Open Game Thread #69: Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

by chgobr on Mar 22, 2008 7:34 AM CDT Comment 175 comments

The Bulls are 2-1 against the Pacers this season. The Pacers have won three straight and are 1/2 games ahead of the Bulls. Gooden and Sefolosha missed practice yesterday but hopefully will play. Hinrich hopes to play but is a game-time decision. The still present, but dwindling playoff hopes are painfully transitioning to summer improvement, look-forward-to-next-year season. Our lingering despair creates more Boylan bashing as well as new summer Bulls improvement strategies. Boylan bashing may not be necessary since he is dead man walking. The new coach name being thrown out is John Calipari. Indiana's version of Bull's coaching uncertainty is Walsh and Larry Bird uncertainty.

I will watch tonight's game trying to answer the following questions:

1.    What is our basketball identity going to be? I've posted my defensive vision thing. Others do not believe our players are made for a defensive shut-down team. With Skiles we were the NBA hustling defensive "we try harder" team. Under Boylan we are the offensively better, defensively poor, weak-willed, no-heart, best 4th quarter collapsing NBA team. What kind of team would we become with Calipari at helm?
2.    What should we do with Ben Gordon? I remain confused.
3.    Is Deng an all-star or an also-ran? Will he blossom into an NBA star or be an overpaid burden on our salary cap?
4.    Can a new coach convert Hughes into a defensive specialist? He is quick, likes to make steals, but can he be taught to play defense at a Bruce Bowen level?
5.    Will Thabo become an elite guard or should we trade him because we will never pay him?
6.    Is this year an aberration for Hinrich or did we make an error and grossly over-pay him? Should we consider trading him?
7.    Gooden looks like a legitimate inside presence. Next year is the last year of his contract. Would we resign him? If not should we trade him? What are we looking to get in a trade?

Enjoy - the game tonight can be viewed as a canvas for summer decision-making!

BLOGGING WITH THE ENEMY:
SBNation Indiana Pacer blog, Indycornrows.com

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

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Comments

aren't we

1-1 against Indy this season?

by Jaina on Mar 22, 2008 10:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Jaina

My bad! I believe we are 2-1, winning the last 2 games against Indy. Thanks!

by chgobr on Mar 22, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I forgot about the 3rd one... I just remember having lost to them the first time.

by Jaina on Mar 22, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, when we lost

to them the first time it turned out to be the first in a season-long trend of losing huge leads. Only no one knew it at that point in the season.

At that time, I found myself thinking it would be great to be the Pacers--they have guys who can simply fill it up. I think Dunleavy scored like 36 points the other night. Tinsley can rack up assists, Daniels can score, and of course when O'Neal comes back they'll have that inside presence offensively. They just lack chemistry.

But then, they're not that different from the Bulls. The Bulls have shown flashes of offensive dominance (occasionally; see their last home game against the Nuggets). And their losing ways seem to have more to do with their lack of team chemistry.

I agree with the above--the Pacers and Bulls have similar issues. Maybe they can swap parts (including GMs?) and just start over. I don't know.

I do know that Bird was really hyping up Ben Gordon coming out of college. And Kirk Hinrich is the Midwestern gym rat who stays out of trouble, something that Indy would probably pay a premium for, with all of their negative press lately.

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

by bullhockey on Mar 22, 2008 10:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We don't know who their GM is going to be

by chgobr on Mar 22, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A winnable game

Yay?

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 11:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm having that problem right now

Do I want the Bulls to win and make a playoff push, or would I rather they lose until they're forced to call it off for the year? I'm finding that I can't actually not pull for the guys to win during each game, yet I'm having no problem at this point brushing off the losses. The Spurs game is the type that would have really bugged me even a month ago, and now I'm just resigned to nights like that.

On the other hand, I would like a couple more really sharp games before the end of the season to save something fun for my summer basketball desperation days.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just hope

like hell Kirk can play tonight.

As to your questions, I hate to see them make too many changes until they bring in a new coach. Give him a chance to work with the players and see if he can turn this ship around. If it had been one player I would say trade him but it wasn't just one. Let's see what a new coaching staff can do with what we have.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 11:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This group of players confuses me.

There are times I think they are really good and we should keep them together. And then there are the other times. I think we need a coach that can build on our strengths. But, what are our strengths? I proposed we can be an excellent defensive team with this group. I think Hughes, with proper coaching could be a terrific defensive force. I also think our team has decent human beings that are coachable.

by chgobr on Mar 22, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They have

played well the last couple of years so I have to think this year is just a bump in the road. There may be factors to this dismal season that we know nothing about. I'd like to see these guys get a chance to redeem themselves.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Give the girl a prize

In my humble opinion, Sue, you hit the nail right on the head. Since the team has been so mismanaged this year, how can anyone objectively evaluate their talent level with a high degree of certainty. Boylan has shown he lacks the skills to innovate. He even said he steals all his ideas from those coaches he has worked for.

He has given the fans no reason to think he actually assimilated most (any?) of them or can
make adjustments on the fly in crucial game situations that would lead to wins. The Bulls did win 49 games last year with some could argue, less talented players. Before we make the mistake of giving up or keeping the wrong players, lets see how they could perform with real coaches who actually understand matchups, cohesion and the value of letting players know thier roles for more than one game, or for that matter, even a quarter.

Please, Jimbo act like you're not afraid to make a mistake once in a while. You have lowered the bar so close to the ground you really have only one way to go without reaching the center of the earth.

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 22, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm tired of hearing that...

...Skiles was a real coach (despite his many flaws) and even he couldn't make it work. We have a good supporting cast but as presently constructed this roster is mediocre at best

by bullsfaninbigapple on Mar 22, 2008 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ummmm

the bulls better keep thabo...and calipari is a good coach, but if pax might dip into the college ranks, i want ben howland from ucla. he gets the most out of his players and his teams always play great d. then the bulls can draft russell westbrook, try and trade hinrich and hughes, and have a three guard rotation of bg, thabo and westbrook. i like that, but i realize hinrich and hughes are probably the two hardest guys to move right now.
i hope the bulls can beat the pacers, but really, i would rather they just totally sucked the rest of the year to get a decent pick. if they still had a shot at the 7th seed, i would be all for them making it. but when you are fighting for the eighth seed to play the east's probable final representative, there isnt much hope anyway.

by Conor on Mar 22, 2008 12:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Two teams in the crapper

I haven't seen a NBA have such bad press over the past few years the way the Pacers have, even the Blazers' fall from grace wasn't this spectacular. Pretty sad when you consider they used to be a top 5 team in the league.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 22, 2008 1:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's what I've learned from

three straight days of watching the Tourney.

There is no player in the college ranks that can save the Bulls, even if we miraculously secured the first pick in the draft.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 22, 2008 1:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

P.S. Beasley has looked the best of the

touted young stars, but I don't think he will be a dominant force at the NBA level.

I guess I could be wrong, though.

I also don't know if the Bulls need another 6-9 forward.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 22, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't there a league limit?

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 6 - Recognizing that he may only be the next Shawn Kemp

by cubbybear on Mar 22, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you'd think

but then wouldn't atlanta have gone over by now?

by Jaina on Mar 22, 2008 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's put this 6'9

dominant college rebounder/scorer in perspective.

Terry Cummings led the NCAA in scoring and rebounding to become an ok pro.

Ditto for Kurt Thomas.

Marcus Fizer was heralded as a man among boys in college, despite the fact that he never really rebounded consistently (or at all).

Two 6'9 guys in the league who come to mind, who have actually dominated in the NBA, are Ben Wallace (pre-Bulls only) and Carlos Boozer (last two-plus seasons only). I'm sure there are other examples, but these are just two that come to mind. Wallace was undrafted out of college. Boozer was drafted in the 2nd round.

Seems to me that taking a highly touted 6'9 scorer/rebounder out of college would be the safe and understandable thing to do. But I don't think it would be the right thing to do.

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

by bullhockey on Mar 22, 2008 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how tall is elton brand

...he's pretty damn good

by bullsfaninbigapple on Mar 22, 2008 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I looked at that, too.

He's listed as 6'8 on his NBA.com profile.

A pretty good pro, but only an All-Star what, once? Twice maybe? Doesn't seem to be able to create his own shot much down low, as that's more Chris Kaman's role. Brand's role seems to be rebounding and put-backs. Hardly worth spending a #1 overall on.

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

by bullhockey on Mar 23, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's sarcasm, right?

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 23, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Terry Cummings

was tearing up the league from his very first game (and was ROY, IIRC?). Then had the heart incident that resulted in defibrillators being mandated present at all NBA games. IIRC he also was put on special meds. His play (and promise) never reached that early level again during his long career. (IMHO)

by marionette on Mar 23, 2008 2:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Career stats link

here

by marionette on Mar 23, 2008 2:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bye bye Dukies.

When LSU made its Final Four run two years ago, Tyrus dominated top seeded Duke. He repeatedly swatted Redick on the defensive end and owned the paint on the offensive end, including a few spectacular tip dunks over Sheldon Williams. The game culminated in a play where Tyrus got an inbounds pass, dribbled the ball coast to coast, and dunked it. Then, on the very next Duke possession, Paulus drove the lane and threw up a runner which Tyrus swatted out of the gym. Tyrus went berserk as a timeout was called.

To see the sequence, go to the 2:45 mark in this video (listen to the announcer gush over Tyrus after the block):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ar6Y8ATzek

It's very sad to see that enthusiastic, promising young talent transformed into a sullen fringe player by the Bulls organization. Disgusting. Pathetic franchise that instigates power struggles with its own young.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 22, 2008 3:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just let them play

I think we've got so much potential. It's just sad to see these players get overwhelmed. I think Tyrus is still adjusting to the NBA lifestyle, and as much as we hate watching Boylan coach, it's easy to see how frustrating that would be for the players.

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 6 - Recognizing that he may only be the next Shawn Kemp

by cubbybear on Mar 22, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Give Tyrus 30 mins in a game

and he'll give you a double-double. He's five for five this year. Not sure why the Bulls coaching staff finds him so appalling.

by No bull on Mar 22, 2008 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow!

I imagine this is the reason Paxson drafted Tyrus because he man handled coach-K's group of Dukie duds in the last 2 minutes of the game. Yes Dukie duds! Riddick was ok, but he's a smallist guard? Paulius and the rest of the Dukie duds are out of the NCAA tournament now? I wish he would have watch more Tournament games that year, and had not been so impressed with a couple of blocks, a sleeping Duke defense and Tyrus's emotional outbursts. Paxson look for real talent, skill and consistency proven over a period of time, potential displayed over 4 games alone doesn't work for the lack of player development programs at the Chicago Bulls. History should have been your lesson with Krause and E-Rob?

by exult463 on Mar 23, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great Post

Love the questions, my thoughts exactly about the rest of the season. I especially agree with the Deng and Hinrich notions. I loved Luol, but lately he's grown to be a major question mark in my book. Is he a 55 million dollar man?

by BarryLird on Mar 22, 2008 4:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll be there behind one of the basket

in my Tyrus jersey!!!

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

by tyrus4prez on Mar 22, 2008 4:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Has Coach K.......

....really looked tired lately, or what?

After these last two games, he may be ready to take a rest from the college game. (Then again, he could come back breathing fire in RDNC next season, too.)

If I were Paxson, I'd make a run at him to be Head Coach of the Bulls, anyway. It can't hurt to try!!

by BullsFanInSeattle on Mar 22, 2008 5:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They said he's had the flu this week

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kirk is

starting tonight. Hope his ankle doesn't bother him too much.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 7:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Pacers feed tonight

It seems like it's been a while since I got the other team's feed. Hopefully the guys play well enough to get talked up a little.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 7:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's no better watching WGN

I'm amazed that WGN - a "superstation", is not even HD for their Bulls Broadcasts.

WTF?

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 22, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Team looks good for the most part.

Glad to see Luol coming out hot. Gordon vs. Deiner is awesome. Two no-defense guards against each other, and Gordon is the FAR SUPERIOR offensive player.

Tyrus Thomas's jump shot looks awesome. It almost looks like he releases it a "nanosecond" too late, but he's got nice form, nice follow-through, nice arc, etc. Anyone who says that all he does is dunk and block shots is an idiot.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 22, 2008 8:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Noc and Boylan get into argument

Noc thrown off the bench into the locker room after the diener in to the chair play.

by armstrong2389 on Mar 22, 2008 8:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fucking Boylan

Too bad Noc didn't punch him.

by Big D on Mar 22, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't even know Noc got tossed from the game

they were just talking about it

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 22, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noc-Boylan

I thought I saw Noc get sent to the locker room. As usual the TV guys were oblivious.

by El Toro de Goro on Mar 22, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noc throwing a little temper tantrum

for the quick playing time hooks.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you see

him go over and grab a towel and throw it at Boylan and the yell something at him? I saw Boylan get up and say something to Noch and then Noch gets up and leaves. Oh boy, it's always something with this team.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry,

He's professional coach Boylan, and he's in charge. ;)

I'm sure fines and DNPs will follow.... Whether this gets Du out of the doghouse or Du and Noc have to share it is another question.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL, yep.

Let's see...

Started with Noah, then Thomas, Duhon, and now Nocioni.

So who's the next Bull to create some drama?

My guess is Hughes, You can tell by the Boylan glares that he's not happy with him.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if anyone actually respects Boylan

Maybe Drew Gooden, since he hasn't been here long and has played well enough that Boylan hasn't been able to jerk him around. Give him a few weeks, though.

by Big D on Mar 22, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't

forget the argument with gray, and the rumors of a gordon/hinrich uprising vs. boylan in the locker room...

by leeac on Mar 22, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

link please

can you possibly link me to any of those stories...I try to follow pretty well but I seemed to have missed out. thanks again!

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 22, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

here's

one regarding hinrich/gordon. the gray/boylan spat i believe happened as he was being yanked from a recent game. i didn't see it but it was discussed a few times here at BaB.

http://www.blogabull.com/story/2008/3/15/22119/8695

by leeac on Mar 22, 2008 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

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 23, 2008 12:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No thanks to Hughes

THABO is da MAN!

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 22, 2008 8:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice reverse there

by Mr. Sefolosha

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 8:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm gonna have to catch the first half later

but the boxscore looks good. Too bad the lead isn't a little nicer. It's quiet in here tonight!

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 8:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not the best half

but i thought tyrus did good in his minutes he just needs to let the game come to him and he does much better. It cracks me up when red bitches about hughes and on the other hand goes crazy for gray. They need to play better d on the three and they should easily have this.

by bullzfan148 on Mar 22, 2008 8:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Gray played well in the minutes given.

They should not have brought back Gooden in for him. He only had 1 foul and was rolling. 5pts 4 rebs? Hughes, on the other hand, took several quick, bad shots in that first half. It seems that when a player is rolling, Boylan constantly rotates players solely on who the opposing coach is rotating. Shouldn't it be the opposing teams job to rotate to try to counter what is working for you?

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

o yeah i agree...

i had no problem with him he did play very well i just think it is funny to listen to kerr every time he gets the ball

by bullzfan148 on Mar 22, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hawks beat the Magic

Have to win tonight, then it's due or die next week with two games against Atlanta.

That's some early playoff fever right there!

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 8:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyone know why Nocioni was thrown off the bench..

..and sent back to locker room before half? Anyone listening on radio? I wonder if the Wennington crew has any insight.

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 8:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

why do they let Duhon sit on the bench?

i hate seeing him next to Tyrus, probably polluting his mind.

by Orlando Woolridge on Mar 22, 2008 8:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bulls need to stop double teaming ball handlers

Indiana has too many 3 point shooters.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 8:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus in the second half!

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what is boylan doing...

noah was playing very well why take him out. Should have taken out gooden he is not having his best of games.

by bullzfan148 on Mar 22, 2008 9:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I truly think Noah was tired. The guy displays

more effort than anyone else on the floor, so he's gotta be tired. Gooden had a started off well, but so far is just hitting boards.

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was that a no-look pass

from Gooden? hahahaha

by Illini15 on Mar 22, 2008 9:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA down 3 at the half....

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 9:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bah!

Not the damn 4rth quarter collapse again!

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 9:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No matter what they do in the 3rd,

there's always the 4th to let the other guys back in. Sigh.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just a little more time and Boylan will coach

them into a 20 pt deficit.

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was that a

Luol Deng sighting in the fourth quarter??

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 9:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Deng showing he is still rough and not even close

to allstar material.....stupid foul!

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The meltdown is on

lol

by Illini15 on Mar 22, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

21-7 run by the Pacers

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good job, Bulls!

Way to maintain that lead! Way to play with composure! Way to step up and be that team we can all be proud to cheer for!

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 9:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just got home

And see that we're in a 1point game....... I also see that we have a small lineup in right now......

This looks very familiar, THINK I CAN GUESS WHAT HAS TRANSPIRED UP UNTIL THIS POINT? I bet you I can!!!!

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 22, 2008 9:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

so he takes out noah

to put in gooden

LEAVE BOTH OF THEM IN YOU DUMMY!!!!!

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 22, 2008 9:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BOOOOOOOOO

by Big D on Mar 22, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ok, we have to be tanking on purpose, right?

Right?

by Illini15 on Mar 22, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Notice that Noah is not on the floor and the s**t

is really hitting the fan?

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hahahahahaha

when you dont laugh you cry.....

by rquinsee on Mar 22, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This one is probably the nail in the playoff

coffin.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

is it even frustrating any more?

or just hilariously predictable?

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 22, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

CHI TOWN BASKETBALLLLL

by gobulls1124 on Mar 22, 2008 9:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The same stuff as the rest....... all lapses due

to horsesh**t coaching in practice and in game.

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 9:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

its

Borderline funny

by rquinsee on Mar 22, 2008 9:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Haha

How predictable. :) Well coached!

by Bass on Mar 22, 2008 9:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wow

THIS TEAM FUCKIN SUCKS

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 22, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Boylan

incredibly stupid

so fuckin stupid

unbelievable

by Deng is the next Bull superstar on Mar 22, 2008 9:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Boylan is pathetic

These 4th quarter line-ups are killing the team. Why can't he leave Noah and Gooden/Thomas in the game for the 4th? Why can't he see the Bulls need players who can protect the rim on the floor. Man, its like playing against two coaching staffs, the opposing teams and your own.

by danger mouse on Mar 22, 2008 9:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Think Duhon asked

Dunleavy if they need a back-up PG?

by Bass on Mar 22, 2008 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There's no way this isn't a tank job

No coach is this dumb

by Illini15 on Mar 22, 2008 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What did Thabo do

to be tied to the bench?

http:\\playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Mar 22, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I swear

these college teams look more composed in the closing minutes than the Bulls do.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 22, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no thabo, no tyrus

too little noah, when he was dominating them.. i understand giving the guy a rest but he was out way too long.

torture.

by Jaina on Mar 22, 2008 10:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Why not

much Thabo in the second half? I just don't get it, I just don't.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 10:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed

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 22, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't wait to hear what Boylan has to say about

this one. How can any team ever think they're out of it against the Bulls - the 4th quarter collapses are becoming infamous.

Well, only 13 more games of this.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 10:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It use to

be the 3rd quarter which gave them time to recover but they can't do that when they let it happen in the 4th.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True,

or the occasional 2nd. This year has been so frustrating I almost wish they could just forfeit the rest of the games. It's too damn depressing to watch this night after night.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boylan looked like he was about to cry....lol

You suck jackass!

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Boylans lips

were zipped on the Noch situation. He said it would be handled internally. Dammit I wanna know.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 10:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They haven't kept anything quiet all year

so I've got to believe something will leak out.

I think I've officially hit stat watching stage. It's too miserable to care about all the losses, so I'm just going to be happy for the 10 assists and 0 TOs for Kirk, and the good shooting percentages for Lu, Ben and Joakim.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They are going

to talk to Noch here in a minute but I'm sure it will be company speak from him.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So was it something along the lines of

he's just frustrated with losing, heat of the moment, etc?

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty much.

Of course he apologized to his coaches and team mates. Then Drew said that they are all frustrated.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep,

I was happy to see Kirk not have any TO's. I wonder if his ankle is sore today?

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

where...

sue, where are you getting the post game info from? (I'm sorry for all my stupid questions, I'm just a bit slow today)

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 22, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

CSN

by BiNgO on Mar 22, 2008 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OH

usually I'm in Michigan, but I'm home for easter in Chicago...I screwed up bigtime by missing that the few times I actually could have watched it! I'll note that for future games, thanks! Anything else worth mentioning that was said?

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 22, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep CSN.

They said they are going to talk to the players about Noch getting the boot tonight.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank you

thank you thank you thank you I have it on now

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 22, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are welcome

and if you misssed some of Boylan's press conference Sports Nite will be on again at midnight.

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I'm Jim Boylan. I'm in charge.

I've got an ego as big as my nose. And a brain as big as my pinkey toe."

Hey, Jim, when Andres Nocioni - the Bulls' poster boy for effort, energy, sacrifice, and team unity - turns on you, it is officially OVER.

You are the worst coach the Bulls' franchise has EVER had. You are a dunce, a dolt, a dunderhead, a moron, a clinical idiot, a retard, a fool, a loon, a mental midget, a cretin, a simpleton, an imbecile, and a dimwit of epic stature.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 22, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yup

I can understand how people can write off Thomas and Noah as head cases, and Duhon as a drunk, even though I don't agree with those characterizations (well, OK, maybe Duhon is a drunk). But if you have problems with Nocioni, then you just can't get along with players. Say what you want about his contract, but Noc has never been a troublemaker. Is there a single player on this team that respects Boylan? And most of the guys on this team were here last year when the Bulls were winning, so they didn't become troublemakers overnight.

by Big D on Mar 22, 2008 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

re pinky toe

Why do you keep holding back? We can handle the truth. Now, tell us how you really feel about the myth, the man, the legend. Although it will be difficult to top "a dimwit of epic stature".
lol

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 23, 2008 2:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has anyone ever seen...

Eddie? The movie where Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie, is selected from the crowd and a fan of the New York Knicks and takes over the losing team to coach...and then end up winning something?

I personally think that it would be a fantastic idea to do this for our dear Chicago Bulls last games of the season. What's the worse that can happen? We'd make the playoffs?

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 22, 2008 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I dunno,

the first time Thabo spoke to me in that sweet accent of his I don't think I could concentrate ever again. ;-)

by sue369 on Mar 22, 2008 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what?

I had to re-read that a few times and make sure you said Thabo and not Kirk...I thought he was your guy!

I'd maybe let Duhon play if I got one of those lap dances I've seen pictures of all over the web.

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 23, 2008 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a fan

of both. I'm sure Du would be happy to oblige you. ;-)

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

Does anyone ever do anything at the pacers blog, i clicked the link, and saw....no comments, the threads are there, just no one talking. It was like walking into a ghost town, but in the blogosphere. Wierd....

Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Mar 22, 2008 11:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just like Conseco Fieldhouse this season

by Big D on Mar 22, 2008 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of these SB Nation blogs are like that

I dunno, maybe there's better blogs out there for those teams. This blog, GSOM, and the Blazers one seem to get tons of traction.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 23, 2008 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was the best Pacer blog I could find

by chgobr on Mar 23, 2008 6:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder what Pax is thinking...

.right now.

by bullsfaninbigapple on Mar 22, 2008 11:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he was at the game!!

they showed him!!

he didn't look pleased. and that was before they started blowing it. :P

by Jaina on Mar 22, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's trying to remember what Skiles said

that got him a nice fat severance check and a chance to walk away from this mess.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 22, 2008 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he saw this coming...

He certainly has more vision than Boylan, who still doesn't understand that they tally the score up at the end of the fourth, not the end of the third.

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 6 - Recognizing that he may only be the next Shawn Kemp

by cubbybear on Mar 23, 2008 3:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm gonna have to...

...second this motion. Sounds exactly like what's probably going through his mind...LOL.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nocioni...AND Aaron Gray

And apparently Kirk and BG have fought with Boylan. Are you kidding me? Can someone lose control of a team so badly?

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 23, 2008 12:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Let's make a shorter list

Who hasn't had problems with Boylan:

Gooden
Simmons
Brown
Nichols
Deng?

I think that cuts it. I mean, this guy's gotta go. And I don't mean after the season's over.

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 6 - Recognizing that he may only be the next Shawn Kemp

by cubbybear on Mar 23, 2008 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's see

what if anything the next few days brings. My guess is Pax comes out and says "Look, I know the guys are frustrated. We all are. I think Jim did the right thing by handling it internally. I'm evaluating everything and some changes need to be made this summer and I'll work on that."

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

by exult463 on Mar 23, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deng puts up INCREDIBLE numbers AGAIN..........

...and fizzles and disappears in the games crucial moments AGAIN!!! Is anyone else sick of this mess?

You are supposedly one of the guys we should be able to lean on Deng, yet you come up so little when we REALLY need you. This is PAINFUL!!!

4 shot attempts (two were layups that happened within the last minute of the game after we had already lost the lead...again) during the stretch where the Vaunted Indiana Pacers made their comeback and overtook us.

Now Ben Gordon was 2-8 in the 4th quarter, but at least we know Ben will show up down the stretch on a lot of nights.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i've already defended

deng a bit to you from another game, and while i'm making no excuses, it would help if boylan ever let deng play his natural position down the stretch instead of putting him at the 4.

by Jaina on Mar 23, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also

he once again played through the entire 2nd half.

and this was while playing pf through much of the 4th (after thomas/noah were replaced by hughes/gooden).

just ridiculous. tyrus could have stayed in and gave lu a break or something. i'd say he was playing more minutes because his backup was out, but sefolosha could have backed him up at sf, as well.

by Jaina on Mar 23, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I respect how you feel regarding this Jaina...

...and I agree to an extent. But I played college basketball ('93 - '97) and am friends with several current and former pros and the they constantly express to me the that thing about basketball is as you get to higher levels the best players exert their wills on the game regardless of where they are.

So while agreeing that Deng has no business EVER playing the 4, my gripe is with the fact that he doesn't possess the will to do what this Bulls team really needs him to do for us to win consistently.

All these complaints I read about what the Bulls don't do.....hustle, team play, heart, etc... we could win an NCAA championship if we do those things. But in addition to all those things, you need a COLD BLOODED KILLA out there too who possesses all those traits to put you over the top. For example, why could we not beat the Wizards in the playoffs 2 years straight? Because Gilbert Arenas wouldn't let us win, and that's the bottom line!!! He willed them to victory over us. We lucked up and got Miami last year who really packed it in to be honest and we won and everyone got overly excited.

Now I'm not speaking specifically about Arenas, but guys with those mindsets lead you to CHAMPIONSHIPS at some point and not nice seasons!!! The nice season thing was nice 2 seasons ago and tolerable last season. It was time to kick things into gear THIS YEAR, but our GM didn't make the moves we needed him to make to put us in that position and it seems it may have had something to do with Deng not being expendable.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i guess

it's more of this is how i see things.

i wish deng did all the things you say he doesn't do, however, i recognize that maybe he ISN'T one of "the best players" but 2nd tier or something. he's not lebron or kobe, and will never be... exerting your will when you've gotten no rest in the 2nd half and you're playing out of position is a very difficult thing... and moreover while i'd love for him to take over a game even in a situation like that (which was last night), only a really superior player could do such a thing and i've never claimed deng is on that level. maybe the whole deal is that he shouldn't be treated that way by the organization. such as even giving him a 2 minute break in the 2nd half, but he doesn't even get that much! why boylan insists playing him incessantly is beyond me.

for example, he played 20 minutes straight in the 2nd half against san antonio, a blowout. against indiana, he got no rest in the 2nd half. same against new orleans and philly. it's one thing to have to carry your team after no rest in a half occasionally, but this is night after night. the guy is only human. the only time in the past week of games he got a significant rest was against new jersey.

i like deng a lot, and i want to see him on the bulls next year.

and btw... we only played the wiz one year in the playoffs.

by Jaina on Mar 23, 2008 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now that line of thinking....

... is right on target and I agree 100% with what you said. This is my ENTIRE gripe with Deng. If some of us Bulls fans would come down from cloud 9 with this guy then they would see exactly what you and I see. Deng would be a terrific second banana and the top 3rd option in the league, hands down. But he is no lead guy yet that's how he has been treated within this organization and on this blog when the truth is he hasn't accomplished anything yet and it disgusts me to no end!

Contrary to popular belief, I like Luol Deng. Hell, I'm a huge Duke fan (killed me to see them lose to West Virginia but in all honesty they should have lost to Belmont) and I love all the "Dukies". I told someone here before that when Deng was in college I was CERTAIN he'd be the second coming of Grant Hill (in his prime) and when we drafted him I was ecstatic. At the time I felt he was an absolute steal at #7. Now in retrospect there are two or three guys I may rather have (Iguodala, Josh Smith, Al Jefferson). But the more I watch him, the more I realize he's not a leader at heart. But if someone comes and leads then like a good soldier he will follow and give you exactly what you need. But without that leader he won't blossom. I would like to keep him as well, but not at $10 million a season and we MUST land a star level player somehow in order to take the leadership burden off the mentally fragile group we have now.

Sorry bout the playoff thing. You are absolutely right. Miami was twice.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I said Deng

was the second coming of Robert Horry. He's making me look pretty good right about now, huh hscs? :-p

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 23, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm glad

we've come to an understanding, haha.

i think you finally see what i've been saying, i'm sorry if i hadn't been clear... while i've been defending him it hasn't been because i think he's such a great player... it's because i understand his limitations and that he's been overused. but because of that i still defend him, since it's not his fault he's put in that position night after night by the coaching staff.

by Jaina on Mar 24, 2008 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think the leadership thing is the problem. Last year he seemed to be growing, and I remember after the first game of the year when he was jawing with the Nets and trading buckets with them, I thought he was going to take over.

And then it's all somehow vanished, and all I'm reminded of is Tayshaun Prince eating him up in the final game last year.

I know all this is annecdotal stuff, but it bugs the hell out of me. I don't understand where the fire went.

My Blog (Econ/Politics/Sports/NBA Salary Info)

by Sports2 on Mar 24, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your Deng

bitching is getting old. You've let it be known several times how you feel.

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So what Sue!

Just skip over my comments then because the next time I force you to read what I write will be the first time. You are out of your mind if you think I will stop.

Damn, the nerve of some people!!!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's an

idea. Try saying something new.

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's another idea

When Deng tries something new, like showing up in a game down the stretch, then I'll try something new.

My goodness. If I'm bothering you that much then why is it so hard to just not read or comment on ANYTHING I say.

Wow!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why don't

you write him a letter telling him how you feel? I doubt he reads this blog so he has no idea how you really feel about him.

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He knows he underachieves so...

... there is no need for me to tell him anything. But you win Sue. Just so to get you to quick talkin' to me, I will leave him alone today.

But much the same way I don't hesitate to light his ass up, I'll give him credit when he deserves it.

Do yourself a favor. When u see lexdiamonds0730, see if u can find it in yourself to not reply unless you wanna argue a point because you are out of your mind if you think that YOU will keep me from talkin' about im or whoever else deserves to be talked about.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

she got me too lexi

i've been noticing that she thinks it's ok to blast Gordon or Deng or anyone else (except for Hinrich) in almost every diary, but she tries to jump on other people when they post their opinion.

Sue, it's ok to disagree with someone's point (I think that's the point of this place) but you don't always have to be so sarcastic and negative to everyone else's opinions. If Lexidiamonds hates Deng or anyone else, so what? If you don't like it, don't post. Nobody is MAKING you read or reply to what he says.

I'm sure you'll respond to this post with something sarcastic or negative now and I'll incur your wrath...but somehow I think I'll manage to make it through the rest of the day :-)

by NormVanBeer on Mar 23, 2008 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Happy Easter!!

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice! :-)

by NormVanBeer on Mar 23, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wait a sec

Isn't Sue sticking up for Deng in this one?

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 23, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes she was

but that wasn't the point. The point was that she seemed to be getting on the other guy because he was stating his dislike for Deng. I didn't know there was a limit to how many times we could bash someone here.

Nothing against Sue, she makes some good points, it just seemed out of place.

by NormVanBeer on Mar 24, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Sue's point was

We get it, lexi doesn't think Deng is that great. That's fine. We all understand it, and nobody is really arguing that vociferously against it. But it isn't the first time it's been thrown out there, and it doesn't need to be rehashed every single game. Everybody knows lexi is the guy who doesn't think Deng is that good so let us know when something changes...

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 24, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

by sue369 on Mar 24, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i see your point

oh well...no harm, no foul. I had only seen a couple of posts by Lexi ranting on Deng, maybe that's why it seemed out of place to me...I didn't know that it had been rehashed a bunch of times.

by NormVanBeer on Mar 24, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rehashed a bunch of times indeed!!!

Almost as many times as the Boylan can't coach theme but not quite that much. I guess I'm on a personal mission to catch up to that number...LOL. Whatever.

But I really could care less that some of you don't like me writing about Deng. Well this convuluted idea that Deng is some great player is my #1 gripe so I voice MY opinion. I don't like some of what you all post here, but I'm not such a egomaniacal person that I think I should be able to dictate to someone what they want to rant about. Feel free to write what you want and I can choose to read it or if I don't like it then I don't have to. To write what you feel is your right as long as Matt allows it. Despite what I may feel about what you write, you shouldn't stop doing what you are doing. Again though, when something changes with Deng then I'll talk about something different.

I'm always on his ass because with the team we have he is the most important player in my opinion. Now if we see a pattern of positivity from Deng then I'll be the first to compliment him. But as I said, if this pattern of negativity continues then I'll continue to lay into him and that's the bottom line.

Just wait 'till you get a load of what I have to write about him next........that is unless when you see "Deng" in the subject you have enough common sense to simply skip over it if you don't want to read about it. It seems I already know of at least one person who won't be able to help but to read and comment on whatever I say. Makes me feel rather important in their life :)

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 24, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And another thing

I thought the purpose of Blog-a-Bull was to be a "discussion" board, but maybe I'm in the wrong place. I'm a logical man and when someone counters my posts with logical arguments then I have no choice but to take a critical look at it and it ends up being a good discussion. It seems some people are incapable of that though. But this should be no place for attempting to silence one's opinions.

Hell, I'm a passionate Bulls fan and have been since about 1983. Ever since I've been a fan there has been a guy on the team that fans could unanimously agree was worth cheering for. Hollywood, MJ, Scottie, Pax, Elton Brand, ?????? I thought Deng would be that next guy but to this point he's let me down (with the exception of what seems to be the mirage that we call the 2007 Miami series) and I will boo his ass when i'm at the games and talk about him on here if I so choose to until he changes my opinion or until someone makes logical arguments to the contrary....like Jaina for instance.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 24, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the discussion has already done been had

nobody is really arguing except the guy mentioned below. And you're not discussing anything, you're just saying the same thing over again and again. And nobody is really disagreeing with you. We're all bummed Deng isn't better.

I guess the point is, if you want discussions, you need to come up with something to discuss. Deng not being that good isn't a viable topic anymore.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 24, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And another thing

lexi, there is only one guy who thinks Deng is the Next Bulls Superstar. I think that guy's handle is "Deng is the Next Bulls Superstar." So unless you see a comment from "Deng is the Next Bulls Superstar", you can safely assume that we don't think Deng is the Next Bulls Superstar.

Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 24, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In defense of Jim Boylan.....

...and I don't know why i'm defending him because I don't think he is a particularly good coach, but I don't think he's as bad a coach as he seems either.

The truth is he has a team that lacks major talent. This team was decent the past few years because of effort, not talent. Skiles coaxed that effort out of them but as it was apparent from the PRE-SEASON this year that something was different. Boylan has been thrust into a situation where any coach would have had difficulty succeeding. Now having said that, he should NOT be brought back next year and I think Paxson did Boylan an injustice by putting him in the situation he did.

But true talent will overcome a lot. How many people were calling Doc Rivers incompetent last year. He gets two all-stars and now he is 55-14 and on the verge of winning coach of the year. If we had a player or two who consistently played at a star level then our fortunes would be different as well.

So again, Boylan will NEVER be mistaken for a great coach, but he isn't as bad as he seems. The error in his ways are just magnified because we are losing the way we are and players are failing to produce at the level needed to consistently win.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

totally disagree

As an NBA head coach, you need to know how to maximize what you have. Boylan has no idea how to do that. He has no ability to put the right players on the floor at the right time. In fact, he has an uncanny knack for putting the wrong players on the floor to minimize success. He is garbage and should not be allowed to finish the season.

The players deserve a lot of blame for not performing this season, but Boylan has made things much worse. Maybe he can coach Duhon in Israel next season.

by Stay Chisel on Mar 23, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will concede that your...

...comments are right on. I don't pretend to be the most eloquent writer and you definitely put it all much better than I ever could have.

I didn't mean to insinuate that Boylan is very good at all. I meant to emphasize how I think Paxson is more to blame here becuase he put the guy in an impossible position. I said it when he took over the job and I'll say it again now. Boylan should have committed to the young guys playing 30-40 minutes EVERY game because we aren't going anywhere this year. Instead, Paxson had him thinking he was on an extended job interview and in trying to win and develop guys he ends up not being able to do either and looking absolutely horrible due to the decisions (or indecision depending on how you look at it). I did not want him when he came on and I don't want him even on the staff next year. Let him go be an assistant somewhere else so that he can be their interim coach someday. Leave us alone!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

People have very short memories

Doc Rivers was a coach of the year with the Orlando Magic several years ago. Doc Rivers gets the respect of his players even if he isn't the greatest head coach. Jim Boylan would never get respect. Put him in charge of Boston, He'd play Glen Davis 1 minute a game and yank him because KG has "earned" 47 minutes a game.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 23, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No I didn't forget the Doc was C.O.Y.

I think Doc is a damn good coach, and as I said I don't think much of Boylan at all. With more talent, Boylan probably would do boneheaded things and I won't deny that. I just don't think this mess is all his fault. Having said that, it is absolutely understandable why this guy has been an assistant his whole career (except that college head coaching job).

But again, when you are losing everything looks worse. Even if we were winning though, I recognize that this guy isn't the answer as coach. In losing, many people automatically throw the coach under the bus. But if we were winning, how many fans would actually see that this guy needs to be thrown under the bus anyway?

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boylan didn't ask for this

But, I'd like to think a suitable head coach would have this team playing better. Some interim coaches are there just to weather a crappy year and get it over it. Boylan has managed to make this season WORSE. That's no easy feat.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 23, 2008 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wrong

by sue369 on Mar 23, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Doc Rivers is highly overrated

I don't see him as unique coach at all.

Danny Ainge hired Tom Thibodaeu as an assistant coach with a specialty in defense. He's been awesome this year and it's very helpful to have KG essentially preaching the same message in practice and in games.

Prior to this season the Doc Rivers' teams have been very weak defensively. He just cannot teach team defense let alone motivate players to even want to play defense.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 24, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guys

I think it's apparent that they're tanking. Every 4th quarter they've blown has been mostly due to these retarded lineups with Deng or Noc at power forward, leaving them with virtually no D or rebounding on the floor. Yet for some reason, Boylan keeps doing the same thing. I'm telling you...no one is this dumb. I really think it might be intentional at this point.

by Illini15 on Mar 23, 2008 1:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe its a case of...

ILL SHOW YOU MY LINEUPS ROCK!!!!! Meaning hes gonna keep using these gay lineups until they win a game and then say, "SEE, my lineups were good all along, its the players who werent showing effort or heart" ....that actually seems more logical then him tanking on purpose then getting upset over the way the team played.

Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Mar 23, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

happy they're tanking

im actually happy that they're tanking. it gives them a better chance in the lottery, and maybe if they keep losing they'll get behind milwaukee and charlotte and have the seventh-best chance at winning the draft lottery. its infuriating to watch the games, but ive stopped watching since the philly game. and the seventh-worst team actually has a decent chance at getting the first pick. im pretty sure milwaukee was #7 a few years ago when they got bogut. portland and seattle werent in the top 4 either, i think. anyways, if they end up with derrick rose or michael beasley, it'll probably be worth tanking the last part of the season.

by hughes sucks on Mar 23, 2008 1:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The sad reaction

is that we are not tanking on purpose. It's happening as a result of alleging trying to make the playoffs.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 24, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

wholeheartedly

by Illini15 on Mar 23, 2008 1:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping we can take Blake Griffin

He's a natural moose and is an inch taller and ten pounds bigger than beasley. He also has good fundamentals and a solid post game. His dad was his coach in high school so he has his hed screwed on tight.

by armstrong2389 on Mar 23, 2008 3:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Reminds me a bit of Kris Humphries with his.....

...size and athleticism. But the more I watch Griffin the more I become a fan of his. If he get a late lottery pick like it seems we will then I'd be happy with this pick. Griffin has a bit of a mean streak and a bit of an edge to him and I like it. A guy like that up front with Noah and the two of them developing together. That's a start to the type of toughness we sorely lack!!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 23, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

another young big?

i hope you're kidding

by Illini15 on Mar 23, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey,

He's got a whole year in college! {Gag}

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 6 - Recognizing that he may only be the next Shawn Kemp

by cubbybear on Mar 23, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've seen some stuff just recently down here

suggesting he might do a second year at school. I always take rumors like that with a huge grain of salt because, obviously, being a lottery pick in the NBA pays a hell of a lot better than a sophomore year in college. Anyway, the reason for staying that I've heard is to play another year with his brother, Taylor, who will be a senior next season.

I'd still guess he goes, but thought I'd share that info.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 23, 2008 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs