It was actually kind of close in the first half, frustratingly so. Bosh was tending to his broken face so there best player was Bargnani. Thankfully, the Bulls pulled away in the second half, showing a least a little resistance of being kicked out of the playoffs.
Two more to go: Boston comes calling, then at Charlotte--neither are gimmes by any stretch. Though by the way the Raptors handed us the torch last night, I don't know if they even care.
Defensive Line of the Night:
Joakim Noah: 19 boards, 1 block. Went along with 18 point and 7 assists.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Playoffs? You're talking about playoffs?
Tomorrow is the biggest game of the year for Chicago. Beating a Bosh-less Raptors squad helps push the Bulls into the 8th spot in the East. There, we have the fortune of meeting the Cav's team we just squeaked by without LeBron.
In case you missed the Nets game yesterday, we lost by sheer will. Going into OT with NJ is already a moral loss for sure, especially with so much to play for. It must be mentioned that the referees were nothing less than childish and cowardly, swallowing their whistles with the game on the line.
There was much to do about Noah's playing time, with the limit of 35 min. being enforced by VDN, while management says they would allow more time during important circumstances. Terrible miscommunication.
In case you missed the Nets game yesterday, we lost by sheer will. Going into OT with NJ is already a moral loss for sure, especially with so much to play for. It must be mentioned that the referees were nothing less than childish and cowardly, swallowing their whistles with the game on the line.
There was much to do about Noah's playing time, with the limit of 35 min. being enforced by VDN, while management says they would allow more time during important circumstances. Terrible miscommunication.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
After 9 games..
they were who we thought they were.
While there maybe a lack of huge stories to report on this season, here are a few things to take note of:
1. Defense. Suddenly our defense looks legit again. The Bulls are sporting the 7th overall defense in the league, which is crucial when your offense is 28th. Even with a 7 man rotation as of now, the Bulls have players that are long, athletic defenders and are willing to defend (which is key).
2. Joakim Noah. Talk about turning the corner, the Bulls big man has shown his potential. Noah is average 12ppg, 12 rebs, and 2 blocks a game. The energy is there, he's keeping plays alive, and is being aggressive. Remember when he was a the #1 prospect his junior year in Florida, then dropped his senior--Florida won 2 Natl. Championships--and we won in the lottery.
3. Tyrus Thomas injury. Taj Gibson is gaining some valuable playing time and showing that he has a place on this team and in the league for a long time. His size, efficient stroke, and basketball I.Q. will make him a valuable asset coming off the bench when Tyrus comes back.
4. Hinrich and Miller off the pine. These two basically led us to victory over Philly on Sunday. Both could be starters on other teams around the NBA. Hinrich's defense is on point so far this year and when he shoots well he can stretch opposing defenses--creating lanes for Rose. Miller is an outstanding spot up shooter and passer with a knack for getting to the rim. Rumors have it he may be used for trade bait this year, but so far he's been instrumental for this team.
While there maybe a lack of huge stories to report on this season, here are a few things to take note of:
1. Defense. Suddenly our defense looks legit again. The Bulls are sporting the 7th overall defense in the league, which is crucial when your offense is 28th. Even with a 7 man rotation as of now, the Bulls have players that are long, athletic defenders and are willing to defend (which is key).
2. Joakim Noah. Talk about turning the corner, the Bulls big man has shown his potential. Noah is average 12ppg, 12 rebs, and 2 blocks a game. The energy is there, he's keeping plays alive, and is being aggressive. Remember when he was a the #1 prospect his junior year in Florida, then dropped his senior--Florida won 2 Natl. Championships--and we won in the lottery.
3. Tyrus Thomas injury. Taj Gibson is gaining some valuable playing time and showing that he has a place on this team and in the league for a long time. His size, efficient stroke, and basketball I.Q. will make him a valuable asset coming off the bench when Tyrus comes back.
4. Hinrich and Miller off the pine. These two basically led us to victory over Philly on Sunday. Both could be starters on other teams around the NBA. Hinrich's defense is on point so far this year and when he shoots well he can stretch opposing defenses--creating lanes for Rose. Miller is an outstanding spot up shooter and passer with a knack for getting to the rim. Rumors have it he may be used for trade bait this year, but so far he's been instrumental for this team.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Lu Who?
Luol Deng, that's who.
A healthy Deng has the ability to be our best offensive player and can create opportunities for his teammates. This guy can be the key to our season.
If you read much of anything about Deng in the media it looks like a medical record: swollen ankle, likely out for year, slowly progressing, breaks tibia, etc. The man just can't catch a break and it's unfortunate because he's catching a lot of heat from fans.
Let's look at him as if he's fully healthy and ready for a break out year. Most would be happy with a 19ppg and 9 rebs. kind of season. Takes on a major role in the offense, can be another lengthy defender on the perimeter, and leads the team into the playoffs.
Deng isn't a jump and run kind of athlete, he is more of a coordinated big man. He's long at 6'9" and can move past men of similar stature. When he drives you notice it's one direction and go, there are no sudden changes, which is usually fine. That is just the kind of player he is, he's no Josh Smith athletically, but enough to get the job done. The biggest knock on Luol is his jumper and how he relies it so heavily. He has the size to get in the post and create problems because of his size. His jumper is great, he's a fantastic jump shooter, but when it's not falling, it's a problem. The Bulls don't need another mid-range shooter, but rather a player who can create on his own. Think of the other scoring options on the team: Derrick Rose is a pure slasher, Salmons is more of a outside shooter, same goes for Hinrich. Miller is a mid range big man, while Tyrus and Noah are putback players for now. Deng can make a huge difference as far how opposing teams choose to guard the Bulls.
Our plea from Chicago is to be aggressive Lu, put the ball on the deck and get fouled. Learn a counter move when option A is gone. Be a leader.
A healthy Deng has the ability to be our best offensive player and can create opportunities for his teammates. This guy can be the key to our season.
If you read much of anything about Deng in the media it looks like a medical record: swollen ankle, likely out for year, slowly progressing, breaks tibia, etc. The man just can't catch a break and it's unfortunate because he's catching a lot of heat from fans.
Let's look at him as if he's fully healthy and ready for a break out year. Most would be happy with a 19ppg and 9 rebs. kind of season. Takes on a major role in the offense, can be another lengthy defender on the perimeter, and leads the team into the playoffs.
Deng isn't a jump and run kind of athlete, he is more of a coordinated big man. He's long at 6'9" and can move past men of similar stature. When he drives you notice it's one direction and go, there are no sudden changes, which is usually fine. That is just the kind of player he is, he's no Josh Smith athletically, but enough to get the job done. The biggest knock on Luol is his jumper and how he relies it so heavily. He has the size to get in the post and create problems because of his size. His jumper is great, he's a fantastic jump shooter, but when it's not falling, it's a problem. The Bulls don't need another mid-range shooter, but rather a player who can create on his own. Think of the other scoring options on the team: Derrick Rose is a pure slasher, Salmons is more of a outside shooter, same goes for Hinrich. Miller is a mid range big man, while Tyrus and Noah are putback players for now. Deng can make a huge difference as far how opposing teams choose to guard the Bulls.
Our plea from Chicago is to be aggressive Lu, put the ball on the deck and get fouled. Learn a counter move when option A is gone. Be a leader.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Pre-Season Game 1
Bulls 104, Pacers 95
I'll admit I didn't even know there was a preseason game on yesterday. Oops, however I maintain that pre-season is more useful for the players than the fans, as we don't get a full grasp of the team.
Just a glimpse over the box, looks like everyone did fairly well. By all accounts our defense was there. Rose played over 30 minutes, dropped in 17 with 8 for 13 shooting. He has the ability, and the specific kind of game to have these outstanding shooting percentages because he gets in the lane--like a Rajon Rondo. However, Thomas and Noah had a combined 4-14 night. Big men can't be shooting worse than our backcourt, no one wins that way.
Bunch of players didn't play either just resting, minor injuries, or Vinny didn't feel it necessary to involve someone like Curtis Stinson. Did anyone else know he was even on the roster? Used to play for Iowa State when he was like 25, dude is old.
I'll be sure to catch the next game for sure, it's got to be better than Sox baseball.
I'll admit I didn't even know there was a preseason game on yesterday. Oops, however I maintain that pre-season is more useful for the players than the fans, as we don't get a full grasp of the team.
Just a glimpse over the box, looks like everyone did fairly well. By all accounts our defense was there. Rose played over 30 minutes, dropped in 17 with 8 for 13 shooting. He has the ability, and the specific kind of game to have these outstanding shooting percentages because he gets in the lane--like a Rajon Rondo. However, Thomas and Noah had a combined 4-14 night. Big men can't be shooting worse than our backcourt, no one wins that way.
Bunch of players didn't play either just resting, minor injuries, or Vinny didn't feel it necessary to involve someone like Curtis Stinson. Did anyone else know he was even on the roster? Used to play for Iowa State when he was like 25, dude is old.
I'll be sure to catch the next game for sure, it's got to be better than Sox baseball.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Salmon heading up stream?
John Salmons. 29 years old, probably our starting off guard. Tall, lanky, can score off the bounce or spot up. Defensively can be a bother with athleticism and size. Effort is there. Best offensive move is a one dribble hesitation pull up jumper from his left hand. Decent rebounder.
But can all of these positives off set Ben Gordon type of reproduction. By all accounts, yes. After the trade, on a per minute basis, Salmons was better than BG. We went to both players during crunch time, especially during the playoff series. Both came up big, and sometimes both made dumb mistakes.
Perhaps the best question is whether Salmons is a quality enough shooting guard for a team that wants to win in the playoffs. His biggest achilles heel is his willingness to receive and shoot--the man can be a black hole. You give him the ball, you should it's going up. He doesn't make teammates better, he's not a passer, and his finishing ability at the rim is beneath most at his position. A good shooter, but not a dead eye by any standards. Would prefer him to be more patient and understand how to manage a clock, involve his teammates.
Alot of the season's success will depend upon how our backcourt rotation produces. A rotation of Hinrich, Salmons, Pargo, and Deng needs to be efficient for the team to be in the top 8 in the East. ESPN's Hollinger believes we hit the 9 seed, even though he thinks this is a team that could potentially turn the corner. If we turn the corner, most would believe it would be a playoff team, anything else would be a downgrade.
But can all of these positives off set Ben Gordon type of reproduction. By all accounts, yes. After the trade, on a per minute basis, Salmons was better than BG. We went to both players during crunch time, especially during the playoff series. Both came up big, and sometimes both made dumb mistakes.
Perhaps the best question is whether Salmons is a quality enough shooting guard for a team that wants to win in the playoffs. His biggest achilles heel is his willingness to receive and shoot--the man can be a black hole. You give him the ball, you should it's going up. He doesn't make teammates better, he's not a passer, and his finishing ability at the rim is beneath most at his position. A good shooter, but not a dead eye by any standards. Would prefer him to be more patient and understand how to manage a clock, involve his teammates.
Alot of the season's success will depend upon how our backcourt rotation produces. A rotation of Hinrich, Salmons, Pargo, and Deng needs to be efficient for the team to be in the top 8 in the East. ESPN's Hollinger believes we hit the 9 seed, even though he thinks this is a team that could potentially turn the corner. If we turn the corner, most would believe it would be a playoff team, anything else would be a downgrade.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Getting Big
hopefully that's our friend Joakim. Word is he's been lifting, looking to add about 5 to 10 lbs. of muscle.
Around the cyberspace, people are really high on his potential this year. With the super performance he turned in during last year's playoffs, the attention is certainly warranted. Look around the league at the top centers and at the very least talent wise, Noah has the tools to be right there.
The offense may just never be there. With a shot like his, the range will never be further than five feet. His game is putbacks and dunks, ala Tyson Chandler. However, with improved footwork, his agility and length could potential lend itself to getting around larger five men. Add a baby hook, and there's no reason he has to at least be respected on the block.
The defense is his paycheck. Length, hustle, desire, mobility, it's all there to be a great off ball shot blocker and defensive rebounder. He boxes out well, keeps the ball alive, and has the coordination of timing. Adding on the muscle is imperative for Joakim to be a solid one on one defender. Last year, like Kendrick Perkins in the first round, Noah was pushed from his spot by stronger, albeit heavier players. Creating a solid base will enable him to bother post players by not giving up ground and using his long arms to change their shots. Improving on his fouls would be a benefit as well, going over to tape to point out where ticky tack fouls can be avoided.
Now that he understands what playing shape is, Noah can be a true difference maker for the Bulls this year. Going up against Shaq and Dwight Howard is going to be tough, but other nights he may be the best big man on the floor. If he and Rose find a chemistry, he could be heading to the All-Star game, and the Bulls might make a deeper run.
Around the cyberspace, people are really high on his potential this year. With the super performance he turned in during last year's playoffs, the attention is certainly warranted. Look around the league at the top centers and at the very least talent wise, Noah has the tools to be right there.
The offense may just never be there. With a shot like his, the range will never be further than five feet. His game is putbacks and dunks, ala Tyson Chandler. However, with improved footwork, his agility and length could potential lend itself to getting around larger five men. Add a baby hook, and there's no reason he has to at least be respected on the block.
The defense is his paycheck. Length, hustle, desire, mobility, it's all there to be a great off ball shot blocker and defensive rebounder. He boxes out well, keeps the ball alive, and has the coordination of timing. Adding on the muscle is imperative for Joakim to be a solid one on one defender. Last year, like Kendrick Perkins in the first round, Noah was pushed from his spot by stronger, albeit heavier players. Creating a solid base will enable him to bother post players by not giving up ground and using his long arms to change their shots. Improving on his fouls would be a benefit as well, going over to tape to point out where ticky tack fouls can be avoided.
Now that he understands what playing shape is, Noah can be a true difference maker for the Bulls this year. Going up against Shaq and Dwight Howard is going to be tough, but other nights he may be the best big man on the floor. If he and Rose find a chemistry, he could be heading to the All-Star game, and the Bulls might make a deeper run.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Re-Dedication and new ideas
Back to the basics.
After a long hiatus, due to graduation, jobs, job searching, failing, and back to work in the summer, it's been a 9 months since the last post.
We all know what happened in the past year, Bulls taking the Celtics to the brink it what is surely a classic series, even if it was in the first round. The overtimes, the clutch shots, it was fun--even in the losing effort. With such a great end, can this be a great beginning? We certainly have plenty to work with.
1. Derrick Rose--ROY, now All-Star? With hard work, dedication, defensive studying, he certainly has all the tools to be.
2. Ben who? Gordon decided to take his check to Detroit with Rip, Tayshaun, and Stuckey. How will he fit in the offense? Talks of him coming off the bench are there, so how is this an upgrade Ben? Can't hate for him getting his--that being money--but I don't see this being a good fit for the now evolving Pistons.
3. J. Noah--There are reports he's gotten swoll ( that being muscular). About 10lbs of muscle. Better finishing on the offensive end and no more getting pushed out of the paint will make Noah a real deal center piece.
4. Hinrich/Deng/Salmons. This rotation with rookie James Johnson can be a good one. Defense and size are there. Upgrade with a shooter, and it's even better.
5. Trades? Plethora of options, but takers? With the future cap expected to drop, this will effect the vaunted 2010 free agent pool.
Thoughts?
After a long hiatus, due to graduation, jobs, job searching, failing, and back to work in the summer, it's been a 9 months since the last post.
We all know what happened in the past year, Bulls taking the Celtics to the brink it what is surely a classic series, even if it was in the first round. The overtimes, the clutch shots, it was fun--even in the losing effort. With such a great end, can this be a great beginning? We certainly have plenty to work with.
1. Derrick Rose--ROY, now All-Star? With hard work, dedication, defensive studying, he certainly has all the tools to be.
2. Ben who? Gordon decided to take his check to Detroit with Rip, Tayshaun, and Stuckey. How will he fit in the offense? Talks of him coming off the bench are there, so how is this an upgrade Ben? Can't hate for him getting his--that being money--but I don't see this being a good fit for the now evolving Pistons.
3. J. Noah--There are reports he's gotten swoll ( that being muscular). About 10lbs of muscle. Better finishing on the offensive end and no more getting pushed out of the paint will make Noah a real deal center piece.
4. Hinrich/Deng/Salmons. This rotation with rookie James Johnson can be a good one. Defense and size are there. Upgrade with a shooter, and it's even better.
5. Trades? Plethora of options, but takers? With the future cap expected to drop, this will effect the vaunted 2010 free agent pool.
Thoughts?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sitting at 3-4....so about that trade?
It's been seven games into the season and one thing is for certain: Rose is gold. Somebody give this kid a nickname, one that suits his game, his style.
Seriously, Rose is the real deal. He's basically LeBron James in a PG's body. The same way that James can physically dominate a game, Derrick can do the same. He can penetrate at will, is quick with the ball, makes brilliant passes, and can wear down whoever is guarding him. Scoring at a great clip for a rookie point guard at 17.7 ppg (2nd on the team behind Gordon), averages over a steal a game, leads the team in assists at 5.1 per game. Dude is the leader of the team already, point blank. I think the debate about Beasley and Rose is over.
Hinrich is done for 3 months. Hmm, it certainly clears more time for Rose and Gordon, but when Thabo and Hughes coming into the fold more as well, it's more a question of quality. Losing our best perimeter defender hurts, as well as the second best ball handler. I know alot of people hate on Hinrich and his horrible last season, but perhaps this will change when we realize how valuable he is on this team.
As the team stands and after watching them play for several games, we're a .500 team. Our best player is a rookie, the other most talented player will NEVER realize his potential (Tyrus Thomas), our "cornerstone" player is one dimensional and is a 3rd option on a contender (Deng), and our leading scorer is 6'1" in shoes. Not to mention our best low post option is Drew Gooden. All of these players are serviceable, none are complete garabage by any means, but this isn't going to be one of those "Greater than the sum of it's parts," type team. This is an above average talent wise team, but the components don't match the body. Our best players are perimeter players who rely on jump shots, but with no true low post option, they don't get any breathing room.
Trade: Who hasn't got one? I'll leave it to other fans and lonely late night folks to use the ol' ESPN fantasy trade machine to create their dream trade. But it had better have us receiving a post player--legit post player. Everyone is available minus Rose, Deng (brand new contract), and that is about it.
So watch on fans of Chicago, enjoy the fast tempo to the half court, then the awkward half court set that leads to a jumper. Watch Rose excite you with his potential, and imagine what he could do with a real big man to give him space. Yell at the T.V. when Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas throw up a horrible, contested jumper. Then roll your eyes when they occasionally make it. Keep wishing that Deng would learn to change directions in the middle of his dribble. Seriously, it's this way or no way for him. Curse at Vinny Del Negro and his hair for talking themselves into a head coaching job with absolutely no experience.
But hey, it's pretty much what we all expected, right?
Seriously, Rose is the real deal. He's basically LeBron James in a PG's body. The same way that James can physically dominate a game, Derrick can do the same. He can penetrate at will, is quick with the ball, makes brilliant passes, and can wear down whoever is guarding him. Scoring at a great clip for a rookie point guard at 17.7 ppg (2nd on the team behind Gordon), averages over a steal a game, leads the team in assists at 5.1 per game. Dude is the leader of the team already, point blank. I think the debate about Beasley and Rose is over.
Hinrich is done for 3 months. Hmm, it certainly clears more time for Rose and Gordon, but when Thabo and Hughes coming into the fold more as well, it's more a question of quality. Losing our best perimeter defender hurts, as well as the second best ball handler. I know alot of people hate on Hinrich and his horrible last season, but perhaps this will change when we realize how valuable he is on this team.
As the team stands and after watching them play for several games, we're a .500 team. Our best player is a rookie, the other most talented player will NEVER realize his potential (Tyrus Thomas), our "cornerstone" player is one dimensional and is a 3rd option on a contender (Deng), and our leading scorer is 6'1" in shoes. Not to mention our best low post option is Drew Gooden. All of these players are serviceable, none are complete garabage by any means, but this isn't going to be one of those "Greater than the sum of it's parts," type team. This is an above average talent wise team, but the components don't match the body. Our best players are perimeter players who rely on jump shots, but with no true low post option, they don't get any breathing room.
Trade: Who hasn't got one? I'll leave it to other fans and lonely late night folks to use the ol' ESPN fantasy trade machine to create their dream trade. But it had better have us receiving a post player--legit post player. Everyone is available minus Rose, Deng (brand new contract), and that is about it.
So watch on fans of Chicago, enjoy the fast tempo to the half court, then the awkward half court set that leads to a jumper. Watch Rose excite you with his potential, and imagine what he could do with a real big man to give him space. Yell at the T.V. when Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas throw up a horrible, contested jumper. Then roll your eyes when they occasionally make it. Keep wishing that Deng would learn to change directions in the middle of his dribble. Seriously, it's this way or no way for him. Curse at Vinny Del Negro and his hair for talking themselves into a head coaching job with absolutely no experience.
But hey, it's pretty much what we all expected, right?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
It's just about that time
You know that time, when Chicago Bulls fans get that tingly, excited sensation. Though, if you have watched any preseason games, it may have faded from excited to eye rolling.
Understandably, and thank god, it's only preseason. Still, the Bulls haven't won one game yet. Yikes.
Well let the starting lineup shuffle begin. Everyone has their ideal starting five, but which can be the most effective?
I for one, will slit Del Negros throat--albeit a little graphic, but seriously--if he starts Larry Hughes and his $14 mil a year to do nothing ass. I hate that piece of worthless shit. There I said it, and it's the first and last time I will swear on this blog, I promise.
Go ahead and do the Hinrich, Rose, Deng, Thomas, Noah lineup, it's the best for now. Bring Gordon off the bench--at least he'll get hardware (6th man) out of it before he splits next summer. That leaves Gooden, Nocioni, Sefolosha, Hughes, and Gray to come in. He might never really play meaningful minutes, but at least he made the effort: Gray looks like a completely new person shedding all that weight.
Home opener is Oct. 28th against the Bucks. Here is the link for all the home games this year. http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/homegames_0809.pdf
Understandably, and thank god, it's only preseason. Still, the Bulls haven't won one game yet. Yikes.
Well let the starting lineup shuffle begin. Everyone has their ideal starting five, but which can be the most effective?
I for one, will slit Del Negros throat--albeit a little graphic, but seriously--if he starts Larry Hughes and his $14 mil a year to do nothing ass. I hate that piece of worthless shit. There I said it, and it's the first and last time I will swear on this blog, I promise.
Go ahead and do the Hinrich, Rose, Deng, Thomas, Noah lineup, it's the best for now. Bring Gordon off the bench--at least he'll get hardware (6th man) out of it before he splits next summer. That leaves Gooden, Nocioni, Sefolosha, Hughes, and Gray to come in. He might never really play meaningful minutes, but at least he made the effort: Gray looks like a completely new person shedding all that weight.
Home opener is Oct. 28th against the Bucks. Here is the link for all the home games this year. http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/homegames_0809.pdf
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
