Loss to Timberwolves venting thread

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 30, 2008 11:48 PM CST in News Comment 175 comments

Well, if Gordon, Deng, and Smith are out, and Hinrich and Nocioni don't play well, Bulls basketball becomes "where 67 points against the TWolves happens"

Nocioni had an epic night in 28 'entitlement' minutes: 2-12, 7 points, 4 rebs, 4 fouls and 5 turnovers. I want him out of town last week. Sadly, the team needs him with so many injuries, and he's in one of his 'cold streaks'. I guess that makes him 'inconsistent'.

[I'm so sick of that word to describe everything with this team, both internally and from the outside. If they were consistent they'd be good. They're not inconsistent, they're bad. If Tyrus Thomas was consistent he'd be one of the best players in the league (and tonight he was at least an entry pass machine, and Aaron Gray owes him dinner), so I'd take his (or Noah's, or Thabo's) inconsistency over the veterans consistency (welcome back Duh, 0-4 in 22 minutes. Though I guess it's either that or Griffin), and their consistency is a nice way of saying mediocre. And that's when they're called consistent, i.e. their good games. Was I consistent in that argument?]

Wallace was once again alright playing solo defense on Al Jefferson, until that pesky 2nd half of the game. Of course, Wallace made up for this by doing nothing else worthwhile on the court, he had 7 defensive rebounds while Jefferson had 6 offensive (20 overall). And his perfect shooting percentage (1-1) must've encouraged Boylan to get him out there in the 4th while his team was down double-digits. Here's more Boylan goodness courtesy of commenter sbulls9030, who deserves the spotlight after bravely attending a game where the first quarter score was 14-8: " Boylan and his stupid rotations. He has 3 somewhat healthy guards and he still decides to play a 3 guard lineup along with Nocioni and Wallace? It should be a crime to put five guys on the floor that all 6'7" or shorter in an NBA game."

I'm so frustrated with Nocioni that I don't want to see him in an NBA game regardless of what 4 teammates he has, but as I said that's not really a possibility with Deng and Gordon out, they not only needed Noc to play but play well. Didn't happen.

There's good news: the Bulls don't play again until Saturday.

And while I hope Gordon and Smith will be available by then, unfortunately those returns won't mean fewer minutes for Duhon and Noc. It'll mean less for Thabo, Noah, and Thomas, as the team resumes the Boylan-led veteran-laden charge towards the playoffs.

And since the Bulls will never be out of this playoff 'race', the best we can hope for is that it only lasts until the trade deadline.

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Didn't see it live

but when I watched on tivo, I have to admit that I wasn't surprised.

But 67 points?
Against the worst team in the league?
What a lost, scrappy, direction-less team.

Probably a good thing there was no post game show tonight too...one can only imagine what abNorm and fishGill woulda said...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 31, 2008 12:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

And Kirk...

yet another brilliant night for the ensign...
5-17 including 1-6 from the arch...
What's worse is that TIED with Thabo for most points on the team....
Stunning.

And then Boylan's after game remarks about the guys "being childish" and "going off into their own little worlds" CLEARLY indicates that the team is pretty much shutting HIM out now as well.

Honeymoon, road trip, season over.
But hey - there's still the playoffs.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 31, 2008 12:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

d'oh, I forgot the other good point of the game

(besides that it's the last for a while)

Tyrus Thomas is an entry-pass machine. Aaron Gray owes him dinner.

(he had a couple bad passes too, but not in the halfcourt set)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 12:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

since it's tyrus praise

I hamfisted it into the post.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 12:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Bulls:

One of the only teams that would get better trading half their team for nothing, and replacing them with guys from the D-League.

by Prevenge on Jan 31, 2008 12:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Bulls do suck...

but your mastery of inappropriate Tyrus ass-kissing doesn't.

by Kemp on Jan 31, 2008 12:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Boylan:

"Some guys out there just seemed to shut it off," Boylan said. "That was disappointing to see."

"Just shut it off," Boylan said. "They stopped playing with energy. They stopped playing with focus. They went into their own little worlds, acting kind of childish at times instead of doing what we know we need to do."

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080130-chicago-bulls-minnesota-ti mberwolves,1,1560065.story

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 12:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

more Boylan

From the Herald:

At one point in the second half, Boylan did yell to his team to line up on the free-throw lane instead of complaining about a foul call.

"I think what happens in the second half is we get a little demoralized because we can't find any scoring," Boylan said. "So then we kind of got our heads down a little bit and kind of gave in to the fatigue and gave in to the back-to-back situation."

Who bitches at officials? Hinrich, Wallace, Nocioni.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe with

your blinders on you haven't noticed Noah does a fantastic job of bitching at the refs too.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but Kirk's got it down to a science.

He bitches at them without looking at them, thereby always leaving a hint of doubt about whether he was really talking to them or not.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes

he has a right to bitch.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

J O K I N G

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But he did

bitch last night with a smile on his face. :-)

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Key word.

"Sometimes."

Most times he doesn't. That's what's annoying. Even if it were half and half I could tolerate. But he gets disgusted on nearly all his fouls, and they aren't calling him that poorly. To me, it's the boy who cried wolf thing: it just becomes too much.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ben Gordon has

started the whiney thing too when he gets called for a foul. I can see his scrunched up face now like it is when he gets a call.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At least Kirk

isn't in the refs face after every call like so many others in the NBA are.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Very true.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you

get to see any of the Hawkeye game last night?

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No.

I don't have cable, and I'm in the process of moving out that (finally) ends today.

How was it?

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We played them

close in the first half and then got down by 7 in the second only to come back and lose by one in the last seconds. I wasn't excpecting them to be great but they have shown improvement since the start of the season.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just read the recap.

The Cubs blog I visit has a number of Hawkeye fans. Lucky for me, I was able to not think about this season before it started since it was rebuilding. It's nice to see them doing well, though. I'd be pleased with 12 wins.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Heh,

Iowa sucks.

(I've been trying to rub that in, but haven't found the chance. 4 months later)

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Feb 1, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Brat :P

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At one point

you couldn't definitely see him yell "Joakhim go line up" after Noah was bitching about a call.

by CrashDavis on Jan 31, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not that we all didn't notice it,

but Bulls players in their freshman or sophomore campaign in the league shot a combined 15-32. That's Thabo, Noah, TT and Gray if it was unclear. The "veterans" were 8-37. I know Boylan can't wait to get Deng and BG back so he can sit down those raw, inexperienced young players, but playing Du, Wallace and Noc is killing this team and any hopes of truly making strides as an organization this season. I keep holding out hope that Paxson is playing the shit out of these clowns in order to maximize their value before the trade deadline, but it's becoming more and more clear that we are gonna watch these clowns until this season mercifully comes to an end.

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Jan 31, 2008 12:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Also

Why on Earth do are we forced to deal with the fact that either Duhon or Griffin is gonna get 20+ minutes in a game? What kind of Sophie's Choice scenario is Boylan forcing on us?

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Jan 31, 2008 12:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Please

Tyrus still hasn't gotten double-digit points or double-digit rebounds. If he were really that could, he would have done that already.

It's kind of funny, isn't it? Tyrus didn't earn his minutes-I mean, he's only been playing because guys have been hurt-but yet... he's been playing better with the more minutes he's gotten. It's almost, like, unpredictable!!!

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 6:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh

he had a double-double vs the Suns.

by Jaina on Jan 31, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Unless that was sarcasm

it's hard to tell :P

by Jaina on Jan 31, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like Thabo is in the starting lineup to sta

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/769418,CST-SPT-bullnt31.article

Thank God. It would be nice if Noah can stay in the starting lineup too, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

by Big D on Jan 31, 2008 1:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

When Boylan says Thabo starting

"It puts a little less pressure on either Kirk..."

Uh, duh, that's why we drafted him, you {insert obscenity here}!!!!!!!!

We all knew last year what Boylan learned last week.

This team pisses me off.

I think you bring in a new coach with some moxie, willingness to bench anyone who's playing badly, and then we might be as good as the Wizards. Might. But if we aren't, we'll rack up the minutes for the young'ns, which might make us better next year. And right now, it's all about next year.

Interest Level = Wins - Losses + 2*Tyrus Time + 1.5*(Thabo + Noah Time) - .4*Bricked layups + 3*Red Kerr Blathering time

by cubbybear on Jan 31, 2008 2:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes it seems like Brian Hanley

saves up his quotes for a few days then dumps them all into one column. Half the Boylan quotes here about Viktor seem to relate to two games ago...in fact, I think I already read most of them yesterday. Maybe Hanley's quitting on the team, too.

But let's look at the Boylan/Viktor quotes anyway, this one in particular:

''Hopefully, Viktor can continue down the road where he's helping us. Viktor's a versatile player. He can play-make, he can shoot, he's got some good size, he's got some good experience from his international play. We'll continue to look at him and see if he can help.''

Is he taking a not so veiled swipe at Noc here? It almost seems like it...but that might just be wishful thinking on my part.

Noc's game last night was the clearest case yet for not trading Deng. Noc just can't take his place. When Deng is bad, it's usually in the form of him disappearing. When Noc is bad, he can single-handedly take the whole team down with him.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

based on this stretch

Gordon and Deng have earned max money.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 9:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

boylan's an idiot

I have no more use for him as a coach...

"we'll continue to look at him and see IF he can help." Hmmm...the guy has been on your team for two years now and you STILL don't know if he can help or not? By now you would think they would have SOME type of idea how much help he can be. I think Skiles was dead on with VK...he was glued to the bench for a reason. Don't give false hope thru the media. It only insults our intelligence as fans and makes him look more of an idiot than what he already is.

Just two and a half more months to go and we can be done with this mess of a season...

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

friggin Hanley

I can't fault him saving up quotes (I doubt the team gives daily gems, and he does have to write something every day), but here's him on the radio just now:

Someone asked him point blank: who is Boylan talking about when saying 'shut it off, childish', etc.

Hanley: "Well one guy you know is always giving effort is Andres Nocioni...."

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

don't make me throw up

I'm sick of people (mainly the idiotic chicago media) confusing "effort" with yelling, screaming, flopping, flailing, and being out of control.

Instead of noting how much "effort" Nocioni brings, why not note how many times he doesn't close out on his man defensively, note how many times he gets blown by, note how many defensive assignments he misses...ugh

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't doubt Noc gives effort

but if the quote from Boylan also includes 'childish', I can't think of a more apt example than Noc.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well then Hanlely is flat out lying now.

Nocioni brought no energy last night. There was no hustle last night. There's a difference between aggressively dribbling into a triple team with your head down and hustle. The hustle wasn't there on defense or offense when he didn't have the ball. He simply sabotaged his own team.

by Scotter on Jan 31, 2008 11:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll give hanley one disclaimer

he did say afterwards that while Noc is always at full speed, "sometimes that's not good".

I don't know, Noc probably thought he was the guy needed to 'step up', so his effort was an effort to handle the ball more and score more.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

to the sun-times: I apologize

for the Hanley bashing, and/or John Jackson avoidance.

Link!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, at least you can say

you pardoned Hanley's quote recycling before you knew he was giving you the star treatment.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 4:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Although when you think about it

their mentioning you probably helps pump their circulation more than it helps you with yours.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good that he says it

but I'll believe it when I see it. I forsee a game where Duhon gives Boylan 'more confidence', he hits 2 threes, and that's that.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

On an unrelated Tyrus-praising sidenote...

It's almost to the point that one of use should make a "Tyrus Thomas Facts" Thread, which of course Matt will bump up permanently to the top of the list.

It's too late for me to be funny, but I'll try to kick it off anyways:
"Tyrus Thomas didn't gain weight this offseason by working out. He ate part of a rafter at Hoops the Gym."

Interest Level = Wins - Losses + 2*Tyrus Time + 1.5*(Thabo + Noah Time) - .4*Bricked layups + 3*Red Kerr Blathering time

by cubbybear on Jan 31, 2008 2:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Another TT fact

Tyrus Thomas doesn't jump. The ground tries to run away from him.

by paxson43 on Jan 31, 2008 6:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why not

run out a starting lineup of...

Hinrich
Sefolosha
Nichols
Thomas
Noah

and see what they can do? I understand that the management still has high hopes to make the Playoffs, but why not run out the younger guys and see what they can do, especially since the vets are, obviously, not getting the job done. It can't be much worse than putting up 67 against Minnesota!

(And, yes, if JamesOn Curry was healthy, I would have had him in there other than Kirk)

by BigScott03 on Jan 31, 2008 7:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I really wish

they could/would trade Nocioni. When he's at his worst, he's just utterly disgusting.

His constant chucking, even when missing or tightly guarded, hurts the team. His complaining after every call has gotten old.

I'll be glad when Lu gets back...

I don't even have the energy to say anything else about this sucky team...

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 8:24 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

" Cashed"...

Just like a doobie at a party. I'm shutting it down to. If they make a trade or do something radical, I'll definitley check it out. But right now, with this team, I just don't want to watch them anymore. I'm just glad I didn't buy tickets yet this year. I'll always be a Bulls fan, but right now, if the players don't care, why should I???

http://slickyricky76.blogspot.com/

by SlickRick76 on Jan 31, 2008 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ben Wallace should not start anymore, buy him out

This guy can't score now, and doesn't do a very good job defensively anymore. I think the bulls should buy out this piece of crap because he hurts more than he helps.

by armstrong2389 on Jan 31, 2008 8:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

2 times last night

There were two times where a Bull had the ball, saw a wide open man in red, realized it was Ben Wallace, and didn't pass to him.

First example
Thabo driving to the hoop. He draws a TRIPLE TEAM in the center of the lane. Wallace is WIDE OPEN on the baseline ready to catch the pass and flush it. Thabo put up a shot.

Second example
Late 3rd quarter the Bulls are feeding the ball around the perimeter after Veektor drove baseline. The ball kicks to Thabo on the left wing, to Kirk at the left elbow. Then he turns to fire to his right where a big red shirt is wide open from 16 feet. Kirk sees that it's the corpse and he pulls back.

I've stopped pretending the corpse isn't a hole in the offense.

That said, Nocioni picked the wrong game to have his worst outing as an NBA professional. I don't know if I've ever seen a worse performance against the worst team in the NBA. 5 turnovers sounds low. We might as well count the quick bricks he fired up as turnovers.

by NBA Observer on Jan 31, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember that 3rd quarter example

It's much worse than the 'old' Ben Wallace (who was, ironically, the young Ben Wallace). Who could at least get that ball, and make a couple steps towards the basket just to keep the offense moving.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The 3Q possesion stuck out in my mind too.

Ben Wallace absolutely kills the flow on offense.

by Jesse07 on Jan 31, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't watch the team anymore

It's painful. I think I felt better watching some of the Floyd teams. At least that roster was all young and stupid.

I'm taking a sabbatical from the Bulls until after the all-star break.

by NBA Observer on Jan 31, 2008 9:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I've scaled back

I used to watch them live or near-live, but now I tape the games all the way through and can usually get through them in an hour.

Now that I read that, it makes it sound like a chore.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know what I would do without DVR

Skipping the commercials is one thing, but getting to replay the Kirk Hinrich no pass to Ben Wallace just had me laughing out loud it was so pathetic.

I even watched this play with my roommate that is a Pistons fan. He doesn't remember the Pistons players NOT passing to a wide open Wallace with 10-15 seconds left on the clock.

by NBA Observer on Jan 31, 2008 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Guys, please stop this...

I would kill to be able to watch the games, let alone one game (Live or not). At the moment, I just have NO ACCESS at all.

Matt, if you don't know what to do with your taped games, please send me the DVDs to Switzerland. I'll gladly give you my address should you wish to make a trip to Europe one day too :-).

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Feb 1, 2008 2:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and I forgot,

when you come to Vevey, make sure to visit our memorial to Jim Boylan (there's a whole museum dedicated to the best player/coach that we have had the pleasure to have here), since you're a big fan of Jim !

And take Duhon in your travel bag with you, our VRB team (Vevey-Riviera Basket) needs a new american point guard.

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Feb 1, 2008 2:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Even the telecast

was bad last night. Johnny Kerr seems like he has just completely given up on offering anything close to in-game analysis. His dead silence at times is just hilarious.

Plus, he has entirely sucked Wayne Larrivee into the homer zone. Wayne used to be somewhat balanced, and non-biased...to a degree. Now, he homers just like the rest.

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 10:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

dead silence

except for the candy wrapper.

(backup joke: emphasizing the 'dead' in dead silence)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The "Race"

Don't you just wish a couple of those 7th or 8th seeded East teams could just go on a run and totally distance themselves from the Bulls in this wack playoff race?!

Then maybe Paxson will get a clue that being 9 games under .500 in the East isn't acceptable

by Option27 on Jan 31, 2008 10:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think you're on the right track.

You just know the next thing we're going to be hearing about is how, even with all our injuries, the race didn't get away from us...and now, with our veterans back at full strength, we're looking to leap-frog the pack.

"Ghost of the future, I fear you more than any spectre I have seen."

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There aren't too many players

who are on every night! Noc, Kirk had a bad night, without injuries this team is still offensively challenged. Well for Kirk I'm not to excited yet about him averaging 27 ppg for 3 games especially against this type of competition.

by exult463 on Jan 31, 2008 11:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Kirk's binge turned into a sugar binge.

And those always end badly.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't think

that anyone is asking them to be "on" every single night...just be even-keeled. Don't be red hot one night and then get 8 points the next night.

Our same exact team just beat their same exact team the night before...both teams had to travel...Minnesota only had 8 wins the entire season...what changed so much in one day that made our team play like such pieces of steaming crap??

I could've even lived with, say a 4-6 point loss...but to get blown out?? That is unacceptable.

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is some of the whiniest shit I have ever read

It's worse than watching the game.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 11:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

go cry a river

don't get mad because your two favorite players on the team played like a pile of fecal matter

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by pile of fecal matter

do you mean one assist shy of a double double while playing his second straight night 40+ min? WTF did you expect? And as for Noc, a guy who whole-heartedly agrees he should be coming off of the bench, sure, he sucked a dick last night. WTF did you expect? Thabo is making his 12 career start? WTF did you expect. Noah is a PF with NO jumpshot and limited post moves, and nobody to pass to. WTF did you expect? And an over the hill center who never had an offensive game? WTF did you expect. And they played against a team that's won 4 of their last 6. A deep playoff run was a dream that died in December. You guys need to recalibrate your expectations, especially with the "two best players" pulling a contract stunt and sitting out trying to show how valuable they are to the team...

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it's working

maybe not towards new contracts, but hopefully it shows the unappreciative how good they are, and they can't be replaced by Noc and Thabo.

who cares about double-doubles?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Only those w/ a double-standard

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

except that

the team is actually playing better without them than with them.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

::belly laugh::

well, if you 'lower expectations', sure.

Oh, man. Oh, man! Noc rulezzz.z..

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc aside

(he's been stinking it up) Can you really say they are playing any worse right now?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

are you trying to be the Skip Bayless of BaB?

no, the team is not better without Deng and Gordon, their two best players.

any idea of such is likely due to contrarian craziness, or just not seeing how soft the schedule has been. I'd even say they're not better under Boylan. The only success was Duhon's injury forcing Thabo to play.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 3:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You miss the point

I didn't say they were better, I said they weren't any worse. There's a difference. Noc has matched BG, TO for TO and Thabo has pretty much matched a hobbled Deng so far. And the results have been remarkably similar this year so far. I don't think anybody can argue with the results. There's certainly just as much whining when Deng and BG play.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 5:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

did he really miss the point?

"the team is actually playing better without them than with them"

sure sounded like you said they were better to me...

lol...and who's good for a laugh? How do you mis-quote yourself??

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my bad

I'm obviously the only guy given to hyperbole on here on blogabull.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 9:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you've sunken to new lows

how can you type that and actually stop from laughing at your own self??

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't start laughing

until I get your reply, you're always good for a laugh.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

anybody

with "Nocioni-Khryapa in '08" in their sig deserves to be laughed at for the rest of their life

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As long as your smiling

and as long as it keeps you from shitting on everybody else here, laugh it up.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 31, 2008 9:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with everything but the last part.

Am I the only one not freaked out by all of this? Am I the only one who sees that this team (thank you isiah!) has a pretty damn promising future w/ a new, front-line core? I can't get over the fact that three of the team's five best players are 21/22. Call me crazy!!!

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And by not freaked out...

...it's because, for some reason, I trust Paxson will hire a "good" coach, re-sign at least Deng and by some miracle rid the team of Wallace next year (Tim Thomas treatment, buyout, trade, etc.).

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 11:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, I get ya.

Smith/Noc/Wallace have to go. And I don't think Wallace CAN go.

Unfortunately I think Ben Gordon will go, but maybe he'll get a haul in a sign/trade. If the organization really thinks he's a 6th man on their next great team (not saying they're wrong), Ben will take similar money elsewhere and be a starter. Then again if he's serious about taking that 1-year tender, that works too.

Did I mention they have to trade the veteran frontcourt? Before everyone finds out they're of the caliber of which fans should be 'WTF do you expect(ing)' them to suck?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't mind Nocioni...

...if they had a coach who knew how to use him. Especially if they let Gordon go, he could be a filler for that "instant offense" guy. If Noc is limited to 15-20 mins and 6-8 total shots, he's fine, I think. making only one or two of those isn't bad and he's more likely to make 4-6 of them than he is to go 10/12 or whatever.

Of course the problem is, even if they limit his minutes, they can't limit his shots.

If another team agrees with me, though, and wants to give up something okay in return, I'm certainly all for it. It would be quite exciting to see what the team could do if it hard to start Hinrich, Sefolosha (whom I'm still not sold on), Deng, Thomas and Noah for 82 games next year (or whatever). It could be offensively disastrous, or it could be defensively spectacular.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that

would be an exciting team to watch. I hope we get to see that lineup a lot this season.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you would actually make sense

if they just didn't win the NIGHT BEFORE!

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 31, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

meta-whining

that's worse than the whining.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

to coin a phrase

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Line up / Rotation / Vets - UGH!

I join the large chorus that is ready flip-flop the rotation. I don't know what the veterans contribute other than large chunks of the salary cap.

I'm not ready to "blow it up" if that means trading the young guys. I want to see more of them to see what they can do. When Deng is healthy, I'd like to see the following line-up:

Hinrich/Duhon
Sefolosha/Gordon (6th man)
Deng/Nocioni/Khryapa
Thomas/Smith
Noah/Wallace/Gray

(I know I left some guys off, just going 12-deep with this)

Play the youth & athleticism. Maybe Thomas will race Noah down the court - they could put a side bet on transition baskets. If TT sprinted down court in transition like Noah, he'd get 12-15 pts per game.

For the Bulls to be a good team BG needs to be a 6th man. IMO, he's perfectly suited to this role. He can still play 4th Q minutes, but I don't want to see another quarter that ends with him dribbling the ball for 15 seconds before firing up a 21-footer.

I know that Noce frustrates a lot of people here, but he'd be fine in doses off the bench. Give him more burn if he's on, less if he's not.

Save the veterans Smith & Wallace for fewer high-impact minutes instead of long periods of burn with spurts of effective play.

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

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 31, 2008 11:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

love that lineup

however, never going to happen :(

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 31, 2008 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I know, but at this point anything else...

is just pissing into the wind.

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

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 31, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well

Nocioni -8
Thomas -9

by JSlakov on Jan 31, 2008 11:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

it means

really nothing, but Matt loves to use this stat to praise Thomas and to bag on Nocioni when it works out that way but ignores it otherwise. Like today when there was a bigger points differential in less minutes for Thomas.

by JSlakov on Jan 31, 2008 8:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can you elaborate?

Two players' similar +/- ratings from a bad team game says...what does it say?

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

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 31, 2008 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It says Noc's teammates played better

A lot better to help him out.

Noc was 2-12. Ah.
He had 3 shots blocked. Ah.
He turned it over 5 times. Ah.
He had 4 fouls, many poor ones. Ah.

We looked really bad with Noc on the floor. Finishing with a -8 means the other 4 guys were stepping up to make his lack of production seem less than it was.

by NBA Observer on Jan 31, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What does it take

To get this lineup on the floor even with all the injuries.

C-Noah
PF-Thomas
SF-Nocioni
SG-Kirk
PG-Thabo

Did anyone see this lineup out there once last night? We were close, but Thomas wasn't on the floor.

by NBA Observer on Jan 31, 2008 12:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

With all the injuries, this stretch

tells us nothing about the long-term prospects of the team.

We'll know more when the "Core" returns.

I just want Boylan to play the following starting lineup:

Hinrich
Thabo
Deng
Tyrus
Noah

You bring Gordon off the bench for heavy minutes.

You let Nocioni spell Deng, Smith spell Tyrus, and Wallace spell Noah.

That's all I desire. I want to see how the team performs when its very best, most athletic players get the lion's share of the minutes on the court. Is that too much to ask? Put the best athletes on the floor and let them play. It's really axiomatic. It's what any basketball coach should do.

Of course, if Matt's thesis is correct and Boylan returns to a veteran rotation when everyone is healthy, the season is lost and there is no real point in attending games or even watching them on TV.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 31, 2008 1:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You're right, without a doubt.

What's so annoying (to borrow my 11 year-old daughter's favorite word) is that if you took an exit poll of fans leaving the United Center, your line-up would almost certainly be the overwhelming first choice.

Yet, for some reason (and we've written ten thousand lines of speculation), it's not the line-up we're getting. Now that's annoying.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it would be nice to see

that lineup. This whole staff is horrible, with the exclusion of Mike Brown

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Jan 31, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of head coaches

(we were, weren't we?)

with your line-up we could look to grab an assistant off of D'Antoni's staff.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How 'bout this guy:

http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_weber/index.html?nav=page

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sign him up!!!

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I'll write to Sam

and suggest it. See if it can get some legs.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Emphasize the player development.

And that he started his coaching at Florida which gives a connection to David Thorpe, a Florida grad (I think) known for developing young players with untapped potential.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

...already sent it in

Maybe we can flood him with Phil Weber queries.

If you want to make yours sound different from mine (should you decide to write him), here's what I sent:

"I did a little exit polling after Tuesday's Timberwolves game, and found overwhelming support for a starting line-up of Kirk, Thabo, Deng, Tyrus and Noah.

It got me thinking about who might be the right coach for such a quick and athletic group, and a friend suggested Phil Weber, Mike D'Antoni's lead assistant (including a stint on the US national team). Do you have any inside info on this guy? Thanks."

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe you could write

that mdmnd already thought of it weeks ago....

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for (tongue in cheek) kudos, alec

But I hope Pax thought of it when he drafted all these guys...

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

by mdmnd9294 on Feb 1, 2008 8:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like it.

Will be interesting to see what he says should he choose your question.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

jeeze...he already wrote back to my email

Here's the sum total of his reply:

"i really don't; been around that team a lot, but he doesn't say much"

sam writes emails like ee cummings would if he were alive today.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Send him one back.

Ask that you looked more information and read that he specializes in player development and about getting a start at UF and David Thorpe stuff. Say, "If they got rid of Ben Wallace, doesn't he seem like the right guy to take over?"

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good grief

that was a short answer.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah,

I don't want to blow the guy, just plant a seed. He'll know if there's anything to it.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oops. Pardon me, Sue...

that reply was meant for Tyger.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've been thinking a lot about...

...who the coach should be. (side note: do you think Paxson is working harder to find a marginal upgrade to make the playoffs or working harder scouring all the possible coaching candidates out there?) Weber looks like someone to take a chance on.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 31, 2008 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

9 year as an assistant in a good program

plus he's been keeping busy with player development. Sounds impressive..

by exult463 on Jan 31, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I couldn't agree more

Idem

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

by mdmnd9294 on Jan 31, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure

That's everyone's ideal lineup here

by Option27 on Jan 31, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I could live with that line up

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 31, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like I didn't miss much

I hope that they decide to move Noah, TT and Thabo into the starting lineup for good and see what we have.

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 31, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Amazing

that so many have gravitated to the same lineup from so many different starting points...and how quickly we agree on the type of coach the Bulls need, if not the specific individual.

by hlac on Jan 31, 2008 3:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anyone else watching

CTL tonight? David Kaplan just bashed BG. He said he heard that BG could play but won't because he's afraid to because of his wrist and he might not be up to his potential and it will bring down his value. If that is true isn't that kind of selfish? He could try and help his team but he's thinking about his value instead.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 6:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he's a shooter with a bum shooting wrist,

and Gordon has been the most durable guy on the team the past few years. Considering all the time he spends getting knocked down, I have a hard time believing he's sitting out longer than necessary.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 31, 2008 7:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would hope

you are right but since we don't know him personally anything is possible.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kaplan

is a player-hater.

He completely absolves both Paxson and the coaches for the team's play this year.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 8:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't mean

what he said isn't true. People have different opinions on what's wrong with this team. Doesn't mean he's right or that some in here are right either.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Jan 31, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm at the point where I wouldn't even blame him

especially if this is leaked from within the organization, it's just another example of the Bulls treating Gordon like garbage.

Gordon goes to the bench for no real reason besides just making the new coach feel like he's doing something. Little does he know a couple weeks later that coach's authority is completely destroyed by 'the veterans'

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And maybe

BG's just a big ass baby too.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 6:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

in what way?

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 8:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

somehow I think

if the story was about Kirk nursing his bad back, you'd say something like "well these guys don't know what Kirk is feeling, it's just their opinion"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 1, 2008 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

you guys sure are quick to jump in and defend BG. And Sue, how dare you, don't you remember that BG can score.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good point, team doesn't need scoring

I can't think of a player I wouldn't defend in this situation, it's not like they've had histories of nursing injuries. I'd even defend Wallace since I'd want him to fake an injury.

If only Nocioni was as cautious during last year's playoffs.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 1, 2008 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I know

only the chosen few are above any type of criticism.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

2nd best player on the team

maybe the best. Ben Gordon.

Dear Ben,

I love you and hope you make $75m on your next contract and light it up next time (on whatever team you play for) you go against a Skiles-led group with Boylan as his right hand man. Try not to hurt your wrist giving the 'jerk off' sign to both of them after nailing another three-pointer. Maybe we can yuk it up together watching Skiles postgame saying his group just didn't have the energy to keep you in check.

XOXOXO
-Matt

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 1, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's

very good use of your imagination.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but nothing

was said. He was still hurting and came back any way. In my orginal comment about BG I said if.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 10:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sue, you're missing the point obviously

For the sake of argument, let's make a comparison between two bulls in contract years. On the one hand, you have Duhon, known for running the offense and playing solid defense. He's got a banged up knee which directly impacts his ability to play defense. However, he dresses and let's the coach make the decision about using him to spell Hinrich and Sefolosha.

On the other hand, you have BG who can score, but has an injured wrist. He, too, could dress and spell Hinrich and Sefolosha by gritting out a few minutes, but obviously his wrist means he can't play defense. So he's doing the team a favor by not taping up his wrist and sucking it up for the team by playing a few backup minutes to spell Hinrich (who is coming off back spasms) or Thabo (who has an abdominal strain). Or maybe I am missing something. ;-)

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are

if Duhon sucks it up (ha!) and plays, and then his leg falls off, I'm doing fistpumps and high-fives up and down the street. I'd feel less excited if Gordon rushed back and kept hurting his wrist.

And I probably shouldn't bother since you can't possibly even believe what you're saying, and are just trying to stir shit: Duhon's whatever-duhon-does is as important as Gordon's scoring?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 1, 2008 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The only chance BG has to hurt himself

is on offense when he flops, because he sure as hell doesn't get in anybody's way on defense. You don't think he could just not drive to the basket for a few games? Or does his scoring average matter that much?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

so let me get this straight...BG should suck it up and play with his injured SHOOTING wrist...but at the same time, when he's in the game, he should not drive....by not driving, I assume you mean he should stay on the perimeter and shoot jumpers all game....hmmm, but how can he shoot jumpers all game with a injured SHOOTING wrist???

You back-talked your way into something that made absolutely no sense...Bullshooter for President in '08

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No he shouldn't shoot

he should play the point next to Hinrich or Sefolosha and pull a Duhon and not shoot.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

huh?

But if he's not shooting, that means NO offense. And didn't you just say that his defense would've HURT the team? So if he's not providing offense and his defense sucks on top of that, what point is it to have him in the game playing point??

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't you rather have

BG and a bad wrist than Duhon on one leg? I'd vote for Duhon. But maybe you're Ben Wallace and you'd veto that.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

come on chief

you've entered the realm of typing stuff just to start some shit up...because I refuse to think you actually believe yourself at this point

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait, are you guys agreeing with me

that BG is worthless if he isn't scoring and scoring in bunches? Because then we are getting somewhere... But I still think he would have been better out there than a hobbled Duhon, because MN wouldn't have even thought to double off of BG.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ok, you've talked yourself out of this

I won't bother acknowledging anymore. I'm convinced that you don't believe what you're writing.

I regret bothering for this long, but better late than never.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 1, 2008 11:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think BG is screwed either way

if he comes back and has a good shooting night, then he was probably sandbagging. If he comes back and starts chucking bricks, then he came back too early.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

when Kirk, Nocioni, or anyone else sits out they're "being cautious" and "nursing the injury"...but when Ben sits out it means that he's not "sucking it up" and being a "big ass baby"??

You guys are hilarious...this doesn't even have anything to do with BG being my favorite player on the team...if he's hurt, then he's hurt.

You and sue should go start a "Keep-A-Kirk" and "Need-A-Noc" blog...

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

because a bad back affects your whole game, and a wrist only affects your shooting. If BG needed surgery, it'd be one thing, but he said he's coming back Saturday, right? So it sounds like bumps and bruises to me. And Noc falls on his tailbone and is back the very next night. Probably wasn't smart, but he was ready to go if the team needed him. You don't think a fresh BG would have helped in the second half of the back-to-back against MN?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

medical training

So when did you graduate from the Fred Tedeschi School of Diagnosing Injuries From Your Living Room?

Please tell me how you're able to know someone's level of hurt. Yeah Kirk had a bad back, yeah Noc fell pretty hard...but you can't sit up here and act like you know how their bodies felt.

When shooting is your primary thing, it affects your whole game (much like you said of Kirk)...who's to know how hurt it really is except for him...and how does he or anyone else know that if he did go back out there too soon, that it wouldn't get re-injured by someone grabbing, pulling, or falling on it?

Of course a fresh BG would have helped...but I'm not gonna say that he's being a baby...I have no idea how his wrist feels.

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If shooting affects BG's whole game

why is he always bad at defense? Sometimes BG shoots really well.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I said

that when shooting is your PRIMARY thing, then having a bad wrist would DEFINITELY affect someone's game...meaning that shooting is most of what they do when they're on the court

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gotcha!

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

for future reference

This is the type of thing that could be it's own diary.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry.

Some people post diaries and then get blasted for doing so because the subject isn't diary worthy.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 6:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If he can't shoot, he's no good to the team anyway

I wouldn't slap the dreaded "selfish" label on Gordon for this.

by snley on Feb 1, 2008 8:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can we just draft

the entire North Carolina team?

Hansbrough with a highlight reel 360 breakaway dunk tonight. So far, the two biggest highlights of the college season have both been Hansbrough showing his dynamic athleticism. I swear he reminds me of Al Jefferson (my obligatory thread-meeting criteria comment).

Their point guard, Lawson, tonight..ten assists no turnovers.

by alec on Jan 31, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

that was pretty funny

like my 'trade for matt harpring' comment

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 31, 2008 9:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon better come back soon

The Bulls' next two games are the two most winnable games on the road trip. If he misses those games, they could easily go 0-6 on the trip. Hell, the Bulls might even fall two games out of the last playoff spot, instead of just one game out.

by Big D on Feb 1, 2008 1:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

This may have been posted before

Fuckin hilarious!

Nocioni in a dunk contest in Argentina!

The best one has to be where he throws it to himself then attempts to take off his shirt and dunk it.

by Option27 on Feb 1, 2008 10:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

HA!

Nice post! I have new respect for Noc after watching this...that being said, he's still a chucker and plays zero D :-p

I know that vid is almost ten years old, but he looked a lot tanner and stronger back then...maybe he should watch this...what's his email address!?

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 1, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Chapu@Chuckit.net

by Option27 on Feb 1, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That is classic.

He actually possessed a fairly explosive vertical when he was younger.

Is it me, or does Noc look overweight and lethargic this season?

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 1, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he looks that way

but I'm guessing alot of it has to do with his (lack of) haircut.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 1, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

His rookie year,

he was throwing it down often. But ever since his jumpshot has improved, his once impressive vertical leap has largely gone missing. He has been a step slow, which has shown up on defense. His charges drawn are way down.

by Scotter on Feb 1, 2008 11:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What about injuries?

It's probably a combination of being a better shooter, aging four years, gaining (I'm guessing) 10 lbs. on an already big body and coming off a gimpy foot which can't make max-jumping all that appealing.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 1, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I vote for the foot.

A month or so ago we had a thread about whether Noc was looking a step slow this year. The fact that it comes up again--especially in juxtaposition to the old slam-dunk video--tends, I think, to confirm it.

by alec on Feb 1, 2008 11:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

He's been slower looking all year, but has anyone else noticed that he seems to have completely given up attacking the basket?

I'm wondering if this is a Boylan-based phenomenon. In November and December, Noc was still being pretty aggressive in taking it to the hole, and he was doing it pretty often.

Since Boylan took over, I can't remember him doing it once. It's not like he needed a lot of encouragement, I guess, but jeez, he's hoisting a shot the second the ball hits his hands since then.

by Sports2 on Feb 1, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he's still doing it

you're probably closing your eyes in anticipation as soon as he gets the ball, that's why you don't see it.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously you

haven't seen him going to the basket since Boylan took over? Dude he has.

Yes, the game is on in Iowa.

by sue369 on Feb 1, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And then....

depression set in.

I live in a land where even the Sonics...
the SONICS mind you....can win two in a row.
Against CLEVELAND (well okay - LeBron was absent with an ankle ouwie)...

But to even be as low as to even consider the wish of the Bulls simply winning two games in a row...
I never ever even THOUGHT it would come to this.

I do find it amusing though to read the growing posts everyday of beloved fans bitching, bickering, and slamming each other out of sheer frustration...
...and depression.

Just wish it was merely a bad dream we could all wake up from with the Bulls WINNING instead.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 1, 2008 11:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Lots of rain there, right?

that explains your sunny outlook on things.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 1, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am honored

that I am one of your favorite hates here...I truly am.

Whenever I see you jump people with your spew rather than with something worthwhile to say...
it reiterates my hope for better times on BaB.

TBYT, C/B.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 1, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I deserve to get catcalled for this

but what about Wallace + Duhon for Z. Randolph + Malik Rose? And despite the obvious drawbacks to the trade, financial and otherwise - here's a few reasons it might help both teams:

For the Knicks, it gets rid of a malcontent, one who has stated publically he wants to leave. It pairs an offensive minded center with a defensive minded player. It allows Wallace to "roam" more, which is where he seems to be more effective now. Lastly, it gives them a point guard, which they presently don't have. Unless you count Robinson as a point. Which I don't.

For the Bulls, addition by subtracion. Wallace has been dreadful, both on and off the court, and those entitlement minutes (at center) will go to Noah. And Noah will be paired with an offensive minded power forward, one who gives us that "interior scoring" everybody's been howling for.

The knicks have all offense and no D. The bulls have all D and no O. Two cancers, two miserable contracts. Anything doing?

by Freethefro on Feb 1, 2008 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs