Well that was surprisingly entertaining

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 7, 2008 12:38 AM CST in News

I had thought crappy Bulls team minus injured best players plus road game in Portland would equal shit sandwich.

But no, tonight the team played with the spirit and vigor of the departed Viktor Khryapa, and made it a fun one. A loss, sure, but eh.

(Side note: This "Veektor just hopped on a plane to Russia" story is yet another bizarre point in the Bulls season. Top comments in the game thread tonight: "The Hunt for Red Veektober" and "Air Krhap One")

The outmanned Bulls did what they could to stick around the whole game. Nocioni was chuckin but finished 4-8 from three, Joe Smith was 7-13 from the field, and even Ben Wallace was attacking the rim when he got the ball. Team defense and rebounding (can't get outrebounded by the Blazers) was sporadic, with a lot of leadfooted Wallace and overhelping Nocioni. But on offense they were altogether competent.

Thabo Sefolosha looked great, and even though Brandon Roy was having a fine game himself, Thabo at least made it try to look tough. He had a one of his best nights ever on offense, and although his shooting stroke suggests the fastest way towards the bucket is a straight line, he was making them.

The best part of the night was the 4th quarter, when Thabo and Tyrus Thomas were each big contributors. Kudos to Boylan for letting Tyrus stay in the game, as he made up for a (too short) poor first-half stint to finish perfect from the floor (2-2 from the field, 4-4 from the line), and the two baskets were on a spin move and a jump shot. (the latter Red Kerr embarrassingly screamed 'noooo' when it was released. Go back to making your Aaron Gray mixtape, Red) He showed versatility on defense as well, both blocking a Travis Outlaw dunk attempt and a Steve Blake 3-point jumpshot.

The Bulls never led, and although it was real close it was rarely within one possession. So it was yet another game the Bulls couldn't close out, but I will say the end-of-game situations were more interesting without seeing the stand-and-watch-Gordon play over and over.

Not that I don't want him (and Deng, and Hinrich) back soon. If Thabo and Tyrus can contribute to the 'real' squad, efforts will turn into wins.

(Now that the good feelings are out, I should say I'm fully expecting a complete letdown against the Warriors tomorrow)

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That's the funny thing about it.

The bulls' young players play great when there's injuries, then after they prove themselves a bit they get sat right back down.
Really, I don't expect any different once everyone returns.
Though if it does happen, that'd be nice. Maybe we'll even make the playoffs, and not suck in it. Maybe it'll be fun to watch games again.

by Prevenge on Feb 7, 2008 12:48 AM CST 0 recs

ill be looking

fr the bulls to be completely gassed against the GS.Did anyone watch the Suns and Hornets game,that was a great game.(Pargo had a great game)

by eross226 on Feb 7, 2008 12:54 AM CST 0 recs

always liked pargo

As we already had our midget guard quota full there was no point to keep him though. wasnt it a playoff game where he hit like 4 3-pointers in the final minutes to tie the game that we ended up losing.

also like trenton hassel for the record, who had 2 decent years in 'sota after his bulls run.

by bullsfaninla on Feb 7, 2008 12:14 PM CST up 0 recs

Why, why, why couldn't this game be on National TV

I couldn't believe it when I saw the score this morning. I thought for sure it would have been something like 95 to 60.

by KT on Feb 7, 2008 5:40 AM CST 0 recs

Don't Fret....

Our upcoming game with the Heat is on National TV....

Here's to Marion dropping 35+ on us

by Ed on Feb 7, 2008 5:49 AM CST up 0 recs

Do you suppose we would have been that close

with the guys who missed the game in there?

Doubt it.

It's about coordinated effort. Seems like that's been the problem all year. Separate agendas.

by hhi on Feb 7, 2008 6:37 AM CST 0 recs

I think Hinrich

is a team player, but ya Deng and Gordon are just playing for a big contract.

by Ed on Feb 7, 2008 7:36 AM CST up 0 recs

Hinrich - a team player

Na....he WAS until he signed his contract.

Now he's just a lankey white kid who got his money, his wifey and his new housey and will probably settle for just being able to play in the NBA.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 7, 2008 1:08 PM CST up 0 recs

It looks to me as though Hinrich

has kinda stopped pushing himself.

Sue, this is no reflection on you, because what guy wouldn't like to marry a girl who skipped church camp in order to learn how to light fires in the woods...but I think maybe Kirk's gotten a little too cozy living the good life with an adoring wife.

What he really needs (especially now, since he no longer has Skiles kicking him in the ass every day), is a woman like KT, who will plan their vacations around trips to Forts Jackson, Benning, Wood, etc. Kirk needs to get his aggressiveness back.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 7, 2008 1:35 PM CST up 0 recs

Skiles was a Kirk coddler, actually

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Feb 7, 2008 1:49 PM CST up 0 recs

How fondly I remember

my college years...the weekly ritual gatherings in the cemetery just off-campus...camp fires burning long into the night. But one thing we always brought along, just in case things got out of hand--a wet blanket.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 7, 2008 3:54 PM CST up 0 recs

Oh man.

You are on fire today.

by CrashDavis on Feb 7, 2008 4:23 PM CST up 0 recs

Alec award all-timer.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 7, 2008 2:25 PM CST up 0 recs

Xactly!

That could explain why the same guys have produced a far worse record.

by hhi on Feb 7, 2008 7:53 AM CST 0 recs

Does the Veektor buyout make any sense?

Is Crapson making space on the roster for incoming players in a trade? Does he want Nichols to get more burn? Did Veektor asked to be bought out so he can play in Russia?

These moves make almost no sense at all. Something is awry.

by NBA Observer on Feb 7, 2008 8:37 AM CST 0 recs

it screams

"no trade" to me. Viktor's contract was a nice lil trade carrot that Pax could've dangled to desperate teams...now that that's gone, I would think that pretty much means no trade will be happening.

In the grand scheme of things, it confirms even more that Paxson has no clue what he's doing...it makes the TT draft-night trade look even more dumb

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 7, 2008 8:44 AM CST up 0 recs

The 2006 draft trade

only makes sense to get the player you wanted anyway, Tyrus, at #4 lottery pick salary scales rather than #2 lottery pick salary scales.

I too want to see a lot more of Tyrus. It's unbearable to watch Ben Wallace get 35 minutes and only 8 rebounds. He was terrible on the defensive glass all night. I'm surprised he even finished with 8.

Ben Wallace should only play 30+ minutes when our opponent has a bruising back to the basket big like Al Jefferson. Tyrus, Noah, and Smith can guard the likes of Aldridge, Pryzbilla, Frye, and Outlaw.

by NBA Observer on Feb 7, 2008 9:09 AM CST up 0 recs

the money difference

between the #2 pick and #4 pick is what, a million, maybe 2 million? Viktor had a $1.9 million contract, which the buyout amount was prorated...which I'm guessing is what, a million, maybe a million and a half.

Paxson does a pretty efficient job of working against himself

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 7, 2008 9:20 AM CST up 0 recs

working against himself

Ya know, I used to like Pax....I really did.
But with what I've seen in this year alone, I find myself envying Phoenix for having Steve Kerr for their GM.
At least HE makes SOME moves, and John Sally might be right about the trade-a-Shaq being a quietly smart one.

The Bulls have flat out broken my heart. I had such high hopes for them....all of us did.
And in 3 months, they have become one of the laughing stocks in the NBA.

Sigh.........

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 7, 2008 11:26 AM CST up 0 recs

Making moves because we are desperate is

not what we want ot do. Some people were ecstatic when we obtained the Corpse. Now he is the Corpse. Kerr may not be so happy if they lose in an early round in the playoffs.

This is a terrible year that blind-sided us. I also was looking forward to this year counting down the days on BaB until the first game. I need to begin my countdown for next year. I do believe this team will be better next year.

by chgobr on Feb 7, 2008 12:47 PM CST up 0 recs

this team will be better next year.

Not without a good coach.
And I wasn't suggesting "desperation" trades.

The glimpses of collapse started to surface last year when BW and Skiles clashed about a friggin' HEADBAND, and then Skiles' repeated stupidity with line ups during the playoffs.

I believe the players on this team are better than the level they are playing, but it is obvious that SOME changes will be needed - for the very least to bring in some fresh attitude and skills.

But NO changes will mean anything - in the LONG run - without a good coach at the helm.

IMHO.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 7, 2008 12:56 PM CST up 0 recs

I agree about the importance of getting a good

coach. We need someone passionate about his plan who commands the players respect. Finding this person is a challenge. I believe choosing a coach is Paxson's strength. Skiles was the correct coach at the time he was hired and I believe firing him was the correct decision.

by chgobr on Feb 7, 2008 7:37 PM CST up 0 recs

the difference between the salaries

is between 750k and 1 mil per mil per year for the rest of the contract. So Khryapa ate up all of that and more each year, but maybe they got a great practice player out of it.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2008 12:24 PM CST up 0 recs

They also didn't have to pay

another player to fill Khryapa's roster spot. That spot would have likely been filled with someone at least making close to Khryapa's contract. Plus Khryapa's contract ends years before the draft picks involved.

by Scotter on Feb 7, 2008 12:32 PM CST up 0 recs

I thought

the Bulls gave a good effort ONLY after the Blasers basically took every first half shot to the rack. Every bucket they got was a bunny. They missed most of the jumpers they took (except BROY, LA) We couldnt box out for nothing.

On defense Noc blew way to many assignments often leaving his man for some reason or another. To put up 90 something w/o your top 3 scorers is good but defense was just brutal to watch.

Bulls are the softest team in the NBA. Boylans lineups and subs are TERRIBLE. He has no clue what he's doing. I dont think he even knows whose on the floor sometimes when he makes a sub.

You guys like Victor Krapa for some reason but i couldnt be happier he's gone. he sucks. He might be the worst dam NBA player ive seen yet.

Tyrus's first stint in the game was a joke. His block foul shouldve gone his way but it didnt so what happens? He gets yanked? Boylan must have been scared he was gonna foul out. Zero patience with this kid, which drives me nuts. He still makes mistakes, to, fouls, leaves his man on D to help to much but thats all apart of learning the game.

BW saw to much time and not nearly enough rbs for all the bricks they shot. Where's the hard foul too? This guys a vet and he's letting anyone get to the rack. Its sad.

Joe Smith played great again. Bet he cant wait to be traded! I hope he keeps playing like this cause i know someone is gonna want him.

Thabo played pretty good, not sure how he couldnt effect Roys shot at all but offensively he played great.

Noah tried but Bw swallowed up 40 something minutes and JS took 30. Can we please trade CDOO i just dont like him anymore. if he practiced his shot as much as drinks he'd be an allstar..

by Bulls4Ever on Feb 7, 2008 9:31 AM CST 0 recs

Did you check the box score?

We shot 50% from the field on only 75 shots. We typically put up more than 80, sometimes even more than 90.

Martell Webster was 4-9 from the field and 0-5 from 3 pt territory. The Blazers should have kicked our ass. This stat shows that they either went to sleep on what worked or they just think jump shooting extends leads like the wisdom of Nellieball.

by NBA Observer on Feb 7, 2008 10:39 AM CST up 0 recs

You're right. Ben Wallace's 8 rebounds

in 36 minutes basically rebounded his average. Wallace grabbed 16.4% of the rebounds. Unfortunately, Wallace's average sucks. The Trailblazers do take most of the fun and excitement out of being young team. They play at the league 2nd slowest pace.

by Scotter on Feb 7, 2008 12:27 PM CST up 0 recs

Also

On Khyrapa, it's not that he was hated or loved around here. It was just questioned if he could be more useful than other players like Adrian Griffin forcing him into the SF position he just cannot play.

When Chicago really needs chips to trade, Khryapa was one of those chips. Now we lose 1.9 million that could have filled out a void necessary to complete a deal.

by NBA Observer on Feb 7, 2008 10:40 AM CST up 0 recs

SHOCKING UPDATE

FORMER ALL-STAR STEVE FRANCIS IS Out for the season.

Kiss that NBA championship goodbye, Houston.

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

by NittanyBull on Feb 7, 2008 11:10 AM CST 0 recs

Matt wrote about the the best part of the game

It was all about how interesting it got when you knew there was no Ben Gordon to bail them out.

I've been waiting for so long to see to see how they could handle a game without "Wild Shot Ben".

I thought they played pretty well down the stretch with some key plays by Tyrus, Joe, Thabo and Andres

by Option27 on Feb 7, 2008 11:24 AM CST 0 recs

played pretty well down the stretch

...up until Du-little dribbled the ball too long at the end....kinda like ALL of the Bulls guards seem to do at the end of close games...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 7, 2008 11:37 AM CST up 0 recs

Yeah

That was the worst part of the game.

Holding onto the ball for about 5 seconds when u have about 8 left

by Option27 on Feb 7, 2008 11:40 AM CST up 0 recs

I liked the way Du

not only submarined that last chance with 8 seconds but managed to dribble out the first 14 seconds on the shot clock in almost every trip in the last 2 minutes. Way to run the offense jackass.

by CrashDavis on Feb 7, 2008 12:15 PM CST up 0 recs

LOL

You can almost picture him looking over at BG and asking, "is THIS how you do it BG....like THIS?"

Good grief...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 7, 2008 12:47 PM CST up 0 recs

After the game

Du: Was that good?

BG: You were close but when you get into lane you're supposed jump and wildly heave a pass back towards the three point line. Don't worry Noc'll be there.

by CrashDavis on Feb 7, 2008 1:05 PM CST up 0 recs

OR

fall down and go boom in the lane, turning the ball over to the closest, deadly shooter on the opposing team...

:-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 7, 2008 1:11 PM CST up 0 recs

On a lighter note

Duhon blamed his missed layup late in the game on his injured knee. Seriously. This is Boylan's starting point guard.

by YaoPau on Feb 7, 2008 2:59 PM CST up 0 recs

Noc's goofy 3 at the end

was my favorite part

by DALIBOR TARLAC on Feb 7, 2008 11:41 AM CST up 0 recs

the worst part of the game was when

the bulls had a stop with around a minute to go and they were down three, noc comes down the court and tosses the ball over wallace's head out of bounds. sums up the bulls season. also, my question is, why if noc was supposed to be taking the last shot, why didn't they just inbound the ball to noc??? oh well, thabo and tyrus looked great tonight, so i will take those as minor victories from the game. we all know they had no business being close through out the game. this bulls team is tough, there is no doubt about that, they just need to find their groove. it sounds simple, but it has been avoiding this team all year.
although thabo was more productive, i was more impressed with tt's 4th quarter. i think that confirmed what many have been saying for the past two months; get tt more minutes so he can get into a rhythm, ala thabo.

by Conor on Feb 7, 2008 12:30 PM CST 0 recs

I actually think Wallace played

good. His stat line doesn't obviously show it. But he got some fouls called on Pryzibilla(sp?). Got Portland in foul trouble and was actually playing with some energy. Plus him, Thabo, and Nocioni were the only Bulls to realize that someone needed to score with the Top 3 being out. Wallace was actually attacking the basket.

by Ed on Feb 7, 2008 12:47 PM CST 0 recs

I hope Ben never realizes

the Bulls could use more scoring. Ben Wallace's hands are where good possessions go to die. His 5/8 shooting yesterday was nothing short of miraculous, but it was nevertheless canceled out by his 2/6 on free throws.

Boylan's reliance on Wallace frustrates me more than anything. Why play a defensive specialist for 36 minutes against Joel Pryzbilla when our top three scorers are out with injury? Just seemed to me that Noah and Gray should've combined for more than 17 minutes.

by YaoPau on Feb 7, 2008 2:50 PM CST up 0 recs

Move forward with Maggette

I'm so tired of this jump shooting team... we need guys who can drive to the basket and draw fouls and create their own shot off the dribble. Paxson needs to somehow package Hinrick to Clippers and bring Maggette to the Bulls. Then work on moving Duhun and Wallace if possible. Maybe he can get Andre Miller or draft picks in exchange for the discarded players. As for Noch I wouldn't trade him unless I had to, he's a high energy guy and doesn't seem to care whether he's coming off the bench or in a starting role, those type of player are hard to come by these days. The Bulls only need to focus on developing Tryus, Thabo and the rookies this year, if we make the playoffs fine, if not better luck next year. The truth of the matter is Scott Skiles slowed the development of most those guys this year... lets not waste anymore time.

by Takeaseat on Feb 7, 2008 3:45 PM CST 0 recs

I was expecting

a blowout and was surprised that it was that close. Thabo had a good game and should never leave the starting lineup. I really like he and Kirk in the back court so I hope Kirk isn't out very long. I can take Du for short periods of time but I can't take more than 30 seconds of Griffin.

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 7, 2008 5:00 PM CST 0 recs

Paxson needs

to recall pissying JamesOn Curry up to be on the team because they need another guard with Kirk and Gordon out. It's strongly rumored that Paxson encouraged JamesOn Curry to enter the draft and the Bulls would select him in the 2nd round. Now Paxson it's only fair too stand behind your Man when he can't hold his water also. This is nothing serious to be condemned for life. Drop the character crap, it's not working and have a heart.

by exult463 on Feb 7, 2008 5:45 PM CST 0 recs