As enjoyable as it can get nowadays

Jim Boylan for Coach of the Year

Why you might ask? Because tonight he:

started and let Tyrus Thomas play with fouls, and even inserted him back in near the end of the 4th quarter!
benched Larry Hughes for most of the second half
gave Thomas and Noah the most minutes (37 and 35 minutes respectively)

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. He did all this in honor of April Fools'. And we didn't win. But tonight reminded me somewhat of one night in February when the minutes and the rotations were nearly what God intended them to be.

by Orange Juice on Apr 1, 2008 11:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

there was a good RealGM prank

on April Fools day saying that Boylan was given an extension through next season. The way the post used Pax-speak I almost believed it.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 1, 2008 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch!

That is cruel. I mean, as much as I don't want him as our coach, I don't like to see the guy get humiliated.

by alec on Apr 1, 2008 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it was on the realGM Bulls board

not on the main page. Now that'd be funny.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 1, 2008 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

TT wasn't playing with fouls

or ever in foul trouble. He didn't pick up his second foul until 4:37 of the 3rd quarter. And no, I don't like Boylan.

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 1, 2008 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boylan foul trouble vs actual foul trouble

Two different standards really, especially for a player on short minutes leash like Thomas. Although, once again, correct for the lack of Gooden.

At least Thomas played more than the Bucks game.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 2, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nearly indeed

Deng was missing.....he is a solid starter me thinks, not a solid finisher though.

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

by piccolomair on Apr 2, 2008 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deng must be able to get to the rim

with Allen, Pierce or Posey guarding him. Post these guys up every possession. Make Garnett have to cheat off Tyrus and then just lob it up there for the kid to go get it.

Deng did find Tyrus once like this for an easy two handed flush.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 2, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The shame is that this time

that Tyrus is getting seems like it is more to showcase him for a summer deal than it is for his development and progression within the Bulls system. But alot depends on how the lottery balls bounce. If the Bulls can somehow land Beasley, Tyrus understandably would be shipped. If the Bulls land Rose, I'd love to see Ty stay. I'm not sure if Blake Griffin - or even dumping Hughes' contract - would be enough of a reason to shipout Ty. I just hope Paxson hasn't already made up his mind.

by messwiththebull on Apr 1, 2008 11:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

if we take blake griffin

or hansbrough and then ship out TT this summer, I might never watch a Bulls game again

by Illini15 on Apr 2, 2008 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KC agrees

and is sticking by his story:

Tyrus Thomas, who will be shopped, rebounded from picking up a foul 12 seconds after tipoff to fare well in a high-profile matchup with Kevin Garnett with a team- and season-high 24 points.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it should be pointed out

that, bizarrely, this was slipped into the game story.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i found

that whole article bizarre.

"Larry Hughes, who likely will be back because of the albatross that is his contract..."

like wha?

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised

hopefully they view him as only an albatross though, and not reason to get rid of other players

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i meant

in the way that article was structured.

you pointed out the "thomas, who will be shopped.."

next paragraph was like "noah, who will be kept.."

and then "hughes, who won't be moved ..."

or whatever. it was just weird.

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe KC is just

an embedded journalist, the new mouthpiece of the franchise. I know the topic of his public musings on who will be kept/shopped is discussed in another thread, but my speculation is that he has sources in the organization who feed him this info on the condition they not be quoted directly. That way everyone can simply deny it if/when it turns out not to be the case.

It's also a way to flush information out of other organizations, who can call up under the guise of following up on what is considered an unfounded rumor.

These implanted comments could be the Bulls organization's not-so-subtle signals to the market place that confirm that they are, in fact, open to dealing this summer. Although on the other hand, why would the other organizations need that kind of a blatant signal?

The implanted comments are also a signal to the public, so that they're not caught off guard in the organization's aggressive moves. The organization could be trying to ward off the wildly unpopular trade of Pippen for Kemp, which both sides rescinded after their fan bases were up in arms.

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know they will never do it, but they

should E-Rob that guy and buy him out.

Hughes is terrible.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 2, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

everbody is going to be shopped

and if the bulls had been able to acquire KG, Gasol or Kobe, TT and/or Noah would already be gone. I don't think Pax is going to dump TT. Even when Pax traded BW, he had an opportunity to dump Duhon and instead chose to get rid of Griffin. Pax is only going to trade up. I'd be surprised if he packaged anybody with Hughes since moving Hughes doesn't get the bulls under the salary cap. Pax may just sit on the contract or package him with whoever he can't sign. And I only think he will move BG or Deng if their contract demands are outrageous. I really think the biggest change this summer barring some kind of blockbuster upgrade is the signing of a new coach.

It'd be nice to know who in the locker room are the bad guys, but other than TT, who I think is still growing up so it's forgivable, there haven't been any reports of guys with questionable attitudes, have there?

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

word choice, or something

I agree that everyone will (and should) be shopped.

But notice that he says in the same article that Noah 'definitely will return'.

My worry is that Tyrus is viewed as merely an asset and not a cornerstone. So he'll be used to pawn off a contract (forget the cap, remember the tax), or sweeten the pot in a big trade. Unless they're getting someone outstanding, I'd view Thomas as more than that.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KC said

last night he does not know what will happen this summer. It's only his opinion. I for one think he is full of shit. It's like since Sam is gone let's see how much I can piss people off. Looks like he's doing a good job.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's said before

that it's not just his opinion, that 'sources' suggest as much. Plus the way he wrote it suggested the same thing.

It's still only speculation on his part, but not just from thin air.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KC never writes anything

without first seeing which way the wind's blowing.

Problem is, the wind can shift, sometimes with no warning. I think probably our friends out on the great plains know that better than anyone.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For what it's worth

he did say on TV last night that he has no idea what is going to happen and that he is just guessing. It upset me what he wrote about Kirk and I'm trying to not let it bother me so I hope you can not let his TT talk bother you.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus a "cornerstone"?

Wow...

by Vangelis on Apr 2, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

potential cornerstone

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

more with less

David Simon's prophecy is coming true!

Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 2, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shopped for who?

That's what I want to know. Who? Shopped for who?

As part of a Jermaine O'Neal deal?

Please.

This franchise is crap.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 2, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still think it's

Matt Harpring.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to go ahead

and guess that the Harpring idea is serious on your part (unlike the Saer Sene idea).

My understanding is that Harpring was either courted or at least heavily considered by the Bulls before re-signing his current contract with the Jazz. He was widely viewed to be this franchise's type of player--hard working, tough, professional, never complains, maintains a certain no-trouble public image--at a time when the Bulls were without a small forward (it might have been E-Rob at the time). He's also versatile; if memory serves he has range out to the 3-point line, and he's strong inside (rebounding).

Harpring has had knee issues, though. And while he's a good player, he's not "the answer" in terms of being a star. He's a good player who could make a good team great with his team play.

But he's not going to make a bad team good.

I just hope this franchise doesn't get hung up on lunch-bucket guys when they need a star. (And no, I don't know who that star could possibly be at this point.)

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it was tongue in cheek

yet still plausible due to the exact reasons you laid out.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I'm sticking w/ Shane Battier.

Although his glueyness in that great win-streak may have priced him out of the Tyrus Thomas range.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 2, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus he's already been traded for Tyrus once

oops, that was Stromile Swift. Or Rudy Gay. Actually you get two Tyrus Thomas Rorschach tests for the price of one Shane Battier!

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

by Sports2 on Apr 2, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if it's harpring

go ahead and shoot me in the face

by Illini15 on Apr 2, 2008 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus looked good, and capable of doing better

I think we should get rid of Deng now. I'd rather keep Gordon because he's content with coming off the bench and is a more productive scorer. I think a trade of Deng, 1st round pick, and Kirk to the Clips for Kaman would be great for the team.

by armstrong2389 on Apr 2, 2008 12:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's an awful lot

Why would you give up so much for an injury prone, out of shape center who has had one good year? I could see the Bulls giving up 2 out of the 3 assets you listed though.

by shoryuken on Apr 2, 2008 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's just gross

Give the young dudes time.

Keep telling yourself . . . "Youngest team in the NBA"

They'll getter better, with time

by Option27 on Apr 2, 2008 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

...no thanks to that one

by Illini15 on Apr 2, 2008 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why think about Kaman

while Noah is cementing himself as our center for future?

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 2, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep Kirk people

Keep Kirk :)

by gobulls1124 on Apr 2, 2008 12:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Definitely.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When pressed about how good Tyrus looked

when he got the start vs. the Bucks, Boylan, in obvious pain, grumbled something about how Tyrus has to learn to stay near the basket and out of foul trouble.

So...what did we see out of Tyrus tonight against the Celtics? He 1) hung around the basket, and 2) stayed out of foul trouble.

It almost seemed as if those remarks Boylan made to the press were the first (albeit indirect) words Boylan had spoken to Thomas since he became coach...and Tyrus was simply responding like any conscientious player might be expected to respond.

Matt, I know you said you didn't think Tyrus played that great a game. I thought he was really good. His passing, even when he was in his deepest funk, looks good; and tonight I thought it looked particularly crisp and sharp.

Someone on the game thread said he thought Thomas needs to get tougher. I thought he played very tough tonight. He battled KG and Perkins all game long in a very crowded and physical lane.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 12:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Jesus alec, I can't believe what you are making me

do. I really hate you for this. This is Boylan's quote from Monday's Trib article.

"He was OK," Boylan said of Thomas' foul-plagued outing on Saturday. "He has to maintain a high energy level and play to his strength. I've been saying all year, 'Be around the basket. Make things happen at the rim.' Then he's effective. That's what I would like to see him do."

He clearly states he's repeatedly told Tyrus what he expects of him. If you've read my comments here, obviously, I have little respect for Boylan and the way he's run this team. At the same time, you are making a huge stretch that's largely inaccurate from the actual quote.

As to Matt's comment about Tyrus not playing well, you seem to be misunderstanding that as well. It's not that he played poorly, more that he didn't play anywhere near as well as he could and still put up decent enough numbers. I didn't watch the game, that's solely my interpretation of Matt's comments.

by snley on Apr 2, 2008 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Frankly, I don't trust or believe Boylan.

I think there's more truth the the stories circulating a few weeks ago about there being no communication between Boylan and the players.

I think Boylan lives in a fantasy world where he's the once and future coach of the Chicago Bulls.

I think he says stuff for no other reason than to enhance his status. By "for no other reason" I mean he has a patent, politician-like disregard for the truth.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It could have been a self serving comment.

It's tough to prove that to be the case. I'm a pretty cynical person, but I'm still willing to take this at face value. Even if the coaching staff is doing a terrible job with development, it doesn't take much for them to tell Tyrus, "We want you to play by the basket." There's plenty of opportunities to pick Boylan apart, but I don't think this is one of them.

by snley on Apr 2, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure you're more right than I am.

But in my defense, I did say "it almost seemed."

I think that probably another huge factor in Tyrus' last two games is that he's not having to constantly look over his shoulder to see when he's going to get yanked. Confidence can not be stressed enough as a performance factor. This is no different for Tyrus than it is for a salesman, or a writer, or a...practically any occupation.

Tyrus hasn't looked like he's been trying to do too much and showcase the versatility of his game in an effort to maybe gain more minutes at different positions on the floor. He's just been doing what he does best.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What does that mean, then?

"Almost seemed". Since you're using that as your defense that you didn't really think it had much meaning (or whatever your defense is), what does that mean?

Almost... seemed...

That phrase has zero literal meaning in this context.

Seemed = give an impression, appeared to be real

so... you're saying that it almost appeared to be real, or it almost, but not quite, gave you an impression of something????

I know I'm a jerk and yada, yada, but seriously.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 2, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tyger, I want to respond.

I really do...but after getting yelled at by Matt yesterday I don't know how many times, I'm just a tiny bit reluctant to take up this line...but here goes, anyway.

I'd say "almost seemed" is generally used two ways. It's used to create suspicion or an impression when the true facts either aren't or can't be known. It's also a commonly used rhetorical device to draw out a more detailed response from the other party.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't "seemed"...

...work just as well. Can something "almost" give an impression? Putting "almost" there is used exactly as you did: to say something while giving yourself an out to claim you didn't really mean it. It's a way of implying you saw something (or heard or had some other basis) that gives you a reason to think what you are about to propose... while then going back and saying, "Well, I had no real reason for it."

Using "almost seemed" is a trite rhetorical device used by those who have no idea what they're talking about but want to give off the idea that they do.

/sanctimonious, annoying rant--about nothing important

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 2, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tyger, I daresay we inhabit

quite different dream landscapes. While I might find myself at peace on an archeological dig, my only tools a toothpick and whisk-broom, you likely imagine yourself the boss of an urban reclamation project, at the controls of a mighty crane, wielding the demolition ball. Smash! Bang! Crash!

You should know, I appreciate your posts, even when you're gunning for me at the wheel of your giant earthmover. I enjoy your (quite different from my) point of view, and I read your posts with interest.

I have no expectation that my feelings about your posts are reciprocated, although I do admit to small sense of delight when I connect in a positive way with one or another poster.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

dude

ur such a dick

by hughes sucks on Apr 3, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of the few pleasures I have left with

the Bulls this year is watching TT, Noah, Thabo. I do mean watching. I want to see what we have here. Why TT's playing time is still an issue with Boylan is beyond me. If Gooden wasn't injured TT's time would have been limited.

Alec doesn't need any help but I must - - I totally agree with him that TT looked sharp last night. His passes were crisp and he exhibited he is multi-talented. His shot not only was falling but it looks great. He sees the court and was making great passes as well as holding on to passes. He did get blocked a few times but looked good around the basket. On top of that he looked decent guarding Garnett.

by chgobr on Apr 2, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I meant that he can do even better

I actually don't think he was around the rim enough.

I guess the point can be made that even though he wasn't, he still had a good game, which likely blew Boylan's freaking mind.

He's always been (showing the skills of) a good passer, and which is why the BBIQ BBQ annoys me.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How much time can Tyrus stay around the basket

if he's setting perimeter screens for Duhon, Hinrich, Hughes, and Gordon?

I too like Tyrus around the basket. His athleticism can be demonstrated much more effectively around the rim. However, Tyrus is also developing a mid range jump shot. Yea, another jump shooter? Not really. Tyrus is still quite raw. Establishing his jumpshot now is a pattern of development. With consistent minutes and paired with Hinrich, Tyrus should be able to continue putting up shots and making them from the 12-18 foot range. Once that shows up on scouting reports Tyrus should start using a pump fake. Once around his man, he can either go strong to the rim or start a passing train until it reaches the wide open shooter.

While Thomas didn't record a double double, he did have several tips on both ends that led to additional Chicago possessions. "Ben Wallace rebounds" if you will.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 2, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

per usual, Dwyer says it better

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Behind-the-boxscore-where-George-Karl-pulled-on? urn=nba,74736

This was his season-high in points, and yet, it was probably the 10th-best game I've seen him play this season. He honestly wasn't as good as some of the games where I've seen him log 12 minutes, and needlessly sit in favor of Andres Nocioni or Ben Wallace or Drew Gooden or Joe Smith and I'm, again, just going to stop right now.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I fuckin love Dwyer

He always gets it right

by Option27 on Apr 2, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't the Trib hire Dwyer?

by paxson43 on Apr 2, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't the Bulls?

Surely there's got to be something he can add with his clear view of the issues. Scout, maybe? Still, I'd expect them to actually listen to him, though, and that would be asking too much.

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kaman

that's too damn much for Chris Kaman, even though there are less and less guys in the league who can do what he does. but recognize that if we get him, we're either giving up on Tyrus or need to develop him into a 3, which I think he has the talent to be, but would take a while. I say that b/c Noah is even more valuable than TT at the 4 with guy like Kaman, cuz you can't run as much anyway. I could be wrong.
I do like Kaman btw, and one of the reasons he's had such a good year, besides Brand's absence, is that he's been retraining his brain, check Truehoop

by Sko on Apr 2, 2008 1:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

-18

on the +/- for TT last night. Worst on the team.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 7:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He

also played more minutes than anyone in a 14 point loss. He was also matched up against a decent player named Kevin Garnett, maybe you've heard of him.

by jpchi on Apr 2, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

snooze

Get a new dumb thing to say.

Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 2, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the +- rating

is so dumb. of course the best performer in a loss is going to have the worst +- because they were probably on the floor the longest. caron butler had like a -20 the night we beat them but he was a beast and they would have been blown out if not for him.

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

plus-minus rating

is 82games' Roland Rating, and it's actually really smart. JC is tossing out raw plus-minus from a single game.

Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 2, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was

definitely referring to the single game raw +-. that's what i find to be dumb. the roland rating is a much better stat.

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dumb....

picking up a foul nine seconds into the game, no?

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At a pro-TT-centric site like BaB

immature would be a better choice of words.

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not saying it wasn't dumb

but he avoided foul trouble other than that.

that, and he was guarding the oh holy KG! no one can breathe on him!!!

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

it seemed like the refs were down on the bulls all season (especially kirk and noch), but ofcourse it would seem that wen ur tryin to blame some else other than the players. they plain sucked this year. but i agree about the holy KG part. and anyone catch i think 3rd or 4th quarter, paul pierce and jim boylan talkin' before pierce inbounded the ball on a possesion. interesting to find out what was said?

I can play better "D" than Ben Gordon

by Yibs on Apr 2, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least

we haven't had to endure the awful Violet Palmer much this season.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha viloet

yea u said it. i still remember that one season where we intentionally fouled arena to stop the clock and he launched the ball after getting wrapped up. and she called a fould with 3 free throws like he was taking a 3 by shooting one hand grandma style.... ridiculous.

I can play better "D" than Ben Gordon

by Yibs on Apr 2, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

worst call EVER

incredibly annoying.

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was last

season and Kirk fouled him at half court and he acted like he was trying to shoot from half court. She really blew that one.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"blew that one"

is the understatement of all understatements. That was the single most worst call I've ever seen, point blank. IMO, she's the worst ref by far.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 2, 2008 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hue Hollins

giving Hubert Davis 2 free throws to help send the Knicks into the Eastern Conference finals in 1994--this has gotta be right up there.

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, Gilbert Arenas

was asked about that very play by a journalist. No link to share, but he responded by saying something like, "Isn't it great? I do that every time I get have the ball at half court and see the other team coming to foul me. It's worked two or three times this season alone." Again, as best I remember it.

I agree that it was a horrible call, but apparently he got that call multiple times. Oh, he also said something along the lines that everyone should employ exactly that tactic to be awarded free throws at the ends of quarters/halves/games.

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he also mentioned it

on his blog

i remember reading it and just being like... so lame.

i remember at the time the announcers saying even when people try that tactic they rarely get the call, but oh, violet...

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When I saw that,

my first thought was that even the refs are testing him. I honestly think that so much b.s. has circulated about Tyrus that even the refs want to get a reading on the guy.

I thought Tyrus responded extremely well to that foul. I know I had my fingers crossed that he wouldn't just flip out or go into a shell. Instead, he adjusted his defense, and went the rest of the half (I think) without another foul.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ref Consiparcy??

Come on....you think the refs care about some dude that usually rides the pine?

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the refs care

about everything connected to the game. I think they come into each city, well-informed about the issues facing each team.

No, not really a conspiracy, but I do think the refs play their little games within games.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubtful

I could see if you said that the refs were giving Garnett the edge because he was a superstar but I just don't see TT showing up on any ref reports. Especially when he's fouled out of exactly....0 games this season.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hasn't fouled out

since he hasn't gotten much of an opportunity to do so. :P

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If it takes him

9 seconds to pick up a foul to start his playing time sequence I'd say he's probably had enough time to do it just about every single time this season.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if it took him 9 seconds

every time he'd average at most 45 seconds a game.

boylan doesn't let him play through fouls.

plus, i thought it was 12 seconds.

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just sayin'

the opportunity is there for him to foul out. Even if it was 12 seconds.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes and no

my point is that boylan never gives him the chance to foul out. if he really fouled every 9, 12, whatever seconds on average, he'd average less than a minute per game. period. boylan would never let him foul out.

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Statistically....

he does get the chance. math works.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you want to take it that route,

Tyrus has committed 139 PF in 1114 MP this season. That is .12 PF/MP. At that rate, Tyrus would need 50 MP to accumulate 6 PF in a game. So, Tyrus would only foul out of OT games.

by snley on Apr 2, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's reduced his foul rate

from 6 PF/36 to 4.5 PF/36. As in 36 minutes, not 12 seconds.

Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 2, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

in a related story

I removed 'YAYSports' from my RSS list a few months ago.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's fine.....

It's not your style because it's not a TT apologist page. Totally understandable. Easier to sell your Bulls tix over here.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

eh?

do you mean I'm selling Bulls hope (and therefore tickets) through TT apologism?

Or the literal selling of my own tickets? I got no bites from here, sadly. Wound up selling on craigslist at 60% of the face value. :-/

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No....

The question is, "Is it possible for TT to foul out?" not will he foul out or what are his chances of fouling out (both different things). To find out if it's possible you would have to take the least amount of time it has taken him to accrue a foul, which I'm hoping happened last night, and multiply by 6. He's obviously playing more than 54-72 seconds each game, so it is possible if he fouled at that rate.

I'm not saying he's fouling out of every game and I'm not even saying he's getting a fair opportunity to do so....I'm saying it IS possible based on the minutes he's played.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"to find out if it's possible"

Any player can get DQ'ed. It only takes 2 technical fouls.

[Jack Cobra Translation... Proccessing...]

"Thomas could foul out in 2 seconds. I think the Luvabulls are ugly. CS Weekly didn't work out :("

Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 2, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

any +/- rating system...

... that makes Tyrus look bad is crap and should be banned.
PS Tyrus should be named the MVP.

by Vangelis on Apr 2, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah and Thomas

Chief among Boylan's failures this season was not playing Noah and Thomas more together. They've developed a really nice chemistry on the floor - Noah getting steals, Tyrus protecting the back line, their hi-lo game on offense, etc. And yet, we're forced to watch Gooden or Nocioni or Gray (his playing time yesterday in the face of being completely overmatched is more evidence of inadvertent tanking) come in and play the four to rob us of the athletic combo that might actually be the future of the team in time.

Absent a true #1 option or the rights to Beasley/Rose, Thomas should not be moved this summer. KC needs to shake the Sam Smith syndrome and stop predicting who 'will' be traded or shopped. It's becoming increasingly clear that this team could be enjoyable again if Thabo, Tyrus and Noah were properly coached and given room to make mistakes.

by Gene Banks on Apr 2, 2008 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I really hate...

The +/- stat for a single game, but FYI the Noah and Noc combo over the season might be the most effective (at least number wise).

http://82games.com/0708/ppairs0708.htm

I'm sure that won't sit well with all the Noc haters in here though.

by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 2, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The club gets the best production

with interchangeable parts at the SF. Deng and Noc aren't the same players. It's good to have them both, but it's expensive now and more expensive if we can sign Deng to an extension.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 2, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Hawks Must Love This Stat

Unadjusted for the other three players and not taking account for the opponents - not sure I love this measure. I think that Hawks fans have to be excited that their most productive twosome is Joe Johnson and...Zaza Pachulia.

by Gene Banks on Apr 2, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cherry-picking Tyrus stat of the day

did you know, that Tyrus has improved his FT% from 60.6% to 74.7%?

Can you imagine the dedication that takes? Such a drive to improve is almost Hansbrough-esque! It's amazing he finds the time between flipping off coaches, skipping practice, and practicing lefty underhanded half-court shots!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I know we have a video professor here...

I'd be interested to know what Tyrus' now jumpshot looks like lined up against his last year's jumpshot.

Matt, I think what you're implying is that Tyrus has become the go-to whipping boy for everything that ails this year's Bulls.

I thought it was real nice to hear Stacy in last night's broadcast, again and again give very positive critiques of Tyrus' game. I get the distinct feeling that Stacy is not at all fooled by all the Boylan b.s.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was more aimed

at the 'reports' about Tyrus having a cruddy work ethic.

Clearly he's improving some parts of his game, so he must be doing something.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's also shooting better from the field!!!

Wait, no he's not. Down 7% from last season. Keep working Tyrus....or start working. Whichever works best.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do I have to put 'cherry-picking'

in big bold letters or something?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

that would work for me since I generally skip over most of what you write and go straight to the other commenters.

For the love of God, rebound the ball.

by Jack Cobra on Apr 2, 2008 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I smell a blog-off brewing...

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd have a typo

inside of 9 seconds, meaning immediate DQ.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair

if you were playing the modified Boylan scoring system, you'd get at least 18 seconds.

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what heppens when your so-called

"coach" plays you primarily at the three, thereby moving you away from the basket and forcing you take take fifteen foot jumpers instead of one inch dunks.

Just another example of the Bulls "coach" forcing his players to adapt to his scheme, rather than molding his scheme to the talents of his best players.

Does that make sense, Jack Asp?

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

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 2, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What you're saying here

goes to the point I was trying to make above--that Boylan would have us believe he's been hounding Thomas all this time to move his game inside, when all along he's been playing Tyrus at a more perimeter position.

Boylan has the gall to spew the b.s. the statement snley quoted above, "I've been saying all year, `Be around the basket. Make things happen at the rim.'"

I don't trust a thing Boylan says. He's only playing for himself...at least we can see that coaching by example is effective.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mentioned

that very thing in my "Inane Boylan Comments" diary :)

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um

Boylan hasn't played TT at the three very often. It has happened, but not as often as you might think or seem to imply.

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're right

since that implies that boylan actually plays him at all.

no really, it's not that much, i know it. but to say he has told him all year to play around the basket and even thinks to play him at the 3 is basically defeating the purpose.

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

by Jaina on Apr 2, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not going to do it,

but I know that if anyone felt so inclined, he or she could bring up game thread after game thread and relive the dismay we expressed at seeing Thomas wandering around the three point line, rather than playing down in the low post.

Some of that time Tyrus was the three, and some of it he was a nominal four, but I don't doubt that almost all the time he was just trying to fulfil his assigned role within the team structure...regardless of whatever revisionist history Boylan is attempting to foist on us.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't go that far

I'm sure Tyrus thinks he was running the plays...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My stance today, and I'm sticking to it,

is that Tyrus' on-court actions are a direct reflection of his coach's instructions, that Tyrus, by-and-large, in fact, almost exclusively, does what he's coached to do.

So, when he was mostly playing around the basket last night, it was because his coaches finally made it explicit that that's where they wanted him.

I don't believe has Tyrus has ever just gone off and played his own game, except for perhaps a few stray seconds here and there...and he would not be the first player to temporarily stray from the game plan if he thought he had an opening to freelance.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um

remember his first game back from his 2 game suspension. I am pretty sure that the coaching staff didn't tell to take it coast to coast in the half court sets.

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if he does

then it's never really a half-court set, is it?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you'd have to ask TT

because I have no idea what he was thinking for those 2 minutes.

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's assuming

they told him anything at all.

by alec on Apr 2, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We saw some 5 man groups last night

that we do not typically see from Boylan.

Here were two that had me leaning in off the couch for a closer look.

5-Noah
4-Thomas
3-Noc
2-Deng
1-Kirk

-4 stretch in the latter half of the 4th quarter

5-Thomas
4-Noc
3-Deng
2-Gordon
1-Kirk

0 stretch to close the game.

Both of these lineups need more Thabo. You need his length especially against the Celtics that will put Allen and Pierce out there with James Posey. Length is what bothers these players.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 2, 2008 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what about

kirk, thabo, luol, tyrus, joakim for about 5 minutes in the third quarter?

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 2, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good catch

I missed this one. It was +2 and when Noc subbed for Deng it was a 0.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 2, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More please

Id like a whopping second helping of that sir, it looks delicious....

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

by piccolomair on Apr 3, 2008 12:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two things made

me very happy last night.

Tyrus - I thought he was fantastic. I really like he and Noah in the front court together. Like Alec said Stacey had some very positive things to say about Tyrus.
Hughes sitting on the bench for most of the second half. He was horrible last night. I'm betting Pax works his ass off trying to get rid of Hughes this summer. I hate Hughes. So where are you tonight Homegrown? Not in here pumping up your boys great play for sure.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 10:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

of all the fanclubs here

the Larry Hughes one may be the lonliest.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here, I'll play Homegrown for you

Hughes must have had a great defensive night, because he had 2 steals and we all know that number of steals is exactly how to measure great defense. And he would have gone 6 for 6 (instead of 0 for 6) if the other guys would only get him the ball in the right place, I'm sure.

Feel better, Sue? ;)

It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 2, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL! Yep.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bulls will be better next seson

When we get a real coach. Lets hope its not Larry Brown or Jeff Van Gundy we need a coach that will use all the talent we have.

by stretch23 on Apr 2, 2008 11:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree, but

how could they be worse? Now that would be really tough to do.

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The big question is

will Gooden have to "earn" his starting spot again when he is healthy? If he automatically starts, I hope Hinrich, Thabo, and Tyrus get infected with that mysterious flu that Duhon had earlier.

by shoryuken on Apr 2, 2008 11:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

heh

great point.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well seeing as

Thabo has not "earned" his starting spot back for sure Gooden will be right back in the starting lineup. Hey, it's the Boylan way.

by sue369 on Apr 2, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's already starting

Nocioni out for practice because of the flu-like symptoms.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 2, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What will he do with is day off?

He doesn't have an alma mater game to attend. I bet we will see him on the TV trying out for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

by shoryuken on Apr 2, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If this plays out properly,

he'll go up against a doughy nemesis in a mask; the mask will be pulled off to reveal Jim Boylan; Boylan will try to be ironic and humorous; but the fans of course will yell for blood.

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The next coach

Better play Tyrus, and if he doesn't want to, Paxson should make him. I don't care if it's Bob Knight, Roy Williams, Coach K or Ditka, that kid has to play.

Ditka's an interesting idea....

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 5 - Worrying that he's never going to have a J like Reggie Miller's, only Oscar Robertson's.

by cubbybear on Apr 2, 2008 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If he doesn't want to play Tyrus, Paxson shouldn't

hire him in the first place. We've already seen that Paxson won't force the puppet to play him.

by snley on Apr 2, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either that, or

Pax needs to transform Thomas into a needed component. Hard to imagine Pax doing this and not getting fleeced, since the franchise has driven this kid's value into the ground.

Which gets us back to plan A: give this kid some playing time already.

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

by bullhockey on Apr 2, 2008 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs