Bulls would be better off not making the playoffs

Skip getting another draft pick and starting over, I say go forward! I think all the playoff experience has been good for the Bulls and we will get Gordon and Deng back and make a good run. There are only 3 teams to really fear in the playoffs - Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and I see no reason why the Bulls cannot compete and beat any one of them.

1. We have more playoff experience than Boston. Right now, my money is with Detroit until they show me something in the playoffs.
2. We have swept Detroit and are younger. We have more in the middle and backcourt this year than last year. I like our chances.
3. Cleveland has James, but we should check the rest. He is the best player in the league, but he would have to be GREAT to advance past Chicago. We are not going to just let anyone waltz.

Is the Trade Deadline over?

I am going to the Suns vs. Celts game friday...

Ill let you know what a playoff team looks like when I get back!

Yeah..play the 'even bigger baby bulls'...I've heard that before

Unless some wild block buster deal were to fall out of the sky in the next 30 hours that put them over the hump (and I doubt such a miracle is gonna happen) I agree with you Roman.

I think you should have a skyscraper ad similar to the one where we get to outguess Ebert, but this one is to outguess John Paxson on the Bulls future. Right now, it's all a guessing game.

Bulls should smoke the Nets tonight (even though they are on the road). If they don't, that will surely say something about this team.

If the kids atart playing more, then get better as a result, we may just make the playoffs regardless of any intentions. I say give the kids more minutes, rest Joe and Big Ben a little more, kick some booty, and gain some momentum for next year. We're a lottery team pretty much already, playoffs or not.

Does making the playoffs with a season ending flurry or having a few more balls make you the better man?

You are assuming that playing the young guys more will hurt them in the standings? I don't think that's a safe assumption. If Ben Wallace doesn't play another minute and Tyrus and Joakim split his time, the Bulls would be better off. Ditto sitting Duhon for Sefalosha.

The Bulls would have around the 10th pick if the season ended today, and that's after a disastrous start and a month filled with injuries. I would think at best they'd be in line for a pick between 10-14. And that pick will not help anytime soon.

Play to win.

I agree with you, Roman.

Time and time again, I keep reading and hearing this garbage about "integrity" and "owing it to the fans" to try to make it to the playoffs. This team is not good enough to make it to the Finals this season, let alone win it all, period. All this preaching about doing the right thing is really nauseating considering how cloudy professional sports already is in general. You have to do what's best for your team and that's to get better. If we can't do trades to make ourselves better, then you have no choice but to accelerate the development process of our 1st and 2nd year players on the team. Quit giving fans like myself false hope winning these regular season games and fighting for the 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs with the veterans. Most of the "real" Bulls fans already know that the so-called core of the team is not good enough to win it all.

Besides, what choice do we really have if we can't trade with anybody (no Pau Gasol, no Kobe Bryant); we don't spend money wisely on the big free agents (Ben Wallace); we fire coaches without a backup plan on Christmas Eve (Skiles); and we overpay our own players (Hinrich and soon-to-be Ben Gordon or Luol Deng)?? Just the fact that the Bulls are supposedly salary-strapped is mind boggling considering we haven't had an All-Star player on the roster in the last 8 years or so! Do we even have a clue how to value our own players and to manage our own payroll? Look, I'm not saying that we tank games in the hopes of improving a draft slot in the NBA Draft Lottery. I already think that the lottery is rigged as it is, but that's discussion for another time. All I'm saying is that we should just continue to play competitive basketball with the likes of Tyrus Thomas, Thabo, Noah, Gray, JamesOn Curry, etc. and let them all learn what it takes to be consistent in the league to win games. That doesn't mean tanking games, we're just trying to get the team better in the long run. The kids are not going to learn on the bench and they're certainly not going to learn playing spare minutes only for the team to get ousted in the 1st round of the upcoming playoffs or barely missing out on the playoffs in the last week in the regular season. The worst possible scenario is for this team to be in the middle of mediocrity like this.

"We owe it to the fans to try to to make the playoffs..." the Bulls management team likes to say... Please, spare me the BS, Pax.

They couldn't get past any playoff team with the guys they have. No one on this team has any balls or is clutch. That is why everyone knows they need a star player except Paxson. They are going to be a middle round pick anyway so they might as well try to get into the playoffs so they can get whopped up on by one of the top teams.
No one good will be availible in the middle of the first round anyway. Atleast no one that will make any difference to this team.

Crazy! The best thing is to play the youth and have them develop enough to make the playoffs. It enhances the value of the players you have and creates a winning atmosphere (which they really should already have, but that's another issue). To say it's better to miss the playoffs is just not right, at least in my view. Can you really tell me that the Bulls would be guaranteed a difference maker drafting, say, 10th as opposed to 16th? The remote possibilty of drafting in the top 3 is just not worth it.

I think they'd be better off not making it and getting a shot at some pretty good draft picks.

Play Sefolosha, Noah, Gray and Tyrus as much as possible. Develop youth and not worry about that eighth spot.

Posted by Roman Modrowski on February 20, 2008 11:01 AM | Permalink
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It is not whether I agree or disagree with your statement, but why in sports are players allowed to give up trying? (I know injuries is a factor in meaningless games, but you can get hurt walking around your house(or mansion in the player's case)

I think that leads to loafing in any sport. Maybe I am wrong.

Edgar a standing ovation that was the best I have read this year you hit it hard and straight. But you know it's about the money we will get our fill and more of the players like both Ben's, Deng and Smith. Smith should be coming off the bench and both Ben's should stay on it. Deng should not be rushed his value will not increase bring him off the bench also until he is 100%. Start Nocioni he has trade value but he's a tweener not real position actually he should be 6th man. Time to bite the bullet blow up this plan start over. You have a good foundation now you need a real 6'5" or better scorer.

I completely disagree with that. Even if the Bulls do miss the playoffs, they won't be bad enough to get one of the handful of impact players in the draft. The difference between making and missing the playoffs could be the 16th pick, or the 13th pick. For that, I would rather have the Bulls make the playoffs. If you are suggesting tanking to try to get a top five selection to land Beasley, Rose, or Mayo, that idea is a little brighter, though the Bulls have a lot of ground to make up on teams like the Timberwolves, Sonics, and Grizzlies.

Especially after watching Cleveland last year, could I go into that lockeroom and tell those men - "I don't believe in ANY of you". WITH HALF A SEASON TO GO??? I will ask for their hearts and see if any of them have one!

Anonymous:

NBA players don't try for three quarters anyway. What's so bad about extending it one more quarter?

You guys are ALL WRONG!!!! why don't we make the playoffs and then see what happens. The 8th seed is more important than picking up any player in the draft. If we have so much talent as it is, then why don't we form a package around these players and send them out for the 1st pick in the draft? You are telling me that Minnesota wouldn't trade for Gordon, Nocioni, and Thomas? I agree that the 8th seed isn't great, but neither is picking up another non-impact player at number 9,10,11 or whatever it may be. If we have the talent, then we can make moves in the offseason. I think that trading for Mayo or Beasely would be a wise move.

To begin with; Roman sez: "I think they'd be better off not making it and getting a shot at some pretty good draft picks.

Play Sefolosha, Noah, Gray and Tyrus as much as possible. Develop youth and not worry about that eighth spot."

Then some no name responds: "It is not whether I agree or disagree with your statement, but why in sports are players allowed to give up trying? (I know injuries is a factor in meaningless games, but you can get hurt walking around your house(or mansion in the player's case)

I think that leads to loafing in any sport. Maybe I am wrong."
_________________________________________________

Paxon's multi-million dollar investment in Wallace, and Hinrich, along with his "millionaires in waiting", Gordon and Deng, have produced diddly squat this year. These players shouldn't be allowed to give up trying; they should be forced to give up playing, in favor of younger and more eagar talent.

Bench these bums, and let them stew while the "future" core of the team is allowed to gain some experience.

To Hell with the playoffs. I just want to watch some exciting regular season basketball for a change.

I don't think anyone is actually suggesting tanking the rest of the season. But giving Tyrus, Noah, Sefolosha and Gray more playing time the rest of the season is a win/ win situation. If they fall short of the eighth seed they still get valuable playing time and experience.If they do end up in the eighth or seventh seed that gives them that much more experience to possibly make the second round and could possibly enhance the possibility of off season trades.

I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOUR 2008-2009 BULLS SLOGAN

YOUR KIDABULLS!!

PLAYOFFS? Are you kidding me? PLAYOFFS? (as Jim Mora would say) This Team is awful. They need to be rebuilt, which is hard to believe with all the draft picks they have WASTED over the years.
You just gotta believe people, the Lottery is still in reach. The Celtics completely tanked it last year (even admitted to it) and look where they are now.

I am not in favor of purposely tanking a season to improve the draft selection. The players are not stupid and the message of the team giving up could create a bad culture that sticks for a long time. However, we need to examine and develop our young players. Plus, if we intend on moving Gordon, Hinrich or Deng, they need to be on the floor in order to showcase their value.

I would play Thabo, Tyrus, Noah, Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng as much as possible. Either they develop and show something or we ship them out via a trade over the summer to acquire a proven elite veteran or move up in the draft. Selecting in the middle rounds is pretty much a waste.

On a side note, what is with Gray? I'm not sure about his skills or dedication. He is not improving and his body looked really flabby last night for the middle or the season. I thought players get in better shape as the season moves foward. Is he regressing? I hope he is not hanging out with Orton. LOL

The team is really sorry right about now. We lost to a depleted Nets squad. There is no energy on this team.

Once again with an opportunity to win a game with less than 30 seconds left Ben Gordon turns the ball over allowing the Nets to tie the game and send it to over time where the Nets score 12 of their 16 points from the line to win. You would think by now someone would have figured out the ball should not be in Gordon's hands with the game winding down. The clock was in their favor and the Nets were in a position they would have to foul if any amount of time was run off the clock and Gordon runs into Smith going to the floor and losing the ball. Gordon was obviously rusty shooting only 33% from the field and 67% from the line which only reinforces the fact the ball should not have been in his hands at that point.

It's rather obvious with less than 4 hours to the trade deadline the Bulls aren't going to do anything before the off season. But Pax should be looking ahead and figuring out who they could make a decent trade with in a sign and trade deal for Gordon and include Wallace in the deal.

Like I said yesterday, I'm not suggesting we tank games. There's no point "tanking" games when there is a draft lottery in place. I am suggesting to just give the rookies and 2nd year players more time on the court. Besides, just because we're playing the kids more doesn't necessarily mean that we are waving the white flag this season, especially not with this team. As last night's loss to the Nets (without Jason Kidd, mind you) already proved for example, we have as good a shot to win games playing the kids as we do playing with underperforming veterans.

Why Ben Wallace continues to play 30+ minutes per game is beyond me. How about Ben Gordon last night? 5-15 shooting, 4-6 free throws,1 rebound, 2 assists. Come on, this is shameful coming from a former #3 overall draft pick! Jason Kidd's 2nd year replacement player (Marcus Williams) scored 25 points on us! Pathetic. Bottom line, some people here talk about continuing to play the veterans more to boost their trade value, but tell me, don't you think that after 4 or 5 years in the league already, most NBA teams (except the Bulls) out there already know what they'll get in a Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Nocioni, Ben Wallace and Kirk Hinrich by now? They are what they are and there is obviously no way that we can trade any of them in a swap or even a package for a superstar-caliber NBA player. Last season was the best chance to make that trade when the vets were playing at their peak, but now it's close to impossible.

I'm a lifelong Bulls fan dating back to the days of Artis Gilmore and Reggie Theus and I've been a season ticket holder since I was finally able to afford season tickets back in the mid-90's, so I've been there with the ups and downs of this team. To be honest though, I've never felt more disappointed this season than I ever have on a Bulls team. This team doesn't lack talent. They're just all so mentally screwed up right now and they're just collapsing right in front of our very eyes. If you don't follow the team regularly, then you won't notice it, but I can. At least in the Tim Floyd/Bill Cartwright years I understood the rebuilding and the changes made. What we have right now this season, is just inexcusable and someone in the Bulls organization, whether it's the players or Paxson or whoever, must fess up and take some accountability for once instead of the excuses and the false hope garbage of making the playoffs.

Regards,
A Disgruntled Bulls Fan

Looks like the Bulls won't have to worry about taking any games because they are flat out not good enough to even make the playoffs after losing to a pathetic Nets team.

Tim Little, plan-Gordon is the ONLY plan the Bulls have in the 4th quarter. Nets swarmed him too! But cut him some slack because he steps up and tries - and mind you - HE put us in position to even be in the game. Boylan is trying to win every game and keep his job and I dont blame him. Until Paxson tells him to put up the white flag, they have to play the guys who have been getting them to the playoffs for the last 5 years.

Edgar, WHY do you think the Nets parted ways with Kidd??? Because Williams is a terrific player in his ownright. Now compare Williams stats to Kirk Heimlich's and you see clearly why they won.

Mark V. - Gordon was rusty and so was Deng, but the Bulls were in that game to the end. If that is not competitive enough for you, then you are a hard man to please. Bulls are in most of their games to the end.

Robes - I couldnt agree more about Gray. I have been screaming that all season. I like the guy, but he has GOT to get in shape or sit. Deferring to Wallace is a foregone conclusion. Boylan looks at his two centers and sees Homer Simpson vs. Willie the maintenance man and the choice is not even close. I am looking for a donut to fall out of Gray's shirt one of these days.

Anonymous:

NBA players don't try for three quarters anyway. What's so bad about extending it one more quarter?

Posted by: Seedy Backslash | February 20, 2008 05:17 PM
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Thank you for calm response Seedy, this other guy Mark V. blew a gasket because I was naive to wonder why any player in any sport should be allowed to loaf when payed millions to play their sport.

Read below:

Then some no name responds: blah blah blah blah.....

Now Mark responds angrily:
These players shouldn't be allowed to give up trying; they should be forced to give up playing, in favor of younger and more eagar talent.

Hey Mark V. take it easy, it is going to be alright. But how do you forced them to give up playing Markie?

And why are you making jokes about my name?
Posted by: Mark Villano | February 20, 2008 06:05 PM

What Roman's really getting at in this blog is what should be the major focus of the Bulls for the rest of the year?
1) getting young players more playing time
2) using the vets to launch a playoff drive

I don't think the Bulls will make the playoffs. I don't think Deng is any where close to the player he was & w/out him they can't beat weak teams like a Kiddless Jersey team.

Get what you can for Smith, Wallace, & Noce now. No one wants Gordon, Deng, or Kirk at their current asking price.

Keith plan-Gordon isn't working. As you pointed out even the Nets swarmed him. Gordon is most efficient moving without the ball not with it. It's time to develope some other plan to close games out don't you think?

Keith, I already know how good Marcus Williams is or how much potential he has. I watch the NCAA's religiously also and I've seen him play many times in the Big East a couple of years ago when he was on U Connecticut. I understand that the Nets merely had him waiting in the wings while they shopped Jason Kidd. I even remember the 2006 predraft one on-one camps that had Marcus Willliams going up against Thabo Sefolosha. However, that wasn't the point I was making. The vets on our team are underperforming so much that they can't even play good defense anymore and beat depleted teams like the Nets! Just play the kids and give them meaningful NBA experience. It's not raising the white flag if I actually think we have a better shot at winning games by giving more floor time to Gray, Noah and Thomas than Ben Wallace and a still hobbling Luol Deng.

Oh well... at least Ben Wallace is finally no longer a Bull as I read hot off the presses.... that's a start....

Tim Little, I agree. Trade might have remedied that. But you see the 4th quarter is for men with heart. It can not be a coincidence that Skiles and Boylan keep running the same plays. Its in the eyes. And if you look at our guys, you see fear.

I was looking into Noah's eye, and I saw a really really red rasta like spider crab shooting off from his pupils in every direction...

One down, one to go, Bens that is. With Wallace gone, Gordon is sure to follow in the offseason. Hopefully, Gordon can "permanently" injur his wrist in one of his constant pratfalls on the court so that we can shut him down for the season and see what Thabo and Hughes can do. Noah will start at center for the rest of the season, and Gray will back him up. Hopefully Thomas will split minutes at the 4 with Gooden. Then this summer we can trade Gordon, Hinrich and either Gooden or Thomas for a legitimate NBA point guard. Maybe we can sign Juan Carlos Navarro an unrestricted free agent who should cost much less than Hinrich or Gordon. Maybe if we get lucky Thabo and Hughes can play in the backcourt together, don't know if there is enough ballhandling, but like to give it a shot. Whether we make the playoffs or not the rest of the season should be more fun to watch if Bonehead Boylan doesn't keep playing the three midgets together, Gordon Hinrich and Duhon. I'd bench them all and see what a lineup with size can do, lets play Nellie ball, and go Golden State for the rest of the season.

The Bulls made a good trade. Ben has done nothing since he came to Chicago. We were looking for low post scorers and we have them now. Watch more excitement for the upcoming games. They should make a run for the playoffs. Teams that make a run at the end the season is hard to stop.

Yes Keith when Gordon gets the ball late in a close game you see fear not confidence, that's what I've been saying and that's why he should NOT have the ball in his hands. He panics and does not see or know where the open man is or where the double team came from yet they keep running the same lame play with the same lame results. Now that Wallace is gone they will have someone down low they can go to that can hit free throws at better than 40% giving them more options.

Tim I hope you are right. I think the trade improves the Bulls offensively. And we need post scoring. I am waiting to see if we are able to defend the post. That is what Playoff ball is all about. Driving to the basket and getting to the line. The Denver game was very hopeful.

wow dude your crazy what are the bulls just perposly gonna lose cuase you want a goood draft pick i dont think so. and the pistons stink this year we can easily beat them there only 27 and 26