It Just Wasn't Their Time
[From the Diaries. Had to get a new post up there since the game thread has kindof gone to hell. I'll probably have more this weekend, but I'll say there's good arguments to be made for both minor and major changes, and each requires a bit of faith (or lack thereof) when evaluating Hinrich/Deng/Gordon. They lost the game and the series because they weren't good enough. Whether they'll be that much better to come isn't a foregone conclusion. 'read more' for the diary -Matt]

I'm throughly disappointed with the way the serious turned out, I was optimistic that the Bulls were the more capable team but I was wrong.
I'm not going to write that we need to trade the whole team, that is just ludicrous, and I wont be comparing Skiles to Collins. (Doug has the balls to have bleach blonde hair, Scott would kick his own ass if his hair was blonde) They just aren't the same coach thats the bottom line.
I agree with Matt that Skiles relies on Duhon and Nocioni way to much. I wanted to punch myself in the head every-time they were on the floor. I've never been this angry over players before but the time for them to move on is now. If Pax is serious about winning a title they need to go. Thats the bottom line. There is no excuse that those two were of the bench before the rooks.
The Bulls need a low post player and we need one soon. Paul Gasol isn't the answer because he doesn't play defense well enough. I would love to get KG but McHale isn't going to trade him. So I really don't know who that leaves the Bulls to pursue, I would love to have AK47 on the team, but they would want to have Noc, who would be a good fit with the Jazz. I really have no idea who else we could seriously get without mortgaging the future. So if you guys have any reasonable Ideas let your voices be heard.
Remember this isn't the end but just the beginning.
FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.
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Ideally we keep the core 3
by bullsfaninbigapple on May 17, 2007 10:45 PM CDT 0 recs
I agree
by eddiew23 on
May 17, 2007 11:01 PM CDT
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maybe
by smegmatic on
May 18, 2007 1:22 AM CDT
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fine
Not everyone can be a plus defender on the court. I think Gordon's adequate to be honest, and can usually outscore his opponents. Grooming Thabo as the third guard will help.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 10:30 AM CDT
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lesser player?
by Knowledge32 on
May 18, 2007 10:59 AM CDT
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ha!
by Paxson Jackson on
May 18, 2007 11:00 AM CDT
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That's fine
If it isn't then the Bulls need to look at upgrading what they have. The two positions where they are weakest are at the 4 with PJ/Noc/Thomas and at the 2 with BG, especially defensively. And since we are going to argue this, 19 pts on 7-18 shooting isn't nearly enough since BG's guy scored 23 on 9-18 in exactly the same amount of minutes. His defense isn't adequate. If you want to go to the next level, you have to be better than adequate.
by bullshooter on
May 18, 2007 11:07 AM CDT
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I appreciate the condescension
Also, I'm only a partial season ticket holder so maybe that's why I'm fine with Gordon on 'most nights', heh.
anyway, my point is that the Bulls can survive with a non-plus defender if he scores like hell, and for that reason I think Gordon is NOT part of the problem. He had a bad series offensively which is more concerning than his poor defense. I think he's gotten better defensively (and, yes, is adequate enough) but due to his height will never be great, and that's fine. Defense in the NBA is a team effort anyway, and you can't just pair up opponents and say one guy outscored the other. If that's the case Luol had a bad night too.
The upgrade at the 4 is a more pressing concern...and I think it's hard to solve both in one move so they should take care of that first. I do agree that if Gordon isn't a true big-time scorer (not just a per-minute one) and also someone who makes his own offense at the end of games then his defensive liabilities make him a net minus. But I'm willing to give him at least another season to figure that out, since I believe he's really close.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 11:21 AM CDT
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Luol didn't have a good night, either
(I was trying to be more rhetorical than condescending.)
by bullshooter on
May 18, 2007 11:40 AM CDT
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AK47???!!!
What would hav ebeen amazing is if the bulls had traded for boozer during the summer when everyone was talking about how much he sucked and wouldnt help us and was rumored to be on the trading block.
by Sambossanova on May 17, 2007 11:28 PM CDT 0 recs
55 wins next year...
But I know Deng will back, as will Wallace. Hopefully Thomas, too. If those three come back, and work as hard as I can only imagine, they'll be the best team in the East next year.
I hated this "it's a learning experience" bullshit all throughout the game. But in the waning minutes... I couldn't help but buy it; if for no other reason that they will work harder than ever before.
As exciting as this season and even the post-season was, it will be even better next year: 55 wins and the NBA Finals next year... I believe.
by tyger1147 on May 17, 2007 11:58 PM CDT 0 recs
The Bulls are who I thought they were!
Scott Skiles lost the Bulls a playoff series. However I did predict Pistons in 6, so I guess I shouldnt be disapointed. My main fear is what seems like the impeding major changes this summer. Because of KG/Gasol, i doubt gordon or deng, nocioni, and thomas will be with the team next year. T-Wolves will be pretty good though.
by hongydraw on May 18, 2007 2:30 AM CDT 0 recs
"Skiles lost the Bulls a playoff series"
I actually give him a pass for some of the extra Noc minutes because Wallace should've just stayed in traffic last night.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 10:32 AM CDT
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Ill chime in too
Hinrich has to come back with a better shot, he has to be able to hit when hes open. The way he played in game 5 was a great indicator that hinrich can play the point real well. He should be scoring about 18 ppg and getting 8 apg no problem next year.
Deng says he will work on a post game this offseason, i dont see a real need for it, since we should just find a player who can specialize it. I hope he begins to expand his range a bit more and start trying to hit 3s also, also work on his dribbles.
Gordon has shown strides in his defense, and is a mean machine on offense, he just has to learn to not fall down and pace himself. His biggest weakness is his size, theres no way to get around that. Hopefully he will just come back a bit smarter as to not let himself get put in a position where he will commit turnovers.
aside from the big three i am hoping for the rookies to come back, and big ben seems like a gimme.
Tyrus Thomas just needs to work on his overall game, and definetly try to get that shot going for himself. He just needs a little 12 footer to be effective. A few post moves wont hurt either, just study the game of b-ball and get some iq so u dont look so much like a newb out there when the ball is in your hands (and im talking when he has the ball anywhere thats not in the paint)
Thabo Sefolosha is going to be a great role player. I think he is the best person to counter ben gordons weaknesses, and help hinrich work on his shooting weakness. Thabo is big, and can defend. He needs to get the ability to finish at the rim (just dunk that sucker thabo) and work on hitting those 3s.
noch and duhon are gonna be gone i believe. they are great players and have helped this franchise alot in the last few years, but with the two new rookies, the roles are limited for du and noch. Hopefully they can help the bulls out one last time by sacrificing themselves for a low post scorer.
The bulls met the initial expectations, they got past the first round, they proved that the 42 point victory against miami was no fluke, and they established that they very well might be the number 2 best team in the east. I think alot of people will say most likely "if only they had won game 82, they wouldve made it to the conference finals". I say this is true but that easy route would never have taught them anything. THey wouldve beaten the teams they should beat, and probably with alot of trouble. They faced the top two teams in the east, and now know they can take them (yes even detroit can be taken).
the wizards beat chicago in 2005, and now they are one of the teams we can take without problems.
The heat beat chicago in 2006, and now we just sweeped them.
The pistons beat us this year, but next year...
NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!
by piccolomair on May 18, 2007 2:32 AM CDT 0 recs
dont know where else to post this
Wallace, Hinrich, Nocioni, Deng, Gordon, Duhon, Sefolosha, Thomas.
Now dont yell about Noch and Du. Looks like Thomas is PF now, so Chapu can be an excellent backup 3. If Duhon isnt here, it's gonna be a different backup point gaurd who probably wont be as good. So how about instead of wishing he was out, we just hope he is utilized better and given more appropriate playing time, with him and Sefo each used in situations that call for them.
by hongydraw on May 18, 2007 2:38 AM CDT 0 recs
I would also like to have PJ Brown back
by hongydraw on
May 18, 2007 2:39 AM CDT
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I want Antonio Davis back...
So, in a total homerific thought, I'd suggest University of Iowa SG Adam Haluska. He was the Big 10's leading scorer, he has a shot that's ready for the NBA right now (having watched him play, he was forced (by being on a bad team) to take a lot of bad shots), he's 6'5", he's much more athletic than he's given credit for (ran a 10.79 in the 100 meters), and was THE Academic All-American. I won't say he's anything great (it's why he'll be around in the 2nd round, after all), but I think he'd fit in well with this team. I'm sure sue369 would agree. :) (A scouting report) It wouldn't be a pick on potential... but why anyone would draft a late 2nd-rounder for "potential", I have no clue.
All that being said, if someone wants the first of the Bulls two 2nd-round picks for a player that would make the team better, I'd still give it up.
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 10:43 AM CDT
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I hope that title was facetious
I actually think the Griffin signing 'worked out' considering he's buried on the bench anyway and for those spots I'd almost rather have a locker room presence then some dopey 2nd round pick who will be out of the league in a year. I can't believe I just typed that.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 10:47 AM CDT
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Really?
And no, the title wasn't a joke. I want AD back, but not in the PJ Brown role; I want him back in the Adrian Griffin role.
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 10:51 AM CDT
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I apologize for the rude reaction...
It was a thought of a player I thought would be a great fit for this team. But I would never advocate the team cutting Griffin as it was drafting Haluska. I would expect, as I think anyone would, that anyone that is on a Skiles-coached team would have to earn his minutes. If Haluska didn't make it, fine. I'm not going to bitch; I trust Skiles and Paxson's judgment. But I think he would be able to fit in well with this team and would be good as a fifth guard/3-pt "specialist".
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 10:56 AM CDT
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Apologize again...
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 10:57 AM CDT
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I wasn't specifically against Haluska
Also, I know that there are some success stories in the 2nd round but if the Bulls need a rookie 2nd rounder to be in the rotation next year they're in trouble. Skiles does give those guys a chance but that seemed more suitable back in the the Dupree-Shirley-Johnson days, when Skiles just wanted guys who gave a crap.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 11:09 AM CDT
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I was thinking less "in the rotation"...
He'd be the shooting guard equivalent of Chris Duhon. Someone you could definitely stomach for less than ten minutes a game. A difference maker? Not likely. Someone who won't make you cringe or get antsy when he's giving someone a rest? Definitely. And someone that will also be around (and possibly drafted) about when the Bulls have their two picks in the 2nd round.
It's not like I'm pulling this out of my ass.
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 11:28 AM CDT
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What the fuck?
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 11:20 AM CDT
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2nd round picks
Finally, i'll take the coaches and players word on the role of AG....but to me it seems like $3m flushed down the toilet
by milesgmsu on
May 21, 2007 2:23 PM CDT
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so basically
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 10:28 AM CDT
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Bulls need some new blood
by GranvilleWaiters on
May 18, 2007 1:58 PM CDT
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i want pj or AD back
but let's be honest; aside from the 2nd half, its pretty hard to go out on a higher note than peej did with that first half
by milesgmsu on
May 21, 2007 2:21 PM CDT
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DUHON?!
by GranvilleWaiters on
May 18, 2007 1:07 PM CDT
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or is it
or would it be his continual playing throughout pain without bitching
or is it his ability to hit critical shots
or is it his insane ability to play the first game of the season (2 triple doubles over the past 2 years...ignoring the throaway to bibby, but we never would have been in it wihtout him)
or is it the fact that hes pretty much the best true backup PG in the league.
Let's be honest; we're spoiled that we have one of the best pg's int he league in the cap'n, so duh doesn't look nearly as impressive. But Duh is the best option, at this point, for a backup PG. Many teams would die to have a player like that (perhaps the lakers most importnatly)
by milesgmsu on
May 21, 2007 2:30 PM CDT
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Can't Wait Til Next Year!!
There are really no Free Agents out there that can really be of any service to us. Think Orlando goes for a Darko for Noc and Duhon trade?
Please someone try to talk PJ into one more year, make sure he knows he could get that trip to the Finals with us. And let's keep that lottery pick, please let us pull a Knicks circa '85.
by Ceasaleo on May 18, 2007 8:39 AM CDT 0 recs
Fuckin A
This is so true. Ride this wave out and just be patient. Lots of good have come out of this season. Look back and appreciate it rather than hate it.
by Option27 on May 18, 2007 10:32 AM CDT 0 recs
I disagree
If there's a clear upgrade this offseason you make it, I don't think the conference is going to fall to the Bulls as the Pistons get older. There's still LeBron, Wade, Howard, Bosh/Bargani, and of course Gerald Green.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 10:44 AM CDT
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Not only that . . .
by Big D on
May 18, 2007 11:09 AM CDT
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Wasn't too clear
by Option27 on
May 18, 2007 11:43 AM CDT
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i disagree
Det: not getting any better or any younger; this is porbably their last true shot at a title
cle: unless bron gets some help, hes out in 2 years, and the cavs dont have money or high picks
tor: a good up and coming team, but part of me wonders how much garbajosa, parker, and calderon will be able to replicate
mia: wades in the same spot wiht shaq....way too old, not high picks, and no cap room
njn: see detroit; and maybe getting blown up
wsh: no defense, terrible draft history, no salary cap, caron butler isnt nearly as good, guys might not be the same after serious injuries, and they have deshaun stevenson
orl: lots of good young pieces, but if they sign VC they'll be a pereniall 2nd round loser and have no cap room, and if they dont they wont scare the bulls next year...remember no pick this year
as for teams that missed the playoffs, only MIlwaukee scares me...if they can stay healthy theres alot of talent there plus cap room (maybe bilups), and a great pick
by milesgmsu on
May 21, 2007 2:36 PM CDT
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The problem
I agree with the need for patience. Make some moves, obviously, but don't trade the whole team away. Maybe it's next year, maybe it's further down the road. Gordon, Deng, Hinrich and Wallace will do something truly special, someday.
by Chalkwhite on
May 18, 2007 10:45 AM CDT
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another problem
Like, for instance, comparing this team with a team with Michael 'freaking' Jordan.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 10:49 AM CDT
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funny
Watching game last night I think the Bulls major issue is lacking the 1 or 2 players that can be counted on to make a big offensive play. The assumption all year by some people was that Gordon is that player but in playoffs he has not been that at all. (against Miami he got shots in rhythm of offensive ball movement and against poor defenders) The pistons exposed the Bulls lack of "go to guy" or "go to play" in tight situations. I don't want to argue that the Bulls need an "All-Star" but a better arguement is probably last night shows why none of Bulls were All-Stars.
by NY Chicago Fan on
May 18, 2007 1:55 PM CDT
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It's not just "sports" media...
by bullshooter on
May 18, 2007 11:41 AM CDT
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Summer Trades _Draft
Now, I am not a math major but even though our percentage of landing a number one pick sucks, isnt our percentage of landing the #2 or #3 pick slightly increased to somewhere like 5 percent? Whats the overall percent change of landing any top three picks. By the way, i really hate eddy curry for winning that last knicks game and dropping us from 5 to 9...DAMN IT. That last day of the season really sucked. The nets lose and knicks beating the bobcats.
by Sambossanova on May 18, 2007 11:00 AM CDT 0 recs
Figure a 6-7% probability of getting in the top 3
You do need a mathmatician to figure all the premutations but if we don't get the first pick our chance of getting the 2nd pick does increase.
If Memphis gets the first pick our probability of getting the second rises to 2.53%.
All in all the probability is somewhere between 6-7% of being in the top 5.
There is also a greater than 15% probability we will end up picking 10th or 11th.
by OldeBull on
May 18, 2007 1:36 PM CDT
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Error
We can't be 4th or 5th.
by OldeBull on
May 18, 2007 1:37 PM CDT
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If Deng develops a post up game....
Basically, all we need is more Thabo, more Tyrus, get rid of Duhon, and fewer minutes for Nocioni. I don't think you completely get rid of Nocioni, because when healthy, he is a great scorer. Duhon needs to go. I wouldn't be averse to bringing back PJ either, as he would be a great mentor and teacher for whatever big we draft.
With more time together, this team could be in the finals next year. Gordon, Deng, Thabo, and Tyrus should all keep improving.
by PGHcager on May 18, 2007 11:20 AM CDT 0 recs
For me, the 'Deng at the 4' idea
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 11:22 AM CDT
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Wait, why does he have to be a 4 to post up?
by PGHcager on
May 18, 2007 11:31 AM CDT
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I think the main idea is
by Paxson Jackson on
May 18, 2007 11:36 AM CDT
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dammit
by Paxson Jackson on
May 18, 2007 11:38 AM CDT
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I'd reverse one thought...
Duhon is acceptable (to me anyway) on a 12 minute or less basis. You switch his and Thabo's roles next year (assuming marginal improvement by Thabo) and I'm happy.
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 11:32 AM CDT
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Please no more
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 18, 2007 11:21 AM CDT 0 recs
Lets Be Realistic
I think with Noah's length and athleticism, we could really create some good pressing schemes with him at the point of the press. His personality best fits the type of player the bulls want, and he plays hard all of the time. You pick him at 9, and see if you can get some real value for our small backcourt. For the bulls to take that next step, they have to get an established guard over 6'5" that can create his own shot. The league is going away from the traditional center and the bulls could benefit from running 2 big forwards, 2 guards(1 being over 6'5"), and 1 swing player. This allows for speed and transition defense.
I like J. Childress for Atlanta. He's still into his rookie contract, so the bulls could trade Duhon for him and not worry about having him locked up for 5 years. He will be a great defensive asset to this team. At 6'8" he can guard 1-3, and does not settle for the jumpshot. He attacks the basket and gets to the free throw line. He's a Stanford kid so I think he has good character as well. If we can get Solomon Jones, we should take him as well. Another big kid at 6'11" that can score with his back to the basket and has a good face up game. As and early wish list, I like this lineup; Kirk or Ben (next year by the post-season we cant be starting them both together), Childress, Deng, Thomas, Wallace.
by DannyRange on May 18, 2007 12:02 PM CDT 0 recs
Trade
by DannyRange on
May 18, 2007 12:09 PM CDT
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I don't see why Atlanta would want that...
by tyger1147 on
May 18, 2007 12:11 PM CDT
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i think atl would want du
by DannyRange on
May 18, 2007 12:34 PM CDT
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that'd be a pretty good trade.
by bullshooter on
May 18, 2007 2:31 PM CDT
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it clearly shows they know they need a pg
by milesgmsu on
May 21, 2007 2:47 PM CDT
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He's Raw
by DannyRange on
May 18, 2007 12:43 PM CDT
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I'd prefer
Plus, Noah has a ponytail. I can barely deal with Wallace's hair.
by Chalkwhite on
May 18, 2007 3:24 PM CDT
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I have no problem with afro-questioning,
by Paxson Jackson on
May 18, 2007 3:28 PM CDT
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that was my reaction too, flabull.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
May 18, 2007 2:25 PM CDT
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HAHAHAHA
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on
May 19, 2007 2:30 AM CDT
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or we could
plus Phx is supposedly in love with him...perhaps if we land top 3 we can trade with phx for amare for noah and some other sutff (just thinking off the top of my head)
i'm not high on cildress; isn't he injury prone? furthermore it seems like hes not a great decision maker, and not a great scorer. Furthermore, where does he fit in the rotation? Finally, im always nervous of hawks players...something about that town with its sports teams (heatly, vick, etc.) and especially the hakws....
by milesgmsu on
May 21, 2007 2:46 PM CDT
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Also, Ben was a letdown
by DannyRange on May 18, 2007 12:07 PM CDT 0 recs
I'd only draft Noah
by bullshooter on
May 18, 2007 12:29 PM CDT
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Ok
by DannyRange on
May 18, 2007 12:36 PM CDT
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