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Open Game Thread # 59: Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers

Blogabull_s_tiny by your friendly BullsBlogger on in News Comment 304 comments

I was much more excited for this game before Friday night. National TV (which I don't care about the 'exposure', just a chance to hear different broadcast crews), against a 'rival' who now has one of the most reviled players in team history.

Honestly, how great will it be to watch Ben Wallace do whatever he does in another uniform? Or will he save his good games for the Bulls like he used to for us against the Pistons?

The Cavs other big addition, Wally Szczerbiak, may or may not be available, I'm reading different sides to his 'wife birthing' story. He hasn't been playing well since the trade either.

Thabo is still hurt, but it's not clear if he's out or just benched. Did he dis-earn his job? Does he have to now win it back? Is he sitting next to Boylan on the bench? A-Game? Oh what awesome subplots have been laid out by the interim coach. Apparently Tyrus may start or may not, as well. Intrigue. I would've settled for just booing Ben Wallace.  

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Is Ben Wallace playing for sure...
I remember driving all the way to detroit for a Bulls/Pistons game last year and his sorry ass didn't even show up because of his Sinusitis...
At least if we make the playoffs at the 8th seed, Tyrus can get back at Posey for breaking his nose...

by AGBallinisaHabit on Mar 2, 2008 11:30 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Finally a game
that's showing at a decent hour in Europe! :D

Go Bulls!

Hoping for lots of Noah, TT and Thabo if he's healthy enough

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 11:42 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jimbo's change
in attitude probably came after he watched game films and realized it was his fault they lost. If he starts Gooden and not Tyrus Pax should just hand him a check for what money is owed him and tell him to find another job and another way home.

I hope Noah kicks some Wallace ass today.

by sue369 on Mar 2, 2008 11:47 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Drew Gooden
is getting the start

by JSlakov on Mar 2, 2008 11:48 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah?
not surprised. I'll tape this one.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 11:50 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and I don't even care if Tyrus is off the bench
if he plays. The problem is that Boylan keeps saying all this bullshit about tryouts and earning minutes and then goes completely against it in his actual rotations. Man, he's a turd.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 11:51 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What could Tyrus have done in
nine minutes that warrants his removal from the starting lineup?

If Boylan is hired on a permanent basis, I may decline to renew my season tickets. The man is an absolute moron. He is offensively stupid.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 2, 2008 11:56 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did any of you actually watch Boylan's...
...post-game PC? Holy shit. It totally looked like: "I need to think of something that's going to sound great and motivate these players through the media. What can I say that sounds so demanding and tough? What have other coaches said?"

There was sooo no spontaneity behind it. It was so damn pathetic that his "original motivation" was so contrived, cliched and re-fucking-hashed shit.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 11:52 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

its fun
watching the not for live air feed from ABC.  Hubie keeps having to be reminded its not "Donte West"

by JSlakov on Mar 2, 2008 11:52 AM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Noah vs. Verejao
Both are starting tonight.  Oh the hair.

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 12:03 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear Kirk,
That is Varejao.  Why the hell would you be reaching in to steal the ball on a spinning low post move from a terrible offensive player?

Have a few more drinks Captain Morgan.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 12:11 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Because it's easy to steal
from a terrible low post player.  Who in our line up, would be the second best block player.

by nobullishbasketball on Mar 2, 2008 4:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bulls need to run offense
through Deng.   And how many contested jumpers is Hughes going to take?

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 12:11 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how long until
the "I'm going to show my old team" chucking gets him benched for a few minutes.  With kirk out now, probably not this game.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 12:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you're right
he probably won't be benched.  One of the amazing things to me about this "new" team is that before the trade, no one would have argued that Hughes is better than Deng.  But now that they are on the same team, for some reason we are letting Hughes take all the shots and Deng go grab offensive boards.  One is a 50% shooter, the other a 40% shooter.  Give it to the 40% shooter!

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 12:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

With Thabo down
Benching Hughes would force us to start Gordon and it's pretty clear Pax doesn't want that happening.

I tend to think Boylan has been given some parameters to work within (Pax commenting on why Gordon is a bench player was pretty telling) and he is free to work within them.  Of course, the way he's trying to work within them is totally at odds and contradictory to having set parameters in the first place, so it's pretty much a mess.

by Sports2 on Mar 2, 2008 12:25 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Semantics
Tyrus was benched and is sitting down.

Sure, I want Hughes playing some, but there's a lot of doublespeak going on about starting vs. coming off the bench and about playing time in general.  Without getting into the whole can of worms, I don't think it's unreasonable to say that if you're going to do wield these things as carrots and sticks, you ought to be consistent about it.

by Sports2 on Mar 2, 2008 12:49 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear Luol,
Don't get down when LeBron drains ridiculous twirling baseline jumpers.  Just continue to make him work for his points.  

And take it to him on the other end.

Thanks,

P43

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 12:14 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

deny him the ball
start guarding him at half court.  Make Ben Wallace touch the basketball.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 12:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a shitty game
And the cavs don't really play basketball... It's just Bronball. As a basketball purist I am nauseated.

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 12:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Stop deferring to Hughes
You know Larry's going to take a shot 99.999% of the time he gets the ball today, so give it to him only when he's in position to take a good shot.  

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 12:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Another nice thing about the trade
I no longer have to try to accept that my team is starting the worst free throw shooter in the history of the NBA.

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 12:23 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tyrus sighting
Let's go Tyrus.  Show us Boylan is a complete idiot.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

already impacting the game
He completely freezes Ben wallace in the paint to space the floor.  Tyrus is pulling two defenders towards him.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 12:22 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nocioni on James???
Boylan is clearly basketball retarted.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 2, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

as long as Noc gets LBJ
to take step back three's, he's doing a good job.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 12:23 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He needs to at least get an arm up, though
What's up with the lacking fundamentals in the NBA?

Getting hands in shooters faces. Blocking out. Proper screens. (I saw Noah setting a screen for air the other day...)

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 12:27 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Tyrus Thomas threw up an airball on an
ill-advised turn around jumper and then committed a foul on the other end, he would be benched.

But not Gooden.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 2, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

tell me about it
And Tyrus entered for the effective Noah.  What the fuck is wrong with Boylan?  THis is just pathetic.

Where are the fucking writers?  Sam Smith?  Marrioti?  My mom even knows Tyrus and Noah are the best players to have on the floor as much as possible.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 12:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And
Duhon is in...yikes

by jpchi on Mar 2, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

du in
guess that means thabo is unavailable.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 12:22 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hinrich already in foul trouble??
Oh please dont let duhon have a decent game, i really am looking forward to what the critics have to say about Kirk.
Kirk Hinrich. The Best White American Point Guard in the NBA.

by piccolomair on Mar 2, 2008 12:24 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll take a charge over a travel
But it would be nice if they called traveling on LBJ at least ONCE a game...

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 12:28 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ben Gordon, Nocioni, Hughes
professional chuckers.   Can we please run plays for highest percentage shooter Deng?  Is that frigging possible?

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 12:29 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It looks like a nice
day to choke on national television.  sigh  

by cranscape on Mar 2, 2008 12:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah
Looks like on of those 36% FG shooting games.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 2, 2008 12:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Bulls offensive execution went to crap
when Deng, Noah and Kirk went out.  Do you think Boylan noticed?

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 12:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well we know his answer to that
First take out Tyrus thomas, followed by taking out Noah.

Next, give Gooden and Hughes MORE minutes.

Finally play everyone out of position.

Also call time outs and tell the team to "Play Harder" and then hope something gets going.

Kirk Hinrich. The Best White American Point Guard in the NBA.

by piccolomair on Mar 2, 2008 12:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That
was a slow whistle on Duhon.

by jpchi on Mar 2, 2008 12:36 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am not
really interesting in seeing Duhon play.  He's got two fouls.  Think he'll get benched?

by cranscape on Mar 2, 2008 12:36 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He runs the plays
rolls off the screen.  rotates.  Steps back.  Is wide open.  Calls for the ball.  Gets it.  Shoots it.  Makes it.

TEXTBOOK EXECUTION.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 12:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is amazing
we are down by as little as we are for how bad we are playing.

by cranscape on Mar 2, 2008 12:39 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At least
he understands-if jumper is not going in-drive it!
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 12:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good point
Plus hitting  few free throws can help get the jumper going as well.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 2, 2008 12:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

T-Mo commercial with Dwyane and Charles
I wonder if Charles knows that he looks fat in ALL definitions, not just high definition.

That commercial always makes me laugh.

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 12:42 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seriously, though...
...why does the rest of the Eastern Conf. have to suck so bad? Can't they just humiliate these Bulls into "play for the future" mode. Paxlan obviously thinks winning and playing younger players are contradictory.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 12:43 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love how...
...w/ the defense being so bad at the end of the 1st, that, the cure to that was to start the second w/ Duhon, Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas and Gray. Whoohoo!
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 12:46 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

*defense = offense
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 12:46 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Someone
needs to take Boylan's Magic Eight ball away.

Question: Should we put Duhon in?
Magic Eight Ball: Absolutely!

by cranscape on Mar 2, 2008 12:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

James is not in the game
we're still down
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 12:46 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tirico officially sucks.
Tyrus gets the offen. board and goes back up and makes it. Tirico: "That's where Thomas has to get better."
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 12:48 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that is what's annoying about national announcers
Tirico doesn't know that Tyrus does do that stuff when he gets playing time.  He is trained to believe Boylan is reasonable.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 12:49 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LBJ shot off of the top of the backboard
because he knew TT would get it if he shot it any lower.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 12:49 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah
They know about as much as the casual fan does.

by gobulls1124 on Mar 2, 2008 12:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't worry.
TT vengeance and vindication will be sweet!

Tirico continually has mixed up Hughes and Smith (both #32), but hey, who needs to actually know the players when you have a roster sheet?

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 12:56 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can we please get
Kirk, larry, Noc, TT and Noah on the floor!?

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 12:53 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Close
Now just get Gooden out

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 12:56 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tyrus
tied it for us after a nice pass from Hinrich.  More please!

by cranscape on Mar 2, 2008 12:53 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hinrich
better bring in his "A" game...Ohhh
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 12:53 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TT plays very well
and active,unfortunally for Boylan.
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 12:55 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah Wallace
You can't attack Gooden's elbow with your face like that.

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 12:56 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have no idea why Boylan keeps taking Hinrich out
He's moving the ball to the open man!  Dear lord.  Gordon can't play the point.  Boylan is sabotaging the team

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 1:01 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does anyone
in the Bulls organization realize what he's doing out there?

by gobulls1124 on Mar 2, 2008 1:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BOYLAN! Can u stay with one line-up
for longer than ONE minute at a time??

Serously!!

F'ing idiot!

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 1:03 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's all take note on Thomas:
(Close to the end of the first half)

15:39 minutes played
7 pts
5 rebs
1 ast
1 blk
1 stl
2 TO's
0 PF's

Over/Under w/ 25 minutes finished. I'll take the under.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:04 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"He can make highlight plays for you.
He just needs to do more of them."     -Oh brother!

You have to laugh when it hurts too much to cry.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 1:14 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Boylan
just isn't intelligent enough to put the best players on the floor. My husband is about ready to pull the plug on our TV.

by sue369 on Mar 2, 2008 1:25 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thomas has yet to play this quarter.
Because, let's be honest, Drew Gooden is kicking ass right now.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Boylan consistently subs the wrong person
at the wrong time.  He kills any momentum the team may have.  

The only solace is that Mike Brown is over there sitting on the other bench, refusing to play Joe Smith and Szerbiac, slowly killing the cavs.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 1:06 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Someone open site
paxgettherealcoachnow.com
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 1:08 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jeez, get up
seven seconds to halftime and I want to get a sandwich...
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 1:10 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Im waiting to see a little bit of
Hinrich and Gordon in at once. Anyone else think its odd when Hughes plays point when hinrich is in, and gordon plays point  when its him and hughes....does that really make any sense?
Kirk Hinrich. The Best White American Point Guard in the NBA.

by piccolomair on Mar 2, 2008 1:14 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hinrich is playing the point
he just passes the ball, hughes doesn't.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 1:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Paxson's against Gordon.
I'm starting to hate this team.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It seems boylan is against Hinrich
Maybe they are just gonna trade the "midget" guards and get something else, exactly what im not sure...but man the team chem. has gotta be low as hell.
Kirk Hinrich. The Best White American Point Guard in the NBA.

by piccolomair on Mar 2, 2008 1:19 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

think lebron would
have boobie killed if he didnt mention him in his "fave 5" players?

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 1:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they
put gordon on the bench so he could score more. Why the hell is he playing point guard looking to pass the ball. WTF. Deng , gordon you want contracts score the ball. Those 2 plus hughes should put up 60 pts a game.

by chris44 on Mar 2, 2008 1:19 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Heh
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/scoreboard

I guarantee Boylan thinks Thomas is having an "okay" game.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:19 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he hasnt been
"sprinting the floor"

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 1:21 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't see any of the first half
because I was writing an offer on a condominium.  

I hope I don't regret writing the offer. :)

by KT on Mar 2, 2008 1:20 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In terms of the game?
It wasn't anything special. Tyrus played well, but nothing super stand-out-ish. The game was kind of boring.

As far as the condo? Hope it works out.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:23 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

looked like the standard
hungover sunday afternoon game.  if bill walton were working the game he'd probably insist that someone tell these teams that the game started at 1

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 1:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Only thing you missed
was Boylan going for the record for highest number of substitutions in a half.

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 1:31 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not ONE WORD
about the Bulls during half time...no surprise.

And who really gives a crap about LeBron being the youngest player to hit 10,000 points?
Rather academic when you don't ever play one college game and go straight to the NBA from high school.

The REAL game today will be the Lakers and Mavs.
You know - with that stud player who never got traded to Chicago...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 1:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've been pretty much tired of hearing
about Lebron since day 1.

I agree about the youngest player thing.  I hate those stats because they should consider how many seasons a player has been in the league.  That is the real test, not being the youngest player to do anything...

by Jaina on Mar 2, 2008 3:10 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i sincerely hope
deng still isnt healthy cause he looks awful

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 1:34 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seriously
He better round into shape soon.  I'm tired of seeing him shrink when he's playing against good SFs.

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 1:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why does Tirico
call everyone Joe Smith?
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 1:37 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Deng sucketh
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 1:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't let facts get in the way.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:46 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yet another point blank lay up miss by Deng
Is that the fact you're talking about?
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 1:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe he isn't playing well but
Deng isn't bugging me as much as Gooden... every touch Drew gets frightens me.

by ForWhomTheBullTolls on Mar 2, 2008 1:43 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I seem to remember last year
that Pax wouldn't give up Deng for Gasol...

Yeah...THAT was brilliant...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 1:45 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

does anyone care
about this stupid playcalling speech by hubie?

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 1:46 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's amazing
we are still in the game
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 1:55 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why are the announcers
so loathe to credit Tyrus Thomas?  It pains them to point out anything good he does.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 1:56 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hello!
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:56 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

other than lebron
who is good on cleveland, or even better than their counterpart on the bulls?
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 1:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

outside of lebron
the cavs have been awful

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 1:58 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tyrus is a huge difference-maker
But yeah, I'm sure he needs to work on his jump shot some more.  Because we don't have enough fucking jump shooters on this team already.

by Big D on Mar 2, 2008 1:57 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Larry Hughes...
...is the difference maker today.

by Vangelis on Mar 2, 2008 2:00 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bwahaha
:-)
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:00 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, look at that.
W/o Wallace and Duhon "crowding" the court, the B-Go dribble down the clock play works. (okay, so one play isn't totally indicative. heh)
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:57 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

also might have had something
to do with delonte west being on him

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 1:59 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the difference this time
was that he drove the lane, pushed off his guy and shot a bunny, which is a good play.  Not some off balance 20 footer...
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 1:59 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Delonte West
has looked terrible this afternoon.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 2:01 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can we steal this one?
Considering our last lose.
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 1:58 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Steal, schmeal
The Bulls can get a legit win this afternoon.

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 1:59 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm warming up to Hughes and Gooden.
They just need to be used right. A good coach who's unafraid to bench players with egos while simultaneously not being an idiot, could make this team great.

Too bad gordon won't be around next year. If he and Hughes are having good games, this team would be super hard to beat.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 1:59 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great play by Hughes
I'm glad he's playing aggressively.  He just needs to play smart too.

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 2:01 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't worry, Boylan will ruin this game
I predict a Gooden, Deng, Hughes, Gordon, Duhon lineup at some point in this quarter.  A nice 10-0 run should straighten the cavs out.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:00 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Boylan before 4-th Q:
OK.guys we play great we're up by 3.Perfect.
Keep playing this way.We are good.
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 2:00 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow
Nice explosive move there by Hughes!

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 2, 2008 2:01 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Noah on V, TT on Smith
actually a decent defensive scheme
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Smith is a good guy
0 points against his former team.
But I wish him the best.
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 2:05 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd like to point out...
...the guards for the Cavs suck ass. And LBJ has been out.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 2:05 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Making a nice push
with LBJ sitting out, just like a "good" team would.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 2:06 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

man i wish sefo was playing
to guard Bron.  Not that he would stop him, but Noce and Deng are just flailing out there.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:07 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What about TT on LeBron?
I don't think I've seen it but is that something the Bulls could try one of these days?  

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 2:12 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I spoke too soon
about Joe Smith
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 2:11 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What happened to Kirk?
I missed the first half....
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:12 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh
so in other words, he stunk up the place again?
:-)
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not really
just wasn't "playing with enough intensity" I guess.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 2:18 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Azabullsfan says he sucks - you say not really
I get it.    :-)
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:23 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wanna bet this mini cavs run
gets blamedon tyrus?

by Mike C on Mar 2, 2008 2:14 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Terrible
Whoever is being guarded by Ben Gordon will either score, or create for his teammate.  What a love-hate player BG is.  He takes selfish, ill-advised shots but you love them when they go in.  He is a poor decision-making turnover machine, but you love it when he gets on a prolific hot streak.  He's a tough player to watch.

Also, every time Tirico opens his mouth, he reaffirms his idiocy.

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:14 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You know every one believes Lebron is going to
kill us down the stretch.  It feels like an inevitable loss.

by chgobr on Mar 2, 2008 2:15 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dang....
Thomas got to 25 minutes before Boylan could yank him.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 2:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Noah getting on the boards
while being guarded by Wallace.  Nice.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:19 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

a french guy
who doesn't know what the backdoor play is?
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 2:20 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lmao
He said Joe Smith again!

by gobulls1124 on Mar 2, 2008 2:21 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wallace doing what he does best
flopping under the offensive boards.  

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:22 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Quick poll: win or lose?
I have confidence that the Bulls will win this one tonight.  

by paxson43 on Mar 2, 2008 2:22 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish I had your confidence
especially when we're going up against LeBron

by ForWhomTheBullTolls on Mar 2, 2008 2:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't forget BG's classic blunders
and turnovers
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:26 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice move by LBJ to beat
two guys, but he brought it down right in front of Gooden who just watched him flip it in, like he was hypnotized.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 2:24 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yikes
Lebron is just too good.

by Big D on Mar 2, 2008 2:26 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon
shake my head; shake my head.  Why do they keep calling that play in the 4th?  It doesn't work.

And Noah is giving you offensive rebounds and D - so of course you take him out.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:26 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Bulls were up by 8
then James came back in and now the Bulls are down by 6.

That pretty much says it.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:27 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep.
Same 'ol Ben Gordon.  I swear, I think the guy is too muscular for his own good.  His frame resembles that of someone who started weightlifting too early in life and may have stunted some of his growth.  Sometimes he overpenetrates because his body gets in front of his dribble.  One time I swear he bounced the ball off his face.  

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:27 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ben Gordon is just not very good
He gives up way too much to rely on a streaky shooter.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 2:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am beginning to agree.
I try not to spotlight Ben's deficiencies because of what he can do on offense, but we keep seeing the same mistakes from him.  Bad decision making, poor to borderline selfish shot selection, defense so weak that Damon Jones and Delonte were licking their lips, a poor handle, chaotic body control to the point he overpenetrates or has to carry the ball to bring it back in line with his body, lazy one-handed cross court passes to another short guard, and all this I suppose for many fans is fine when he's going beserk on offense but it seems to indicate that Ben Gordon is a stupid basketball player, or at least one with a low basketball IQ.  The same mistakes over and over again - I am not seeing a reduction in these deficiencies.

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just hate it when he jumps sideways
and he's moving at 90 degrees to the angle of his shot. I wonder if even 10% of those go in. What good is the ability to create your own shot then?

Although it seems inevitable he'll be gone next year, I'm already missing him, if that makes sense.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 2:49 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So the Cavs are permitted moving screens
Thanks NBA refs.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 2:29 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That one
would have been nice to get a travel call on!

Which it was...

by Bass on Mar 2, 2008 2:29 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I knew as soon as Hinrich shot that
that he would brick the three. What is wrong with him? He could not be more mediocre this year.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 2, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've long said that
Kirk is the same player he has been since the second year in the league.  Exaggeration to an extent, sure, but my point was that his game has not appreciably improved.  Now I think I was giving him way more credit that he deserved.

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What is wrong with him?
He got his money, bought his house, and married  someone to cheat on.

Only question left is how long it will be before the papers are writing about his divorce.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The NBA
where Jim Boylan gets paid for this happens
Ok now go ahead and roll

by Stacey Kings Emmy on Mar 2, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think you could shoot Deng with a gun
and not get a fouled called.

Unbelievable.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 2, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think we've seen Deng's ceiling
and it's low enough to keep knocking his shots down to the floor.  I acknowledge I may be mistaking Deng's ceiling for the front of the rim.  This guy was at one point an untouchable?  Man, what a difference a year can make.

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:31 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think somebody told Boylan
to play BG at the point for extended minutes because there is no other reason to leave him in there when he is committing TO's at that rate.  And then to pull him with 4 minutes left in a close game?
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Boylan sat in silence for most of the run
but down 10, with 30 seconds left, he is ready to draw up a play.  

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hilarious
Did he even bother to draw up a play this time?  Maybe he just yelled at them and stormed off.

by Big D on Mar 2, 2008 2:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Joe Smith pretty much trumped
Drew Gooden at every turn here in the 4th Q.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Deng hate is ridiculous
He grabbed two offensive rebounds off a miss free throw and was fouled on the way back up.  He outplayed Noce by a mile.  He is coming off an achilles injury.  Too many haters on this board.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:35 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just because someone notices a player
that plays like crap, doesn't mean they HATE the guy.
Deng played like crap today, and has been for quite some time.

If he's still injured, he shouldn't be playing.
Achilles injury or not - missing repeated lay ups under the basket, quite frankly, sucks.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:40 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not hating, just a market correction
since Deng has been overvalued.  This guy has no aggression in his body and pretty much has an offensive game comparable to Richard Hamilton's, wh obviously himself is another untouchable.  Deng rebounds well, though.  

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well i agree
i don't think the guy is an all-star.  but people are acting as if he was the worst thing out there.  I can think of a couple things (BG's turnovers, kirk suckitude, Gooden playing over Tyrus) that are much more horrible.  

I think Deng would be much better if we had a PG who could hit the cutter once in a while.  

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And a coach who could do some good
with the obvious talent that is "sleeping" on the Bulls.

Seriously, I believe that ALL of the players (well...maybe not du-du) would play much better if someone like Phil was coaching.

It all starts (and ends, unfortunately) with a good coach.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes
Deng may be the most overrated player in the NBA.  We're going to be talking about him as a "potential All-Star" 5 years from now.  He is soft as hell and has no killer instinct.  His trade value peaked a year ago.  

I hope the Bulls offer him less in the offseason than what they did a year ago.  He certainly deserves less.

by Stay Chisel on Mar 2, 2008 3:22 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TT
gets taken out Bulls up by 2 (81-79).  Since then, Bulls-5 Cleveland-16

by jpchi on Mar 2, 2008 2:36 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

didn't you see Gooden
take control out there.  If Boylan knows one thing, its this - he doesn't want Tyrus out there turning the ball over, he wants Gooden out there turning the ball over.

Honestly, why don't you understand that?

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last two games showed clearly
that Pax needs to move activelly this summer.
Ship out Gordon and Kirk and get on real point guard.
This is paintfull to watch.
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Mar 2, 2008 2:37 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Deng Backlash should be expected!!!!!
Every now and then Deng plays an outstanding game.  But, as we saw again today, when matched up against top notch small forwards (who are often much better athletes than Deng), he struggles mightily.  I've said before that there are at least 15 small forwards in the league I'd rather have than Deng, and games like today only solidify that position in my mind.  Add to that the fact that this guy is so useless down the stretch if he can't shoot that jumper from the wing.  All this after so many people labeled him a budding "superstar".  I like Deng, but he's no superstar.  Never will be.  He is too overvalued seeing as though he is nothing more than a decent player.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 2:40 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It looks that way.
This guy wanted what, $12-$13 million a year?  He's not even close to an All-Star in the East.  You're telling me his ceiling is as high or higher than other wing-type players like Josh Smith, Childress, Danny Granger, Tayshaun Prince, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, etc?  I'd argue their ceilings are much higher than Deng's.  Yet none of those guys have ever been considered anywhere remotely close to being an untouchable.  I don't see any way that one can deny that Deng has been overvalued, at least by Paxson and Bulls fans.

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:44 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Deng has been overvalued
not by THIS Bulls fan...
I wish he woulda swapped teams with Gasol last year.
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 2, 2008 2:46 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Apparently, rather than trading
when value is high, Paxson would rather wait until all of his assets are exposed for weak players who overachieved a few seasons in a row.

Now that their value is low, Pax is going to be looking to trade. As a dedicated Bulls fan, that makes me sick.

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

by bullhockey on Mar 2, 2008 5:12 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guesstimating a player's ceiling is
very tricky, especially with someone like Thaddeus (So) Young. You maybe forgot (?) Al Thornton, who I believe is older than Deng, but I personally like more than Granger and Childress. I'd be okay with exchanging Prince or Iguodala for Deng, but acknowledge Deng may just wind up with the greater career, or not. We already have our Josh Smith in TT, IMO.

I think a lot of GMs feel that Deng's work ethic and team first attitude, combined with having basically no holes in his game (save the 3pt-er), still puts him near or at the top of your list. It would help if he got the necessary respect from the refs to reach his "ceiling".

Even in a "bad" game like today, if you watch off the ball, Deng is special. One thing I love is his uncanny instinct to either rebound or release for the break. He didn't get many to go down on the break today, but as usual, he was seemingly never wrong on this instant decision.

Although he's not really like Marion, he's similar in the way he excels at the subtle points of the game. On a good team, he's underrated. On a poor team, they'll call him overrated. I don't think of him as untouchable or a superstar in waiting. Just a sure bet (baring injury, which is a concern now) to be a solid and very difficult piece to replace.

But almost anyone would have a stronger leadership-type personality than Deng or Hinrich. Gordon, too, although he's left to be "The Man" at the end. So that's a problem, for sure. Again, it would help if the team ran (some? more?) plays for him in crunch time.

In his young career, he's already probably outplayed every good SF in the league a game or two, when healthy. The only way to stop(?)/slow LeBron is to hope he misses, or trap and get the ball out of his hands, and hope they miss.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 4:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also re: LBJ
Using Thabo and Tyrus, as well as Deng and Noc for different looks when it comes to covering LeBron might help in the future. And unless he signs with some team in the West in 2010, it's gonna be a long future.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 4:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would've liked to see Tyrus on James more
in the future I can see him as a LeBron-'stopper'. Nobody can stop him, obviously, but few in the league have the combination of size, quickness, and athleticism that Tyrus has to try and slow him down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 5:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bye, bye BG
I know that BG gave us a lot of victories in the past, but i think it's time for Pax to let him go... He isn't playing very well right now...

by bull83 on Mar 2, 2008 2:42 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well
Who is???
Kirk Hinrich. The Best White American Point Guard in the NBA.

by piccolomair on Mar 2, 2008 3:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The question is,
let him go for what?

Pax has repeatedly stated his desire to avoid losing an asset for nothing. But who would take BG in a sign-and-trade now? And who would we get back?

Plus, is BG going to be the next cautionary tale of turning down big bucks, along the lines of the classic blunders of Latrell Spreewell and Bonzi Wells? In other words, in his next contract, is he going to take a massive pay cut after having turned down the supposed $50M from Pax?

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

by bullhockey on Mar 2, 2008 5:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I seriously doubt
Thabo will ever earn his starting job back. I hate Boylan. He played BG way too long in the 4th.

by sue369 on Mar 2, 2008 2:49 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What Hughes is doing should...
... serve as a wakeup call for some of us fans.  I do not think that Hughes will be the answer for us.  But DO NOT deny the fact that there is a noticeable difference in the way Hughes plays and the way the Bulls wings have previously played.  When not tossing up bricks, at least he ATTACKS the basket and draws contact.  That's how success is achieved in the NBA. Attack the basket and that can free people up for open jump shots and also get the number of free throw attempts up, but you can't languish on the perimieter like we usually do.  Deng is ridiculously "underaggressive" if that's even a word, but you all know what I mean.  It sickened me watching LeBron and contrasting him to Deng.  In the high school class of 2003, LeBron was of course #1 nationally.....and Deng was #2 in the same class.  They are so much further apart now.  LeBron took over the game and Deng, as usual, just watched.  If that's the guy you all think is gonna be the difference maker, then he's gotta do more than watch in these games.  How sad.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 2:49 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree
Hughes is far from perfect and probably read the same shot selection FAQ that Ben Gordon read, but I respect the fact that he plays aggressively and on his toes, while guys like Deng play on their heels.  I'd rather have Deng, though, don't get me mistaken, but it is very refreshing to see a big money player appear to look aggressive and try to be a catalyst.

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:53 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like Hughes aggressiveness
but lets keep things in perspective.  Deng is a better player.  Hughes shot 40% in his big game with a number of misses in the 4th.

I believe Deng would be better if we had a top 10 pg.  But we don't.  And to compound that problem, Boylan is playing Gordon at the point who can't dribble or pass.

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 2:56 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good point
and one that I must remember before I criticize our guys too harshly on the heels of yet another embarrsingly disappointing loss.  A true PG could very well change everything and maybe we're expecting too much out of these players, which isn't fair to them.  But at the same time, these guys aren't $10m+/year players.

by messwiththebull on Mar 2, 2008 2:59 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Aggressive shouldn't be mean shoot at any time
For a slasher, he sure did shoot a lot of jumpers--hence the 8/20 and 2/8 on threes.  Plus he played WAY too many minutes--Boylan it's a joke.  

by nobullishbasketball on Mar 2, 2008 4:26 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well if that's the case, then....
...why the hell did we give $9 million a year to the PG we have?  I agree that a Chris Paul or Steve Nash or Jason Kidd, or even a Devin Harris or with the way things have been looking lately, a Rajon Rondo would do a better job of putting guys in position to score instead of just running that tired old drive and kick that you. me and some other guy on this forum could probably get out there and do and end up making a couple three pointers.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 5:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wake up Pax!!!
I agree... I said it once, anda i will say it again: put kirk, BG and Chris on a bag and trade them for one good PG like Paul or something like that...

by bull83 on Mar 2, 2008 2:51 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As far as I'm concerned.....
... we can move Hinrich, Gordon and Deng this offseason.  I am so sick of this so called "core" that I don't know what to do!!!  I would rather have the Memphis Grizzlies "core" of Conley, Gay and whoever else!!!!!!!!!!!  I am just so sick of all 3 of these guys.  Maybe if Gordon takes a smaller deal we can keep him as a scorer off the bench.  But that's all he is and will ever be.  Hinrich is.......... whatever, and I've already let my feelings about Deng be known.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 2:52 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Long post, my thoughts on not having a star player
We just dont have that star player to win down the stretch.

Remember the saying that "everyone can score in the first 46 minutes, thats why a good supporting cast is so huge, but the stars win the game in the last 2 minutes"....... its the reason why the Lakers are so good now with a good supporting cast and a great star player, its the reason the Heat were so good with a good supporting cast and a great star player, same with mavs, ditto with spurs, and look at the celtics with a solid supporting cast and 3 great star players, they dominate. Same reason the Rockets won 50 plus games the first year with Yao and TMac even though the other 3 starters were Ryan Bowen, Bob Sura, and an old David Wesley.

The big-man is important too that scores inside, but just having that dimension is sufficient as was seen with Shaq last year or Ilguaskas for the Cavs this year or Nenad Krstic for the Nets when they won 50 games in 06 (Krstic averaged 16 and 7 a night on 51% fg and gave em that dimension), or what Lamarcus Aldridge gives the Blazers, etcetera......... that is the other most important thing.

We have alot of talnet, plenty of guys that could be 2nd or 3rd options for great teams. We have a capable post-up scorer now in Gooden to give us that dimension as say our 3rd or even 4th offensive option to keep the defense honest..... we can get to the foul line now so that is no longer an excuse.

You saw it first hand today. Lebron took over.......

I have nothing more to say, we just dont have a star player. The Pistons are the prototype for what Paxson tried to build but you need a Sheed to make that work, and we didnt get our Gasol last year when we should have........ plus Billups is a true star pointguard that closes out games, and is one of the top 3 PG's in the NbA, easily.

So he just pretty much failed to come through on his blueprint.......

I would trade Deng, Gordon, Hinrich, Hughes, Tyrus, and 2 1st round picks right now for Tracy McGrady. Straight up, I REALLY REALLY WOULD. WITHOUT A SECOND OF HESITATION. THAT IS AN HONEST EVALUATION, No frustration. I would take a bad contract or two if thats what it took to get them to do it as well. Just the way I feel this team could and needs to go about succeeding in the long run. If Dirk, TMac, or any player like that becomes available I would go get him ASAP and give up whatever I needed to in order to make it happen.

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 2, 2008 2:54 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would rather pay
Tmac 20 mil.......

you know what, I 'll take it further than that.

I would rather pay Tmac 100 million than pay all those 5 guys combined 20 mill.......

I'll take it a little bit further.

I would rather pay Tmac 100 million than pay all those 5 guys combined eight dollars and fifty cents.

A starting lineup of

Duhon
Thabo
McGrady
Gooden
Noah
with Nocioni as 6th man and veteran + midlevel exceptions and draft picks of nba-ready rookies to fill out the rotation (Like Boston did with Eddie House, Posey, Pollard, and Big Baby, etcetera...)

would be at least over .500 in the east, and most likely a top 4 seed.

That is alot more fun to root for, and alot better than where we are at right now. And if we get lucky and a team is giving away a big like Memphis did with Gasol, or we find a diamond in the draft like Boston did with Al Jefferson than we are in championship contention just like that.

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 2, 2008 3:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

unfortunately
kirk, Deng, BG and TT have all gotten farther in the playoffs than Tmac has in twice as long.  So your comment was both long and wrong.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 4:21 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we're on the pistons plan
the shitty years from Deng and Gordon will allow the Bulls to re-sign them at bargains :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 4:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is a crucial point, actually.
The Pistons and the Spurs don't overpay their guys.

Now, what to do about Nocioni, Hughes and Kirk?   ;-)

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 4:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Someone else suggests trading Deng?????
I can't believe it.  Especially the guy who calls himself "Deng is the next Bull superstar".  I do agree with 98% of what he said though.  I wouldn't part with all that to get McGrady seeing as though McGrady has yet to get out of the first round and he's injury prone.  Now for LeBron or Kobe, I'd move EVERY person you named in a heartbeat and we would AT THE VERY LEAST be as good as we are right now either of those guys and the Bulls we'd have left after that trade.  But at least we wouldn't have to suffer through maddening losses like the one Friday night and we'd have someone to counter the star power that absolutely buried us down the stretch today when LeBron exerted his will on the game.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 3:00 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One more thing on not having a star
And why it will keep us from making the playoffs.

The two teams we're trying to catch at least have Joe Johnson and Vince Carter with their solid/talented supporting casts, those are two guys that close out games and take and make big shots/drives/plays.

Not to mention Mike Bibby, who LIVES FOR THAT, and Devin Harris

(I think Devin Harris will actually end up being THE STAR player in NJ, I think he will be an elite allstar PG slightly below Chris Paul level and very near Deron Williams level. I think it will happen ALOT sooner than you may think too, now that he's out from under the tightfisted dictator of a coach that is Avery Johnson with his pointguards).

Both those teams have solid supporting casts, the Hawks are STACKED with good young talented players, the Hawks have a better inside presence that improves by the day in Horford but the Nets have Krstic and he is getting healthy (He averaged 17 and 8 a night giving them that dimension last year until he got injured, he was breaking out.)..........

So yeah, can you tell I definitely dont think we can catch those two teams? Unless their 2 terrible coaches screw them up down the stretch, which is possible but doesnt make me feel better because we have a TERRIBLE coach as well.

We could probably catch Philly though. But they have a good coach.

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 2, 2008 3:00 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also
Every one of our guards are jackers, absolute gunners that take bad shots and dont let the offense run inside/out or let some motion run for picks and cutters, anything......... all of tem are jackers, INCLUDING Hinrich, at heart. Nocioni falls into that as well, period.

Deng would be a good sidekick because he doesnt do that and moves without the ball and trusts the offense, but I cant even speak of Deng right now because Im so frustrated with the step backward he has taken this year.

Even on the pick and roll the big that is rolling never ever gets the ball for an easy basket, the guard always jacks up a shot......

Terrible.

I also dont see hwo these announcers think the Lakers are the favorites when I watched the Celtics absolutely dismember them both times they played, and the Spurs will dominate them like they do to everybody else come playoff time.

Frustrating.

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 2, 2008 3:08 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DENG IS NOT THE PROBLEM
Without a good PG we can´t do nothing ofensivly. Look at Chandler. Here, he didn't do nothing, because he hadn't one player like Paul and one couch to put the team playing for him... And that's why TT don't explodes!

Forget Deng. Is a good player and i think it's the one that can be a all star

by bull83 on Mar 2, 2008 3:15 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree
He can be an allstar, and very good sidekick or 3rd opton.

but he will never be a superstar or franchise player.

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 2, 2008 3:17 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And he is
The only one of our players that can or will ever be an allstar.

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 2, 2008 3:19 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Again,
The only way Deng becomes an all star is if the Bulls blow away the leauge.  He will never start because he won't get the votes with LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh and Vince Carter in the East.  But after that, he's gotta contend with guys like Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Josh Smith (who is my pick to become the next perennial all-star in the east), Marvin Williams if he continues to improve, Rashard Lewis because he's gonna ride Howard's coattails to some victories and get some all star consideration, etc...

Unless the Bulls are blowing the league away (in which case Deng would likely be a MAJOR factor), he will not be an all-star.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 5:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Win games yes, superstar no
I'm sorry... What do we wan't? Win games and a championship or have a team with one superstar - like lakers had in the past - and only make the playoffs? We just need someone who can put the team playing well...

p.s. That someone is not Boylan or Kirk, or Duhon, or BG

by bull83 on Mar 2, 2008 3:24 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SUPERSTARS WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!
And are much easier to build around than this bunch of role players we have now.  With the exception of the 2004 Pistons, name me a team that has won a championship WITHOUT A SUPERSTAR IN THE LAST 30 YEARS!!!!!!!

The answer is maybe the 78' Blazers but they had Walton.  Or the 79' Sonics if i'm not mistaken with Dennis Johnson as their leader.

Both are better and were more competitive than this junk we have now.  So i'm not advocating a team with a star and no one else.  But we do need one here.  You simply DO NOT win championships in this league without one!!!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 3:39 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The truth of the matter is that........
... since the history of the Finals MVP award, EVERY CHAMPION with the exception of the 79' Sonics and the current Pistons of course, have had a HALL OF FAMER lead them.  So don't tell me we don't need stars!!!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 3:42 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Pistons and Sonics WERE led.....
....by HoFers....

Head Coaches Lenny Wilkens and Larry Brown.  ;)

But your point is correct - if the Bulls can't land a Hall of Fame player, they best at least get a Hall  of Fame Head Coach!!!!

by BullsFanInSeattle on Mar 2, 2008 4:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just don't want a selfish superstar
See! If the Pistons can, Why don't we???? I'm not saying that I don't want a superstar to play for the bulls. But i prefer a superstar that plays for the team - like Jordan did -, not a selfish one...

by bull83 on Mar 2, 2008 3:49 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

THANK YOU!
Plus the point is moot. We weren't able to draft one; missing Wade was as close as we came. And unless Tyrus becomes one, we simply won't have a superstar.

The whole notion of "superstar" is pretty bogus anyway. There's no perfect NBA player. Except Jordan, maybe.

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 5:22 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And the reason I'm so down on Deng....
...is that he is not even an all star.  As i've said numerous times, there are at least 15 small forwards better than him so he's not even as close to being one as many of you think.  As long as he's in the east, he's got:

LeBron James
Caron Butler
Rashard Lewis
Shawn Marion (if he stays in Miami)
Josh Smith (will be an all-star before Deng)
Richard Jefferson
Gerald Wallace

And that's just small forwards....in the East!!

EVERY guy up there is more tougher and more productive than Deng, and will be around for a while.  At 29, Marion is the oldest of the bunch.

Now having said all that, if we had a great point guard then maybe he'd be better so Hinrich can go to hell too.  But he is what he is and there are at least 15 guys i'd rather have.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 3:50 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also, regarding the Pistons....
...they are better at EVERY position.  So you can have a team full of guys like that, but they have to be very talented.  No denying Detroit is SO much more talented than we are...even with their so called role players......who happen to be like 3 time all-stars.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 3:54 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This team is depressing...
...I wonder if Pax can come up with a major make-over in the off season. I wouldn't count on it...

by bullsfaninbigapple on Mar 2, 2008 3:54 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The thing is, we have plenty of nice pieces that..
..will fit in nicely somewhere else.  But that's our problem.  We have a team FULL OF COMPLIMENTARY PLAYERS and that superstar is proving too hard to come by.  So we gotta move a lot of these nice pieces and get our star...THEN we can build around him or them!!!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 3:57 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs