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Open Game Thread #75: Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers

82486_160_tiny by bullshooter on Comment 305 comments

[Thanks to bullshooter for tonight's game preview, even though he's a pain in my ass in the comments section :) -Matt]

Top 10 Reasons to watch tonight's game:


  • The youngsters. Noah, Sefolosha, and Blogabull favorite son Tyrus Thomas have seen their minutes go up as the Bulls have fallen farther out of the playoff race.  The future is upon us.

  • Ben Wallace.  It always feels good to get the better end of a deal.  As long as Larry Hughes is sitting on the bench, it's not even close.

  • Be a Witness.  Hey, LeBron is pretty good even if none of his teammates are...

  • The end of an era.  Small ball as interpreted and implemented by Skiles/Boylan is coming to an end.  You may never get to see BG, Duhon and Hinrich on the court at the same time ever again (at least in the same uniform).

  • An old school central division matchup.  How many times do you think they will show Jordan over Ehlo?  Can you ever get enough?

  • EJ, Kenny and Charles.  Maybe Chuckles will come up with something new about the Bulls other than "They're too small."  He'll most likely say something mildy controversial and definitely politically incorrect.

  • The game's on TNT.  For those of you who are Bulls diehards and don't pirate game feeds, this is your one game per fortnight, and it's on at 6pm CDST [have no fear, it's at 7. -ed.], so you can catch the game and still do something else tonight.  And how many times can you really watch Law & Order?

  • The NBA: Where Mascot Mayhem happens.  That guy should have walked up behind Posey and ...

  • Did I mention the youngsters?  You might even get a little Aaron Gray, if you can get just a little Aaron Gray...

  • Who am I kidding, there haven't been 10 reasons to watch this team since late January.  But if you are true Bulls fan like me, you'll start missing them as soon as the playoffs start.   So even if they are playing for ping pong balls, sit back, have a beer and enjoy it while it's on...

Blogging with the enemy:
Cavalier Attitude
Brian Windhorst

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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Ugh, 6PM?
Is my schedule fubared?

No.  NBA.com says 8PM EST, 7PM CST.
http://www.nba.com/games/20080403/scoreboard.html

TNT confirms.
http://www.tnt.tv/sports/

I was worried about doing 30 minutes of work from the bar(thanks WiFi), but 90 minutes would have been pushing it.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 3, 2008 5:05 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, I'll update that
once again, Bullshooter is a pain in the ass.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 5:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My only reason for watching is to observe
TT, Noah and Thabo in action.  Anybody have a clue or prediction on how many minutes of PT they'll get, especially my favorite pogo stick, Tyrus?

Am I paranoid by thinking Boylan will be on the sidelines chomping at the bit to find any excuse  to send TT to the back of the bench for the slightest of miscues?  (i.e. 2 fouls, take an innoportune jump shot, fail to cover the perimeter, laughing at one of Duhon's jokes about the coaches)

by Tyrusmancrush on Apr 3, 2008 5:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sorry I am in EST
so when I saw 7pm, I assumed it was EST.  I miss CST...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I want us
to win this one and i wish Noah rebounds 100 times in the face of Ben Wallace
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 5:51 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ben Wallace
The Bulls may be in trouble...big Ben missed last night's game...lets all pray for a quick recovery so we can laugh instead of suffer as we watch him force the Cavs to play 4 on 5.  If he does play, I'm sure Boylan will find some combination in the rotation to cancel out any advantage that may give us.

by Tyrusmancrush on Apr 3, 2008 6:51 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bulls
can't catch a break
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Apr 3, 2008 6:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm looking forward
to watching the Corpse!!  Everyone needs a smile!
I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Apr 3, 2008 6:48 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They just
said on tv that he's not playing and neither is Gooden.

by sue369 on Apr 3, 2008 6:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Looks like he is playing
He's on the court right now.  Good for the Bulls.

by Big D on Apr 3, 2008 7:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guess I
shouldn't believe everything I hear on TV.

by sue369 on Apr 3, 2008 8:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll never understand
why BG ever tries to pass.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And then there's Larry, who doesn't try to pass...
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 7:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Which makes it doubly bad
when BG passes to Hughes...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's kind of funny that Kirk was hitting 90%+
on free throws back when the rest of his offensive game was absolutely in the toilet, and now that he's shooting much better he seems to be going 1 of 2 from the line a lot.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 7:34 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kirk
Am I the only who really doesn't mind when he's not on the floor?

by Illini15 on Apr 3, 2008 7:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I daresay you aren't the only one,
but I prefer to have him out there.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 7:41 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too
and it's pissing me off that Hughes is in there so much tonight. Kirk gets taken out after he has one turnover and freakin Hughes has 4 and still plays. I hate Boylan and I hate Hughes.

by sue369 on Apr 3, 2008 8:27 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm noticing good things:
I can't watch the game right now, buy every player has an assist [except Noc, who played 0 minutes, and the guys who haven't entered the game].
Ben Wallace has 4 points! Zomg. He's on FIRE. Too bad they're losing by 7.

by Prevenge on Apr 3, 2008 7:37 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are kidding me?
Unless you are talking from almost everyone except Hughes... What was that pass to TT? Fuck...
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 7:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Huh?
Hughes has 3 assists. The pass to TT wasn't that bad, it's just that Tyrus wasn't expecting it.

by Illini15 on Apr 3, 2008 7:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hughes
Amazing how much better he looks when he decides to make a good pass instead of putting up a bad shot. He's a really good passer when he wants to be.

by Illini15 on Apr 3, 2008 7:41 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thabo should have shot that
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:43 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm so ready for the Noc era to be over
be prepared for an obnoxious celebratory post when it finally happens.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 7:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Noc at the 4!!!!!!
You have to be kidding me. Someone make it stop.

by Illini15 on Apr 3, 2008 7:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gray
not a strong start...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:50 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nightmare stats night so far
0-3 shooting, 2 fouls, 1 TO - way to fill up the boxscore there.  Somewhere Red is crying while sucking on his Bit-o-Honey.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 7:57 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ha!
also, Reggie Miller blasting Gray's lack of fundamentals, and his need to slim down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 8:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm hoping
that Boylan is leaving Hughes in so that he can get all his minutes in the first half.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

even a blind squirrel
finds a nut every once in a while.  
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BG breaks up the 2 on 1
well done.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 7:59 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

4/5ths of the way there
thomas & noah with deng & gordon is treat to watch.

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 8:07 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jump hook over Z
was a thing of beuaty for noah

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bail out plays
hinrich makes silly plays when he helps off his own check unnecessarily ... leaving open threes for delonte west

boylan shoulda sub hughes in for kirk not gordon

and then gone with nocioni for deng.

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 8:13 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hughes looks great, don't he?
The guy may have 4 assists, but he also made 4 TO... Don't forget that...
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 8:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

now I know they're tanking
how do you bring Duhon in cold with 2 minutes left in the half?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 8:18 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

who's the short Millhouse looking guy
holding the clipboard during that timeout?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 8:21 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TNT Announcers:
A comment after the bulls went down 10:
'You know, the Bulls were spacing the ball well and doing ball movement and all that, but from what we've heard, Boylan didn't want that - he wanted the team to go inside first, go inside and then kick out for a jump shot every possession.'
Well, that worked.
I'm ROTFL.

by Prevenge on Apr 3, 2008 8:21 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Another painful half of basketball
  1. I'm not sure how you can justify playing Gray.  A minute.
  2. If Hinrich is a point guard, he's among the NBA's worst.  On multiple occasions Noah rolled to the basket and was open for a dunk, and recieved no pass.  Goodbye, captain.
  3. Boylan's matchups are striving for new levels of absurdity.  Hinrich guarding Szerbiak.  Tyrus at the 5.  Nocioni at the 4.  Duhon on the court.
  4. Noah, Tyrus and Sefolosha continue to show promise.
  5. Sefolosha showed promise for 6 minutes.  No shots, but he defended and passed well.
It's a bad season when you're bright spot didn't shoot.  

Go Bulls?

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

could you give me a time stamp
on these supposed missed plays, because I am not really seeing them.  Unless you expect Hinrich to just blindly throw the ball up behind his back...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 8:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

On the two pick and rolls
he missed Noah rolling to the basket.  I hope he won't have to throw the ball behind his back; it would be nice if he used some slick point guard skillz to throw, I don't know, a bounce pass. ;)

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 9:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

when?
I'm really not seeing it.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was earlier in the game
and one of them was the play before he got benched in place of Duhon. I don't have TIVO though, so I can't give an exact time.  

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Um
4 and 5 contradict each other.  Hinrich always guards bigger players.

by nobullishbasketball on Apr 3, 2008 8:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Um"
no, 4 and 5 don't; Sefolosha merely played well for a period of time that was too brief by my estimation.  And Hinrich guarding of players - while this happens frequently - is even more of a problem in that it happens frequently.

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 9:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At this point
Hughes has proven to be just about as worthless as Wallace on the Bulls.
I can hardly stand to look at how ugly he is, and the lazy way he plays and shoots....absolutely pathetic.
And I will be so glad when this horrible season is officially over.

And with the rep that Chicago has built around the league now, it's hard to imagine anything good happening in the near future with this team - short of a complete makeover.

Geez.

Baseball is finally here...YES!!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 8:32 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not in the least

That's a sharp-dressed man.

Now the shot selection, that be ugly.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 8:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His brothers funeral picture, real class Matt
Justin Hughes died of a heart transplant 10 years after at age 20.  Nice of you to take a picture of a Larry Hughes, your Bulls player at his brothers funeral and take a dig at his clothes?  How cheap of shot can you take?  Little do you know that Larry actually while his mother worked two jobs actually took care of his brother medically while in grade and high school.  But you, anything for your little website, no class (something you might learn from Hughes, whether he is 0-10 or making a 180K a game.  Pull me off your site, don't wan't anything to do with it. You crossed the line in sportsmanship.
You a little about hoops, for less about life.
You wouldn't give credit for a good game if you had to, but to post this is the worst I have ever seen by someone running a site.

by Homegrown on Apr 3, 2008 9:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha
man, I was complimenting him. I just grabbed the first well-dressed random image I could find. I suppose it makes sense that one of the first ones to come up would be at the funeral.

Pull you off my site? Um...go yank yourself, man, nobody's stopping you.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dumbass
he complemented the clothes...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Was that post in English?
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 3, 2008 10:59 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well that's kinda what I was referring to...
those ridiculous tatoos...
They have seem to have become prevelant in the NBA, and the more I see of 'em, the more I can't stand 'em.
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 8:47 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

trib did an article about the tats
they have pretty cool meanings, they arent pointless....still they do wierd me out...but at least they have some deep emotional message...or so he says.
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 3, 2008 10:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And listening to Chuck-steak Barkley on TNT
...I SWEAR I've never heard such a fat-ass, pompus dickhead that stumbled over his own horrible english as bad as he does...
It seems the fatter he gets, the more stupid he becomes.

The idiot never even won a ring...how do they justify forcing his ignorant shit on TNT viewers?

Good grief....

...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's true ...
I was wondering how old you have to be to start turning senile, because it appears as though he's done it a bit early.

by Prevenge on Apr 3, 2008 8:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I actually have a lot of fun
when I'm not watching the Bulls.    :-)
And it just magnifies everything bad....of which there is a great deal of this year.
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 8:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As pissed off as I am to see Ben Wallace
play reasonably well, it's kind of fun to listen to them complain about Larry always being hurt while in Cleveland.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 8:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And I know we've all asked this
but WTF does Boylan play Hughes over Thabo?
Thabo plays better ball....period.

Sorry guys....I'll try to stop venting.   :-)

...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 8:53 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

did LBJ
just take that ball out of Deng's hands on the dribble?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 8:59 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HAHA
Wallace took the ball right out of Dengs hands!
Deng was like, "what happened"?
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 8:59 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cheap site, pull me off Matt

[new] His brothers funeral picture, real class Matt
Justin Hughes died of a heart transplant 10 years after at age 20.  Nice of you to take a picture of a Larry Hughes, your Bulls player at his brothers funeral and take a dig at his clothes?  How cheap of shot can you take?  Little do you know that Larry actually while his mother worked two jobs actually took care of his brother medically while in grade and high school.  But you, anything for your little website, no class (something you might learn from Hughes, whether he is 0-10 or making a 180K a game.  Pull me off your site, don't wan't anything to do with it. You crossed the line in sportsmanship.
You a little about hoops, for less about life.
You wouldn't give credit for a good game if you had to, but to post this is the worst I have ever seen by someone running a site.

by Homegrown on Apr 3, 2008 9:01 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

someone call a whambulance
i don't think he had anything but good intent with the pic.  he complimented his clothes.

by Orlando Woolridge on Apr 3, 2008 9:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed. The dirty dealer meant no harm...
Homegrown....you should probably go smoke some more....
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

missing a golden opportunity...
we won't have to read through Homegrown's terrible posts anymore if Matt pulls him off the site. I'm all for it.  But yes, Matt meant no harm, he was refuting the claim that Hughes is ugly.

by fundamentallysound on Apr 3, 2008 9:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and the more I thought about it
one of the better looking on the roster.

Not much of a compliment, though...who is there? Hughes, Gordon, Thabo....

um, I'd better stop and leave it to the BaB Ladeez.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm just a guy
but my wife says Thabo is hands down over Hughes.
And she thinks BG's kinda cute...

FWIW.

...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol
my bf has asked me who i think is the cutest bull... it was a very tough decision lol.

i kind of think tyrus, but he's real young looking (not that i'm that old).

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

by Jaina on Apr 3, 2008 10:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hm. In the spirit of sharing too much...
...Gordon, Thabo, and Thomas.  And Noah.  Granted, he is weird looking but in a nice way. I don't think any of the guys are particularly ugly.  Being athletic puts them ahead of most of the regular pudgy population in my estimation.  Gooden would have to lose the soup-catcher though.  

by cranscape on Apr 3, 2008 10:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha it's all good
noah... that's an interesting one. :)

gordons not bad... and thabo.  i think tyrus is the cutest bull... however i'd also say hughes.  except in that picture they have on his profile on nba.com cause his eyes are kinda buggy.

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

by Jaina on Apr 3, 2008 10:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

answered you above
but yes...I was just complimenting the clothes.

Good luck pulling yourself.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure
this guy pulls himself quite often.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You suck
"to the children: Fuck the Bulls." - Matt

by NittanyBull on Apr 3, 2008 10:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Easy now
I actually thought for a moment that perhaps a BABer had indeed made a poor joke about Hughes' brother, so I read through the comments just to be sure.

This did not happen.  Relax.  The photo is just something that came up probably in a google image search.  There was no foul intention.

Stick around.  Keep talking.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 8:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

did Fratello
just telestrate a play where it generated an open layup opportunity....except it was for Wallace and therefore he missed?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:05 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thabo!
blocks LBJ on one end and finishes in traffic at the other. very nice.

by fundamentallysound on Apr 3, 2008 9:06 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thabo comes back in
and all of a sudden the lead is down to 5...
Hmmm.....
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

funny how that works isn't it?
you'd think Boylan might notice it.

God, I can't wait until we hire a real coach.

by fundamentallysound on Apr 3, 2008 9:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't wait until we hire a real coach
Me neither...
But remember it was PAX who put him there, so that doesn't mean he's gonna fire him.
And if he DOES, it doesn't mean we'll get a REAL coach in place of Boylan...

We can only hope.

...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thabo is playing really well
in this stint.  this makes me happy. lebron draining ridiculous threes does not.

by fundamentallysound on Apr 3, 2008 9:08 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

blatantly obvious
that the bulls best 5-man group is:

gordon
sefolosha
deng
thomas
noah

if this group of 5 is supported by

duhon (non-shooter)
hughes or nocioni (scorer/defender)
gray (Low Post/Big)

with a good coach ... these bulls could be a very, very solid team.

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:13 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's now or never
Here we go for the terrible 4th...
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 9:13 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hughes did have a good third quarter
maybe the showcasing is finally paying off... :-p
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:13 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We can only hope.
I can't wait until he's gone.

by sue369 on Apr 3, 2008 10:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

vs sefolosha
the cavalier lead is down to -6

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:14 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bulls seem to be on the losing end of that
traded-player-wants-to-stick-it-to-his-former-team an awful lot - it's nice to be on the good end of it for once.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 9:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow
gordon penetrates and gets the foul call and then larry goes to the rack after the miss.  that's what they should have been doing all year, (well larry might have been, but he wasn't on our team). but better late than never i suppose.

by fundamentallysound on Apr 3, 2008 9:16 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if he had been
do you think they would have traded him for Ben Wallace?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate Hughes
But i have to recognize that he is playing well in this second half... :S But we can't forget he is playing against the Cavs and he wants to show them that they made a mistake in letting him go
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 9:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Twice in a row
Noc turns it over in the paint...
DAMMIT!!!
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:25 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

92-95
big blown possession by nocioni ... 6:04 left in the 4thQ

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:25 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I stop watching, and apparently we're winning now?
Typical.
Guess I have to be resigned to LeBron's 4th-quarter heroics so that we can pull out a win.

by Prevenge on Apr 3, 2008 9:26 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bulls are playing well...
Isn't it about time for one of those brilliant Boylan substititutions?
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 9:28 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

right now
gordon needs to have the ball in his hands running things, not hughes

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:30 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hughes calls Noah out to set a screen
to which he lazily dribbles around and chucks a leaning jumper (as if there's another kind from him).

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:31 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did Noah roll?
Did hughes not pass him the ball?
If so then Larry hughes should be traded for not hitting the open man....
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 3, 2008 10:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no kirk
as long as boylan doesn't sub in at the PG spot the bulls will be just fine

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:32 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Watch out
he'll prolly put Kirk in now..
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the czar knows
gordon & hughes > hinrich

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:33 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe tonight
but they weren't Tues. night.

by sue369 on Apr 3, 2008 10:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cleveland's defense is attrocious
bulls are shooting 56% for the game so far.  This is not the same defensive team it was last year.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:33 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That is one of the....
...most ridiculous missed dunks ever!!!  He just didn't get up high enough.   Looks like one of those plays from the old NBA Bloopers VHS tapes...LMAO

by lexdiamonds0730 on Apr 3, 2008 9:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wallace
HAHA!
Missed at the RIM!!
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:34 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It brings a tear of joy, doesnt' it?
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seeing BW get rim whipped
was worth every forced Hughes shot for the rest of the season.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:35 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

rebounds
thomas for deng or hughes, right now, and the bulls will in this game ... or, at least, lose a close one on a last second shot by LBJ

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:35 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oops
... will win this game ...

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:35 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Definitely
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 9:37 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HEY!
BG drew a foul on his 3 pt attempt...
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:38 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

need a fucking point guard out there
missed wide open Noah pick and roll, and missed wide open BG in corner

by Orange Juice on Apr 3, 2008 9:39 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pull of Deng and put TT
Deng can't rebound with islgauskas and varejão
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why would Boylan mess with
his documented track record of success with small ball?? :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not to mention
the "energy" they come with...
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just realized that Deng...
... was even in the game.  How long has he been in the game in this 4th quarter?  The biggest non-factor in history when the part of the game that matters comes about.

by lexdiamonds0730 on Apr 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's an awful call
Considering Bron absolutely decked Thabo on the previous possession

by Illini15 on Apr 3, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh....OOOOPS!!
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

poor BG
if it just wasn't so predictable
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:41 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bullshooter
that was another example of what I'm talking about, this time with Gordon.  On the play where he ended up shooting 3 free throws, Noah had rolled to the hoop, and nobody was sagging on him. It was a similar play with Kirk earlier.

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 9:42 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ok
for one thing, I don't want BG trying to make that pass.  But the other thing is that the play is designed for the guy with the ball to either go for the layup or hit a cutter from the other corner, usually Deng.  They probably haven't adjusted to the fact that BW is no longer the guy setting the pick.  So unfortunately, the ballhandler is looking the wrong direction.  New coaches, new plays....
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That is the problem
when Wallace was your center, he wouldn't finish.  Hopefully next year they'll be looking for it.

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Question
If they look into it next year, do you think its possible that hinrich would then (because coaches would design the play in that sense) pass the ball to noah alot more for the flush? IF that happened would hinrich still be a bad guard  to run the point?

I am not trying to be rude or anything, i dont know if you are on that same bandwagon that says hinrich sucks at all positions of the game. Though i would give you the fact that hinrich COULD miss a good pass (because he didnt see it) and isnt an all-star level pg, he is still a great guard and i think he runs plays the way coaches want them to be run.

In that light, if the next coach wants plays that have noah finishing on rolls, i would imagine hinrich would find ways to get the ball to noah on a roll. I was just wondering if you thought that it was possible, or if you were set that hinrich would never be able to play point ever...much like khandor and a few others...

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

by piccolomair on Apr 3, 2008 11:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't think you were being rude
and I'm honestly not sure if Kirk not finding Noah on those rolls is a product of a lack of court vision or a lack of familiarity with Noah.  I do know it takes two to tango, so I'm not so quick to toss Kirk under the bus, where he seems to have taken up more or less permanent residency.  The point I made later was that BG also missed him rolling to the hoop - nobody's looking, and they should be, because unlike our previous center, Noah can finish.  Emphatically.

I don't think Kirk has elite vision ala Kidd, CP3 and DWilliams, but he's certainly not wearing blinders out there.  Nobody on this team is playing to their ability.  Hopefully we'll see that next year - assuming a new coach and the use of, say, videotape!  

by Freethefro on Apr 4, 2008 7:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yea. u still gotta realize
that kirk was never supposed to be PG( thanks to jay williams unfortunate accident). i see him work out better when is on the floor with thabo who can handle the ball and kirk runs on offense and comes off screens for shots. thats something if u watched him in college he did real well. its just the times wen hes on the floor with gordon that nothing happens.
I can play better "D" than Ben Gordon

by Yibs on Apr 4, 2008 11:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

one other thing
it's an ensemble cast.  There are 5 good players out there now, so you can't really expect, nor do you really want one guy dominating the ball.  Kirk does a good job of setting up the offense, but I think his offense suffers because he doesn't get the ball back regularly and doesn't get in a rhythm.  There are too many guys who can and should take their shot.  How often do they reverse the ball for the weakside jumper?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 4, 2008 1:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thabo has not reached
'ball handler' status.

He's turned over the ball more than everyone significant except for Noah and Gray. If you count Gray as significant.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 1:34 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't see how you can say that about Aaron
when we all know that Boylan made him a guy you can see, and when Red would choose PT for Aaron over a case of Bit-o-Honey.  
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 4, 2008 2:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not that I don't love ripping on Boylan
But I think that Boylan quote was taken out of context.

Didn't he say something like "Aaron could be someone you see...being a productive big man" or something like that.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 2:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well looking back
KC's story does have it like you say: "someone you can see".

I don't remember if I read another version of the quote or heard the audio, but I remember that 'see' having more attached to it.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 2:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And BG throws up a brick
and lets all the air out

pffffffttt....

...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

for defense
sub now, please, with thomas for either deng or hughes ... cleveland time-out ... 24 secs left

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good point
there should be some offense-defense switching here.

But it's Boylan-ball.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:44 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that was a better 'play' than most
Hughes standing for twelve seconds and getting Gordon off of a screen.

Better than Gordon standing for twelve seconds and then trying to beat a double-team.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If we want to win
We need someone who can defend and rebound, like TT. C'Mon Boylan, Deng only have 1 rebound the entire game
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

trap, trap, trap
every pick & roll/pop with LBJ

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow...
this will mean ALL 3 Chicago teams win today!
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

noah
with a great contest helping off his check

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yup
plus a good job by Hughes grabbing the rebound...luckily it bounced on the same side of the rim, otherwise Boylan-ball lineup would've likely not been able to get it.

And then smart play by Gordon just holding onto it knowing he's the best FT shooter.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

exactly
don't pass, don't dribble.  He's deadly with a lead.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:51 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NOAH IS THE MAN
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 9:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, the Cavs really suck
They may lose in the first round, especially if Washington gets the 5 seed (now that Arenas is back).

by Big D on Apr 3, 2008 9:47 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate cleveland fans
they're all so void of any class at whatsoever...
All they no how to do is boo opposing players.
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that block by Noah
was GREAT. seeing LBJ get bitched at the end of a game and not get the bail out call was awesome.  i'm relieved the refs didn't call anything (there was no foul, but the tendency is for lebron to get the call on anything close on those late game drives).

by fundamentallysound on Apr 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed
That Sefolosha-Noah defensive combination really stifled LeBron in the final moments.

Hopefully we see more of those players at the ends of games.

by jpx7 on Apr 3, 2008 11:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YEEESSSS!!!
In your face Wallace!!!
LET'S COLECT SIGNATURES TO FIRE BOYLAN AND GET RID OF HUGHES

by bull83 on Apr 3, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
I know this hurts our draft pick status, but I love proving that Bulls hater (probably more of a Jordan Era Bulls Hater) Charles Barkley wrong.

by RogersPark Kris on Apr 3, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah
although the Bulls were 'chasing' Charlotte, which is a longshot.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 9:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you mean Chuck-steak Broccoli
...at least in Baseball, we don't have to even HEAR the name BOYLAN!

by Bluelou on Apr 3, 2008 9:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yesssss .... noah
with another great contest ... closing from afar

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now if the bulls can just find a way
to get hughes to hit 60% of his jumpshots every night, they should be world beaters.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice finish there
by that group.  Sefolosha and Noah did a good job of containing Lebron.  And the fact that it was "witnessed" on national TV makes me that much happier.  

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What happened with the dunk Wallace
tried to make? I couldn't see the game
"to the children: Fuck the Bulls." - Matt

by NittanyBull on Apr 3, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He was wide open
went up, cocked it behind his head to slam it with two hands, and drove it into the front of the rim.  Bulls going the other way.

Sigh.

by Freethefro on Apr 3, 2008 9:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he had no lift
and got rim whipped.  It was ugly.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:55 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh that was priceless
a very rewarding moment for all bulls fans, i'm sure.  That was one of the most pathetic dunk attempts i have ever seen.  to get rejected by the rim on a wide open two handed slam is beyond humiliating

by Conor on Apr 4, 2008 12:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

now that was a game
reminds of the old days... though u cant expect hughes to play like that all the time. sucks kirk lost some minutes i think he had 6 assists in like 15minutes.. i liked that, though his shot wasnt there
I can play better "D" than Ben Gordon

by Yibs on Apr 3, 2008 9:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He'll have
a better night on Sat. and Hughes will go back to sucking yet again.

by sue369 on Apr 3, 2008 10:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

6 assists in a short time
Not bad for the "leagues worst pg" i suppose....
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 3, 2008 11:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hot damn.
I probably should not have turned off the radio feed during half time.  I couldn't get it back up and missed the second half.  Might have to find this one somewhere.  With so few wins I feel like watching us stick it to James a season high.

by cranscape on Apr 3, 2008 9:52 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hot damn - me too!
Despite all my angst about this season this game was fun to watch.  I particularly liked the crowd groan when the Corpse missed the wide open layup.  After a game like this I don't know what to change for next year.  

by chgobr on Apr 3, 2008 9:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the coach
or the team chef.  Give hughes the magic 60%-on-jumpshots-juice before every game.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Larry Hughes could play the Cavs
every night, he'd be an all-star.  25pts, 8 reb, 9 ast, 2 steals, 1 block.  

by danger mouse on Apr 3, 2008 9:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no hinrich, please
as long as the bulls go with the 9 guys I mentioned before

gordon
sefolosha
deng
thomas
noah
-------------
duhon (defender/rebounder/non-shooter)
hughes
nocioni
gray (low post Big)

there's no reason for the bulls to miss the playoffs for the next 10 years

... as long as they get rid of kirk hinrich

and boylan.

by khandor on Apr 3, 2008 9:54 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not sure I understand your theory
could you run it past us one more time?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 3, 2008 9:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha
it's like he doesn't like Hinrich or something...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 3, 2008 10:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon played a really good game!
I mean, the random 3 at the end of the clock was bad, but that was Hughes' call. GJ hughes ... dribble at the key for 20 seconds, pass to Gordon to fire wild 3.
I guess it works sometimes?
Those free throws were clutch though.
I loved the block too.
If only we'd won by 1, just so the missed dunk could be the highlight of the game ... and the margin between winning and losing.

by Prevenge on Apr 3, 2008 9:56 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Corpse, blocked and his annoying inbound def.
Watching the corpse get stuffed by the rim was great. Shows that he has no explosiveness left. It wasn't even close, and it lost the game for them!
Don't give up on Tyrus yet, he's starting to understand the game.

by armstrong2389 on Apr 3, 2008 9:56 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thabo had another
great defensive night. He's only going to get better and better.

by sue369 on Apr 3, 2008 10:15 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His emergence
as an average offensive player makes me more comfortable with trading Gordon in the offseason.  I really like the new-look Bulls sometimes.  Mostly when Kirk's playing better.  Deng is too much of a non-factor to care too much about.  Why didn't Thomas play more?  Boylan, there are 6 fouls in the NBA!
BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 7 - Debating whether Moses Malone was better in his prime than Tyrus right now.

by cubbybear on Apr 4, 2008 12:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tyrus had a so so game
He wants to break on every rebound, but he needs to pull back and hand it off to Kirk when he calls for the ball.  Kirk knows when the fast break is there and when it is not.  Tyrus needs to trust Kirk when he's calling for the basketball after a defensive rebound.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 8:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Saving him for OT.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 4, 2008 8:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Either Thabo has been taught very well
or he just picked up things quickly watching film.  He's a textbook defensive player.  He uses his arms like Pippen.  Both players are "whacky waving inflatable arm tube men".  They know how their arms and hands can extend their defensive footprint to close off passing lanes, slide over for help defense recognizing where the man the left wants to receive the pass, and they contest every shot.  This is something that Tyrus needs to learn.  The defensive footprint isn't just up.  It's lateral with your body and extends further with your arms and hands.

Pippen's NBA offense took some time, but his defense was ready from day one.  He capitalized on this strength by allowing it to boost his confidence.  This eventually rubbed off on his offensive game elevating him into the elite player category in the NBA.

I'd really like to have Pippen around the Bulls organization.  He's too intelligent as a basketball mind to let him wander in the world of media.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 8:41 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this season has been awful, but
watching noah and thabo improve has been great...and they both speak french!!!

maybe bringing in pip to help with thabo and deng wouldnt be such a bad idea.  

by Conor on Apr 4, 2008 1:06 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Players Pippen could really help
Thabo, Luol, Nocioni, Gordon, Hinrich, Thomas, Noah, Hughes.

Pippen knows defense.  He's top ten best ball and help defender of all time.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 1:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well
I don't know how effective of a teacher Pip would be, but its not totally crazy to surmise that a guy who is a gifted player with a reputedly high BBIQ might be able to teach these Bulls a useful thing or two.

If not, you know, a decent coach who isn't afraid of game film could put together some Pip clips and . . . gee, that might work too.

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

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

"not totally crazy to surmise..."
sure it is. And a lot of what you're referring to as BBIQ could've just been great instincts that can't be taught anyway.

I don't remember any great Pippen teaching stories when he was brought in to be the old sage a couple years ago.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 2:33 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Saying
Those who can, Do...
Those who cant, Teach...

if you want to really put in perspective, think back to Jordan was he was sort of coaching the wizards.....or when he saw "talent" in kwame brown...

Pippen was a great defender beceause he was long, athletic, and competetive, the things that just cant be taught.

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

by piccolomair on Apr 4, 2008 3:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No its not
Matt, I know you have a bug up your ass about calls for former players to come coach the Bulls, but the point whoever was trying to make, I think, was that Thabo looks Pippen-esque out there and seems to be using some similar defensive tactics.  It stands to reason that Thabo could gain by studying Pip's defensive game.  Its called modeling and its a common tactic for self-improvement in many areas of life.  Whether Pip teaches it or not is kinda beside the point.  Maybe he'd be good at teaching; maybe he wouldn't.

And I know you weren't a Bulls fan when the team was good, but Pippen was consistently given props throughout his career as being an exceptionally smart player.  Not just an exceptionally instinctive player.  

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

by preverbal on Apr 4, 2008 3:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

KINDA
I agree with you that Thabo is slightly "Pippen-esque" but I kinda see what Matt is saying.  Just because they are similar, it doesn't mean that Pippen can teach him defensive techniques.  It doesn't mean that Thabo will successfully pick up those techniques.  It doesn't mean that Thabo can even be taught.  

Maybe Thabo studies better using film or on his own.  Maybe he wouldn't do well being "instructed" by Pip.  Who knows?  Then again he could turn out to be an uber-sponge and just soak it all in and be all NBA 1st defensive team next year.  Nobody knows.

But the "because they have similar bodies" or "they use their arms the same" arguments both lack

by NormVanBeer on Apr 4, 2008 3:47 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seems to me
that Thabo needs to get his hands on some footage of  Pippen playing over the years and a basketball IQ guy who can break down what Pip did that was good and how Thabo can use that to improve his game.  Doesn't seem like Pip needs to be there.  Of course if he was marketing himself as an instructor and had success there that would be different.  

by cranscape on Apr 4, 2008 4:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BTW
"not totally crazy" reads "not totally crazy"

lest you think I am joining a call for Paxson to name Pippen head coach this summer.

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

by preverbal on Apr 4, 2008 3:37 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

fun game
even if they had lost, it was actually enjoyable to watch (2nd half at least).

thabo was great on defense.

and i don't hate hughes - i know i'm in the minority there.  as long as he's used correctly... he can be useful in a limited way.  if he's going the way he was playing tonight - play him.  if he's going 0-6 like against the celtics, bench him.  that's okay.  but i'll admit it was fun watching him torch the cavs.  i hate them.

go bulls!!

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

by Jaina on Apr 3, 2008 10:47 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, um, Hughes still needs
to go.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 3, 2008 10:57 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No no
just needs to stay on the bench, until we play clevland, then hes allowed to go buck wild...only if he promises to shoot 60% again....
Kirk Hinrich. The FORMER Best White American Point Guard in the NBA, Will Soon be Traded :(

by piccolomair on Apr 3, 2008 11:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AWESOME
Larry Hughes played like a man-possesed. He earned his keep today fellas.

by AFireInside661 on Apr 4, 2008 6:47 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I really dislike players that elevate their game
against their old teams.  This is a pride thing right?  If Hughes could bring it three out of four nights that would be awesome.  His comments about playing to have fun that Windhorst recites in the wrapup doesn't help Hughes.

I'm glad Hughes finished strong.  He really needed to.  He was a -11 in the first half even though he was 3-6 from the field.  His four first half turnovers were killers.  8 of 10 second half field goals carried him all the way back to a +2 for the game.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 8:49 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LEBRON
even though we won, the headline on nba.com is still "James Scores One Point of His 33 in Fourth Quarter"
it's like.. thanks.

well on the front page it says "Former Cavalier Hughes Nears Triple Stack as Bulls Rally in Cleveland" but when you click on it the title is above.

like seriously.

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

by Jaina on Apr 4, 2008 8:50 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh and
the article says "James scored 33 to lead Cleveland, but with his back tightening, he scored just one point in the fourth and missed all five field-goal tries."

it has nothing to do with the excellent defense that thabo played on him, or anything.

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

by Jaina on Apr 4, 2008 8:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm cool with this
The more Thabo flies under the radar, the better for us.  The last thing I want to happen to close the season is tons of Thabo lourve from the media so Paxson can try and trade him to the Suns.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 8:56 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Suns or Raptors
Both clubs want Thabo.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 8:57 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He'd be a decent replacement
for Raja Bell, who looks to be heading downward...

I think I was up for the Thabo/Duhon for Bell trade earlier in the season, which wouldn't have been a catastrophe or anything, but not a great deal either.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 9:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That wasn't part of my master fleecing plan
of the Suns to send them Wallace to get back Stoudemire was it?

Heh.  I thought my offer was good.  ;)

Thabo shows me too much promise to just deal him for a veteran like Bell.  I'm curious as to how the relationship between Noah and Thabo develops in this Summer.  They talk to each other in French off the court, but they could use it on the court as well although I could see how this would be an issue with other teammates.  I wonder if Noc knows French too.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 10:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe Noc knows Canadian
trade his ass to Toronto instead of Thabo.

Thabo has a real good chance to be the next Ime Udoka :-p

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 10:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who do you want in return?
Bryan Colangelo likes Noc.  They were one of the teams that tried to sign him after the 2004 Olympics.

How about Anthony Parker?  They'd probably try to trade us Bargnani and change for Noc.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 10:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

are u
suggesting that a proposed 'deal' for Bargnani + change with the Bulls, in exchange for Nocioni, would be a steal for the Raptors?

If so ... then that's downright comical.

by khandor on Apr 4, 2008 10:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, I agree
I was more thinking just dump Noc on them and get an expiring like big Rasho.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 10:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just about every club in the NBA wanted Noc
after the 2004 Summer Olympics.  The Bulls made the best offer at 7.5 mil and 3 years and the 2.5 mil buyout of his Tau contract.

The Celtics and Raptors were both scouting Noc at the Olympics.

Noc is better than Bargani, but he's not better to the tune of an additional 4 million per.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 10:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what's your point?
Nocioni's been in the league 4 years and he'll be 29 to start next season. NBA teams know what Noc can and can't do on an NBA level, which has more bearing on his desireability than whoever liked him back in the land where the smallish big and/or slowish wing is king.

You may turn out right that Bargnani will never be as good as Nocioni (and people think the Bulls busted out with Thomas, jeez), but he'll be 23 next year and is 7 feet tall, so rightfully or not he has way more value. That and the market imperfection that 'justifying a #1 pick' can bring.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 11:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't make this argument
You may turn out right that Bargnani will never be as good as Nocioni

I just said Nocioni is better.  He is.  But this is the present.  I'm not going to argue that Nocioni will be better than Bargnani over the length of their respective careers.

The two of us have squabbled over Nocioni more than any other player.  We see him through different lenses.  I'm nowhere close to the "dump Nocioni's contract" territory, but I am not opposed to trading him.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 12:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The point of argument
 was that you said Toronto would try to throw in something with Bargnani to get Nocioni, which, despite who's better now or ever, is ludicrious because of Bargnani's size, age, and status as #1 overall pick.

I think Noc would be OK as a Raptor, because they're desperate for any upgrade at SF, and they clearly like 3-point shooters. Unfortunately they also need a wing stopper (that's bigger/better than Parker), which Noc ain't.

Trade them a tandem-SF-special package of Noc/Thabo for...I dunno. Calderon would be nice but not likely, and I can't see acquiring TJ Ford unless Hinrich/Gordon/Hughes were on their way somewhere else...not to mention that getting TJ Ford means the need for a bigger 2-guard is even more of a need than if they just kept Hinrich.

If one was to think on a smaller scale, Kapono has a more cap-friendly deal than Noc, and he'd be like Nocioni except coaches wouldn't drool over the chance to play him over someone better, especially at the 4. I'm not sure who has to throw in what in that instance, because Noc is technically better.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 1:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no way jose
that Toronto would be willing to trade for Nocioni in exchange for either Bargnani (plus ?) or Calderon.

No way.

by khandor on Apr 4, 2008 9:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like how you still respond to bullshooter.
It's cute that you still give his comments credit as if they aren't specifically directed to goad someone into responding in a frustrated manner. It's like self-inflicted punishment by you for being foolish enough to run a popular blog. Or something.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 4, 2008 10:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ahh tygger
there you go missing the point again...  :-(
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 4, 2008 10:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bullshooter, may I attempt a translation here?
I think he means that he DOESN'T like....

But I understand.  Even some, well, at least one pre-eminent world leader suffers from a similar affliction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa3J-L29iT8&feature=related

by alec on Apr 4, 2008 11:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh self-absorbed you two are.
It really is cute in a pathetic way.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 4, 2008 1:39 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm getting pretty sick of it
to be honest. Yes, that means you as well tyger.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 1:48 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope so.
Took long enough. Can we put an end to contrarian bot yet?
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 4, 2008 1:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wouldn't be asking for executions
I think bullshooter scores at a better rate than you.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 1:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt, Tyger, and everyone
Please accept my apologies for starting this up again today with Tyger.  Not only was my post completely uncalled for, it was also a complete waste of your time to read and I'm sure added nothing to your day.

Matt, you have a great site, and even though I'm not as hardcore knowledgeable about basketball as many others here, I still would like to be considered a net positive.

Again, my apologies to all.    

by alec on Apr 4, 2008 2:50 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice game
it's funny how the ESPN story-line today says Bulls win vs. "ailing LeBron, Cavs".  I honestly hadn't heard anything about Lebron's back until today.  The only person I heard that was ailing was Wallace.

Also, towards the end of the game Fratello made some comment like "the Bulls didn't play last night and Cleveland did, so maybe fatigue is setting in..."  OK, maybe a little truth to that.  But I find it funny that nobody mentioned "fatigue" or Lebron's "ailing" back when he scored 32 thru 3 quarters.

I mean I know the team sucks and isn't going to the post-season, but come on, can't they have a legitimate win?

by NormVanBeer on Apr 4, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beating a one man show like Cleveland
isn't that exciting, especially when they would have been much better served by losing the game.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 4, 2008 9:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

makes sense
but it's just the principle of the matter to me.  It's not about what would've been better served or what was exciting.  To me, if you lost, then you lost, give credit where it's due.

When the Cavs were beating their brains in by 17 they were already in the "Bahamas".  But when the team played good and came back to win, it's oh the Cavs are "ailing".  Just seems like a back-handed comment to me.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 4, 2008 9:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is a back handed comment
But it's ESPN.  They have been making money off of Lebron since he was a sophomore in high school.  Any time they can put a few more 'Lebron' keywords on to the Internet they will do it.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 9:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm really kind of surprised by the reaction
around here.  TT didn't play for most of the second half, but it's ok because they beat LBJ and the Cavs?  Where's all the righteous indignation?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 4, 2008 9:43 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he should've been in there at the end
but since he did get 23 minutes and was no great shakes, I wouldn't start my usual fire and brimstone.

this is different than when he gets 7 minutes and never comes back, a time period in which only you and Jim Boylan have the capability of knowing that he just 'didn't have it' that night.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 9:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

also
there's little doubt that when Gooden comes back it'll go back to the aforementioned scenario. So count your blessings while you can :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 9:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

in that scenario
the only thing I know is that Boylan thinks TT didn't have it.  And Gooden is fine, they just want TT to relax.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 4, 2008 10:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

somehow I don't think it's working
tough to relax when you're getting yanked around like that.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 4, 2008 10:08 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that's the spirit!
although I don't think he got yanked as much as Boylan just didn't come back to him in the fourth.  He played the first 7 minutes in the third.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 4, 2008 10:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I missed the 2nd half
so I only have gameflow, play by play, post game wraps, and interviews to work with.

I wasn't too pleased with Tyrus' first half performance.  He did some good things and about an equal number of bad things.  One really bad thing was a 2nd quarter play where Hughes drove and lobbed it to Tyrus.  I don't think Tyrus was expecting the pass(not playing enough together) but rather was expecting Hughes to shoot and Tyrus would be there for any put back slam.

It was a play that Kirk, Thabo, and Duhon lob to Tyrus all the time, but Hughes and Thomas just don't have that feel for eachother yet.  Anyway, after the mistimed lob, Tyrus just sat there looking around.  I thought maybe he got hit in the face and thought he'd get a call, but he literally just stopped and the Cavs were fast breaking the other way.  I think BG just fouled West or Lebron to make them earn the 2 at the line.

Tyrus also came over for some help D when Big Z made a move to get past Noah or Gray(I forget who was in at the time).  Tyrus jumped before Big Z was even trying to shoot.  Z just slipped a pass over to another Cav for an easy layup.  Tyrus needs to keep his feet planted on help d in the paint and he needs to extend his arms and hands when he's sliding over on the help to decrease the size of the drop off passing lane for the penetrating opponent.  These are plays that should be part of individual player film study.

I need to get in touch with some contacts at Columbia College to see if they have any grads working for the Bulls in a multimedia capacity.  I'd love to get some off the record details or even maybe have a chat session with any of the Bulls multimedia personnel.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 4, 2008 10:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs