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

4-on-2 fast break off Wallace's save? Argh

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bring in Noah

ALL DEFENSE!

Noah, Tyrus, Thabo and Hinrich . . . leave Wallace in

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nice D coming back from TO

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

But right as I post that

BG foolishly turns it over...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That pass was horrible

by bleargh on Nov 15, 2007 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that was an awful idea

for Gordon to even try that.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One of the things I don't like about him

is his bad decision making and also his driving the lane and losing it....
like he just did....

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That may have been the worst pass

I have ever seen Gordon make

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Man I loved that Bulls / Suns Finals of '93

I won a SERIOUS dinner bet on that series

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Who the F is guarding Barbosa?

or rather NOT guarding him...?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

they are switching

but I think it is supposed to be BG.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Deng

is having a great game

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

14 and 8

for deng. hinrichs 0 for 5 (i apparently imagined that made layup). gotta get somethin out of tyrus, and duhon or hinrich to get back in this

by Mike C on Nov 15, 2007 10:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would love it if the Bulls got some value

for Gordon

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 10:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

His only asset is his shooting

there was a lot of talk that he improved his defense off season but I don't see any improvement over last year....
YET anyway...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"a lot of talk"

huh?

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 10:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there aren't a lot of guys

who can stay in front of barbossa so it's not necessarily the best game to judge him on tonight.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

they should play him early and often, that's a way to get value.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 10:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There comes a point

Where you have to figure out if they're better of with him just scoring or worse off with his bad defense and bad turnovers.

They almost offset each other

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no, they don't come close to offsetting

fewer turnovers will help him be even better though.

And his defense is getting better, but he aint growing so don't expect a lockdown wing defender.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

With all the dumb turnovers

and all the defensive lapses, I honestly feel like he gives up points that would either go to the Bulls or against the team they play against

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

so how about your boy Noc

who may be the dumbest player on the team?

What you feel and what actually has been recorded are quite different. I think everyone 'feels' this way because Gordon is short, and that screams that he needs help. Projection or something.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon is short

Napoleon complex.... :-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Grant Hill called the Bulls 'scrappy'

::sob::

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 10:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he went to Duke

on a scale of 1-10, scrappy is 10.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 10:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dudes,

I'm in heaven, watching Shawn and Lu (sometimes) going head to head! Wallace (sans 'fro) is noticably smaller than Diaw!

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 10:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hinrich

shoulda followed BG to LA Fitness this afternoon...

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 10:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He should've wandered into the desert

and stayed there. Man he's been terrible.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Man he's been terrible

Agreed...
What IS it with "brick" anyway?
He goes through these HORRIBLE slumps every years it seems like...

...and frustrating does NOT describe my opinion of him when he does...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a

long long "wander" out to the desert these days...I could've kidnapped him for y'all though!

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 11:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I HATE Chuck Broccoli...

but he was right about Griff being the guy calling that "players only" meeting...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think that shows

how young the bulls really are, at least the guys who are being counted on right now.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yup...that and no leader on the team

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

they can still grow into that

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Leadership isn't something

you grow into. You either are inclined to take it on, or not. I think there'd be at least a small inkling that [insert player's name] is a leader by now...
Deng isn't, neither's Gordon.
Who else could you be referring to?

by withmalice on Nov 15, 2007 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Iron Law

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 11:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're letting

me down Bulls. Bring it in the second half.

Glad BG is ok. That was painful to watch.

GO BULLS!!!

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 15, 2007 11:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sue - you are the most optimistic

fan I know.

by chgobr on Nov 15, 2007 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing the final 5 minutes of the quarter

will be designated not-good-for-Noc's-plus/minus-time

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Charles the logician

But you'd have trade one (or more) of your 20pt scorers to get another one. How does that help (using your logic of PPG only)? It would be great to keep all BG, Lu and Hinrich, then just add Gasol or Garnett!

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 11:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

we have no chance

Phoenix fans were treated at halftime to the Amazing Christopher!

(subject of my favorite comment on the site, ever)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Barkley had to be right sometime....

Why the hell is Adrian Griffin calling a player's only meeting? Somebody who plays more than .000001 minutes a game needs to be taking the leadership role.

by rexisourqb on Nov 15, 2007 11:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

bulls are a jumpshooting team that gets all of its points in the paint.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Umm....I can think of more appropriate words

to describe that... :-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't notice how empty the arena is

Wow.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 11:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

they all waited to go to the bathroom

until after the half, so they could see the Amazing Christopher.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just hope

no one in Seattle has seen a Phoenix home game this season. Move Sir Charles' team to Oklahoma City.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 15, 2007 11:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeeeeeeehaw!

kirk got one

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

trading buckets....

That's not gonna get it done...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anybody notice

BG not passing to kirk there?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

would you?

f'real though, that was a bad play by Gordon to pick up his dribble, stand for a few seconds, and then shoot.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

Ben and Ben are killing us with these horrid shot selections. At least Wallace is making up for it on the defensive end.

Teams are just baiting the Bulls into taking bad shots.

Thank god for Luol cause they're be getting blown out without him

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He's taking

advantage of Hill.

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Play before the timeout

Noc's man screened Hinrich off Nash, who came around and shot a clean jumper with Noc standing there.

Skiles was already halfway on the court calling timeout.

Meanwhile from halftime Sager reports that Skiles called out Gordon for 'falling asleep' on Barbosa's threes. groan.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 15, 2007 11:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why does Noc hate staying with his man

so much? I've never seen them pass it to his assignment without also seeing him sprint full speed to not leave his man wide open.

by rexisourqb on Nov 15, 2007 11:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Um....where is TT tonight?

Sat with two fouls early and he's pretty much been invisible since...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It would be nice to have him guarding

Marion instead of Noc

by rexisourqb on Nov 15, 2007 11:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

BG and Hinrich

F'in turnover....
...AGAIN...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I really wanna see Noah

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

TT!

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

THERE'S Tyrus!!!

Boom shaka-laka!!

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus and Noah

would freak the Suns out, unless they keep hitting those wide open threes

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

T2

There you go!! I like him as a Center against PHO

by tyrus4prez on Nov 15, 2007 11:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bulls looking good

that sick multi-faceted pick and roll dish to tyrus thomas looked like it was straight out of "white man can't jump".

by Seth on Nov 15, 2007 11:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like TT starting...

but if Noc can play solid and wear down the opposing team a bit, and then if TT can consistantly come off the bench with pop like he just had....
...hey...it could work...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So I guess I was wrong about Kerr

He's there tonight, but he's the Pres. of Ops for the Suns now???

When did THAT happens?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

you're kidding, right?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No...Craig Sager just interviewed him

didn't you see it?

I'm kinda shocked...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Uhhm,

Don't follow basketball much in the off season?

"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 Nov 15, 2007 11:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Have to admit...I was really busy last summer

Baseball was all I had time for...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kinda surprising...

that someone - particularly a Bulls fan - could miss that...

by withmalice on Nov 16, 2007 12:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I know, but I live in Seattle

not really known for good sports coverage.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 16, 2007 12:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They're finally looking a little more like the

team I expected, on offense at least. Who knows how this game turns out, but after the first several games it's just nice to see some of the guys putting up shots without thinking about it.

Except for Ben Wallace - he should think about it a little more and decide to pass. ;)

"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 Nov 15, 2007 11:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good job boys

keep it close

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

How bout TIED going into the 4th?

I hope someone steps it up a notch....
This is where the "no leader" situation on the team is glaring....

(holding breath)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If ya need a leader

Bring in Adrian!

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

bwahahaha! :-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

welcome back Kirk

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is this the time

When all y'all in Chicago get tired and pass out or does the adrenaline take over?

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was secretly rooting for a blowout

one way or the other. I am dog tired and tomorrow is going to suck. It's 12:30.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I'm dragging a bit, too

Even not having to get up tomorrow, I have trouble staying up after a week of 5am mornings.

To remember the good old days when I could stay up all night with no problem...

"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 Nov 15, 2007 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Game

Finish the JOB!!

by tyrus4prez on Nov 15, 2007 11:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Skiles

got the better of D'Antoni on the small ball matchup, if you ask me.

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 11:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Finally

I get to see Amare vs. T2....as I type he gets blocked, but heads to the line on the 2nd attempt

by tyrus4prez on Nov 15, 2007 11:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Suns

I was at the last phoenix game in chicago when barbosa hit the three at the buzzer to win by one. Only game I went last year, we through down a bundle... it was right after new years. It was a special occasion (my friend's birthday) and he did it with the no regard for how the fans might feel driving from the UC.

by Seth on Nov 15, 2007 11:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus

looks good on Amare

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

NOC!!! Gotta finish those shots

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus

wow

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

NOC

I love you

by Seth on Nov 15, 2007 11:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus

Needs to realize he doesn't need to be the first to leave their feet...He can jump really really high and can afford to stay on the ground for a split second longer than the shooter....but what do i know he averages 2 blks/gm

by tyrus4prez on Nov 15, 2007 11:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Amare with 5?!

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nice

foul on Stoudemire.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

5 fouls on Stoudemier

could be HUGE with almost 9 still to play...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Now all of a sudden

there is a foul call each time?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Has Noah played at all tonight?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Please don't let this happen

GOD!

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

exciting game

at least for me, it's the first enjoyable 4th quarter of the year

by Seth on Nov 15, 2007 11:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I might have to go tivo the end of this game

It's going to take anohter hour with all of these fouls.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

too much dribbling is right....

Geesh Kirk!

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

he did the right thing by isolating on the mismatch. And deng got it in the paint.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 15, 2007 11:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah...and spun and missed horribly short

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why is Tyrus out?!

Who cares if Amare is sitting

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

what horrible ball handing those last couple

posessions....

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Joe Smith what the fuck!

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 15, 2007 11:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think this is the cue

for everyone in Chicago to start chanting KOBE

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why did skiles take the most athletic player on

the court out?

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 15, 2007 11:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fuck thats on Skiles.

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 15, 2007 11:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Barbosa

What's portugese for "cajones"?

by marionette on Nov 15, 2007 11:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Balls

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not the 3-guard lineup again

by Big D on Nov 15, 2007 11:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's over

1-6

by Option27 on Nov 15, 2007 11:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

12 pts for the Bulls in the 4th Q

....ouch

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 15, 2007 11:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Duhon effect

imo

by Seth on Nov 15, 2007 11:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah - it's a shootout now and the baby bulls

are gassed...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 16, 2007 12:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

They are just not a 4th quarter team

simple as that

Everything in the 4th comes as a struggle

by Option27 on Nov 16, 2007 12:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

not a 4th quarter team = No Leadership

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 16, 2007 12:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no hustle either skip

or hussel for that matter.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The

transition is failing now

by marionette on Nov 16, 2007 12:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

....and another BG turnover...

Are we just watching a replay of the Bulls 4th Qs over and over?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 16, 2007 12:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

IMO

The Deng post up experiment is a failure...All he does is fade-aways, that end up being short

by tyrus4prez on Nov 16, 2007 12:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Do the Bulls know how to guard a pick and roll?

Looks as they forgot.

by RogersPark Kris on Nov 16, 2007 12:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe ESPN was right

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking

30th in the power rankings! Ouch.

by RogersPark Kris on Nov 16, 2007 12:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Charles Barkley is roasting the Bulls

And they keep playing that Dennis Green, " They are who we thought they are" rant over and over about the Bulls.

by RogersPark Kris on Nov 16, 2007 12:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow the game turned when Skiles

put Smith in for Tyrus!

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 16, 2007 12:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

this really kills your heart!

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 16, 2007 12:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

They can still

get this one! At least Skiles got TT in fairly quick after the 3 guard. Watch and see: D'Antoni won't put Amare back in.

by marionette on Nov 16, 2007 12:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Scott Skilles Lost this Game and NEEDS to be fired

Scott Skiles lost this game. Plain and simple. He is an idiot, his rotations are garbage and he destroyed the Bulls in the 4th quarter. This game was tied when Tyrus Thomas went out. The Bulls had the Suns on their toes. Tyrus had just gotten 3 straight fouls on Amare. So what does this idiot do? He takes out Thomas for Smith. And Smith proceeds to play terrible. The Bulls momentum is crushed. So what does this idiot do? He replaces Smith with Gordon. Game over. He should have taken Duhon out and put in Gordon when he took Thomas out. Any idiot could see that. Not Skiles. Wow. His decision making is horrendous. He isn't a coach who can take a team from good to great. The Bulls have outgrown Skiles.

by danger mouse on Nov 16, 2007 12:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

for the record (3:18 left)

Noc -13
Tyrus +13

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I love

your selective use of this stat

by JSlakov on Nov 16, 2007 12:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

fair enough

but watching the game it seemed things were better when Tyrus was in, didn't it?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seemed things were better when Tyrus was in

Umm....things WERE better with him in...
...period...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 16, 2007 12:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

uh, paragraph?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anybody notice during the Tyrus brilliance

that he seemed to have hurt his right wrist? Didn't effect him that much, as he merely switched to a left-handed dunk on one instead of two. But hopefully it isn't too bad.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

It looked like his was holding it after

taking a charge, but then they didn't say anything about it.

"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 Nov 16, 2007 12:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You know

It wouldn't surprise me if Skiles resigned

by Option27 on Nov 16, 2007 12:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

eh

No shame in losing to the Suns in their house. Major shame in Nocioni playing 74 minutes, but I'll wait till it kills us in the next few games first to REALLY whine.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ugh!

That's it....Hinrich vs Nash Kirk TO vs Nash ast 1:00 left 8 pts down...

by marionette on Nov 16, 2007 12:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

that was an awful play by Hinrich

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That shot was pure ugliness.

Jeez, immediately cost the Bulls any chance of coming back. They played better, but I'm tired of moral victories. TT should be playing more, and give Noah a chance, what's it going to hurt?

by RogersPark Kris on Nov 16, 2007 12:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I now just hope they cover

to screw over TBJ.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

tarnation.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This game was lost

when Skiles decided to 'out-small' the Suns. Except our smalls include Duhon.

It may have been lost when they set foot on the court, but that sure didn't help.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

FIRE SKILES

...that is all.

by fundamentallysound on Nov 16, 2007 12:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I've been behind Skiles since day one

But I'm done defending him. He looks lost out there. I believe his players are feeding off his indecisiveness and acts of desperation with these herky-jerky lineup changes. I don't want Larry Brown because he's a short term coach at best. The guy wil l not stay through the rough times. I don't know, anyone else have some coaching possibilities?

by RogersPark Kris on Nov 16, 2007 12:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

waves white flag to the NBA

1-5? So what! The Bulls will win the East!

by hongydraw on Nov 16, 2007 12:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

6 games

behind Boston

by Option27 on Nov 16, 2007 12:24 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

it's even worse if you watch both teams

trust me.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is the worst I have felt as a Bulls fan.

They are clowns! They are laughing at us! Theirs just no backbone in this team. I don't even wana see them anymore. It's the same old shit. Just bad! Unfucking real!

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 16, 2007 12:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

don't forget

Kobe said 'get a Bulls uniform', and then he like didn't!!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Now he wants to be a Spur or a Piston.

Fuck Kobe! Who would want this garbage. What with the snakey gabs? Don't be alittle twat I'll smack your face crooked sideways!

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 16, 2007 12:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i know im gonna get flamed for this, but...

anybody have this stat:

When the Cubs have a winning season, how do the Bulls and Bears do in their seasons? Last couple times the Cubs won the division (this year included), the Bulls and Bears were the jokes of their respective leagues.

almost like the curse has to make up for lost time during the baseball season.

anyway, I seriously dont get how a team can turn this bad. I mean distractions are one thing but are they really that pissed/sad?

Lottery Bound Horribulls.

by hongydraw on Nov 16, 2007 12:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

dude they just don't have it.

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 16, 2007 12:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Skiles

Skiles lost this game moreso than any individual player. When is he going to actually get called on it?

I'm sick of hearing how Bulls players just overachieve and aren't that talented. I think many are REALLY talented and mis-used. How long did Gordon sit when he was hitting well, and then barely sees the ball until the very end? Why is Deng apparently a good center? Why does Thomas get the fifth foul on Stoudemire and is then more useful sitting?

by nas on Nov 16, 2007 12:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ahhhh the fucking pain I feel! ahhhhhhh

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I just threw up!

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 16, 2007 12:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

During the last one and a half minutes

alone, the guards made no fewer than three moronic plays. Down by six in a two possession game, Hinrich launches himself into the air like a swan with Down's Syndrome and just throws the ball away. Next trip down the floor, Gordon bounce passes it...right to Phoenix. Then, a little later, ole' BG caps off the loss with a little foul away from the ball late in the shot clock. Nice.

Hinrich had some other key TO's down the stretch as well, including one where he just seemed to lose control of his arm and dribble the ball right to Phoenix.

And yes, Skiles made errors too. But he bottom line is that the Bulls can't win when their supposed stars play so poorly.

The story is the same. Close in the fourth and the Bulls can't find anyone to score the ball.

SUCK IT SABAN!

by 1958ChiTown on Nov 16, 2007 12:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Their brains don't work!

Wow are we really the worst team?

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 16, 2007 12:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Worst team

The Bulls are official in a 2 man race for the worst team in the NBA. The Heat just got back Wade, so we are, right now, the worst team in the league.

We don't do anything particular well. We have no low post presence. Our starting PG is plain garbage, and we are generally undersized.

This is going to be long, long season.

by ScottSkilles Hair on Nov 16, 2007 12:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

OK, all you gloom and doom people

I'm not into moral victories any more than anyone else, and yes, an actual win would have been nice. But to read some of this you'd think it was the same kind of loss as the Toronto game. They lost to one of the top teams in the NBA on the road. BG, Lu and Kirk played closer to their normal selves, and Ben Wallace actually broke into the double digits in rebounds. Ty looked good while he was out there. They talked to each other on the court, and they didn't just fold when Phoenix seemed like it was going to pull away in the 3rd. Once Kirk finaly started hitting shots, he went 6-8 in the second half. Lu was aggressive on the boards. There are things to build on from here.

Was it "good enough" for end of the season play? No - but since it's not the end of the season why freak over that. Did they make some stupid moves at the end of the game - yes, and we all know that will happen again. But I seriously don't get how anyone sticking with them to the beginning of this game suddenly saw something tonight to make them give up.

It's going to be awful tough for Du, Kirk, BG, Noc and Lu to guard most teams, though, so I seriously hope to never see that lineup again.

"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 Nov 16, 2007 12:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I saw some

flashes of good too. I'm not giving up on them.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 16, 2007 7:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

new thread is up.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 16, 2007 12:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

the bulls are not a good team in a slump

they are a bad team.

Lottery Bound Horribulls.

by hongydraw on Nov 16, 2007 12:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wow... the end is nigh...

Hongy's lost his optimism.

by withmalice on Nov 16, 2007 1:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

They gave up too many

3s in transition. Started well in that area, but lost their way...Half court D was strong...until the end also, that is.

Bell and Barbosa shot terrible PHX's first 5 games, but they've got it going now. Maybe Kirk will follow suit. Perhaps it was too much to expect Bulls both to get back AND get to the spots the Suns like (Sunspots?) as well.

I'm starting to agree with y'all on Skiles. Starting Noc obviously means less PT for TT (and Noah!) And I (we?) don't like that. I still think they'll beat NY, one of the LAs, and if they can get revenge on TOR or keep up w/DEN (not as good from 3 as PHX), they can split on the trip at 3-3. But maybe I'm just optimistic 'cause the TOR game is the one I missed? (Now I'm apologizing for not being a big enough pessimist!)

by marionette on Nov 16, 2007 1:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs