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Open Game Thread #30: Bulls at Charlotte Bobcats

The one team the Bulls can beat.

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look for Gordon to be a spark
off the bench.
Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 2, 2008 6:06 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

really
that's all you have?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 6:08 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Don't forget Detroit!
Happy Birthday to Kirk - how about a huge birthday game?
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 2, 2008 6:14 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Creepy quiet.
Not that I enjoy hearing the other team's fans having too much fun...creepy quiet.  And I don't think it is because they are stuffing their pie holes.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:16 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I noticed that, too
PA postively echoes in there.  It's like an exhibition game or something.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 2, 2008 6:19 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The NBA's next commercial
Ought to feature pictures of half-empty arenas in Charlotte, New Orleans, Indiana, Memphis, and Philadelphia.  "The NBA - where plenty of tickets available happens."

by Big D on Jan 2, 2008 6:16 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Hey, if I lived in those cities...
I'd go just to get good seats to see other teams come in.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Wallace
Wallace looks a flat footed out there.  The Bobcats are not playing terribly well.  We just seem to have lapses in concentration.  If Wallace wants to simply watch the game he can do so from the bench easily as  the court.  Or any of the other empty seats everywhere.  

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:23 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

To be fair,
I have trouble concentrating when it's dead silent, too.  The mind tends to wander in all that quiet...
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 2, 2008 6:25 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe
Maybe we should give them iPods.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:29 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

He just made a great pass
Too bad it was to Tom Dore.

by Big D on Jan 2, 2008 6:26 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Wallace
looks disinterested.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 6:29 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Wallace only plays inspired
when they're playing the pissed-ons.
I am pretty sick of watching his lazy ass playing and missing layups that SHOULD be monster dunks like he used to do in detwat.

Wallace is the BIGGEST waste of money on the bulls bench - that being because he makes more than anyone else on the bench.   :-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 6:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The Bobcats traded for Nazr Mohammad last month
If they're looking for mediocre big men with huge contracts, any chance they'd want Wallace?  MJ is their GM, after all.

by Big D on Jan 2, 2008 6:33 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Wooohoooo!!!!!!
Thabo in!!!!!
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 6:33 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Thabo!
Thabo's bruised ego is on the court now.  

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:34 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Hinrich! Thabo! Gray!
Nice steal by Hinrich and pass back from Thabo for the layup.  And nice put back by Gray.

Thabo isn't looking too bad so far.  He is moving pretty fast, but not out of control.  I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't get a steal or two if he gets some playing time.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:43 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Block by Thabo...
And then Wallace misses a dunk.  

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:51 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Hey! Nice pass by Thabo....
basket AND the FT by Kirk.....
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 6:40 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

How is it that Gray
is outplaying Wallace?
Gray goes up for put back stuffs and Wallace won't even make a layup....

geesh...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 6:42 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I doesn't take much
Stormin' Norm would outplay Wallace tonight.  Hopefully Wallace warms the bench the rest of the game.  I would go for a constant OK from Gray, Thamas, and Noah over one good play every 30 minutes from Wallace.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:47 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Tyrus has that look tonight....
that I-won't-be-playing-one-minute-of-important-time-tonight look....

Wonder what's it gonna take to see some TT?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 6:51 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

ok that was ugly
Ben should be embarrassed.  I know Chauncey and Sheed are laughing at him.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 6:51 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Ben should be embarrassed
He looks kinda strung out....and that "fro" thaang has gotten very old...

Only when he played like a monster dis that work....now it just tends to accentuate his horrid play....

Maybe his wife's sending a "signal" by letting him out of the house looking like that...

:-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 6:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah!!!!
Showing Wallace how it should be done.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 6:54 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Noah! And Noah again!
I hope they replay those after the commercials because I had to dive in from the kitchen and only caught the cheering afterwards both times.

I'd love to see Noah get a good 15 point night.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 6:54 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I hope they replay those after the commercials
You need tivo
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:11 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Well
Considering I get my tv for $8 a month and get (flips) 15 tv stations (two PBS and CSPAN included in count) there really isn't a point to own tivo.  I just need to be a bit faster on my feet.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

And he did two better
than my anticipated 15.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 9:02 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah stays in
Smith comes in for Wallace.  OK

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 6:58 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

absolutely pathetic turnover
by BG right there....
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:02 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Please pull Smith
and put Gray back in....Geeesh!

Gordon AND Lu under the basket and NEITHER of them can put it in....

Pathetic.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:08 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

another o-rebound for BG
and Deng is getting abused by Richardson.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 7:08 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Anyone else fell like a TT sighting
to start the 2nd half would get some of the funk out of these guy's horrible playing?

SHYTE!
At least TRY something and don't be like Skiles....

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:13 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

How does Hinrich look tonight on the court?
his stat line looks really good
"My jumper's so smooth it will seduce your girlfriend." -1958ChiTown

by NittanyBull on Jan 2, 2008 7:19 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

not bad
but he did most of his damage in the first 5 minutes.  Had a nice steal, too.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 7:26 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

High Flying Dunk of the Game
by Gray may have been the least high flying dunk in history.  They could have waited like two minutes for the Noah one.

by JSlakov on Jan 2, 2008 7:20 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

This game has the feel of us slowly losing by more
and more until we lose by 18 at the buzzer.  We look dead.  No hustle plays.  We are getting killed on the boards 18-10.  Ben Wallace sucks! BG continues to shoot well!

by chgobr on Jan 2, 2008 7:23 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

joke of a team
Well the players are having fun, right? relaxed, whatever?

I have no fun watching these games. Down 8 to the Bobcats at half.

At least Noah showed yet again why the coaching staff is moronic for sitting him so much.

What about Tyrus? Hold that thought, gotta get Joe Smith back in so he doesn't stiffen up!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 7:25 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Gotta keep Wallace out there
Or else Arn Tellem will be on the phone with Jerry Reinsdorf in a hurry.

by Big D on Jan 2, 2008 7:28 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

F Wallace
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:30 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

We sign Wallace
So that we can defend the other teams inside scorer. But he gets babied by Emeka. GG

by gobulls1124 on Jan 2, 2008 7:33 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Young guys
The younger guys (Thabo, Gray, and Noah) all seem to be more interested in the game than the others.  I really would rather see them play than Smith and Wallace and the rest if this is how it is going to be tonight.

Actually, I with I went to the grocery store after work instead of rushing home to catch the game.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 7:33 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Joe Smith mixtape
Bulls hate dunks. Not a calming influence, in the least

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 7:29 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

deficit is now eleven
time to deploy the spark! Thank god we were steady this whole time.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 7:31 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

They heard ya.
But at that distance I think they missed the sarcasm.

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 7:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

everyone is standing still
and the icing on the cake is Wallace WALKING around the court like he's lost...

PULL HIS LAZY ASS!!

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:32 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Agrees
We got three guys more than willing to play and Wallace is sleepwalking. I don't get it.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 7:34 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

attacking the basket...
...all the other teams seem to do it so much more. how does our shot attempts in the paint compare to other teams ? (i'm sure this data is out there, being lazy!)

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 2, 2008 7:38 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

and Wallace is STILL out there.....
W-T-F Boylan???
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:39 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

well they've tied it with Wallace/Smith
out there the whole time. Guess that means they've 'earned' the next ten minutes as well.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 7:43 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Or maybe
Or maybe the other three-four players should be getting awards for carrying the dead weight through the coarse of the game.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 7:45 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Tied at 75
Smith is waking up a bit.  Now if we can get Deng back into it.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 7:43 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I don't really mind
watching Smith shove the ball to the basket if it keeps going in like that.  

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 7:46 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

only thing saving the Bulls
is Sam Vincent opening up the book 'playing small' by Scott Skiles

(Chapter One: Why play one point guard when you can play TWO???)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 7:47 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

or THREE....
which is basically what they started with...

What makes this all so glaring is that with the talent and energy we have sitting on the bench, the Bulls should be BLOWING these cats out...
NOT struggling to catch up or tie the game.

Sigh...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:52 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

again.....
a missed Wallace layup...
What a bum
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:48 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I don't Hinrich goes into the lane
for that very reason.  He seems to be able to get in the lane when he wants, but what good does it do to pass to Wallace?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 7:48 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I'll give Boylan credit
in the 2nd half he skipped over Gray and went right to Noah.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 7:50 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, but he also skipped TT and went
to Noc....
So it cancels that out....   :-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:56 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

BG getting picked
bad inbounds pass, no consistency right now.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 7:51 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

this is going to be
one of the Yes! No! Yes! lineups.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

That's why Noah and Wallace
shouldn't be on the floor together--and why they should.

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

no seriously
Noah rules. That stint is the kind of play that David Thorpe watches pantsless.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Just joined.
I see Noah.

Any TT minutes tonight thus far?

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 2, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Any TT minutes tonight thus far?
Not one....    :-(
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah is the freak of nature
Not Tyrus

HOW CAN THIS GUY GET NO PLAYING TIME!?

by Option27 on Jan 2, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Felton
steroids?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 7:56 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

is there any doubt
Wallace plays the whole 2nd half?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:00 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

The more I see this lazy Wallace play
the more angry I get about not seeing TT...
At least TT plays hard...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:01 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

doesn't matter if you don't run down the court
at least Wallace does that...wait, I can't remember the last time I saw Wallace running on the break, it must be b/c all those rebounds he secures...

by snley on Jan 2, 2008 8:19 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah is awesome
He better be in the rotation for good from now on.

by Big D on Jan 2, 2008 8:02 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Sadly
I expect a DNP the next game

by Option27 on Jan 2, 2008 8:03 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

same here
sadly

by Freethefro on Jan 2, 2008 9:23 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noc on Richardson?
Really?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:02 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Noah is a dude...
...this guy was a steal at #9. No question he should be ahead of TT.

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 2, 2008 8:03 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Not to dwell on old times
But imagine Noah/Aldridge front court

by Option27 on Jan 2, 2008 8:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The two of them together
would get pounded down low.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Two thoughts
(1) God kills a puppy every time Joakim Noah takes a jump shot.  Stop taking the jumpers Joakim - if not for the team, think of the puppies!

(2) I can't wait until we trade Ben Gordon, and a month later the fans of the team we trade him to are all over our boards saying "WTF is up with him falling down all the time?".

by Jivas on Jan 2, 2008 8:04 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

oooh
BG got rim-whipped.  Nope that was Wallace blocking him.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:05 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

BOYLAN
Better not bring in Smith for Noah anytime soon!

by Option27 on Jan 2, 2008 8:07 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

1st team to 100
wins.

Ain't that the norm?    :-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:07 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Sadly, I feel a Tyrus trade coming.
If Noah plays this way, I fear the Bulls' brass will conclude that Tyrus is superfluous.

Sam Smith should be happy, though.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 2, 2008 8:07 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

don't fall into the either/or
crap the coaching staff keeps telling us.

I'm happy that I get to see Noah + good Bulls basketball. Not entirely a coincidence, of course, but the point being I'll like wins better if the players I'm interested in contribute.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know.
Right now his trade value couldn't be lower.  You'd think they'd want to pump it up somehow before they made a move.

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 8:13 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I meant during the offseason.
"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 2, 2008 8:15 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, personally, I don't see why they
can't both play.

However, the Bulls seem to have concluded it's one or the other, for some reason.

The League must have secretly passed a resolution that said Noah and Tyrus can't be on the court together.

I don't get it.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 2, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

ok sue
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:13 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking the same thing 15 minutes ago
it just has that "feel"...
like they're seeing if they can play without missing him.

I hope not though.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah
Always makes smart decisions even if he's trying to post up and realizes his shot ain't there.

Example was that play when he did the spin move and popped out to Noc for a missed 3

by Option27 on Jan 2, 2008 8:08 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Because of Noah, Tyrus = superfluous
...would be really piss-poor decision-making, but I could see it happening.  I don't mind if they trade Tyrus for value, but flipping him for the sake of flipping him would be, well, flippant.

I'm discouraged by his lack of hustle - I thought his astronomic block/steal rates, and even his rate of personal fouls, were indicative of "activity", and I'm furious that he's not providing the hustle he should - but he's 21 for crying out loud.  It's far too early to give up on him being an impact player.

Might not be too early to give up on him being a star though...we do need to see something, at some point, *this* season.

by Jivas on Jan 2, 2008 8:11 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

If anything, Noah's presence
makes Wallace superfluous, if not now, then next year.

by Jivas on Jan 2, 2008 8:12 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I got your spin cycle Stacy....
right HERE!!!
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:13 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

He tries to be hip.
He IS hip....
...as in...HIPPO
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:17 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

HEY!
You found Thab's missing "o"...give it back.

Yeah, ok...that sucked.

by Lt.Dan on Jan 3, 2008 8:17 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Since when
was TT an integral member of this team?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

i assume this is in reply to something?
He's not integral to this team. this team isn't very good, so who cares?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:15 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I think it's in reply to you.
Even if it preceded your comment.  

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 8:19 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I would hope that in essence the 2nd overall pick
would be integral to the team, doesnt always work like that, but you'd assume a top 5 pick is a top 5 for a reason

by bullsfaninla on Jan 2, 2008 8:21 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

L. Deng gotta learn how to be a star, he had his
man pump faked in the air, all he had to do was jump into him and take the shot. Now he stepped aside and hit a j but he gotta learn that.

by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 2, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Noah is just a smarter player
...TT is not an instinctive decision maker, though I agree that he is better than the coaches seem to give him credit for.

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 2, 2008 8:15 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Noah
cuts to the basket almost as good as Luol

by Option27 on Jan 2, 2008 8:19 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Noah looks like he can catch a pass
on a pick and roll, something Tyson Chandler could never do as a bull. I  assume he does with Chris Paul, anybody watch the hornet games?

by bullsfaninla on Jan 2, 2008 8:19 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Typical Wallace play
he gets a rebound - then promptly passes it to the other team for a TO...

nice.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:20 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

NOAH the STUFFER
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:20 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Thank God for the Charlotte Bobcats
Bulls will be 3-0 against them, and 9-18 against the rest of the league.  Too bad they can't play them every week.

by Big D on Jan 2, 2008 8:21 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Tyrus's PT
I don't mind the coaching staff not playing TT at all for awhile if it serves some intended purpose, if some lesson is learned - if TT comes back providing more hustle, setting better screens, etc. - great.

But if we go basically the rest of the season without TT having a long stretch with some major playing time, that is totally F'd up.

by Jivas on Jan 2, 2008 8:21 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

didn't they try that before
Thomas got a couple DNP's and then came out like a beast, which led to Noah's benching, it doesn't serve a purpose other than to demonstrate this staff's lack of vision to play Thomas and Noah more than the rest of the big men combined

by snley on Jan 2, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

gotta...
...like the kid and his energy and his size.  just please don't let him do any post game interviews, because then i'll remember what a schmuck he can sound like.

by leeac on Jan 2, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

another must-have victory tonight
::phew::

Wallace played the whole 2nd half, and tomorrow's another game. That's, uh, scary.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:23 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

worse for me
Boylan wasted all his useful, young big man minutes on Noah tonight when I didn't get to see the game.  Tomorrow's game is on TNT, but surely with the quota more than filled by Noah's 17 min tonight, I won't get to see him or TT.  Bring on Aaron Gray baby!!!

by snley on Jan 2, 2008 8:27 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

the snailbiters will test the Bulls tomorrow
I still think that team will end up in Seattle when the sonics move to Oky next year...

Paul Allen being the richest owner in the NBA and all...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:23 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

TT THE COACH KILLER GETS NO MINUTES
again!  The only game we have lost since Boylan took over was in double overtime to the best road team in the league.  

And all without TT!!

by hhi on Jan 2, 2008 8:23 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

and the only game won
against any team that wasn't shit was...um, none of them.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:25 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Cheer up, there.
The Bulls won and one of the young guys was the clear difference-maker.

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 8:27 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

true, but
an overtime loss at the buzzer, at least we played tough. had we got blown out that'd be another matter

by bullsfaninla on Jan 2, 2008 8:28 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Just to not get ahead of ourselves
Matt's headline to the thread said it all

by Option27 on Jan 2, 2008 8:24 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Good Win
They played very well tnite, noah was at his best tonight, i was not 2 happy with Tyrus sitting out, but wins a win.

by get clutch on Jan 2, 2008 8:25 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

How did they look?
The game was not televised in Iowa. I am working on a new post for my blog about the Bulls I should have it posted tomorrow morning. Check it out
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 2, 2008 8:27 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

The game
was on in Iowa. It's just that your shitty cable doesn't carry CSN.
Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 3, 2008 9:11 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I really, really want to pound the crap out of the
upstart darlings of the League tomorrow night in the UC on national television. I am going to be very loud.

I was looking forward to a reenactment of Tyrus' domination of Aldridge in the NCAA Tourney (a head to head match-up people rarely mention when comparing the two), but I guess Tyrus is never going to play again.

In any case, I want the Bulls to win. Badly.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 2, 2008 8:28 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Tyrus and Aldridge
are so far apart in terms of contributions, I doubt the national crew will even reference they were traded for eachother.

freaking disaster.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:30 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I still don't get the overall plan
They're 'tightening the rotation' to get wins now. Fine.

But what happens when they start playing good teams again? How bad will it have to get before the rotation loosens? And then if they throw Tyrus out there after being buried for a few weeks what can we expect?

and playoffs? I'm bracing myself for 'went with the guys who got us there' quotes galore.

damnit, the sweet taste of victory has now been replaced by vomit.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:28 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

that wasn't a very tight rotation tonight
I wouldn't read too much into that.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:29 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

technically that's true
I'm on a one-track mind though.

"tight rotation" = No Tyrus. (or no Tyrus/Noah together).

If tight rotation means keeping Aaron Gray away, then tighten that shit up.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It's too bad the season ended tonight
and they disbanded the NBA because I would have liked to see TT play again too.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:34 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't see a scenario
unless Noc and Smith get hurt. Which is likely, actually.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

or traded
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:39 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm down with that noise
(as the kids, or Stacy King, would say)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:41 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

and what happened to the 'matchups' excuse
as to why Gray played so much against the Knicks. Why was he in there against the 'go small' Bobcats?

Rotations take a long time to change. Unless it's Skiles and Griffin.

And usually that change is necessitated by poor play, which I'd rather just be proactive and avoid.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

he played six minutes
including a couple of minutes of garbage time.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:55 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I kindof contradicted myself
because earlier I gave credit to Boylan skipping him in the second half and going with Noah.

But I'd still say 6 minutes too many, but clearly the biggest minutes thief today was Wallace.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 9:01 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

MATT!!! Snap out of it man!!!
you need some happy pills dude.   :-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:32 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Tyrus apparently can't play
except in highlights.

Team game.  Smart players and coaches.  Veterans.  Gotta have a clue.

Noah won two national championships.  Second time he had to take a back seat.  He's also older.  Big time game experience.

by hhi on Jan 2, 2008 8:31 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

That's funny.
Because I seem to recall Tyrus playing very well in many games I witnessed during the latter half of last season. In fact, I remember him having a dominant performance against the Cavaliers, who made the NBA Finals.
"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 2, 2008 8:34 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Joakim communicates
He's a chatterer out there.  He's not talking trash.  He's talking to his teammates.  He was even directing Noc around last night...ON OFFENSE.

I wouldn't mind a more chatty Noah to the press so long as he has the support of the vets.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 8:21 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I want to see
More of TT, less of Wallace and more of Thabo
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 2, 2008 8:33 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Let me guess
you're going to write about that on your blog, and... we should check it out.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Matt!
You must have laughed at that.

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 8:39 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

uh, there's no +1 system
but if you consistently mention your own blog (sig is fine) then you deserve all you get :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:42 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I suppose you're right
Sorry
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 2, 2008 9:01 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I hadn't thought of that
I guess Wallace just wore on me after hearing some of the news that has come out after the Skiles dismissal. I thought we drafted Thabo to be our big guard and I get tired of the same crap rolled out night after night
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 2, 2008 8:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Hey if nothin' else -
Boylan's a heck of a lot easier to look at in the post game interviews....    LOL  :-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:34 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

than Skiles, that is....
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

boylan postgame
"wanted to get Smith back in, but we were rolling with Noah".

damn skippy. I never get why coaches have to apologize for not getting players minutes. The control the minutes, the proof is in the pudding.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:34 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Tight rotation
Sure it was a tight rotation; only 5 players had more than 18 minutes, I want to say.  Depends upon how you define it, but Boylan depended heavily on the main 5 players.

I think we're all mostly upset with the overuse of Wallace.

by Jivas on Jan 2, 2008 8:34 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

are you looking at the right box score
because the yahoo box score is screwed up.  It says kirk only played 24 min.  go look at the espn box score.  8 guys got significant minutes more than 18.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:38 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You are correct
Sorry - must not have refreshed for the most recent box score, or maybe I'm just a doofus.

by Jivas on Jan 2, 2008 8:48 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Wins
The reason why we were losing games early this season were Hinrich, Gordon, and Wallace.  Period.

So ... the big change is to play those guys more?

by Jivas on Jan 2, 2008 8:39 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Oh shyte - now I've heard it all
Mark Schnoz-ski and Norm are saying that Wallace is playing...excuse me....BETTER???

Just because when he's on the floor the Bulls are +17...?

WTF?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 2, 2008 8:39 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Maybe I am crazy, but I think
that Wallace has played much better, especially on the defensive end, over the last five games.

JMO.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 2, 2008 8:41 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

towards the end of the third quarter
Wallace played... like he was getting paid a lot of money.  But you're right, those guys are on crack.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:41 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

to start the fourth
he even dunked the ball.

It's so nuts that the Bulls are increasing instead of decreasing his minutes. It's clear that he can be effective, but only in spurts. And it's not like there's no viable options off the bench.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:46 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Do you ever pay attention to matchups?
Ben Wallace could have played better.  This is true.  But Emeka Ofakor was 4-11 for 9 points and hauled in 8 rebounds and only 2 offensive boards.  What exactly does Ben Wallace have to do in your mind to get back on your good side?

Did Okafor get by Wallace last night?  Yes.  Twice on some nice low posts moves.  Okafor didn't make either attempt.  Wallace blocked the shots from behind on the recovery.

I'm not asking you to shower Ben Wallace with praise, but pat him on the back when has a solid OVERALL game.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 8:26 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

He looked better
in the second half than in the first half, I'll credit him that.  He looked absolutely terrible the first half though.  No questions there and I think that deserves criticism since we were down in the first half and obviously needed more than a flat footed watch on his part.

by cranscape on Jan 3, 2008 8:31 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

right
I don't look at a deficit to the freaking bobcats as a plus.

I think Wallace does play well in spurts, which is more reason in my mind to just give him spurts of PT, not the whole half so he can coast for most of the time. It's just going to get worse as he gets older and crankier.

Having a guy like Noah or Tyrus next to him can do wonders though.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 9:52 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Wallace stopped Howard too
He stopped Howard where you can stop him.  Howard was 4-11 and needed 14 attempts at the line just to get to 17 points.  Wallace blocked three of his shots.

I don't police your comments, but narry a peep shows up giving credit to Ben Wallace for slowing Dwight Howard and Emeka Okafor.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I prefer to bitch about what's wrong.
Wallace just isn't productive enough. I'm glad that he at least cares now, though.

Didn't watch the Orlando game.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

There's this new stat called plus/minus...
I laughed out loud when the post-game crew was drooling over the "new" plus/minus stat "brought over from hockey."  Do you think Mark Shanowski (sp?) even knows about PopcornMachine, or is he too MSM?
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." - Ron Burgundy

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 3, 2008 9:34 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

No he's only talking about it
because it's now in MSM boxscores at NBA.com and Yahoo.

by Scotter on Jan 3, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I like what Kendall Gill
just said about getting the big guys involved being the main difference between Boylan and Skiles.  Skiles was all about the  guards running around with the ball on the perimeter.  Under Boylan, the ball is going inside and we're starting to ee interior pasing.

I think TT's as pretty good interior passer, don't you, Matt?

by alec on Jan 2, 2008 8:42 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

are you trying to pander to my Tyrus love?
it's working.

Yeah he can pass as well. So can Wallace (at least the advertised version). In fact they all can.

It is interesting that post-firing the stories were that it wasn't just personnel that kept the Bulls from using the post, but that Skiles actively disliked using post play.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

they can all pass
but they seem to struggle with the finish...
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:46 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah
that's the real issue with the Wallace/Smith frontcourt. It's not just age-ism or Tyrus slobbering.

(maybe some Tyrus slobbering)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:47 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Wallace looked pretty good vs Orlando
Played hard and effectively I think.

by hhi on Jan 2, 2008 8:43 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I don't get all the negativity..
we won, and Noah played great. ok, fine, this isn't like beating the Spurs,  but it sure beats losing.

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 2, 2008 8:43 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I'm trying to be proactively cranky
instead of hoping and wishing against the Pistons just to watch the team get manhandled.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:49 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

XACTLY!
Gotta learn how to win.  Gotta play to win the game!!

by hhi on Jan 2, 2008 8:46 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

blah blah blah
Thabo played fine and took it to the hole strong.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:47 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Kendall Gill
shouldn't make analogies from this team to 'what Michael Jordan did'

sheesh.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 8:48 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

did you guys flood that comcast poll?
because it was overwhelmingly for TT.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 2, 2008 8:55 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Not surprising
Likely because we have not seen him at all.  I think Gray and Noah are doing fine, but I still would like to see TT since he is getting zero minutes.

by cranscape on Jan 2, 2008 9:00 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah played great tonight.
Maybe this will raise his value for a trade for Gasol with us having to give up even less (apparently Memphis has had their eye on Noah).  Gasol posted 30 pts 12 rebs tonight.  What do you all think?

by Mattchoo on Jan 2, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

works for me
although failing that, I'd try and package Smith/Noc/Thabo (and the expirings if necessary) for guard help. Or more accurately 'stop this Duhon madness' help.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 2, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The old M2GwcSaD?
I agree - I'd love a legitimately sized 2-guard to start in Duhon's place, but I wonder what happens in the 4th quarter when BG & Hinrich are in?  If this guy is decent enough offensively, is he redundant with BG?
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." - Ron Burgundy

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 3, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Keep Noah
I know it's only one game, but I think I'd like to keep Noah to see what he can be.  If this Bulls team was 1 player (or Pau Gasol) away from getting to the finals this year, then I would consider it.  But that's clearly not the case.

When Wallace's legs fall off late next season, we're going to want all the young bigs we currently have (Noah, Thomas, Gray).

"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." - Ron Burgundy

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 3, 2008 9:48 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I would think we could get Gasol
For Noah, Noce and maybe Griffin to make salaries work. However we will probably need to take someone else from Memphis.
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 2, 2008 9:04 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Nice win
Bobcats still have no front court despite trading Hermann and Brezec for Nazr Mohammed who actually had a decent game last night.  Gerald Wallace cannot guard any power forwards.  Noah was killing him in the 4th quarter.  But where Noah really was nice was on defense.  Gerald Wallace is a poor shooter that uses dribble penetration to get higher percentage shots and free throw attempts.  Wallace couldn't determine what to do in the 4th quarter looking at Noah guarding him.  He didn't know if he should drive, shoot, pass or what.  Noah's getting respect already.

Two posters in one night from the rookie is impressive.  I thought the bang on Okafor was special and the kid goes out and one ups himself in the same game.  However, the most impressive play of the night was the steal of the interior pass off the screen and roll.  Noah's length and good footwork put him in ideal position to seal that passing lane and his extended arm is long enough to get a finger on the pass.  He stole it, dribbled to the center of the court and passed it as he approached the three point line.  These demonstrations of basktball IQ aren't helpful to the "Play Tyrus" brigade.

Joakim should get more PT tonight guarding Pryzbilla.  Another win at home in front of the national tv audience will go a long way in turning our season around.

3-1 in the Boylan era and the only loss was a las second game winner.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 8:35 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

the play tyrus brigade
still thinks the faux Noah v. Thomas competition is the dumbest thing they've ever heard.
Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 9:04 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Not Noah v Tyrus
It's just the fact that in the rotation Noah is coming off the bench to play center.  Tyrus was coming off the bench to get Joe Smith some rest, but Joe is the center now.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 9:38 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah was PF most of the night
He played with Ben Wallace. But that's semantics.

It's not that hard to find minutes for Tyrus, between Smith/Noc/Wallace.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 9:49 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

questions
How do we know who is at center and who is at pf?

When Ben Wallace is in the game guarding Emeka Okafor is Wallace the center or the pf?

The Comcast crew seemed to think all game that Ben Wallace was playing the PF.

Gerald Wallace was guarding Noah.  Noah was guarding Gerald Wallace.  Gerald is not a center.

I've confused myself now.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 10:33 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

who guards who(m)
that's what I figured. Gerald Wallace on Noah and vice versa, so Noah's the PF.

It doesn't matter really, outside of the measurement mafia who start weeping when talking about a 6'7" center.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah was terrific last night
Du was 0-2 FG and 1-2 FT.  I'm for reconstituting Thabo and if this doesn't work trade for a decent backup point guard.

by chgobr on Jan 3, 2008 8:37 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Houston
Before Houston can fall in love with Aaron Brooks we could maybe pry him away for Duhon.  If not Brooks, maybe Luther Head.

I'd rather acquire a solid perimeter shooter than a point guard like a Jacque Vaughn type that cannot shoot.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 8:46 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Luther Head
would be an interesting addition. It would be a good business move for the Bulls, in that it would get all the Illini fans who remember him to tune in.

by BJarmstrong on Jan 3, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Reinsdorf
is still rolling in Frank Williams related revenues.
Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 2:30 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Two game mini-slump for Du
0-8 fg and 2-5 ft.  He's in Ben Wallace territory there.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 8:56 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

but he's facilitating!
(in the way that I take shits in the 'facilities')

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 9:45 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah = Stud!!!
Great game for the rookie. I hope he continues to get more playing time. BW finally came through in the 4th.

Again no TT. He must have a shitty attitude or is lazy as hell in practice. Two coaches would not bench him if it wasn't something like that. Not that Kendall Gill knows anything about TT's situation but he said last night that TT is young may be a little hard headed and doesn't want to listen to the coaches. If that is the case someone needs to talk to him and help see his error.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 3, 2008 9:28 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Not getting ant pt against the Bobcats
is definitely a sign that he is still in the formerly Skiles now Boylan doghouse.

Side note: Twice I heard espn sportscasters call Jim Boylan, "Jim Borlan".

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 9:35 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Missing PJ and Randy Livingston
You think Tyrus misses these guys.  They were apparently two players Tyrus was close to on last years roster.  Livingston wasn't even around the entire season, but I guess they work out together in Louisiana.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 9:36 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

He could be
missing them, I don't know. If that is the case he needs to cut the apron strings and move forward. He's just too good a talent to sit on the bench. Maybe he needs to take a long look in the mirror and see what he needs to do to get back some playing time.
Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 3, 2008 9:44 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Something strange is going on
As Matt is quick to remind me I keep repeating myself.  There is something we do not know that is a barrier for Thomas playing.  Either he is totally disregarding what Boylan wants done or, more likely something we do not know than what we know(A preemptive apology for the repetition).  His not leaving the bench is just strange.

by chgobr on Jan 3, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I think we can make some pretty safe assumptions
about where that `barrier' resides--inside Thomas' head.  Obviously, there is no physical reason he's not playing.  He's plenty athletic.  Is it just his attitude that's keeping him off the floor?  I tend to doubt that.  It seems unlikely that everyone else's attitude is better, but Tyson alone is still, what--belligerent?  

My guess is that it's mostly his inexperience coupled with a native inability to comprehend his assignments.  You can't play him if he screws up everyone else's roles.  If he's going to play at all, it will probably start with very short stretches in which he has very simply instructions, then, after he grasps that piece, slowly and gradually his assignments will get expanded.  

I'm not saying he's stupid.  In fact, it's probably more about the Bulls' inability to discover and exploit Thomas' `learning style' than about Tyrus' inability to learn.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

the whole team is stupid
Thomas fits in fine, and he received higher BaB IQ grades than Nocioni.
Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 10:34 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah did exactly what we need.
In 18 minutes he was 7-10FG, 3-5FT, 6reb, 4 ass, 2blks and 1 stl.  If he could even come close to that consistently we don't need Gasol.  I also thought he got BW involved which isn't easy to do.  We are paying Noah 2.1 mil which is a bargain compared to Gasol's 13.7 to 17.8 through 2011.  Noah could develop into the inside guy we are looking for.

by chgobr on Jan 3, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

he did show post moves
but it was against Gerald Wallace, so I'll keep from anointing him the savior of the low-post. (besides, that's Aaron Gray)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Give Boylan credit for seeing the miss-match
I have come to appreciate Aaron Grey's excellent foot movement in the post.  It is the three step shuffle I admire the most.  

Noah was a key for us winning last night.  We cannot rely on BG to bale us out every game.  Noah helped us win.  Gerald Wallace is not a bad shot blocker but your point is well-taken.

by chgobr on Jan 3, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

And a little more
Gerald Wallace is only a good defender if he steals the ball or comes over to block the shot.  He's really not stopping anyone from getting a post presence on him.  He's also not stopping dribble penetration.  He's like Wade.  They must force an error to look like a good defender otherwise they look terrible.

Gerald Wallace really doesn't stand a chance at 6'7" against a 6'11" Noah in the low post.  Noah even had a put back tap in at the rim that would have been over the back if Noah wasn't using his finger nails to get the bucket.

Does Sam Vincent go to Jemaereo Davidson?  The Bobcats are very thin in the front court.  They are more thin than they were the last time we played them in Charlotte.  Jordan keeps making Dumars look like a genius.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Was it against Gerald Wallace?
It looked to me that on offense, Noah was playing the low post against Okafor, and Wallace was playing the high post.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

the bobcats switched
and Wallace was on Noah for one of Noah's post ups.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 10:14 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

...too many Wallaces.
In last night's game, did the Bulls have Noah or Ben Wallace playing center?  Or were they interchangeable?  Switching possession by possession?  It looked to me like Noah was playing more in the low post on offense, or that he and Ben were just on either side of the low post.  True?  Not true?

And on defense, Noah spent more time guarding Gerald Wallace out on the floor.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah spent more time guarding Gerald Wallace
That's probably because he moves twice as fast as grand-pa-pa Wallace (Ben), and once he polishes his act he will probably replace him.

One can only hope...  

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 10:42 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I worry about Noah's
ability to out-"muscle" the stronger, taller centers,"girthier" (yeah, I made that word up, tough!)  in the league. He definitely has the athletic ability to run/guard any of the 4's int he league. Maybe that's where Noah will end up?

Playing Noah at the 4 and leave more of a true center at the 5 spot. This would at least give the Bulls an advantage for rebounds and getting a big man to run out on fast breaks.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 10:48 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah will get bigger.
If you believe the "you can only get as big as your shoulders" theory, he'll never be huge, but he could easily put on 10-15 pounds (up around 245) over the next 3-5 years without slowing down. That's not huge, but it's big for his style of play.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 10:54 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Didn't lift all summer
He couldn't.  The shoulder rehab limited what he could do in the off season.  Remember Deng's first healthy summer and the subsequent production we saw last season?

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

So we can take that as your vote for more
Aaron Gray time?
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Tyson
has the same frame.

I wouldnt worry bout that

by Option27 on Jan 3, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

And there's that Marcus Camby
guy who's skinny as well.  And that Kevin Garnett guy.  

Point being you don't need to be the most massive guy in the world, like you said.  You do have to be strong though, and intense, and Noah will be both those things.  

by Freethefro on Jan 3, 2008 5:55 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Here's an idea
The Noah we're seeing is actually TT, and it's NOAH who pissed off the staff and is warming the bench for everyone.

In the digital age, anything can happen...
(okay - so that's obsurd...but I would just like to know what TT did at least, to be such a non factor)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.
Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 3, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noah's great 4th quarter
Gameflow is up on PopcornMachine.
  • Noah's 4th: 11 pts and a help value of 12.  That's outstanding.  That stint looks good in the boxscore too.
  • Wallace's +/- of +15 is deceptive.  He played 23:10 min of a 2nd half in which the Bulls had a +20 scoring advantage.  Deng, Gordon, Smith, & Noah all contributed more in the 2nd half.  He played well, but was more a beneficiary than a catalyst.
  • More 2nd half: No other Bull played more than 20 min in the 2nd half.  Wallace played more than anyone else.
  • Weird line-up of the night: Duhon/Gordon/Nocioni/Noah/Wallace.  I knew that looked weird when I was watching the game.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." - Ron Burgundy

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 3, 2008 10:46 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

No doubt!
I didn't catch the 2nd quarter at all, so I missed that one.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." - Ron Burgundy

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 3, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Matt gets props from TrueHoops' Henry Abbott again
"Matt from Blogabull is not at all happy that Ben Gordon is on the bench. He has a lot of ideas about it. I would love to see the world evolve in such a way that he got to have a little debate about it with new Bulls head coach Jim Boylan. That kind of basketball debate could make us all smarter."

Do you two know each other? He mentions BaB all the time on his ESPN TrueHoop blog.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 11:20 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

The true test will be when comments like
this show up.:

unfortunately
this franchise doesn't know their asset from their asshole.
(it sounded better in my head)
by Matt on Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 10:38:18 AM CST

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 11:31 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

'know' in the internet sense
I know everyone man. In fact I made Henry, and he responds by keeping me off his blogroll! That ungrateful SOB. (I'm kidding)

I'm not sure I agree that a 'debate' with Boylan would work. It'd be more like I'd ask what's the deal, and he'd say the deal, and I'd just say "well, ok then."

I know pretty much nothing beyond 'hey this guy's good lets play him more'. (not that such a philosophy wouldn't go far)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

hmm. I read that as 'know'
in the biblical sense...and had to look twice to see 'internet' in your title.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Look, if the Grizzlies' bloggers
could get an audience with Chris Ford (at a diner no less!), it's a reasonable thing to expect Jim Boylan to have a little sit-down chat with you, Matt (and by indirect extension a chat with us!).

John Paxson may be outside of the realm of possibility for this sort of thing, since, let's face it, he's kind of taken a beating here at blogabulls.com this season. And he doesn't suffer undesirable situations lightly, if the trade of Eddy Curry is any indication (or one of a number of incidents during his managing or playing days). He seems a nice enough guy, but my gut feeling is that he'd be on the defensive just because of how this season's gone so far.

Boylan on the other hand is a fresh face, and provides the much needed "good cop" routine to Skiles' (former) "bad cop".

I have no doubt that such a debate, or rather a "friendly sit-down" could occur given (1) common social/business connections between this blog and Bulls' brass (not totally unrealistic if you think about it), and/or (2) the agreement by both parties of some ground basic rules.

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Jan 3, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Or Chris Wallace, for that matter.
Oops.
"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Jan 3, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Or basic ground rules, even.
Argh!
"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Jan 3, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

float the idea
Ask the Bulls PR for an interview with Boylan.  What's the worst that could happen?

If that doesn't work, just show up at the Berto center and ask Boylan in person.

I talked to Jim Boeheim about a Syracuse game while he was pumping gas into his car.  I can neither confirm nor deny that I needed gas that badly that day.

The formal requests sure beat the quasi stalking methods.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

If they agree to boylan
I'd be shocked if Paxson dodged you.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 4:06 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

What's the point?
What do you expect Boylan to say?  "Yeah, I'm not playing Tyrus Thomas because he's a lazy piece of shit."  "Yeah, I'm playing Ben Wallace 40 minutes a night because Paxson said I had to."  These guys are trained from the moment they get involved in professional sports to dodge the type of questions that people here would like to know.  I'm sure he'll be glad to answer hard-hitting questions like "What is your favorite color?" though.

by Big D on Jan 3, 2008 4:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

In all fairness, I did hear
Boylan dodge the Tyrus Thomas question on AM1000 I think just a couple of days after he replaced Skiles.

First, it was interesting that one of the first questions in the interview recap was whether Thomas would get more playing time.

Boylan's answer was basically (extreme paraphrasing warning), "We're going to look at some things, and we're going to have accountability. I have a different personality than Scott Skiles."

The implications were: 1. Although I'm dodging your question, NO, he's not getting more playing time; 2. I expect the team to respond to my nicer personality; 3. even though I'll be implementing a lot of Skiles' ideas.

He did, however, state that the team would be emphasizing getting out on the break more, so that was a welcome development.

This might be where the ground rules come in. Like for example, he might get to just take a pass on certain questions with no negative consequences. Remember, the Bulls hold all the leverage, otherwise why would they agree to the scrutiny that would come with this kind of thing?

As you point out, Big D, it's not as if he could say "We're hugely disappointed in Tyrus and we can't get rid of him soon enough. But every team in the league is lowballing us, so we're screwed." Or, "As soon as we get a few wins under our belt, we'll start playing him more. But we can't trust him at such a crucial stretch of the season. Pax made a mistake taking this kid, because he makes too many mental mistakes." Or even, "Pax and I made a deal. The first few games are for me to pad my win total. Plus, it's Pax who wants to send this kid a message, not me."

These are just a few of the gems I'd love for him to say. Yeah, there's no way he's answering Tyrus Thomas questions on the record.

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Jan 3, 2008 4:38 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

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