The mind-boggling reign of tiny-ball

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2007 11:11 PM CST in News

You may think I'm going to have a full bitch session over Duhon playing the entire 4th quarter.

Eh, close. With Hinrich playing like garbage there are worse things than having Duhon take over. But going with the 3-guard lineup of Duhon/Hinrich/Duhon for the final 7 and a half minutes was completely infuriating.

What's the benefit of having Duhon out there with the starting backcourt? The stock answer is to limit turnovers (I think), but when you have three guys under 6'3" the offense needs more movement and passing to execute. And in a slowed-down half-court situation that dominates the end of NBA games, this reliance can lead to more turnovers, not less. They had 3 TOs and a 24-second violation.

And needless to say, it kills the defense. Luckily Hedo Turkoglu is awful so having Duhon on him wasn't a catastrophe like it was the day before when he guarded Tayshaun Prince. But then it's a big goddamned surprise that the Bulls give up offensive rebounds, or are overmatched and have to foul to save a basket.

Will we hear it's because of 'poise', or because they're young? How about because they're short?!?

Was Luol Deng overpowered by Dwight Howard on a couple late possessions because the Bulls can't 'close games out'? or maybe it's because Deng shouldn't be guarding Dwight Howard, ever?

Seeing this makes this whole past offseason seem a big waste. You bring in bigger, athletic players, yet the same old Bulls routine of tiny-ball (yes, beyond small-ball) remains. The gimmick works when you're up 20 and want to keep the clock going with better ballhandlers, or down 20 and want to chuck some threes. Not in a close game against a big team like Orlando.

I hate this tiny-ball lineup not just because of Duhon, it's more because it screams of conceding a talent gap that does not exist. For once, I'd like to see the Bulls win because they're better. That can be achieved by playing...their better players. Playing guys in their right positions. Instead we get this garbage about having to out-execute teams, out-work teams, out-hustle teams....how about just being the better team? They're better than the Magic, and instead try and resort to this tired-ass gimmick to win a game.

And the worst part is I don't see things changing in the future, if anything it'll get worse. Games will be more important, meaning these half-pints will have to be out there more to 'settle things down', or 'keep the team even-keeled'. Meanwhile instead of opening up big leads they're letting opponents keep it close, and instead of winning games they're losing them.

Skiles has got to stop this crap.

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Comments

I concur

And I'm also impressed with the speed of your posting!

Obviously this 3-guard lineup is not benefitting the team with wins. Beyond that, I don't see it doing the individual players any good confidence-wise or stats-wise - I don't see how Kirk or Du or even Deng are better off trying to guard a complete mismatch on the defensive end while still trying to score on the other end. And the bigs the Bills do have aren't gaining any confidence or experience when they sit on the bench knowing Skiles would rather play a small guard than them. If it were an occasional thing where the guys on the floor just lacked energy and Skiles was trying to shake it up I could maybe understand, but this is turning into an every game strategy.

by wjb1492 on Feb 26, 2007 11:34 PM CST reply actions

Oops - Bulls, not Bills, obviously

Note to self - don't try to post after 11 p.m.

by wjb1492 on Feb 26, 2007 11:37 PM CST up reply actions

development too

If you're going to go 3 guards, use Thabo. HE's the long-term solution in that role anyway, playing Duhon just seems like wasting time.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2007 11:37 PM CST up reply actions

Duhon could start

on a lot of teams. I wonder if the Sports Dude would have accepted a Duhon for May trade. Or is that giving up too much grit?

Sam Smith could solve all these problems if he would just register for a blogspot account.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 26, 2007 11:41 PM CST up reply actions

agreed on that last point

but man, you need sir winky face ;-) to differentiate yourself from the people who actually do believe Duhon's starting-caliber.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2007 11:43 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think

any of those people are left. Sefolosha even has Euro mystery appeal that cancels out whatever going to Duke does for players in the fans' eyes.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 26, 2007 11:51 PM CST up reply actions

i wish that were true

but i've been arguing with this jackass that thinks we should trade Gordon and start Duhon at SG for weeks now. Same moron also prefers Malik Allen on the floor to TT.

by Rick S on Feb 27, 2007 1:31 AM CST up reply actions

also

Duhon-for-May would lose grit, but May would surely bring grits.

(because he's fat)

(get it?)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2007 11:44 PM CST up reply actions

Heh

by ChrisRobin on Feb 27, 2007 2:21 AM CST up reply actions

Sorry, I mean Ha!

Didn't mean to hang you out to dry there, Matt.

by ChrisRobin on Feb 27, 2007 2:22 AM CST up reply actions

At least we've got PJ Brown's expiring contract

We'll be able to use that to get a low-post scorer!

by Big D on Feb 26, 2007 11:50 PM CST reply actions

or

to resign ben gordon and luol deng

teams going nowhere

duhon sbhould take over hinrichs starting job anyday now...

by Sambossanova on Feb 27, 2007 12:29 AM CST up reply actions

huh?

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 10:43 AM CST up reply actions

some teams, not others.

The bulls inconsistency, I believe, is right in line with what Matt is ranting about above: the Bulls are deficient. But, the Bulls can play superb against some teams, and terror-horrible against others, and it all comes down to what type of team the Bulls' opponents are- their strengths. We obviously have trouble with Orlando and Utah, but match up well against Detroit and...Phoenix, seemingly. Ofcourse, basketball is a game about matchups, but in the Bulls' case it just seems so extreme. 82games.com stats hint to this greatly.

by chicago-homesick-blues on Feb 27, 2007 12:23 AM CST reply actions

my point is

the deficiencies seem self-imposed when you leave out three little 'uns to end the game.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 9:23 AM CST up reply actions

but but but

But Skiles is a genius who is getting this mediocre team to play way above its true talent level. No?

by theundergroundman on Feb 27, 2007 1:03 AM CST reply actions

I want to see

Khrappy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

why is he always on the bench, hes good damn it!!! HES GOLD>>>AND GET THABO MIN< I dislike him looking so damn nervous, ure in the nba, u dont get nervous after the all star break, u get understood at what ure position on the team is....oh wait, skiles doesnt let anyone do that

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

by piccolomair on Feb 27, 2007 1:04 AM CST reply actions

FUCKING SKILES!

THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING!

San Diego does in fact mean a Whale's Vagina.

by Goostafer on Feb 27, 2007 1:36 AM CST reply actions

The bigger players

Have to earn their playing time at practice. Thabo, TT, Sweets and Khrappy have all been doggin' it. There's no I in TEAM. Skiles is going to teach them a lesson - No practice, no playoffs. We need a big man to coach this team, not a midget with a Napoleon complex. Calling Bill Cartwright...Bill Wennington..Bill Walton...nah, just kidding about Walton, he's denser than Sam Smith.

by rednomore on Feb 27, 2007 8:53 AM CST reply actions

There is an I in insane

Bill Cartwright?

But please help me get into practices, it sounds like you pretty good access.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 9:22 AM CST up reply actions

Sweetney

Start Sweetney. Pound the ball into him and let he and Wallace rebound. Keep doing it til Sweetney runs out of gas. Sweetney is the most underated player on the team. Will open up the rest of the court for the shooters/slashers. Let Sweeetney rest for 5 minutes on the game clock and do it again.

by olds1962 on Feb 27, 2007 9:10 AM CST reply actions

Problems with that

Sweets is dead after 4 minutes.
He needs 1 qtr to recover from that.
He gets beat on defense way too much.

There's a reason he averages less than 10 minutes a game.

by kingj41 on Feb 27, 2007 9:17 AM CST up reply actions

Sweetney

You exagerate. Sweetney is good for more than 4 minutes at a time and doesn't need a quarter to recuperate. He's no Shaq but very hard to stop down low under the basket. Watch him play defense more closely, he's got quick hands and in general is a good defensive player.

by olds1962 on Feb 27, 2007 9:25 AM CST up reply actions

I know

But even though he gets close shots, some of those are still out of control. And I said he gets beat on D because he has slow feet. You'd rather see a guy post him up than face him and drive.

by kingj41 on Feb 27, 2007 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

Playing Sweetney

The other problem with Sweetney is that he's foul prone. You can't play him for long or the other team will be shooting foul shots.

Anytime a guard needs a foul all they need to do is drive at Sweetney and he'll bump them.

Ye OldeBull

by OldeBull on Feb 27, 2007 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed,

although I'd rather see Peej or Thomas starting. I don't see why the Bulls always run a play or two for Brown in the post at the start of games. Are they establishing the run like a football team? Has anyone noticed that Peej has never been a post-scorer? If the whole point is to score in the post right away, Sweetney would seem to be the best option. Gordon could have scored right away with Grant Hill defending him.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 9:37 AM CST up reply actions

teams always do that

They always used to throw it into cartwright and then longley to start every game. You want to work the ball around and get everybody a touch. It's the best option and it gets the bigs involved. If you start out having the guards jack it up, the bigs lose interest and stop running the floor. It always happens.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 10:46 AM CST up reply actions

Never thought I'd write this

But we NEED Nocioni. He's the other 3-pt threat that keeps defenders honest and allows the Bulls to score at least some points in the paint when they cut to the basket, or get an offensive rebound without the entire other team hanging out in the lane after a shot goes up. He also gets tough rebounds that no other Bulls player not named Wallace will get.

Guide to match up with the Bulls. (w/o Noc)
-Put your best wing defender on Gordon.
-Make Kirk shoot more than pass.
-Don't let Deng get direct cuts to the basket and keep a body on him.
-Ask Wallace to shoot 10-15 times a game.
-Don't worry about the 5th player either

It's so frustrating watching this team. When their shot isn't falling they fall apart. They need more points in the paint and easy put-backs.
It sucks when you only see Ben Wallace going after the offensive board while all the other players either A.) retreat on transition defense, or B.) simply watch Ben fight for the rebound as they spot up at the 3-pt line.
Get in there with the trees and get dirty. That's what Noc does. That's what this team is missing.

by kingj41 on Feb 27, 2007 9:12 AM CST reply actions

so noc gets the tough rebounds

then what types of rebounds do better rebounders like Brown and Thomas get?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 9:21 AM CST up reply actions

rebounders?

Brown is not a banger like Nocioni. He gets the rebounds that fall in his "lap". Nocioni get's a lot of those "he came out of nowhere rebounds".I agree on Thomas, he is the best potential rebounder on the team. All he has to do is commit himself to rebounding and defense and Skiles will be giving him a lot more minutes.

by olds1962 on Feb 27, 2007 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

sigh, you're already on the internet

look up the stats:

2006-07
P.J. Brown 10.1 RB/40
Andres Nocioni 8.6 RB/40

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 9:51 AM CST up reply actions

stats

Were did you get these stats?!

by olds1962 on Feb 27, 2007 10:43 AM CST up reply actions

the fantastic knickerblogger page

http://www.knickerblogger.net/stats/2007/index.htm

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

Nocioni 'comes out of nowhere'

because he usually doesn't box out. Brown has them 'fall in his lap' because he's in position.

I didn't know that the goal was to get the most specatular looking rebounds.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 9:59 AM CST up reply actions

Tom Dore calls them

"man's rebounds," like, "That's a man's rebound."

Alright, I really have better things to do.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

rebounding

Spectacular and more. Rebounds per minutes played- Nocioni beats Brown.

by olds1962 on Feb 27, 2007 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

is there a stupid face emoticon?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

that's, uh...not true.

take your lying lies elswhere, liar.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

poetry

You are quite the eloquent fanatic blogger. Lighten up!!

by olds1962 on Feb 27, 2007 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not personally offended, don't worry

but why did you make up stats?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

Well yes and no

He gets tough offensive rebounds or creates more second chance point opportunities because he goes after the ball.
But, he is a liability on the defensive end because he doesn't box out.
The bottom line is they do need his energy.

However, I would love to see Tyrus get more minutes even if it's just to rebound. Hell, let him foul out crashing the offensive board and blocking shots. I would love to see him at least contributing in that way.

by kingj41 on Feb 27, 2007 11:03 AM CST up reply actions

This post and it's thread...

have to be the most frustrated I've ever seen Matt be. And how did you manage to post in so soon after the game?

Tyrus Thomas was one of only two Bulls on the positive side of the +/- at popcorn stats (+3 in a measly 7 minutes). He could have guarded Turkoglu or maybe even Grant Hill.

Sweet Home Sports

by james@lifeinthecell on Feb 27, 2007 10:11 AM CST reply actions

secret's out

I live pretty close to the UC, so I'm home relatively quick.

Besides, it's easy to write angry.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 10:13 AM CST up reply actions

I tried to write angry

got drunk instead... And writting drunk is no fun... takes twice as long, but Im surprised there weren't any major errors.

San Diego does in fact mean a Whale's Vagina.

by Goostafer on Feb 27, 2007 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

Priceless

by ChrisRobin on Feb 27, 2007 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

That's not all

He also has a Chauffeur who drops him off at the front door.

Ye OldeBull

by OldeBull on Feb 27, 2007 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

Everybody needs to relax

This team is still mediocre, just like they were before the trade deadline when they lost 5 of 6. Gordon is hurt, the guys just finished playing 4 games in 5 nights and lost to a team against whom they don't matchup well. This isn't a revelation and beating similar mediocre and flawed Cleveland and Washington didn't really change anything or prove anything. Not to mention playing an emotional game the day before and losing. This team needs all 15 guys to bring their best game every night. We are overmatched at 2 or three positions every night. Get used to it. Skiles is as much to blame as the roster, and it won't change until we change the roster, or Deng develops a postup game and we put another small forward in, but that's another diary.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 10:17 AM CST reply actions

I am a little wary of placing primary blame for

the team's woes on Skiles. As the head coach, he certainly bears some responsibility, but the onus is on the players to perform well.

For example, last night, Hinrich played like fetid old feces. His defense (if one can call it that) on The Mascara Wonder late in the game was atrocious. He was basically tricked into two avoidable fouls that sealed our fate. Inexcusable for a veteran player.

Similarly, turnovers are the players' responsibility. Skiles doesn't make Hinrich let the ball go through his hands and out of bounds on a key possession. Skiles doesn't tell Gordon to dribble off his toe. Skiles doesn't force the ill advised lob pass that gets picked off in the lane. Skiles doesn't make Sweetney lose a damn jump ball to a much smaller player. Skiles doesn't erase PJ's memory so that he forgets how to block out on a critical jumper.

The Bulls must play with some semblance of killer intinct and confidence down the stretch in close games. Right now, they exude a panic-stricken fear that is palpable from Ketel One Club to the damn standing room only seats.

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 27, 2007 10:38 AM CST reply actions

The Skiles part of the blame

lay in not playing the rookies more. It was the 4th game in 5 nights, witnessed by Kirk's bad night. Not catching the ball is usually caused by a lack of focus.

Sweet Home Sports

by james@lifeinthecell on Feb 27, 2007 10:44 AM CST reply actions

Thabo

didn't seem to be able to hold onto the ball against Detroit. In fact he hasn't looked that good for a while. But skiles needs to figure out how to get him to perform at a higher level, not bench him and play Griffin.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

And it is Skiles' fault

That Adrian Griffin is allowed to even play. He should be wearing a suit. How is Thabo not a better option than Griff?

by kingj41 on Feb 27, 2007 10:50 AM CST reply actions

Matt's man Sam agrees with Matt

Skiles referred to his players as having the "thousand-yard stare" of a tired team. But it could be a team tired of finishing most games with three guards and no one taller than 6 feet 10 inches. They have big hearts, which doesn't always work against big centers, no matter how much you think you can or know you can.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070226bullsgamer,1,6775821.story? coll=cs-bulls-headlines

At this point, I'd say it's definitely worth a try to throw better-on-paper-but-less-proven matchups (Ty, Thabo, especially) out there and see what happens. What's the worst thing that could happen when they're already losing all these tight games anyway?

by wjb1492 on Feb 27, 2007 10:55 AM CST reply actions

the mostest duhoniest hatingest site on the web

I'm no Duhon apologist, but he doesn't seem to deserve this much criticism.

Someone else needs to step up (cliche alert). I think Griffin is playing below his ability this year. Thabo played better earlier in the season, but has seemed a bit lost lately. Skiles has to be scratching his head about why these guys haven't played to their potential.

I say more Sweets!!

by GWKD on Feb 27, 2007 11:16 AM CST reply actions

If you read it

I don't hate Duhon, it's hating Duhon/Hinrich/Gordon TOGETHER.

(and, yes, Duhon plays way too much)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

Trio of Trashola

They have absolutely no energy with this line-up. I do not understand why Skiles (maybe Paxson too) would have faith in this trio late in the game. What have they ever accomplished? I have never seen them put a game away. Most of the time they either give big leads away and lose or they struggle and barely win off the other team missing. The outcome is becoming very predictable with this line-up in and I cannot make sense of it. At first I thought they were showcasing du du for a trade, unfortunately not. I know du du wouldn't be as frustrating to watch if his minutes were limited. What does Skiles see when he throws this trash in? Once again it rarely pretty much never succeeds

Matt great post you pretty much summed up how I felt after the game. I can breath easier now.

by Bulls Mouthpiece on Feb 27, 2007 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

Sweets

I really think that Sweets is the key. He is the only player on the team capable of posting up. Body and PJ can get in position, but because neither of them have any moves to the hoop the defense doesn't have to do anything about it. Clearly he's out of shape, but he doesn't play tired out there, even when he's in for longer stretches. I'm sure Skiles doesn't like his work ethic, but he's gotta get some minutes. At least throw him out there and let him bang down low to soften the other team's defense. The fact that Griffin keeps getting into games makes me wonder if Skiles really cares about how these guys perform. I'm sure things are going a certain way in practices, but I'm starting to doubt Skiles' ability to adapt.

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Feb 27, 2007 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

Correction

Everybody on this team is capable of posting up, it's just not in the bulls advantage to do so. Most of the Bulls are undersized so they won't ever get a good matchup. The one exception is Deng. Expect him to post up more.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think we will this year

He couldn't even post-up Eric Snow a couple games ago. Granted, Snow had two hands lodged into Deng's back, something I thought was illegal.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

Duhon could dunk?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1mArv8HJAk&NR

Deng, he's good!!!!!!!!!

by cubbybear on Feb 27, 2007 1:07 PM CST reply actions

Just once...

ok maybe more than once I would love to see anyone on this team 6'6" and within three feet of the bucket use two hands on the ball and slam it. I'm so tired of seeing one handed attempts that go nowhere.

Men who whine are so unattractive.

by sue369 on Feb 27, 2007 1:29 PM CST reply actions

Reality is...

The team will remain a mediocre .500 team until they get rid of Duhon, Sweetney, and Griffin.

Thabo needs to take Duhon's minutes; because he is taller, stronger, faster, smarter, and is superior in every aspect of the game, an outstanding backup guard.

Sweetney is a lazy fatass, that is the reality. Get over it, waive him, and move on. He has had TWO FUCKING YEARS to get his ass in shape. He is a failure. Get rid of him.

Griffin... Griffin.. Griffin. What more is there to say about A-Drain than he is overrated? He is a drain, literally, getting a turnover or a missed layup, it seems like, every other time he touches the ball. Inexcusable.

Now that we've identified the team's "lead-bearers", the guys who produce little but bring everyone else down, like a block of lead, its time to figure out how to get rid of our Du(on't) and Drains. A trade is the only way.

Trade Duhon for a formidable reserve big, like Brain Skiner or Dan Gadzuric, someone who can defend, get 6-8 points and 6-7 boards a night. This big and Thomas will be the forwards who come off the bench, the perfect combo of a freak athlete and a rock solid big.

Sweetney is a bigger problem, as he will be hard to move (literally). My solution is to wave him. He has shown no improvement and does not deserve a spot on the roster. Thomas and the aformentioned big, to be acquiered in a Duhon trade will take his minutes.

That leaves A-Drain, who should also be waived. He is eating up Thomas' minutes and impeding his development. Sure, he may be a good practice player and a "veteran leade" but on the court he is a disaster.

This relatively small roster tweak, trading Duhon for Gadzuric, waiving Sweets, and waiving A-Drain will DRAMATICALLY improve the team. So long stupid turnovers, hello heady play from Thabo. So long missed layups, hello highlight dunks and blocks from Tyrus. So long fatass, hello rock solid post player. This minor change is actually a huge on in terms of improvement. The team could win 55 games next year if this change is made.

by vlad001 on Feb 27, 2007 2:15 PM CST reply actions

'getting rid'

Well just for this season, they can just play fewer minutes. You're railing on what should be the guys in the 10th-12th spot on the roster.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 2:22 PM CST up reply actions

and on Sweetney

everyone needs to get over what he can't do (or be) and focus on what he can do for this team this season.

A lot of it is just taking personal offense to a guy who could make millions if he was 'more in shape', which I understand but it still clouds the argument.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

Sample size

Here's the thing with Sweetney, and to some extent Ty and Thabo. The sample size is so limited that I think we all sometimes draw wrong, or at least unsupported, conclusions. Each of them so rarely if ever get the chance to play through mistakes, or to be out there long enough to get a rhythm going, that it's nearly impossible to know what they could really do in an actual game setting.

We've seen the 3-guard lineup repeatedly, and -whether individually we are down on Kirk or Ben or Du - it seems like we can all agree that having the 3 of them out there together for long stretches of time has been proven to not work. Maybe if Skiles puts Sweetney out there he only proves that he is too slow/out of shape/foul prone/etc. to get the job done, but maybe he shows that he can fill a void in the team's overall game. At least it is something other than the 3 small guards.

by wjb1492 on Feb 27, 2007 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

Sweetney

I agree. Let Sweetney stay out there until he obviously is to gassed to go anymore. I recall games where he did quite well when given some "extended" minutes.His success in the low post would be just what the team needs. Give him more of a chance and we might be surprised.

by olds1962 on Feb 28, 2007 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

Du seems

to think the smaller lineup is effective.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070227bulls,1,1526017.story?coll= cs-home-headlines

Men who whine are so unattractive.

by sue369 on Feb 28, 2007 1:15 PM CST up reply actions

Crawford out for the year

Good news? I think so. Despite the fact that we look headed for another first round exit, at least we can always find solace in rooting against the Knicks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/sports/basketball/27cnd-knicks.html?hp

by dcarioca on Feb 27, 2007 2:32 PM CST reply actions

Yeah

There's no way this team is makining out of the first round. To put it bluntly, too many of the players are too FUCKING STUPID. It's a disaster, really. Perhaps a trade really was the solution? I mean, come fucking on. Last summer all the team did is prep for a major midseason move. For fuck's sake they didn't do it! Trading Chandler will haunt them for the next decade. DISASTER!

by vlad001 on Feb 27, 2007 2:37 PM CST up reply actions

And

With the Bears in total CHAOS, Chicago sports are goin back down the shitter.

by vlad001 on Feb 27, 2007 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

new diary has sprung

http://www.blogabull.com/story/2007/2/27/164351/738

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 3:47 PM CST up reply actions

Still

I do not understand how you can be severely overweight in the proffesional sport of Basketball. It boggles the mind. Sweetney is paradox. WHY DOESN'T HE JUST FUCKING STOP EATING, TAKE SUPPLEMENTS, LIFT MASS WEIGHTS, AND BECOME A ROCK LIKE WALLACE. Get a fucking trainer, do something STOP EATING FOR FUCK'S sake!! These guys are fucking proffesionals. I'm sick of seeing a fatass who doesn't produce. He's had his chance. Give him the boot.

by vlad001 on Feb 27, 2007 2:33 PM CST reply actions

but

how do you really feel? ;-)

Men who whine are so unattractive.

by sue369 on Feb 27, 2007 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

Sue

I almost feel like you changed your tagline just for vlad. Vlad, you had your coffee today, huh? I like the firey passion!

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Feb 27, 2007 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

er

fiery

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Feb 27, 2007 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

I changed

it because of all the whinning that took place in here last week. :)

Men who whine are so unattractive.

by sue369 on Feb 27, 2007 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

if only I took such a stern stance

on belligerently moronic commenters.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

there'd only be four people

left in here.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 5:13 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks guys

For the kind compliments to my pieces over at DetroitBadBoys... you all have got a good team in Chi-Town.. don't be so negative.

by Boney @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 5:02 PM CST reply actions

And thank you, Boner

for patting the Bulls on the back.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 5:14 PM CST up reply actions

typo, PaxJax?

or just being a jerk. (a harmless one though)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 27, 2007 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

pure jerkiness

I just hope no one from Detroit gets pissed and sends me a Kid Rock album.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Feb 27, 2007 5:22 PM CST up reply actions

You would

maybe prefer an Eminem album?

Men who whine are so unattractive.

by sue369 on Feb 27, 2007 5:48 PM CST up reply actions

Never wish that

on my worst enemy.

Deng, he's good!!!!!!!!!

by cubbybear on Feb 27, 2007 6:43 PM CST up reply actions

PaxJax

That is officially the greatest comment I've ever seen on the internet.

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Feb 28, 2007 8:12 AM CST up reply actions

If Duhon is on the floor...

he should be taking minutes from Hinrich, not Ben. I agree with Matt that the current guard rotation is too short and redundant. Its not an anti Kirk thing, but this is kinda why i wanted to Dangle Kirk for Gasol or Garnett. I'm not a big fan of Duhon and would much rather see Thabo play, but Skiles has faith in Duhon. Call it grit (mmm) or whatever you want but Du makes a good back up PG. When he comes in for BG, Kirk and the O play confused. Du should really only play when Kirk needs to catch his breath. The 3 guard rotation is ridiculous and I wish they would play TT in those spots. Adrian Griffin has been solid lately and I'm glad Malik Allen is not getting minutes lately. He and PJ brown take too many jump shots. open or not, i cringe whenever those 2 shoot.

The size issue is the core of this year's frustrations. Ben Wallace = short = need for team member 7 ft +/- (not PJ) Tyrus is the guy i like at the 4 right now. This is soo frustrating because this was last years problem too. We had Tyson (= bum)but still no inside presence. I guess Paxson and co. thought/think PJ can get it done. The only way to make up for this lack of size at the position where size is most important is to make up for it elsewhere, like Matt points out the 3 guard rotation makes no sense going even smaller

by Zac23 on Feb 27, 2007 5:40 PM CST reply actions

DuDuDu

Duhon should come in for both as a backup. He's still a better defender than Gordon and should back up Hinrich. That's a big part of the problem; there's always an excuse to bring him in.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 7:43 PM CST up reply actions

I was so disappointed

that Duhon didn't get traded just to remove Skiles temptation to play him when he should have someone else on the floor.

I really want to know what Pax and Skiles talk about after games.

I'm going to the Bucks/Bulls game on Sunday. It's going to take me two hours to get back.

by KT on Feb 27, 2007 7:00 PM CST reply actions

Hope you

get to see a good Bulls win.

Men who whine are so unattractive.

by sue369 on Feb 27, 2007 7:26 PM CST up reply actions

I just read all of the posts on

this diary. There are more good ideas here than I've read by Sam Smith the past year. I was depressed after the game last night. You all captured my thoughts. Great diary! I have nothing better to add.

chgobr

by chgobr on Feb 27, 2007 7:24 PM CST reply actions

what

I couldnt' watch game, but I'm shocked at what I just read "Deng guarding Howard" - thats a horrible matchup. No wonder the Orlando dominated rebounds.

Anyways I agree Skiles seems to like the 3 guard lineup to much. Which is odd because the forward position (especially with Noc healthy) is Bulls strength. But even now, need more Ty and Thabo, we aren't winning games at great rate anyways.

by NY Chicago Fan on Feb 27, 2007 8:20 PM CST reply actions

I am tired of this

I have been a Bulls fan my whole life, I claimed them as my favorite during the Floyd years. I am at a loss everone knows how to beat this team. It would not surprise me if we ended up out of the playoffs. I am tired of saying there are "untouchables" on this team. Thabo, Deng and Gordon I would keep. Tyrus Thomas shows sign of a young Scottie Pippen. We are stuck with Wallace. We could have traded Kirk, Duhon and Noce for a post up player. We may have gotten Gasol but I am at a loss for this team.

TMD- Boiler Up!

by TMD on Feb 27, 2007 8:23 PM CST reply actions

So am I

Why do so many people think Gordon is so much better than Hinrich? They shoot the same percentages. They're both too small to be shooting guards. Deng is the only guy who might be special. Wake up people.

What can you possible have seen of Thabo that makes you want to keep him? And if you see Scottie Pippen in Tyrus Thomas, you need to adjust your TV set.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 8:40 PM CST up reply actions

Thabo

He is long and can defend the bigger two guards in the league. Remember he has played in Europe for a few years and is adjusting to the speed of the NBA game. As far as Tyrus I am talking about when Pippen first came into the league. He was raw had a ton of upside was athletic. It took time for him to develop into the player he was. By NO way he is Pippen now but I think given time we will not be disappointed

TMD- Boiler Up!

by TMD on Feb 27, 2007 8:45 PM CST up reply actions

Patience

I do believe we need some patience with Thabo and TT. I cringe when they do some ridiculously dumb move. Chandler and Curry were both horrible during the first few years now we could use them. I find it painful to go through games like yesterday, but I'd rather suffer a few years and have something, than keep trading away young talent. We may really regret trading Thabo or TT.

chgobr

by chgobr on Feb 27, 2007 9:07 PM CST up reply actions

There's a difference

Tyrus is aggressively dumb, which to me is acceptable. Thabo looks either unsure or scared, which isn't so acceptable.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 9:20 PM CST up reply actions

Depends on when you look

with Thabo. At times he looks ready to play, takes big shots with ease, and plays under control. He was a role player even in Europe and he tries to defer to the other guards. Which is fine when Gordon or Hinrich is on the floor, but not when it's him, Duh, and Griff.

Both of them need to be used with scorers on the floor so they can fill a role and make their impact on defense. When Skiles puts out his "energy" lineup of five guys who can't get their own shot, the rookies struggle with turnovers and bad shots.

by Scotter on Feb 28, 2007 3:21 PM CST up reply actions

Based on the last few weeks

I'd say Thabo is regressing. He couldn't hold on to the ball against Detroit. He doesn't look aggressive. It's perplexing because Skiles seems to be justified in not playing him.

by bullshooter on Feb 27, 2007 9:19 PM CST up reply actions