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Nocioni fined, not suspended, for outburst

Tiny by Big D on

[ed. note: From the diaries. Yes I'll get back to writing soon, but why bother when BigD nails it: what's with the double standard? It's almost as if Paxson had no idea that his players may one day need discipline, so he's just making them up as he goes along. The 'character guys' crew is now amongst the worst locker rooms in the NBA, and this Boylan era is doing so much damage that Paxson deserves as much heat for it as any personnel mistake. But at least they're not wearing headbands. -Matt.]

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2008/03/nocioni-fined.html

Andres Nocioni and Jim Boylan literally kissed and made up Monday, with the Bulls' interim coach hamming it up for the TV cameras and kissing the forward he fined on the head as Nocioni addressed the media.

The Bulls fined Nocioni an undisclosed amount on Monday for berating Boylan after he got pulled from a short stint in Saturday's home loss to the Pacers. Nocioni apologized without taking questions Saturday night but sat for a lengthy interview session on Monday and reiterated his regret for his uncharacteristic team-destructive outburst.

So Noah gets suspended TWO games for cursing out an assistant coach during a practice, while Nocioni only gets fined for cursing out the head coach during a game.  Somebody please explain the difference to me. Does this mean that Ron Adams is more deserving of respect than Jim Boylan? He probably is, but Boylan is technically still the head coach for another few weeks.

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Ick
The place where Boylan kissed Nocioni immediately turned green and oozed puss.
My Blog (Econ/Politics/Sports/NBA Salary Info)

by Sports2 on Mar 24, 2008 5:26 PM CDT   0 recs

absolutely fucking ridiculous!!
and so disturbing that boylan actually kissed noc on the head.

wtf.

"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Mar 24, 2008 5:32 PM CDT   0 recs

It's an insult
to people that actually pay to watch these bums play basketball.  

Joking around after collapsing in one game after another.

Disgraceful.

by Orlando Woolridge on Mar 24, 2008 5:45 PM CDT   0 recs

They do this on purpose?
Seriously, its bad enough that hes gonna get fined but then they do the kiss which just raises the question, 'whats with the kiss?'

Man i think they do this as a ploy to move attention. Its like man lets get everyone to pay attention to the kiss and not the fact that i just fined em and no one will care.

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

by piccolomair on Mar 24, 2008 5:47 PM CDT   0 recs

Also said
on CTL tonight that in recent weeks Noah was talking to Deng (after a game) and was very upset that he had been yanked in the game that night and his minutes cut.

Has this coaching staff never heard of communicating with the players? When Boylan yanks them out go to them and tell them why and give them a chance to redeem themselves. It's not that hard is it?

I don't understand how Noch gets by with just a fine. That's just not right.

by sue369 on Mar 24, 2008 6:41 PM CDT   0 recs

I'm not saying it's right, but...
Noc seems to have a certain brand of charisma that Pax and presumably Reinsdorf have really fallen for.

Apparently, a veteran who goes all out all the time and tries his hardest, even when making bone-headed roaming plays on defense, can get away with this shit. Apparently, a rookie who does the same cannot.

Maybe Noc's 25-points, 18 rebounds in his first ever Bulls playoff game has something to do with it. That was the night that the UC was chanting Nocioni's name.

I could see why they fall for the hyper and red-faced Chapu.

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

by bullhockey on Mar 24, 2008 7:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Doesn't the immediate reaction matter?
Noc was kicked off the bench, sent the locker room, but then stuck around until the end of the game to address his coaches, then his teammates, and finally the media.  He took no questions, but just offered his apologies and acknowledged that his behavior was wholly unacceptable.

He's not saying "that's what they thought" or "I can't change their decisions" which are statements that indicate the individual doesn't yet realize that what they had done was wrong.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 25, 2008 3:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I have nothing against Chapu
and understand why he lashed out at dunderhead.  How can any professional athlete play for this
shmuck and not be confused and frustrated, even if he is getting adequate minutes?  Can anyone understand his rationale regarding matchups, rotations, play calling, etc.?

But I believe if Tyrus threw this tantrum he would have met the same fate or worse as Duhon, meaning goodbye playing time for the rest of the season.

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 24, 2008 9:21 PM CDT   0 recs

I kinda think he should have missed a game
at least, if not two.  Noc is a self-described role-player.  If he's not the kind of guy who you can make an example of, then I don't know who is.  Sure he plays hard all the time, but how does that put him above the rules.  This is tantamount to saying Noc was right.  This isn't to say I don't like Noc or his approach, but Noc certainly wasn't helping to stave off any fourth quarter collapses, so they weren't going to miss him.  He's signed for the rest of the decade, so he's not going anywhere.  This doesn't make much sense to me.  Why is Noc the guy who they can't jerk around?  They've jerked everybody else around...
Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 24, 2008 10:08 PM CDT   0 recs

it's not even
"making an example" of him.  it's the fact it's a complete double standard to suspend your rookie/2nd year player TWO GAMES for a lesser offense.  missing practice, as well as yelling at an assistant during practice, is not as bad as throwing a towel at your coach while swearing at him in the middle of a game.  period.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Mar 24, 2008 10:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I wouldn't go that far
we don't actually know what Noah did, and it was apparently more than just a little yelling.  And I even understand holding the young guys to a higher standard to a certain extent, but you have to have consistency or it just seems capricious.

Unless the fine was for...  one million dollars!  But even that won't make Matt happy since it doesn't come off of the salary cap.

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

by bullshooter on Mar 24, 2008 10:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

true
but he should have been suspended at least one game, imo.  no suspension just reeks of.. i don't know what.  even duhon got deactivated.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Mar 24, 2008 10:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Suspended for what though?
He didn't throw a towel at the coach, he threw it down behind the bench. Saying he threw it at the coach is an exaggeration. And he wasn't even cursing, he was aggressively and repetitively asking "Why? What did I do? Why? Why? How can I play well for so short? Why?..." etc.

I don't think he deserved a suspension for that. I (I think he deserves a pat on the back actually!) Plus, I think this was Noce's first offense. And he immediately handled the situation afterwards by staying to apologize to Boylan after the game, then apologizing to the team. BTW, Noce had a bunch of family in from Argentina who rarely get to see him play, so I think that sparked his emotional reaction.

Compared to Noah, who absolutely BERATED the coach with a long lashing of profanities and apparently even gestures, Noce's offense was a misdemeanor. Plus, Noah's been late for practice, buses and games more than a few times...

In Duhon's situation, he was just an idiot:) And he too has been late to a TON of things. Remember, he was even suspended for a game last year for missing a practice after he was seen partying late the night before...

Hinrich, Gordon, and Gray have all had little run-ins with Boylan in recent weeks and none of them have been suspended or even fined...

by smash on Mar 25, 2008 1:56 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I was wondering
if you were at that game? Someone who said they were at the game said Noch used quite a bit of profanity. You are correct that he threw the towel behind the bench. That can clearly be seen in clips from the game.

by sue369 on Mar 25, 2008 2:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes...
I was actually sitting right the bench- great seats for all the action!  Noce might have cursed at him at halftime in the locker room I suppose, but I didn't hear anything blatant when he was on the bench... Just what I stated above. He was definitely questioning the "coach", but not cursing or threatening or anything.

by smash on Mar 25, 2008 3:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That is interesting...
I wonder why they escorted him off the bench then.  Did you notice a turning point?  Towel throwing maybe? Did he just not seem to shut up quick enough no matter what was saying and that got him escorted off?  Or does the coach just not understand his accent and like the refs simply assume the worst and T him up/send him to the locker room?  :)

by cranscape on Mar 25, 2008 3:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i don't get it
i absolutely don't get this.  Complete horseshit.  THIS is why this team is where it is.  No consistency on OR off the court.

What Duhon, Tyrus, or Noah did pales in comparison to this...so why the slap on the wrist?

This all falls back to Paxson.  He's basically saying that it's ok to throw a towel at and curse your coach in public.  No backbone at all.  Fire Paxson.  Fire Boylan.  Fuck this weak fickle-ass team.

by NormVanBeer on Mar 24, 2008 11:20 PM CDT   0 recs

The Tribune has a poll up
It's asking if Jim Boylan should get the job permanently.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080324-bulls-poll,0,557999,post.p oll

The current results are 123-6 that he should not.  Apparently 6 members of the Boylan family are surfing the internet tonight.

by Big D on Mar 25, 2008 12:10 AM CDT   0 recs

6 votes for Boylan
What a terrifying thought.
If those votes came from family members does that mean he can reproduce?  

What does that portend for the survival of western civilization as we know it?  Think about the possibilities.  If those 6 begat 6 more Boylans, how long would it be before we would be populated by untold numbers of brain damaged nincompoops who actually believe they can be in charge of the masses despite lacking the ability to formulate even the simplest of rational decisions.  

As Boylan said today.."I feel I've done a lot for this organization.  I've handled a lot of situations well." Even more frightening, he implied Paxson for the most part, agreed with him.

Either he is insane or the simpleton is completely delusional or both (and if Paxson really feels this way, this organization doesn't need a new coach as much as they need collective frontal lobotomies).

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 25, 2008 1:40 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Lobotomy
"I'd rather have a free bottle in front of me than a prefrontal lobotomy."  Tom Waits, among others.  Actually, I agree that removing portions of their collective cortex could substantially improve the Bulls' management's decision making capabilities.

by Cannoli on Mar 25, 2008 7:19 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Of the six votes
two are from Paxson and Reinsdorf.  I know on paper it seems impossible, but I have a grave feeling that Boylan is still the #1 candidate of this organization.  Until he is gone, I will not get my hopes up.  That's how much faith I've lost in Paxson.  

by messwiththebull on Mar 25, 2008 2:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I see it a little differently
It is not the same as the Noah incident.  At that point, I would think 99% of the fans and organization would have taken gross insubordination by any player as conduct detrimental to the team.  They were trying to regroup under Boylan then.  

Now, I would think a larger percentage of the fans would deem gross insubordination as conduct that is NECESSARY for the survival of the team.  I think he'd have gotten an ovation if he'd have decked Boyllan.

Kissing Noc's ass in front of a press conference had to be mgt's idea.  I'd take that as Boylan's walking papers.

by California Al on Mar 25, 2008 5:07 AM CDT   0 recs

I agree
it's one thing to lose your cool in a game setting, it's a totally different thing to lose your cool in walk-through.  Even so, I still think Noc should have gotten a game at least for consistency's sake.  He's only playing 10 minutes a game as it is.  It makes no sense.
Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 25, 2008 8:49 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ostensible inconsistency
"it's one thing to lose your cool in a game setting, it's a totally different thing to lose your cool in walk-through."

Why?

---

An Open Letter

by jpx7 on Mar 25, 2008 2:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I would assume
that in a game setting you are asked to be aggressive and wired and otherwise hyped up as it is a game.  It is loud in there and yelling is the form of communication in the first place, regardless of what you are saying.  Walk-throughs are quiet and instructive in comparison.  You shouldn't be that wired and easy to go off and there isn't any reason at all to yell about anything.

by cranscape on Mar 25, 2008 2:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

really?
you don't see a very big difference there.  You don't see a heat of the moment type of thing on the court?  How intense do you think the average walk-through is?  When was the last time you heard of things getting out of hand in a walk-through?
Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 25, 2008 2:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

nocioni
why do people want him to get a suspension. If your pissed about noah or anyone else getting unfair punishment why are you calling for nocioni to get suspended too?  Its not like it will make it "more fair" or some bullshit like that.

And again, we dont know what Noah did.  I also think they didnt suspend him cause it would make it seem like things were getting more out of hand than they already are and more respect would have been lost.

by Sambossanova on Mar 25, 2008 5:08 AM CDT   0 recs

how do you think Tyrus, Noah, Duhon feel
it's bad business to suspend someone and fine another for something I feel is more detrimental to the team.  I was at the game Saturday and saw the whole incident and am actually glad Noc did what he did.  I'm getting frustrated by management to a point where I can't enjoy watching these guys.  This seasons end can't come sooner
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Mar 25, 2008 7:56 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Somehow
I don't think the Bulls org cares about how Duhon feels.  He is off the team at the end of the season.  They don't really have any reason to play him even if he was a saint.  I doubt Noah will be crushed that Noc didn't get a suspension.  There are much much much bigger things to be crushed about and if Noah was smart he'd keep focused on his own game.  He seems more upset about our continued suckage in the 4th quarter than anything else.  So good for him.  That is something to be upset at.  Thomas needs to hold out for a new coach who might actually play his strengths and certainly not worry about anything Boylan does in the next few weeks or what kind of punishments are handed out to others.

by cranscape on Mar 25, 2008 8:14 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree, and it's part of the problem
Look, it's not as if Duhon is a saint.  Or any of these guys, but the way the Bulls organization is operating gives every impression that they're simply tone deaf to how these players think, what motivates them, and what pisses them off.
My Blog (Econ/Politics/Sports/NBA Salary Info)

by Sports2 on Mar 25, 2008 8:24 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

*nods*
At this point I don't care about Boylan.  He will be gone. What worries me is those who likely won't be gone in the upper management and how they've done nothing to keep the team from imploding.  Tanking is one thing - bringing down previously problem free players is another.  

by cranscape on Mar 25, 2008 8:28 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

There must be a little sense of vindication
If Chiapu has some privileged status, the players are certainly aware of it.  And if even he has had up to here with Boylan's numbnutsedness, how far off base were their feelings?  Like I said, two really different situations don't require the same action for consistency's sake.  Rebelling against the new coach is one matter, blowing off practice is another, but standing up to him after three months of irrational playing time decisions is different.  After all, Noc has been the most willing player to subordinate his playing time to the team's needs.  This issue must have a consensus among the players, and probably didn't aafect morale negatively at all.

by California Al on Mar 25, 2008 11:53 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree in part
If you think Joakim's suspension was a mistake (which I do, at least the second day part), then it's utterly ridiculous to want the org to continue making bad decisions for the sake of consistency.

But I also agree they've been horribly inconsistent - Joakim suspended, Tyrus suspended, Du fined and not suspended but not playing, and Noc fined?  I guess we'll see whether Boylan has an unofficial suspension planned with a couple of DNPs.

So basically, at this point the Bulls can't make a decision I'm going to be good with - I can't get on board with a double standard, and I can't get on board with consistently doing the same bizarrely stupid things for the sake of consistency, especially when the dumb decision they'd be following origniated with Wallace and A-Drain who aren't even on the freaking team anymore.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 25, 2008 9:29 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't count on
the unofficial suspension or any DNP's. They said on Sports Nite last night that Noch will play tonight. Totally not fair.

by sue369 on Mar 25, 2008 10:05 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i'd much rather have consistency
because it shows more control from above.  suspending people (especially 2 games) while "informally" DNPing others and just fining yet other players, while their transgressions are in similar realms... shows what little control there is in the organization.  if they're going to have a stupid rule (eg: headband) please stick by it.  no player votes, whatever.. make a rule and stick to it.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Mar 25, 2008 10:09 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Normally I totally agree with consistency
And I hated that whole lifting the headband rule for one player thing - although maybe that was the beginning of consistently having different rules for different players?

Had they just stuck with the one game for Joakim it wouldn't be such a problem - now, the difference between no suspension or two games is huge.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 25, 2008 10:23 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

well right
which is why if they're insistent on being lenient, he should get 1 game, not 2.  he shouldn't just get a pass and a fine.
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Mar 25, 2008 10:26 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

exactly
THAT'S the whole point.  I don't think that anybody really could care less what Noce DID, it's just the fact that compared to the other circumstances that have gone on lately, the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

If they are trying to show consistency (I guess they aren't), then some kind of suspension was in order.

It's almost like they're making light of the whole issue by kissing and making up.  Something tells me if this was Tyrus, Gordon, or even Hughes that a suspension would have happened.

by NormVanBeer on Mar 25, 2008 10:36 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

if Tyrus did what Noc did
instead of missing practice i bet the suspension would of been somewhere in the ballpark of 3-4 gms??  
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Mar 25, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

it always comes back to TT...
Tyrus Thomas 2006-2008. R.I.P. We hardly knew ya...

by bullshooter on Mar 25, 2008 3:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ok if Noah did this
and didn't get into an argument previously i think the punishment would of been more than a fine?
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Mar 25, 2008 3:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd say one game is fair
you're right that we don't know what Noah did, although he should get the same 'well he's a competitor who doggoneit just wants to win' cred that Noc gets.

And I think the Noah suspension (at least the 1st game) could've been more for an accumulation of things like missing team busses and the like.

But yeah, Noc should've gotten a game. Remember Marc Stein's report saying that Tyrus missed practice because he didn't want to get into a confrontation with Boylan? Apparently he should've just embraced it and gone off on the guy, and get suspended fewer games. Maybe a kiss too.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 25, 2008 9:36 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Personally,
I'd rather be suspended two games than kiss up to Boylan and get kissed in return.
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 25, 2008 9:43 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

1-Game Suspension Levied
per AOL's Fanhouse Blog. Which, by the way, also cites Big D's diary in its story:

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/03/25/bulls-show-double-standard-with-nocioni/#cont

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

by bullhockey on Mar 25, 2008 10:55 AM CDT   0 recs

That article
was dated today and I cannot find anything about a suspension anywhere else. Maybe something will show up later today but from what was said yesterday there wan't a suspension and Noch is expected to play tonight.

by sue369 on Mar 25, 2008 11:27 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Why blame the players?
It seems most sportswriters, and many BlogaBull commenters, have sided with Boylan when Tyrus, Gray, and now Nocioni have acted up.

But if the leader is hurting the team, and everyone realizes it, then why is it wrong for the players to rebel?  Since Boylan has taken over, he's had issues with Joakim, Tyrus, Duhon, Kirk, Gordon, Gray, and now Noc.  Of the nine Bulls that have been in the rotation since he inherited the team, seven of them have taken issue with his coaching.  And before this season, these Bulls were known as some of the most professional and sportsmanlike players in the league.

Let's say I'm the CEO of a company, and I have a branch that's been performing at a high level for the past three years.  Suddenly a new manager takes over, and not only does performance drop, but all his employees start complaining and acting out.  Nobody would blame the employees in this situation.

I'm not saying allow Noc to throw towels at his coach - there are better ways to express oneself.  But it's time we start seeing this outbursts not as a problem with the player, but as a problem with the coach.

by YaoPau on Mar 25, 2008 11:15 AM CDT   0 recs

Blow-ups have been simmering since season started
I don't think the players are blameless here.  Though we still don't know the full details of Skiles's firing, it seems like he was losing his players from the very start of the season.  

The blow-ups we're seeing right now may have been exacerbated by Boylan (I think the team is less afraid of him, so it's easier to go off on him in public than it was with Skiles), but it's not like Boylan was handed a perfectly functioning team to begin with.  

Nobody is blameless here... it's just a shitty situation that hopefully gets resolved when a new coach is brought in who garners the respect of whoever's left on the roster.

by paxson43 on Mar 25, 2008 11:54 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The players
are not in a position to better their situation.  Good behavior doesn't help, bad behavior doesn't help.  Boylan's system isn't rational and you are screwed either way.  So the notion that a few people are finally blowing their tops after keeping their mouths shut about this isn't surprising to me.  

by cranscape on Mar 25, 2008 12:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

about suspending nocioni
If u ask me he got his one game suspension that day where he played 2 minutes and was sent off to the locker room. i think its different in this situation because noch is a guy who is always trying hard to win, even in blowout situations he'll be the only guy to dive for balls or give a hard foul. in duhon's case, its not the first time. he done what he did many times in the past. and noah as a rookie has no business yelling a ron adams. thats completely wrong. as for the kissing thing, its obviously for the media. i bet noch wishes he considered the offers from last off season now, cause u know he played real well under skiles. in the start of the season while everyone was sucking, he was the only one playing the game with any passion.

by Yibs on Mar 25, 2008 11:28 AM CDT   0 recs

OT - Blogabull new layout coming?
I just logged into SouthSideSox (White Sox SB's page)

Totally new layout and I love it. I could only assume that since Matt hasn't had much activity on here lately, he's doing the same to this site.

If that's the case, YES!!!

by Option27 on Mar 25, 2008 11:44 AM CDT   0 recs

Sue and Matt were talking about it last week
I think Matt said the change was on its way but he wasn't sure when exactly.

by paxson43 on Mar 25, 2008 11:56 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Amazing
At least people can upload photos of themselves finally on the new layout!

I'm always curious to how a lot of people on this site look like.

I'm sure the pics will be something like Chris Duhon getting wasted or some shit.

That's when you know they're ugly

by Option27 on Mar 25, 2008 12:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

My favorite
of the new 2.0 version of SBN is the use of the "z" key when going through posts. It rocks.

by sue369 on Mar 25, 2008 1:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed
I was a little bit skeptical of the new bells and whistles at first glance, but now having used it some I have found it way better than this version.  Also I like how responses are set up, way easier to keep my train of thought together.  All in all, I am a fan.
Get Yo Self A Handful

by MarketMaker on Mar 25, 2008 3:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Matt said it was "when he has time"
which is too little to even give us enough chatty topics for the day.

I recall him saying after the Bulls season.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 25, 2008 3:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't think it's up to him
He indicated that SBN has the blogs set in a list for when they get the update and BaB is towards the end of the list.

by snley on Mar 25, 2008 4:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I didn't get that specific
because I don't know. And it's not up to me.

But I believe it's at least after every baseball site, which is a few weeks away at the earliest.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 25, 2008 5:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Rosenbloom
gives his thoughts on this
...Tell you what, when Boylan leaves next month, I hope he takes Hinrich with him. And then the only competition will be whether John Paxson makes a worse choice for coach or the draft pick.

After Monday's practice, Boylan joked about going three rounds with Nocioni the way he previously joked about another player's indiscretion and suggested reviving the team vote idea way back when Boylan first placed his leadership in a blind trust. Good that he can joke about both abdicating authority and his team's lack of respect for his position. Never mind his apparent inability to connect the dots.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/rosenblog/2008/03/bulls-leader-sh.html

by NormVanBeer on Mar 25, 2008 12:02 PM CDT   0 recs

Meh
Maybe he will take Deng, the co-captain, out with him too.  If this is somehow all going to come down to player responsibility and not incompetence by upper management.  Because we all know Hinrich and Deng can tell Boylan he is an idiot with his rotations and jerking the players around?  Right, whatever.  I don't really see how the players can fix something that is screwed up all the way to the top.

by cranscape on Mar 25, 2008 12:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

As bad as it sounds
I hope the Bulls lose every game here on out. Landing in the stop 3 would be sweet, because then the Bulls would be guaranteed Rose or Mayo. Even at 8 or 9, though, they could take Westbrook. Hinrich needs to go.

by Illini15 on Mar 25, 2008 12:54 PM CDT   0 recs

Me too
Not only would it secure a higher draft pick, it would make absolutely certain that Jim Boylan would be fired the day after the season ends.

Quite frankly, I'm scared that Paxson might actually keep Boylan on as the Head Coach.  From the articles in the newspapers today, he actually thinks he has a chance.

If Boylan coaches the Bulls next season, I will no longer be a fan of the Chicago Bulls.  It's that simple.  I'll stop short of calling for Paxson's head on a platter at this point.  But I will not watch nor root for the Chicago Bulls, potentially for years or forever, if Boylan is coaching them next season.

The only question will be - which team will I adopt and root for?  If the Sonics move, that's out of the question.

I think I'd have to lean toward the Portland Trailblazers.  I really like what they've done recently, and I've been a fan of Brandon Roy for some time.

There you have it.  I've been watching the Chicago Bulls for 25 years, and I when I lived in the market I watched 95-98 of their 100 games per season (including playoffs) live.  And if they retain Jim Boylan, I will no longer root for the Bulls and I will adopt the Trailblazers.

by BullsFanInSeattle on Mar 25, 2008 2:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ehh Dumb Idea?
Tanking the rest of the games would only put us up in the draft by a few spots, I really dont see what the point of doing that would be. Sure if we had a chance for the top 5 spot i would be for it, but that is highly unlikely. Boylan should not be back even if we make the playoffs, more people have complained about him then about ben wallace jumping so....

I think the bulls should try to get into the playoffs, and see what they can get from it. Being back in that enviroment might help rejuvinate some of the players, and if nothing else adds more experience to players like noah thabo and thomas.

The only reason i would be pro tanking is just so the losses can be considered rational. But it doesnt seem to be going in that direction.

Also there are alot of players that alot of people would like to see gone, but lets consider what we can get in its place and weigh the good and bad....I mean Hinrich isnt "pure", Gordon isnt "the right size", Luol deng vanishes in the 4th, nocioni is a chucker, Hughes doesnt want to win, thabo can hide away into his shell at any given time, gooden is too average, noah is nothing but energy and "i want to win", no one knows what thomas is......but who we give up and what we get back is gonna be the biggest problem. And i dont think theres anyone in the draft that can easily replace any of our players after the top 5 picks (or maybe just after rose).

And as a fan of hinrich (although im on that ledge) i must say this (and it probably will seem biased, but i swear im trying to be logical) at the moment there is no point guard (except maybe rose) in the draft, or available to trade that is better then kirk hinrich. Not saying hinrich is one of the best pgs (i dont believe it anymore) but there arent many guys who are upgrades over him, so if you get rid of him, who runs the point. Bg7, Thabo, HUGHES!?! So although hinrich is Mr. Inconsistant, i dont know which player would be better off in his place.

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

by piccolomair on Mar 25, 2008 3:42 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I still think
trying for the playoffs and failing to get there is more disheartening then sending the memo around and saying we are tanking (aka, "play the young guys" if you must put a positive spin on it).  

Getting swept in the playoffs against the Celtics isn't going to do anything for Noah and the other young guys.  I am not sure why getting swept and likely playing meaningless minutes (come on, will it get any better this year for Thomas under Boylan?) is some kind of icing on the cake for anyone. Just one more humiliation, likely seen from the bench by our young guys.  Because would Bolyan suddenly start playing them then?  

by cranscape on Mar 25, 2008 3:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Play the kids, make the playoffs
I think that's the best bet we have.  If we get swept by the Celtics, so what.  It will be good to see Noah and Thomas as a front line against Garnett and Perkins.  We need more action for the kids against the best teams.  Did you see the Sixers defeat the Celtics at Boston?

Play the kids already.  Bring Gooden and Hughes off the bench.  The starting lineup for the rest of the season should be.

Kirk
Thabo
Deng
Thomas
Noah

Bench rotation

Gordon enters at the first 2 foul guard point or 6 minutes remaining in the first.  Nocioni enters at Deng 2 foul trouble or 4 minutes remaining in the first.  Gooden and Gray sub for Noah and Thomas at either 2 foul trouble or 5 minutes remaining in the first.  Subs get burn for 8 straight minutes or foul trouble whichever comes first.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 25, 2008 4:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Problem is...
there's absolutely no way that will ever happen

by Illini15 on Mar 25, 2008 5:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Untankable? Someone tell Boylan
I love the fact that Boylan, in what can only be called epic irony, is losing us games in a desperate attemt to win them.  

In an effort to win games and get us to the playoffs so that he can keep his job(or remove the interim status), he is playing the veterans heavy minutes and putting the young guys on the bench.  But in doing so, he is actually putting a lesser group on the floor, which is causing them to lose.

It's really quite impressive.  If he were to play the young guys the team would not only be better now, they would be better in the future.  If he did that the Bulls would probably make the playoffs now, as well as develop their young talent.  This, in turn, would most likely lead to him being named coach for next season.

Is anyone else amused by the irony?  Boylan is trying so hard to keep his job that he is going to lose it.  Hilarious.  What an idiot!

Get Yo Self A Handful

by MarketMaker on Mar 25, 2008 3:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Someone at Bulls Inc has to see this.
In an effort to win games and get us to the playoffs so that he can keep his job(or remove the interim status), he is playing the veterans heavy minutes and putting the young guys on the bench.  But in doing so, he is actually putting a lesser group on the floor, which is causing them to lose.

Honestly.  One person has to notice this at Bulls Inc.  The fans seem to see it all the time.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 25, 2008 4:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree
I said a few weeks back that the current way the Bulls were being run not only crushed any hope I had for Jim Boylan, it was making me question Paxson as well. &