Re-Dedicated--No Bull

I apologize.

This blogger has taken quite the break from the internet, and I have since decided it's wise to continue blogging. I enjoy it when I sit down and do it, plus I love to get the word out. A career as a journalist, I need as much practice as I can get. Plus covering a subject that I have a passion for such as the Chicago Bulls is well worth the time.

Well since my last post, the Bulls have fired Scott Skiles, put Jim Boylan in as interim head coach, put in a 17-24 record, beaten the Piston two more times (bingo), and have lost Gordon and Deng to injuries, at least for the time being.

I just read in the Chicago Tribune that the Bulls are only 1 game out of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs--nice?

Being the optimist I am, I have a great hunch we could climb over New Jersey, Atlanta (what are they doing here?), and Indiana (Jermaine is hurt, and well you saw what we did to them without him 108-95).

Ok, for giggles, we'd be up to the 7th seed, probably playing--the Pistons. Eek, the playoffs is no regular season. I'll be hoping for a 6th seed, where either Cleveland, Orlando will land. Washington is playing out of their minds without Gil, and when he comes back the chemistry is going to take a big hit, since Caron Butler has been nothing short of spectacular. Gil needs the ball to effective, it will interesting to see how they go.

Jose Calderon is solid, but they still feel a hit without T.J. Ford, really does kind of hurt the depth. Jamario "Who?" Moon has been a pleasant surprise, yet another reason GM Bryan Colangelo is one of the best in the league--minus Bargnani, where has he been this year? Having said that, I believe they will pick it up and go ahead of Washington in the standings.

If somehow Chicago can squeak in a streak with a Washington stumble, we could potentially still nail that 6th seed, which would be huge. Playing Orlando or Cleveland is better than Detroit or Boston anyday. But away from the hopefully future....

Kirk woke up with a career high 38 against the Pacers. Without Gordon or Deng, who else was going to shoot more? Captain stood up. Props.

Infact that was a great team game, Noc played well, Noah did as well, Thabo has showed progression. Even though it's not a very good Pacer team minus their best player, I was delighted to see team ball, because we were without our other top 2 players as well.

I firmly believe we should trade Gordon. When he's in the game, he's a great shooter and scorer really. But notice the team watches as he either pulls up for a contested jumper, or just waits for him to dish it out when he hits the trees. He's short for the 2 spot and is always exploited by the opposition, usually making our main ball handler on the best offensive guard on the other team.

Understand the amount of energy that Hinrich exerts during the course of a game because of his defense--his legs just aren't there at the end of games on his jumper. Now the Pacer game, he understood he could play loose, not worry about getting Gordon a shot or Deng. I've always believed that having Gordon makes others on the team tenative on the offensive end of the floor.

Hinrich was aggressive, he has the quicks to get by most guards, a great passer--despite the low 6.1 assists per, it's because he's passing to jumpshooters. And he's a solid deep shooter, but at a stand still, not moving. I hope he continues to understand that he shouldn't worry about just passing on the perimeter, but play like he can.

Noah should start. Period.

Big Ben should either sit, or played less minutes to make room for more Gray/Thomas. Noah can play the 4 or 5 since he's 7 feet tall, but mobile enough to guard 4's. Thomas is a natural 4, Gray is a five, and Joe Smith can play both.

I understand that this season has been a major disappointment, but it's the EAST. We have the second half to pull it together, rest, and find something build upon. If we can somehow unload Wallace that'd be nothing short of amazing. Gordon can be a 6th man, but your sixth man shouldn't be the main focal point of an offense.

Don't give up on Deng yet either, he's been hurt or nagged by some injury all year. Granted he hasn't been aggressive, settling for jumpers like he's Earl Boykins, but give him time. Maybe he'll remember he's 6 foot 9.

Here's to hoping and just plain hope.

And a win tonight against Charlotte.