Stampeding out of the most pathetic playoff race ever

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 4:53 PM CST in News Comment 176 comments

Boylan is still a steamy turd. Here's his pregame explanation on why he moved Gooden to the starting lineup:

I feel like it's time, Drew is a physical presence around the basket. Especially in a game like today, we need that. Going forward, I feel we need that at the start of games. Tyrus will continue to play and develop and grow, if the only way you develop and grow is being in the starting lineup, then the people who think that don't really know the game very well.

What's this talk about presence? tactics? I thought it was "bring your A-Game or sit next to me. I'm Jim Boylan: professional coach"

Tyrus played very well today, and he did get 25 minutes. But only 9 in the second half, and yanked for Gooden (if you have to get your trusted, consistently average players in, could've at least pulled Noah instead) after the Bulls made a run with Tyrus on the court. The Bulls were outscored 16-5 after that to finish the game.

It's better than the 9 minutes received in total on Friday. Well, at least it's comforting to know Tyrus will be playing for somebody (who knows if the Bulls can evaluate and keep talent anymore) while Boylan's getting water for Skiles at his next job.

Unfortunately that was only a minor (just the easiest to bitch about) problem with today's game, which was winnable only because the other team had Ben Wallace. The others:

Ben Gordon: 5-13
Luol Deng: 3-13
Larry Hughes: 8-20

Big 3!

Maybe it's a bit more necessary with Thabo injured, but playing Hughes over 43 minutes isn't going to work. He shoots far too poorly on a team that already shoots poorly. And his talk of how he'll be unleashed as a 'slasher' without LeBron was just that, as he's just as jump-shooty as ever.

Although slightly less so than what is already on the roster, I suppose. Gordon's only FTA was on a technical. Deng missed half a dozen layups. Those two are a huge problem. I can't see any solution but to re-sign both and hope they just play better. They're not this bad, and it's rare to see players dramatically regress at the ages of 22 and 24. It's just a bad year, and unlike Hughes we don't know it will continue. At least maybe it helps the Bulls get a discount for each in the offseason. There's always sign and trades, but I'd only be asking for upgrades, and I can't even see a team that would give up such a thing for either. You can try and package Tyrus/Noah or the upcoming pick, but then you'd have to get something really special in return.

Unfortunately, whether it's a blemish in a good career or an unstoppable trend, Gordon and Deng's poor play is sending the team to the lottery. Boylan's merely pouring gas on the fire in the form of Gooden and Hughes.

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Comments

your standards for Tyrus

are kind of sad to me as a Bulls fan. Sure, he played fine, but if that is him playing "very well" then we really blew it by drafting him #2 overall. The guy had Damon Jones guarding him on one possession and couldn't back him down.

by JSlakov on Mar 2, 2008 5:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

fair enough

'well.'

Maybe I just have low standards based on his teammates.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 5:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh, almost forgot my standard response to JSlakov

Nocioni sucks.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 5:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why give in?

"Very Well"

"Per 36"
67% FG%
6-8.5 FT
17 PTS
10 REB
3 BLKS
1/2 ASST
1/2 STL
1/2 PF

If he plays more, sounds like he played pretty fucking well to me. If he plays any better, I think that'd be pretty fucking great.

Slakov is a jakov

(Oh, and he wasn't drafted #2 overall. At least the MSM announcers got that right.)

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice!

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

imagine how helpful that half of an assist would have been.

semantics aside, when you use the second overall draft pick to acquire someone you'd like 17 and 10 to be their average performance and even though I dislike Boylan's substitutions as much as the next guy, he shouldn't let whether or not he gets crunch time minutes even be something up for debate.

by JSlakov on Mar 3, 2008 12:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

semantics aside?

17/10 is the Slakov index for second overall picks?

(and I have no idea what you're trying to say in that last part. There's no debate that Tyrus should get crunch time minutes? shouldn't?)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

index

I don't feel the need to quantify everything especially in a sport like basketball where statistics do such a poor job of telling the story. I watched every minute of the game, in fact it was my job to do so, and I can tell you that Tyrus Thomas didn't play "very well". He was efficient but someone can be incredibly efficient in basketball and its not necessarily going to help the team win the most.

I think Tyrus should get crunch time minutes, you think Tryus should get crunch time minutes, but Boylan and Hubie Brown, as much as I think they're idiots, disagree and I would love for Thomas to be playing so well that even stupid people like them would have to agree.

by JSlakov on Mar 3, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is Hubie an idiot?

I think Hubie's one of the more intelligent commentators. I was shocked when he took the Memphis job and then turned them into a playoff team. That was remarkable. But it couldn't last. These players have a much greater sense of entitlement than the players Hubie coached in the 70s and 80s.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How many TO's does that work out to?

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 3, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

4

I appreciate you being too dumb to look it up yourself. You should work on that "using a calculator" course again.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why do you

insult everyone? If you had not conveniently left out his TO rate he would not have asked his question.

by sue369 on Mar 3, 2008 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He knew what it was is why.

I didn't leave it out on purpose. Didn't even notice it. People are stupid. I insult stupid people because it annoys me.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

of course I did tygger

which is why I wanted you to add it to round out your argument. Your one-sidedness is always the problem and you insult yourself more than you insult anybody else...

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 3, 2008 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really didn't even notice it.

You don't have to believe me, but I'd wonder what your basis for that would be. You could have just pointed it out, of course, but you wanted to be clever about it.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

don't try to bs the bullshooter

the thing is I agree that Tyrus should play more, but don't give a half-assed, disingenuous argument. It's insulting and a waste of time.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 3, 2008 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What was disingenuous?

Oh wait. You think I'm a liar. Sweet. Guess I don't have to worry about you responding to me anymore. ;)

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 12:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my opinion of you hasn't changed at all

:-p

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 3, 2008 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Trying to tell

me you didn't leave it out on purpose is stupid. He called you out on it. That's not stupid. I'm sure I'm not the only one in here that finds your man love of Tyrus very annoying.

by sue369 on Mar 3, 2008 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And your hypocritical woman love of Hinrich

isn't? No one here can do no wrong. Whoooaaa is me.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHA!!!!!!

I don't love Kirk and I have never carried on about Kirk the way you do about Tyrus.

by sue369 on Mar 3, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Besides...

...you have no reason to believe I'd lie about that. Think I left it out on purpose, that's fine--we all do that. (Although I will say I added the "to be fair to Boylan" part above). I admit to doing it. But there's no reason to think I'd lie about it afterwards.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Boylan.

by sue369 on Mar 2, 2008 5:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Me too.

by jpx7 on Mar 2, 2008 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I vote for

a revival of undead Al McGuire to come bench Jim Boylan.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Neither

Hughes nor Gooden should be a starter on an NBA playoff-caliber team. Which top 8 team in either division would they start for?

by Cannoli on Mar 2, 2008 5:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

well if you have LeBron

they can start.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 2, 2008 5:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Precisely Matt!!

Last I checked, they both started on an NBA Finals team last season. But that was last year and that was beside one of the two best players in the game today. Doesn't help us any.....

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 2, 2008 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bulls needed a physical presence...

so much against Cleveland that Boylan felt he had to go with Deng at the 4 during a crucial stretch in the 4th.

by BenGo07 on Mar 2, 2008 5:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

ha! great point

the Cavs scored their 2 easiest baskets of the game right after that switch

by danger mouse on Mar 2, 2008 8:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well

Noc was in also, so he'd be the PF (unless he was guarding LeBron at that time as well, but I don't think he was)

It was Gordon/Hughes/Deng/Noc/Gooden. A very quick -4 before putting Noah back in (not like that helped, however)

http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20080302&game=CHICLE

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

Noce was guarding LeBron. LBJ blew past him on that nasty dunk and Deng came over as the "help" defender from the four, which explains why he got posterized.

by BenGo07 on Mar 3, 2008 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

pretty sad

that their two best help defenders (Noah and Tyrus) were out, knowing that LeBron was likely going to get to the rim against whoever they stuck on him.

Maybe Boylan only thinks of 'physical presence' on offense.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It would be hilarious

if it wasn't happening on our team. Even Mike Brown (not necessarily known as an offensive genius) could figure out that if he had Gooden's man set a pick at the top of the key, the only shade of a shotblocker on the floor was removed from the equation.

And I'm not even saying Tyrus could've actually done anything; James' chin was above the rim on that monster jam. But still...it would've been nice to find out.

by BenGo07 on Mar 3, 2008 9:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I defend Noc more than necessary

But LBJ blows past first team all-nba defenders too with that same move. What the defense must recognize is the Cavs player that is setting the screen. When Varejao is out at the perimeter setting the screen, his defender must step out and deny that penetration. Leave Varejao. Leave Wallace. Those guys can't hurt you 15' out. All they do is facilitate the kick out or roll to the paint.

Deng is completely lost playing the 4. He's just no threat to deny any shots in the paint. Noc, Tyrus, Gooden, Gray, and Noah are the only threats in the paint at denying shots at the rim.

This is another example of Stacey King's "Know Your Personnel" commentary. We're not identifying what opponents are on the court and how the defense should adjust to exploit them or limit them.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably another reason

for why we've been getting killed "defending" the three point shooters. So often our players do help defense on someone who doesn't really warrant it (scouting report tells you this) and not stay with their guy who just happens to be camping out at the three point line. Flying towards the guy after he's already shot does not make good defense, but we've seen that all year. Identifying those who need double teamed seems like an obvious thing, but either they are not doing it or not retaining it during the game.

by cranscape on Mar 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jamal Tinsley killed us

more than Lebron yesterday. That's what kind of season I have had to watch. Tinsley, oh and Willie Green, just carved up our perimeter defense in previous meetings this year.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Stacey needs to call out Boylan

for not knowing his own personnel, much less the opponent's.

Would that be "KOP"?

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 3, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate all this BS about how you have to coddle

a player in order to 'develop' them. What's wrong with trial under fire? YOU LEARN FASTER BY DOING THEN BY WATCHING!

It worked for the Blazers who 'forced' their younger players ( Roy - Aldridge) to play major minutes early in their career and they look fine to me. There's another example of this working for a team. Hint, it was the fucking the Bulls! They forced Hinrich, Deng, and Gordon to play major minutes early in their career and I feel it helped them grow exponentially.

So why change their gameplan now? They aren't going to win shit! And Boylan (the Skile's- protege/fucktard/twin) can't get his head around the fact Gooden is by no means an all star and doesn't deserve this star treatment in terms of minutes. Especially considering TT is the most important player on the team. If the Bulls are even going to improve drastically, this guy has to become an all star. They are 'developing' him at a snails like pace.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 2, 2008 6:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I had accidently

allowed myself to care again after Wallace was jettisoned. That was my fault. I think I'll start caring again next season with a new coach. It could be worse I guess. I could be a Suns fan after all.

by cranscape on Mar 2, 2008 6:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have the same malady

I got excited when we got rid of the Corpse (which I'm still glad we did) but the Washington game blew me out of the water. Today was icing on a bad cake.

by chgobr on Mar 2, 2008 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

me

three. shame on me.

by leeac on Mar 2, 2008 7:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Me

four. Shame on me too.

by joemoses on Mar 3, 2008 6:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Boylan.

by gobulls1124 on Mar 2, 2008 6:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

How hilariously sad is it . .

That despite spending a good part of the season playing veterans, the Bulls still are probably going to miss the playoffs in the pathetic Eastern Conference? They wasted half a season's worth of development for Thomas and Noah, and they're still not going to get the supposed benefits of playing the veterans.

by Big D on Mar 2, 2008 6:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe a lottery pick is the benefit

of playing the veterans?

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Will the Bulls play the lottery pick?

by Big D on Mar 2, 2008 7:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously you ask

a rhetorical question. ;-)

by marionette on Mar 3, 2008 12:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nail, meet head

That's what makes this season doubly wasteful - not only did we blow the year, we blew the year without giving the youngbloods enough run to either develop them or comprehensively judge what they bring. Make that triply wasteful - watching this year was incredibly boring as well, and watch Tyrus and Noah is at least entertaining.

by Freethefro on Mar 2, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Boylan.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 6:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This was Hughes best game to me,

especially if you take away the first 6 minutes or so.

And I think that speaks to the point that you don't want he and Gooden as starters on a contender (sans LeBron, anyway!). These guys just aren't going to get appreciably better. I don't believe Gooden has a big-time post game that will suddenly emerge (sorry Hubie). And reliance on it has the bad side effect of limiting other guys from developing one. It's not the end of the world, but it's a shame there doesn't currently seem to be a vision of the future, when now is the perfect time. The only move for the future that I see is trying more of BG bringing the ball up, originating the set. In fact, didn't there seem to be much more of the old motion/weave out at the perimeter this game?

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 7:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You should always take away minutes...

...if it makes your argument better. 40% shooting!!! Alright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Right at his career avg!!!!! Woooo!!!!

He's alright, Hughes is. But I'd rather have Gordon. Or Thabo. Or Kirk. They can't all be on the payroll next year, can they?

by marionette on Mar 2, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Boylan should

have his coaching credentials revoked.

by sue369 on Mar 2, 2008 7:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

its safe to assume

boylan and the rest of the staff will be gone with the new coach hire right? I don't want to Myers get a free pass cause he's been with the organization for so long. The entire coaching staff needs to be out the door after this season. What would the hilarity factor be if we hired Fratello who kept Boylan on as they've worked together before.

by bullsfaninla on Mar 2, 2008 7:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Agree - the whole staf fshould be gone.

We need coaches that have experience and success implementing a defensive scheme. I do not want neophites like Stacy King or Pippen. We need an experienced group that knows what they are doing. Pete Meyer should be gone.

by chgobr on Mar 2, 2008 8:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The thing with Pete Myers

is that he's probably the one member of the staff that IS executing where he is asked to perform. He does advance scouting and is supposed to know the plays of the opponent. He's an active sideline coach getting up to, you know, COACH his players.

I need to correct my judgment though. Myers just may look a lot better next to Boylan.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 8:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus is a good help defender

Did anyone notice that the only time LBJ had trouble scoring was when Tyrus defended him after he blew by his man? He forced LeBron to launch one that almost hit the top of the backboard to avoid a block and was blocked for the only time by TT. Until Joe Smith finally hit a couple of jumpers late in the game, Tyrus had held his man to exactly ZERO field goals.

Why couldn't the Bulls numbnuts coaching staff switched our most athletic player to offset LBJ's dominance over Deng and Nocioni? How could he have done any worse? He already demonstrated his quickness and leaping ability did upset LBJ's rythem when he went to help our otherwise helpless defenders.

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 2, 2008 8:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We need Tyrus more than any other player right now

Joakim and Gooden are better ball defenders than help defenders. Thabo, Deng, and Nocioni can't stop slashers.

Without Tyrus, the lane is wiiiide open.

by YaoPau on Mar 2, 2008 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly re TT!

Hubie Brown commented prior to the game that one of the reasons the Bulls struggle is that TT has to learn to bring it at crunch time. But Boilanus once again pulled him out at crunch time AGAIN.
To nobodies surprise except for the coaching stiffs, Cleveland went off on a 16-5 run to doom the Bulls and once again put a dagger in the hearts of players and fans.

Plus/minus for today. TT+5 Kirk -12 Hughes -8
Gooden -10 Noc -8 Deng -5 BG +3 Boylan -69

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 2, 2008 10:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Larry Hughes

Why all of the Larry Hughes hate? If he plays in an uptempo offense where he routinely takes the ball to the basket, he can be a good player. He offers some size and defense, too. Any time he is in an offense when he stands around and takes jumpshots (or worse, threes) or is forced to play point, he stinks. That's what happened in Cleveland. Sadly, he is one of the few guys on the team who can consistently get to the line. Hughes had 6 FTs while Gordon only had 1.

As for Gooden, he is a fine player. Not an all-star, but certainly not trash. He is either a mediocre starter or a great second string 4.

This team is garbage, so you can trade everyone as far as I'm concerned, but I'd get rid of Hinrich, Gordon and Noce (and their absurd salaries and demands), get a real point guard and maybe someone else to play the 3.

by Stay Chisel on Mar 2, 2008 8:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why hate Hughes?

Because it's reflective symptom of a disgusting disease that's gone on all season. That is: playing average guys waaaaayyyyy more than they should be playing will benching/sitting younger guys with much higher potential waaaaayyyy less than they should. I'm sure most of us would be fine if Hughes and Gooden were limited to less than 30 minutes while Thomas got at least 30 minutes.

Hughes and Gooden aren't going to get any worse if they play less and neither is going to get any better by playing 30-35 minutes per night. So Hughes scored the most points? Big whoop. He also played the most minutes and took the most shots. Half a dozen guys on this team could score 23 points if they played 43 minutes.

Hughes and Gooden bring things to this team that they need: a slasher and "refined" post guy. But neither are good enough at that or at other things to demand more minutes than the other guys. They are flawed players like the rest of the team. And since they're the longest-tenured in the NBA, they're the least likely to all of a sudden overcome those flaws. The other players at least have a chance.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 2, 2008 9:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The shine will

fade from Hughes star soon enough and then everyone will see the true player. He played well yesterday because he had a point to prove to the Cav's fans. How did he play Friday night? Not so good.

by sue369 on Mar 3, 2008 8:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The whole Hughes will be better

for the bulls thing was a canard. Hughes wants to shoot the ball, and he sucked in Cleveland because he was told to pass it to LeBron and wait around in case LBJ wanted to pass it back. On the bulls he gets the ball and jacks up shots, so what's not to like, at least for him. He's ok if he is attacking the rim, but he doesn't do that nearly enough, he was 2-8 from 3 today.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 2, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

hughes...

i like him alot. I agree he did not play his best this game but he has been alot better then gordon has in the games he has been here. He would not have played much if thabo was playing because they had no one to put in for him..i for sure did not want to see to much of duhon

by bullzfan148 on Mar 2, 2008 9:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Let me add to the Majority

I hate boylan.

No identity
No ball movement
No wins
and in the losses, no Kirk
Gah what do i fall back on to watch the bulls
its horrible basketball, no passion, nothing worth watching.

Lets jump on the bandwagon, i like what the lakers are doing.

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

by piccolomair on Mar 2, 2008 9:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bull Timeline for this season

The Season began with High expecations

The bulls started off slow, alot of the new guys on blogabull threw out negetive energy, while some of us (me included) said "ho hum, its only the first few games"

Yet the first few games turned into a dozen, more negetive energy, yet a few people still said "ho hum, just a slow start"

The Slow start lasted too long, and we noticed that skiles was benching people left in right, and players just werent listening to the coach.

Skiles was fired

"Indeed!" we exclaimed, "Look at the bulls now!!! FREEDOM RINGS!!! Did you see that? Wallace just Dunked."

Yet it was short lived, as Wallace would never dunk again, more so, he would suck and suck and suck more calling team meetings at random moments.

"Wallace Must Go!!!" we shouted in unison.
Throughout the League our stars that we wanted so bad were being thrown around for dirt cheap (gasol) and we questioned where is Paxson?

The Deadline passed, and so did wallace, to another team.

"Hurrah!!" we exclaimed, "Now we can play some 5 on 5 basketball"

Indeed we played 5 on 5, and we gathered to witness a horrid loss against a depleted wizards team.

Here we stand...weeping. What the hell happened
to the bulls, and why like this...Why!

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

by piccolomair on Mar 2, 2008 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i will respond

DA BULLS are DA FINISHED

remember 2007-2008 as the year that DA BULLS were destroyed by management, just as is happening with DA BEARS this offseason.

Ben Wallace sucks-->Fire Skiles-->trade DA CORPSE--->Boylan screw job-->we still suck and players are not developed

but still better than being a Soops fan

by Orlando Woolridge on Mar 3, 2008 12:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Evil Genius!

I have figured that Reinsdorf told Pax at some point he didn't care about this year, the tickets have been sold and we've even got extra (Anybody notice the upgraded suites being added!). With this lets build for next year without looking like it, mantra, they go the cheap route by allowing a near legal idiot/intramural coach to use his FUZZY logic to limp them home. This is done while simultaniously just missing the playoffs to qualify for the lottery, and overloading the guard spot to force an elimination of the poorest talent by atrition or by offering low ball contracts. This must be why Reinsdorf hasn't called Pax into the office to give him "The Talk", right?

by A Train Afro 53 on Mar 2, 2008 11:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Reinsdork may be evil but he's no genius

You have solved the riddle, A train. Why would a franchise retain a coach who apparently suffers from dementia and a Napoleon complex? Seriously, would you want him to coach your intramural team?

If the Bulls flop than the value of Gordon and Deng shrink faster than the stock market, the Bulls wind up with a lottery pick to replace one or both next year and Reinsjerk doesn't have to ante up for a new coach until then.

If money is your God with winning an afterthought (think White Sox), your prayers have been answered. Next year instead of abandoning this shipwreck, the fans once again flock to the ticket counters...being offered Change and Hope with a new young lottery stud and a new coach with something between his ears that Booblyn doesn't have...a brain.

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 3, 2008 12:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I love that we are in a top 5 market but are bottom ten in salary.

by jpchi on Mar 3, 2008 12:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Costly Players

Can also equal easier to make trades. Instead of having to unload a bunch of cheap guys, we can get rid of two expensive guys for one expensive star...HUH HUH...okay im still trying to grasp for straws, god this season sucked...

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

by piccolomair on Mar 3, 2008 1:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Surely

this, Kelly Dwyer's Forbes' NBA Team profit writeup, has been linked on Blogabull before.

Hot damn, baby! Dat's muh foist lank!

by marionette on Mar 3, 2008 1:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great Link

Of course, it only makes me angrier than I was. Here's to Portland...1/4 of our market but spending a lot more.

by jpchi on Mar 3, 2008 12:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Portland...

you kind of have to grant them a special small market exemption, seeing as their owner is an original equity partner of Bill Gates.

by alec on Mar 3, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

So true, but you get the sense that the best NBA owners are in it to succeed as a hobby not turn a profit. I guess you could say Jim Dolan is the exception, but he could turn a profit no matter how much money he spent.

by jpchi on Mar 3, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not just Paul Allen

9 out of the league's 30 teams are going to pay the tax this year. When you start adding up exceptions to the rule and you get a third of the league then there's a problem.

by Sports2 on Mar 3, 2008 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was

just saying that owners that treat owning a team as a hobby as opposed to a business are often more likely to own successful teams because they don't feel a pressure to be thrifty.

by jpchi on Mar 3, 2008 9:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I don't disagree with that at all

I was just pointing out that there's lots of teams paying the tax out there.

As far as I can tell it's not that well correlated to success.

I guess I'd put it this way. Willingness to pay the tax is another tool in a good GM's arsenal. It's also another tool in a bad GM's arsenal.

by Sports2 on Mar 3, 2008 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Boylan

by BullsFanInSeattle on Mar 3, 2008 1:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Everyone does

GetYoSelfAHandful.blogspot.com

by MarketMaker on Mar 3, 2008 1:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why is everyone upset with Boylan

not like he hired himself. I wanna take this time to thank Mr. Bull himself John Paxson for all hes done in his great return to the Bulls... Thank you John Paxson you're simply the best!

by Takeaseat on Mar 3, 2008 7:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

see, when I posted a "Fire Pax" post

I got torched by some of the people here...well, now you guys see...well, at least he is not as dumb as Krause......

"We are who you thought we were"

by Thirdrock on Mar 3, 2008 9:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Good and Bad of Larry Hughes

and how the bad is the result of Jim Boylan's coaching habits.

Larry Hughes finished the game 8-20 from the field. 40% is right around his career average. But is he a better shooter than that? How many players can keep their shots falling while playing 24 minutes straight?

Hughes was 2-7 in the 4th quarter. He played the whole quarter. He also played the entire 3rd quarter. Tired Larry Hughes is a 40% FG shooter. Assume for a minute that Larry sits the 4th quarter. He's a 6-13 then and a very healthy 46% from the field.

So why was Larry playing the entire 2nd half and when combined with the close of the first half, he played 34 minutes straight? With Thabo inactive, the guard rotation was a man short. Is this the best time to relegate Kirk Hinrich to the doghouse? OK, Boylan hasn't been happy with his play. Can he at least get into the game to give Hughes a rest? Is 4 minutes a travesty? How about 3 minutes? 2?

It should be no surprise that a shooter's FG percentage declines the longer they are on the floor for consecutive minutes without rest.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 9:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

is that actually true?

It makes sense, but it'd be an interesting study. Kindof goes against 'clutch theory' though...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

actually it goes right along

with the clutch theory. Clutch guys are the ones who get that rush of adrenaline and the extra spurt of energy to overcome their tired legs and get the basket. Being in great physical condition helps, too.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 3, 2008 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wonderfully unproveable

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hold on there.

I know we have a doctor in the house. Who was it that gave us the medical name for Ben Gordon's falling down condition...something something cochlear, I think it was. All these variables are empirical, which brings bullshooter's statement of the clutch theory quite comfortably into the realm of the provable.

by alec on Mar 3, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So wait...

Clutch= Adrenaline rush+ extra energy spurt+ great physical condition

Aha. Got it. I had wondered what made someone clutch for a long time.

I kept thinking basketball skills would have played a part.

GetYoSelfAHandful.blogspot.com

by MarketMaker on Mar 3, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As silly as we're making all this sound,

wasn't this sort of thing exactly what the Soviets and East Germans were doing with their "sports camps" back in the `70's and `80's? Someone over there was watching too much, "We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better...."

by alec on Mar 3, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that and steroids

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 3, 2008 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WTF are you talking about?

How can you say that his career FG% is 40% and then blame his 40% shooting on fatigue. It's just as likely the 2 of 7 came because he was throwing up bad shots (trying to be the hero), which goes along with his entire career and remarks once joining Chicago.

K.I.S.S.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bad shots are bad shots

Players take bad shots when they're rested and when they're tired. Larry Hughes did take some bad shots yesterday. But fatigue is a factor especially for a player like Hughes who is a career sub 35 minute player.

It's not like he was taxing himself defensively either. He was guarding Devin Brown and Wally Szcerbiak.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 9:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re: fatigue

maybe I shouldn't have been surprised with Deng's lack of layup-making considering the minutes he played on Friday.

Or maybe I just want to find more reasons to hate Boylan :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If he took bad shots all game...

...then it stands to reason that he got lucky when rested when they were going in, and unlucky later when they weren't. If he was 6/13 and sat the rest of the game, then it'd be easy to expect a 2/7 stretch coming in somewhere.

I just don't understand trying to explain Larry Hughes being Larry Hughes in any other way than Larry Hughes being Larry Hughes.

If he was shooting 40% in three quarters and finished below, maybe... or if he was 0 for 7 or something.

In this case, imo, it was just that old "reversion to the mean" thing.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd only be willing to excuse Hughes

if he was truly trying to relive his 'slashy' days. He's not, the guy's older now and likes the safer confines far away from the basket.

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

Well Tyger, and really

this causes me no pain, but I have to completely agree with you. If you stick in enough statistical filters, it's possible to filter reality right out of the picture.

When BG starts the 3rd Q on the bench, and doesn't get in the game until more than half the quarter is gone, then starts the 4th Q on the floor, takes the second Bulls shot of the quarter on a feed from Thabo, after a miss from Deng...Ben shoots 100%.

by alec on Mar 3, 2008 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair to Boylan...

...because you know, why not? The game turned when LeBron came back in, not when Thomas left. If I'm reading GameFlow right, -5 to start the 4th, then +4 or so once James came back before Thomas left. But yeah, it'd still be better to have Thomas out there. LET HIM LEARN!!!

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 3, 2008 9:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus and Noc challenge dunks attempts

Luol Deng breaks out the camcorder. Put Lebron on the line. You can't slow momentum letting Lebron coast to the rim for an easy dunk. FOUL HIM!

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc's fouls

rarely break up the dunk. Usually he's way-past-beaten and just slaps the guy in the back of the head. Then looks at the ref asking 'what did I do?'

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

rarely?

I'm not keeping tabs on them. He blocks some. He fouls some. He does nothing on some. But at least he's getting up there to challenge.

Luol? meh. He's soft.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 9:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

just a guess

I figure like most things that are Noc, it's more harm than good. :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 9:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

bah

Boylanian logic:

Gooden and Thomas even played the final 7 minutes 10 seconds of the first half together. Overall, Thomas responded with 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

"That's what I expected from him when I spoke to him about coming off the bench," Boylan said.

A bit of guessing, but it sounds like Boylan believes Tyrus played well because he was benched.

Also, I don't know why KC mentions the last 7 minutes of the half, and not the last minutes of the 4th quarter when Tyrus was out and the Bulls got blowed out (whether it's a causation or not).

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 9:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

KC's a puppet.

He goes whichever way the corporate wind blows. I thought that was a well established fact in these parts.

by alec on Mar 3, 2008 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

KC in print vs KC elsewhere

Two different points of view from my observations. The print one is more corporate and the elsewhere is more...well...not limited by editors and print layouts.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 11:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What disturbs me

the most is that Pax and Boylan talked about Gooden becoming a starter. I wonder if it was mostly Boylan saying to Pax "We can get to the playoffs with Gooden in there"? Tyrus took the high ground and I'm proud of him for that. I wouldn't have been so kind in his place.

by sue369 on Mar 3, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How do we talk to Hubie

after watching this game?

I think we can convince Hubie that Tyrus Thomas is one of the answers and no longer a real question.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

tough game

definitely should have won this game. BG at the point was ugly and is clearly a work in progress. Bulls lost this game because Nocioni cannot/couldn't guard Lebron and Deng can't make a shot.
I'm a huge fan of tyrus and he is one of a few bulls who can change the game on both ends, as a newbie Hughes seems to understand how to toss it up to him more that guys that have been playing with him for over a year. With Deng playing so poorly I was thinking that Thomas should be playing some 3. I don't want Gooden to start over TT, but Gooden is a starter on this team (not that he's so good, the team just stinks) with his offensive game and what seems to be a high bball IQ. I liked seeing them on the floor at the same time, but they lacked height. I'd like to see a lienup of BG, Hughes, TT, Gooden, and Noah.
Seemed to me like Hughes was the best player on our team. As far as offseason trades go it depends on what position we need to address. Best players and Untradeabulls (IMO) are BG, Hughes, Gooden, TT, and Noah. If we go after a big name 3 then we can include Deng in the deal, maybe Deng, Hinrich, Noc and a 2nd rounder for Tmac or the likes? Hughes' emergence as the best player/#1 option makes it obvious that this team needs scorers. Entire team for Kobe seems like a good deal right now

by Zac23 on Mar 3, 2008 10:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

that's quite an admission from you

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 3, 2008 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Imagine

If the Pacers could have just hired Boylan last Summer.

All of this could have been avoided.

Oh and great quote I just read in US magazine.

Interviewing Barack . . . .

US : What do you do in your free time?

OBAMA : I'll take a look at the sports pages to see how the White Sox or Bulls are doing.

Takes the "Stars - They're Just Like US" section to a whole new level

by Option27 on Mar 3, 2008 10:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The glass is half-full - 5 reasons to smile

As you can imagine this is a challenging post. To improve my Bulls' depression I came up with 5 reasons to smile:
1- The Corpse is gone and looks as dead in Cleveland as he did in Chicago. I think he missed 4 or 5 FTs in a row and the Cleveland fans were getting restless. Gooden beat him inside multiple times and I'm glad to be rid of him.
2- Hughes, with his chuck-em up limitation, still gives us way more than BW
3- We at BaB have reached a concensus Boylan must go!
4- We did not pay Deng and Gordon $10 mil per year. The mystery of what is wrong with those two remains for discussion.
5- Deng and Gordon's terrible play may be an aberrration. We sign them for cheap and they blossom next year.

by chgobr on Mar 3, 2008 11:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

LeBron weighed in on HasBen...

The trib had a quote...
"He was the oldest guy and had to be the daddy of that [Bulls] team and play well and do a lot of things that maybe he couldn't do," James said. "There are veterans here. We know how to play. It takes a lot of pressure off him. He can just come and play the way he played when he was in Detroit."

by Lt.Dan on Mar 3, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lebron is a classy guy

who rarely has a bad word to say about any of his teammates to the media ( in game he can be ruthless tho', and will scold you if you are not giving 100 percent effort - ala MJ ) .

Let me translate:

"Ben is old , can't jump, and can't score. The Bulls used to hope that he could dunk it from two feet away from the rim."

"The Cavs have Me, Lebron James and a bunch of role players. I can cover up his faults by scoring a lot."
"I can't believe the Pistons were able to win with this guy!"

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 3, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Your translation is excellent!!!

by chgobr on Mar 3, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I second that...

Had to make a voting reference.

I just liked where LeBron called Wallace "daddy".

by Lt.Dan on Mar 3, 2008 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At one point

Lebron was saying the Cavs are "Ricky Davis' team". That was his rookie season.

lollering

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 11:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That took guts

But like all of your posts, thought provoking. BW's game impact reminds me too much of Damon Stoudamire (without handles) to get too excited about whether he starts, stays, gets traded, etc. On a winning team, I picture him standing outside the three as the third option in any set, not as my point.
Hughes isn't THE answer, but what did you expect for Wallace? Feel pretty confident that was the best offer out there.
Hard to say what the impact would have been if BG and LD accepted those offers. 20/20 doesn't like the current results. If 5 comes true, that will be plenty to smile about.

by California Al on Mar 3, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The benching of Tyrus

is a direct result of the Bulls not understanding that they cant out score everyone. Gooden is a mirage. He's a soft player that doesn't always give the effort but because of his sometimes offensive skills, we place him in the starting line up and rotate Tyrus and Noah. This is a disgrace! Defense leads to winning... this has always been the case and will always be the case for that matter it's the reason the Cavs got there butts kicked last year in the finials and upgraded Gooden for Ben Wallace. They understand that and Pax doesn't.

Until the Bulls have a dominant player on their team the line up should always be:

Kirk/ Ben
Thabo/ Larry
Noah/ Aaron (Unless match up dictates differently)
Tryus/ Gooden
Deng/ Noc

But the Bulls are afaried of this line-up because they don't want to upset the new guys... to hell with the new guys! They not that good anyway.

by Takeaseat on Mar 3, 2008 12:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

defense and offense

lead to winning. I'm not sure what Ferry wanted Ben Wallace for, but Gooden and Hughes were both playing terribly, and it wasn't much of a gamble to trade crap for crap. The Cavs did trade for Wally World, who helps run the extremely unpopular Peja, Vinsanity, & Anthony Defensive Skills Camp every summer.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Mar 3, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont agree

just look at the Spurs and Mavs. Year after year they have one of the most powerful offenses in the league but continue to lose. Offense only gets you so far(Phoenix Suns) Which is the main reason why they made the deal for Shaq. Kerr understands this unlike Pax. They have enough Shaq It wasnt for his offense it was for his defense and cloging the paint. I think this was Paxon's reason for drafting Aaron Gray, and if he gets in to shape that could be a pretty good pick down the line here.

by Takeaseat on Mar 3, 2008 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm afraid i can't follow

any of this. In which universe do the Spurs continue to lose year after year?

by alec on Mar 3, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he meant Suns

not Spurs in that first sentence.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you kidding me?

First of all, the Mavs have been one of the better teams in the NBA since Avery Johnson took over. They haven't played Nellie-ball for quite awhile.

Secondly, the best defender on the Suns was Shawn Marion. While they say that they got Shaq for defensive purposes, if anything his lack of mobility now makes them even worse. The fact that they will have to play at a much slower pace to accommodate Shaq will make their points allowed per game go down, misleading many to think the D has actually improved.

Thirdly, Aaron Gray is not a long term answer for anything but a nice option off the bench. He is big and slow and a massive defensive liability. Noah is the center for the new NBA, a league returning to its tradition of athleticism, skill, and movement. Thankfully, the days of every team paying large behemoths to physically assault any player daring to enter the lane have come to an end.

by snley on Mar 3, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

meant to say Mavs one of best defensive teams

Their defensive ratings starting from this year and going back to the year Avery took over (04-05): 10, 5, 11, 9. More accurately, this rates back to when Nash left, as Avery only coached the last 18 games of the 04-05 season.

by snley on Mar 3, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That would make a great nick-name for Gray!

"The Big Slow"

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 3, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey dont hate on Gray

dude has some skills... and good foot work. Just needs to get into NBA shape. I remember when Dirk first came in to the league he was a mess but after a few years of hard work he got a whole lot better. Not saying that Gray will be the next Dirk but the fundamentals are there.

by Takeaseat on Mar 3, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gray's lack of quickness is a killer

So much so, that he will only be truly effective when there is similarly big, slow player on the other team. Otherwise, he is such a defensive liability, that he would have to produce at Dirk-like levels to warrant any playing time.

by snley on Mar 3, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i like gray

and think he was a pretty good deal at 49. that said, his playing time should rely purely on the matchup since he really is slow. but i really think he'll become a serviceable big man in limited minutes.

by Jaina on Mar 3, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

by sue369 on Mar 3, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What was trying to do is say if you

compare Spurs with Mavs... Mavs being a offensive team and Spurs being Defensive minded. And the Mavs are still a mostly offensive team.

by Takeaseat on Mar 3, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's take a look at that

Year Off Eff Rank Def Eff Rank
04-05 4 9
05-06 1 11
06-07 2 5
07-08 9 10

To me, that looks like a fairly well balanced squad, offensively and defensively. Sure, they may win a little bit more because of their O, but not enough to say they're a "mostly offensive team." To bring the point home a little more, most people associate offensive teams with the idea of running and gunning. Let's throw in Pace Factor ranking for the Mavs.
04-05:9
05-06:26
06-07:28
07-08:24
Again, keep in mind that 04-05 was Nelson's final year with Avery coaching the last 18 games. This team is much closer to the Spurs and Pistons in style of play than the pre-Shaq Suns or Warriors.

by snley on Mar 3, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the Suns and the Mavs?

is that what you meant? Because that's not what I meant.

With the exception of the Pistons, you'll find the past handful of NBA champs were top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Mar 3, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're spot on with your starting line-up

except I would start Noc over Deng. At least until Deng gets back to something resembling last years form. And perhaps even then I keep Noc because of the spacing. ;) Our League worst offense set the season scoring record in ONE game together against Denver. Not trying that some more is just so Boylandish.

by Bass on Mar 3, 2008 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Count me in

I like Noc starting over Deng for the same reasons. I just don't think Deng can stop anybody this season and he can't get the shot falling consistently since returning from the achilles tendonitis.

Noc starts and looks to get 34 minutes. Deng comes off the bench for 24 minutes. Vary minutes based on effectiveness.

I think overall we need to keep Thomas or Noah on the court at all times. When both these guys are on the bench the interior defense practically disappears. Thomas and Noah block the most shots and force the most turnovers.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 3, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Consider yourself counted :)

And I can live with that minutes distribution (Noc/Deng) and frontcourt combination (TT/Noah) for most of the game.

But I just don't see it happening under Boylan... :(

by Bass on Mar 3, 2008 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

UCLA"S Westbrook is a paxson player

Russell Westbrook is a good player on UCLA. He is a lock down defender and has size at point guard at 6'3.5", Great athlete in the devin harris mold but bigger and stronger. If he's available I could see Pax dealing Kirk, and BG.

by armstrong2389 on Mar 3, 2008 8:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Westbrook

Been looking at nbadraft.net recently?

by Kemp on Mar 3, 2008 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

been ignoring the draft diary?

::grumble::

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 10:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You..

all really soil yourself when a joke is made. Is it my fault that reading arguments about the positive sides of picking Thabeet over Hibbert is just to painful to bear?

by Kemp on Mar 4, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it was directed more towards stretch armstrong

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 4, 2008 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I get you.

Right on, no hard feelings bud.

by Kemp on Mar 4, 2008 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is there a new coach out there?

That will actually play Thomas the minutes he needs to prove his actual worth to everyone? Coaching is so fickle, these guys get canned relatively easy. If Thomas goes through a rough stretch(that almost every young player goes through) won't most coaches just revert back to the Boylan/Skiles insanity?

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 3, 2008 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah, new to the site

Been a longtime reader, finally got around to making an account to join my Bulls brethren. I will say, after reading this blog for almost a year, my opinions of Nocioni and Duhon have GREATLy changed.

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 3, 2008 10:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

heh, welcome

I almost feel bad that my anti-Duh and anti-Noc bias (exaggerated bias, admittedly) has corrupted others as well :-). If only it corrupted the coaching staff.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 3, 2008 11:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well you are right

Duhon, I personally feel the rest of the roster has just passed him up in talent(that's saying something). As for Chapu, he's fine in spurts, but considering how much they pay him I would have preferred his value in a sign and trade. Besides, Joakim has all the blue-collar hustle and intensity we could want.

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 3, 2008 11:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

anti-Noc fervor

fueled by the 5 year contract? That's worth mentioning if it is the case. It's a relevant point. Although, the previous 3 seasons at a total cost of 10 million(2.5 per plus 2.5 Tau buyout) was a relative bargain if you ask me.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 4, 2008 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Boylan ???

I think he made a mistake in elevating Gooden and Hughes as starters to soon, he should retract this decision ASAP, and play Thabo and Thomas more. Continue to bring Hughes and Gooden off the bench to force them to attempt to outplay their counterparts.

Making this bone-headed decision so soon caused Boylan to lose his competitive advantage with the players. Thus allowing Hughes to feel free to make bone-headed statements posting all the local newspapers without recourse.

Gooden also seems to need consistent fire against his ... to keep him sharp!

by exult463 on Mar 4, 2008 11:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is it too late?

Boylan's in a lengthy job interview. He's doing whatever he thinks is necessary to get the job permanently. If he doesn't think he will get the job he can just quit.

I'm brown bagging any more games I attend this season.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 4, 2008 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It would take a huge winning streak

For Boylan to remain a top candidate for the job. After that Washington loss and the way they couldn't hold on in Cleveland, I just cannot see how Jim Boylan can help a group of young players mature, or teach them anything. Not everyone's cut out to be a head coach, if you think this is bad look at what Jim Cleamons did in Dallas(seriously the triangle with Jason Kidd??) Personally, I think an outsider is the best choice because he will have no biases coming in about the roster. Unless Paxson wants to control this whole mess himself, no one from the current Bulls staff should have a shot at the job.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 4, 2008 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think, hope, Boylan needs at least the second

round of the playoffs to get the job for next year and beyond. As even making the playoffs becomes a longer shot, though not out of the realm of possibility, looks like he won't be around after this year. I think you're right, Paxson will look for an outside voice. If Paxson were really that interested in controlling coaching decisions about rotations and roster usage, he would already be doing it. Given the usage of Thomas the last couple games, it appears that Paxson's stated reason for the deal, to give the youngsters a chance to develop, is only a slight influence on current decisions.

by snley on Mar 4, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

People stop worring

there is no way that Pax will retain this guy. It doesnt matter if he does lead them to the playoffs. The only thing that would save this dude would be a freak event that resulted in the Bulls winnig the championship.

by Takeaseat on Mar 4, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

We're not maknig the playoffs! So stop the Boylan needs the 2nd round to stay around crap. This guys garbage...

by Bulls4Ever on Mar 4, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

Chance of a long winning streak! Boylan is gone after last game of the season, maybe sooner.

by Bulls4Ever on Mar 4, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Playoff push

Just an fyi that the Bulls are 13 games under 500.
Playoffs are fools gold at this point. Who cares that you make the playoffs in a horrible conference just so you can get crushed for a weeks more games.

Get a real coach and get to next year SOON!

by bullschwaah on Mar 4, 2008 1:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I cant disagree

with you bullschwaah... The fact is we need some trading bait. We have at least two positions to fill and a high draft pick could be just the ticket to a possible trade or a pretty good player in the upcoming draft.

by Takeaseat on Mar 4, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm

still trying to figure out why TT got benched in favor of the terrorist!

by Bulls4Ever on Mar 4, 2008 2:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Grizzly Adams not good enough for ya?

We can do better than "terrorist".

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 4, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Grizzly Adams

is really boring. Terrorist is more appropriate given the way he's taken TT's position hostage. Of course you cant discount that beard.

by Bulls4Ever on Mar 4, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

always glad to see a dumb joke

defended and made more dumb on BaB.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Mar 4, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hscs

realax now one was talking about you.

Your so paranoid..

by Bulls4Ever on Mar 4, 2008 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Terrorist or not

He needs to shave that fucking thing. I've seen homeless men with better groomed facial hair.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 4, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Drew Gooden has a beard!

Can we like, move past this? Or manage to make fun of Drew Gooden's ability to grow a beard better than RogersPark Kris and Bulls4Ever without insulting other cultures, people, me?

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Mar 4, 2008 5:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's not cool

to call anyone a terrorist.

by sue369 on Mar 4, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmmmm

That sounds like terrorist talk to me....

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 4, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

huh?

by sue369 on Mar 4, 2008 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lighten up

Sue369 it was a joke! Just like Kirk and Jimmy Booooylan..

by Bulls4Ever on Mar 4, 2008 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh, too

bad it wasn't funny.

by sue369 on Mar 4, 2008 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

THE TERRORIST!!! LMAO

by Takeaseat on Mar 5, 2008 7:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm so excited!!!

I can't WAIT to see how the Bulls choke the game away to Memphis tonight. I mean, the Washington game was impressive, I'll give them that. Choking away the lead to Cleveland was easy (although the momentum-changing 4th quarter palming violation was impressive work from Number 3). But how in the world are they going to be able to lose to Memphis?!? I really can't imagine, but I have faith in this Bulls team to find a way.

Noah is a hussle machine, and Matt Duhon is our best guard.

by preverbal on Mar 4, 2008 4:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs