What did you think of the new Bulls?

Gooden knows how to throw it down and ALL of the Bulls players can learn that lesson. He needs to stop shooting though. He is only 26 and I see no reason why he shouldn't start. Good debut for the bearded one.

Hughes went to the cup with ease in the 4th. He is the best driver we have on the team already. If he can do that with consistency we have a key piece to our puzzle. I would start him with Thabo. THAT is our backcourt. 6'5 and 6'7 LIKE IT USED TO BE.

Jury is still out of Simmons and Brown, but I welcome their contributions as well. Good job Pax!

I don't know yet...I knew Hughes would be the end of Gordon...and I thought Noah would get more minutes with Gray at the 5 spot..

but honestly..

I like the team I saw two or so days ago against Denver...there was obvious chemistry

last night...It was chemistry lost

which does lend to your Hughes concern as well as TT's minutes

I don't know yet..

So far...Cleveland is the winner

Despite popular opinion, the Bulls do have proven talent. However, Boylan is going to have a nightmare of a time figuring out a rotation for this team. There are too many players with personal agendas on this team, so forget about any consistent winning. PS Hughes and Gordon can't play together.

If Thomas continues to hit the 12 to 17 footer like he has the last couple games I don't see Gooden taking his minutes. Most likely either Deng or Noce sees less time. If Hughes continues as he did last night Duhon and Gordon become trade bait. Hitman the chemistry you commented on couldn't possibly be there last night without having had any practice time with Hughes and Gooden. Where I see the Cav's getting the so-called better deal is because of Szczerbiak, West and Smith not necessarily Wallace. Wallace takes a little pressure off Ilgauskas on defense but West, Szczerbiak and Smith give Lebron the offensive help he needed.

Do I like what I see from the Bulls so far? Yes!!

Roman responds: Deng loses minutes? I don't think so. Duhon and Gordon have been trade bait.

I liked what I saw last night against the Rockets. I think people make way too much out of what a player says after a trade is done. What about the positive comments that Hughes made about the coaches and the young players running around with great energy? How convenient that was left out regarding his attitude? Besides, you can't expect everyone to say the proper statements all the time. If I wanted to listen to that, I'd tune in to the State of the Union address instead. Just play the game well, create some chemistry and get along with your teammates is all I ask. From what I know, this is exactly what I did NOT see from Ben Wallace since day 1 with the Bulls.

I've watched Hughes play since his days in College as an All-American player down in St. Louis and he has a lot of skills, probably even more skills than anyone on our roster right now except maybe Tyrus Thomas' raw potential. Unfortunately, he's had an injury-plagued career, but he has shown flashes. At only 29 years old, he's the type of player who can still bloom late as a very good NBA player. Who knows, he might finally find the right fit in our system, something that Ben Gordon continues to have problems with. Give Hughes a hard look in the remaining games instead of just constantly judging him on 1 game or his career stats. People always forget that he's had to play alongside big time scorers like LeBron and Allen Iverson who demanded control of the basketball for most of the game every night.

From what I saw last night, Hughes already creates his own shot and drives to the hole better than anyone on the team already. Despite the loss, I enjoyed that at least, as well as the physical play by Drew Gooden. Drew brings that toughness down low. I like the potential 3-man power rotation of Drew, Tyrus and Noah. The Bulls should be able to to easily manage meaningful minutes among the three at the 4 and 5 positions and then have Gray or maybe Simmons back them up from time to time. Yes, the key is developing the younger kids more, but they also have to learn how to create some chemistry within the team as well and they can't do that unless the kids play alongside the new guys regularly on the court. Hey, that is Boylan's problem now. He's the coach that needs to figure it out if he wants this head coaching job permanently next year. And one thing I hope Boylan can correct is that Hughes and Ben Gordon should NEVER be on the court at the same time like I saw last night.... As you can probably tell, I'm not sold on Boylan yet either, but I'm willing to take the wait-and-see approach with him and for this team the rest of the way this season before Pax makes his important decisions in the offseason.

Lastly, where was Shannon Brown last night? If they're committing to the kids, then he should be included as well.

Yeah Tim..you're probably right..I wondered if Hughes was gonna be running the O like I hoped he would

and KLSS...Hughes and Thabo is the back court I eventually wanna see starting...much agreed

I wondered if anyone else knew Hughes is a point guard....that can really shoot

Anyway..I have to watch these guys more

who is the biggest waste O money..Ben Wallace..Cedric Benson..or Rex Grossman?....I call Ben...cuz he's the only one of these three with talent...he just didn't wanna

If the Bulls let Gordon walk they are beyond dumb. I don't like him either, since he's basically just a shorter version of Jamal Crawford, but he has value. Much like they did with JC, I'd like the Bulls try to move Gordon in a sign and trade to acquire a bigger two guard. If you cant get T-Mac, how about Vince Carter? I know he's the worst human in the NBA and all, but I think he'd give the Bulls more consistent scoring out of the 2, and he's an upgrade on any guard they currently have on the roster. I think NJ might take a Gordon-Carter swap straight up, if not, throw in Nocioni.

Now the other attack killer, Capt. Klank Hinrich should follow big Ben out the door! Klank's leadership grinds the Bulls attack to a halt along with his poor shot selection!

Capt. Klank this clock eating, circle dribbling, career inconsistent shooter is too slow & dizzy fron all the circles to find the lane let alone drive it!

Van Lier & Collins have repeatedly said that this highly over rated and highly over paid clock eater is not a point guard!

Did you notice that his name never comes up in trade talks! Everyone but Paxson knows that he is bench player at best!

Keith and Tim, if Hughes can do that with consistency!!!Duh!! If he can / could, the Cavs wouldn´t have traded him!!!

We need a turnstyle...

Meet the new boss...same as the old boss.

Roman, the problems with the new Bulls is Boylan, as usual is playing people out of position. However, first things first. No chance you keep Hughes and get rid of Gordon. Hughes is a head case, injury prone, lacks desire which hurts his defense, jacks up millions of shots even though he is a bad shooter and is 29. Why do you think they were thrilled in Cleveland to get rid of him? Gordon is younger, fsater and instant offense. Gooden is a back-up at the 4, he has already proven he is not a starter. Secondly Boylan, is killing this team and that is getting lost in the trade news. He doesn't understand match-ups, doesn't create mismatches, juggles his line-ups oddly and can't get people in the right place. Let's start at the 5. Gray is a center Noah is not. Gray has low post moves, takes up space, rebounds and can pass out of the double team. If he gets more minutes his fitness will improve and who cares if he is slow, so are 95% of the centers in the league. Many NBA Championships have been won, including those in Chicago with centers slower and less talented than Gray. Noah is not a 5 but he is a perfect 4. With his energy, defense, rebounding and length he will cause a mismatch for any 4 in the league. Thomas is too small to be a 4 but is perfect for the 3, particularly if he continues to improve his jumper. Thomas and Noah's running ability will ignite the fast break as well. Play Deng at the 2 along with Thabo. Deng can play the 3 as well but I'd love to see the ball in his hands and let him score. Start Hinrich at point and work in Thabo as well. If Thabo can distribute the ball and shoot a pull up 15 footer combined with his defense he will be the starter. Everyone else you mix in as needed. I think that Team would be strong defensively and with some minutes together an offensive force. Why not try it? They couldn't be any worse than the Bulls are this year and they would create match-up problems for the other Teams. Try it Roman you'll like it!!!!!

I don't understand the excitement over Gooden and Hughes. This is Gooden's 4th team. I wouldn't give up Thomas and Noah minutes to Gooden. Hughes is an excellent slasher but isn't known for his outside shot. Hughes made a huge mistake by not staying with the Bullets. His style and the Bullets style were a good fit. None of the Bulls guards can drive and finish like Hughes, but he was a huge failure with the Cavs. Maybe the Bulls can package Hughes and Gordon for someone usable.

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/moussaoui/107T.jpg

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/images/moussaoui_4.jpg

Is it just me..or is Gooden looking more and more like the 20th hijacker? Or as I like to call him...Fried Matza!

The Bulls should take a page out of the illegal immigrants playbook...and steal someone identity really quick, cause we look like an after school sports pick up team!!

Someone posted that you shouldnt play Gordon and Hughes at the same time, but I beg to differ. Each offers a different scoring option and should be on the court at the end of games. Hughes is a better penetrator and Gordon a better shooter. And I throw Noch in that group as well. These are our best offensive options in pressure situations.

Offensively - you want Gray, Gooden, Deng, Hughes and Gordon.
Defensively - you want Noah, Thomas, Deng, Hughes and Sefalosha
Ideally (future polished) - you want Gray, Noah, Thomas, Hughes and Sefaloosha.

no go on the moussaoui/gooden comparison picture post?

"What did you think of the new Bulls?"

Not much difference from the old Bulls for the most part: Still no identity, no maturity, no understanding of roles, no "rhythm" to their game.

Individually, I think this roster is packed with talent! But as a "team", they don't stand a chance against other true "team" organizations. It just always looks like everyone is out to do their own thing. That lack of maturation and willingness to accept a "role" in the team concept is what will hold this team back.

The only player on this team who demonstrates this most consistently is Duhon. Now I'm not, nor ever have been a Duke basketball fan - but watching him play and accept his "role" says a lot to me about what those kids have learned under Coach K.

Nocioni also impresses me on both ends of the court. No one works harder than he does.

But I am willing to give the influx of new players time. I've already written this season off. I'd be pleased with a winning record. :)

After watching part of the Dallas game, the first thing was the speed. Hughes is really, really quick! Gooden is young and big and so much smoother than Noah. The Bulls keep pushing it down Dallas throat and almost pulled it out. Gordon is gone and probably Nocioni also. Why have a 6'7" forward or 6'1" guard that is either too small or slow? They now have the 4/5 combo of Gooden, Thomas, Noah, Gray with Thomas occasionally playing the 3. Deng and Thabo playing the 3. Hughes and Thabo at the 2 with Hinrich occasionally. Kirk and Duhon at the point. In a perfect world trade Nocioni for Lowry of Memphis and use Gordon for a sign and trade with the draft pick for experienced big. Team is really, really close if they can keep up the energy. Lots of excellent bodies on this team. Great defense should be the norm.

Let's just get somethings straight. First of all Gooden is the answer at POWER forward, not Tyrus, don't even think about Noah. Gooden is a true power forward with low post moves and the jump shot is part of his game. Does anybody else remember Hughes played in Washington? With the Wizards he handled the ball a lot more at point, and everyone forgets to mention he played great defense amongst the leauge leaders in steals. Sometimes I wonder if everyone is watching the same team I am watching. Ben Gorden and Hinrich has been thrown under bus night in and night out. What about Deng? Talk about inconsistency, and stupid shots that is his game. He plays like he is 6 feet tall. All the guy does is take little weak jumpers, and he lacks toughness and heart. Here is a guy that has the potential to be a superstar with his size and skill. How much longer do we wait? Deng clearly does not have the same flare as a Kobe or Iverson to take over and dominate the game and be the man. With the addition of Gooden and Highes it should help out Deng. I don't about Tabo I like him but his offense and his shot are shaky. For all the Deng lovers and Gordon haters make no mistake about it every last man on the roster should be used as trade bait. We have too realize these guys are not all keepers. they are from it. It wouldn't suprise me too see Hughes sent packing this summer either. The bulls biggest problem even when we had MJ, the answer is obvious. Management. Since Reinsdorf can't be fired maybe his next puppet will come with a backbone. Its time for him to be held accountable. Right Skiles was Pax should be next. Not giving up Deng to land one top ten players in history give me a break.

Just some food for thought for those who pointed out that Chicago is Gooden's fourth team and Hughes's fifth. Detroit is Billips's fifth team so who's to say that Gooden and Hughes won't flourish in their new environment?

For whatever reason the Bulls came out flat in the opening quarter last night and were trailing by 15 to start the second. But the Mav's could not put them away early, infact the Bulls beat therm by 7 through the last 3 quarters.

I'll agree with Ed that at times I could not understand the combination of players Boylan has put on the floor. Commentators have even pointed out that they didn't see where the Bulls were going to get any scoring from certain combinations of players. Some times it's good thing I don't live in the Chcago viewing area and get to listen to other broadcasters on the league pass because I get perspectives from people other than Chicagoans.

One thing that has stuck out in the last 2 games is that the interior defense has been tough but the perimeter defense is lacking. As was the case on Sunday every time the Bulls got in position to tie or take the lead someone was left wide open to drain a 3 and push the lead back to a 2 or 3 possesion game.

And no one can argue that they haven't played with more energy since Wallace has departed. Regardless of what Ben does in Cleveland the fact is he didn't bring it to Chicago.

One last comment....Ricky they're not about to just let Gordon walk he's a restricted free agent and I'd be willing to bet if the right team wants him and is willing to trade a player or two that will help the Bulls he's gone in a sign and trade deal. Think maybe Pax had that in mind when Gordon was offered a take it or leave it extension?

Hughes is not better than Gordon, sorry. Who lead the team is scoring vs. Dallas. Who lead the team in scoring vs Denver. Who's the guy that held off Denver when they started to come back in the 4th? Gordon. Larry Hughes? You people are out of your minds.

Jack - I agree with your assessment of Deng! He is turning into a project. I have been waiting for him to be the lead scorer on this team, and he has not made that leap.

Lee - I agree with your assessment of Gordon. If it wasnt for his contract discussions, I would not discuss trading him - unless its for the right guy. He is a shooter and a clutch shooter the kind that are rare. Dont confuse him with Kyle Korver the 3pt specialist. But this league is weak because it no longer has good solid fundamental shooters. I hold Hughes in the same spot as Deng until - they take the scoring leader position from Gordon.

Lee I have no idea of what games you are watching but Gordon is a one man defensive break down who plays way too many extended minutes because management has scoring on their minds instead of balance. Gordon is and always has been a weak defender and if the offense doesn't run through him he stands around and everyone in the league sees that and when he gets in a certain spot his man collapses and either rebounds or doubles. You never see Gordon rebounding his own misses or anyones elses for that matter and he never is in position to defend if the other guard penetrates, but with Heinrich going in circles someone has to be up top for defense. So all you Gordon backers he is a shooter only, no defense and selfish.

Hughes may not be better than Gordon, but he's taller, and that gives him an edge. Gordon may lead the team in scoring one night, but the next night may score only a couple of baskets. He's a streak-shooter who plays very poor defense, is a so-so ball handler, turns the ball over too much, and (through no fault of his own) is a few inches too short to really be one of the great ones. He's not the answer in the Bulls backcourt, and I really believe he will regret not taking the $50M/5 years that Paxson offered before this season started, mainly because he thinks he's better than he really is and quite honestly, he's not worth that much. I think he'll find that out if/when he becomes a free agent.

Tim Little, first of all Hughes was waiting for physical clearances thats why he didn't PLAY against Denver, not take away the great performance by Ben Gordon. However, Ben has great nights like those and turns around has subpar game the next. I believe against rockets Gordon didnt even reach double digits in scoring? Ben Gordon is inconsistent and if he isn't providing any type of scoring, Ben Gordon is useless. He gets cooked on defense, cannot set up shots for anyone else, and make bad decisions with the ball. At least Hughes is a proven defender, better ball handler and recently had 40 point game before he was traded so he can score...

It's amazing how some people can make opinions based on 1, 2 or even just 4 games or whatever. Gooden and Hughes have only played 2 games with the Bulls and you expect instant star stats and victories already, especially victories against 2 of the better teams in NBA in Dallas and Houston? Guys, Gooden and Hughes are not among the elite NBA players in the league, we alerady know that, and they are also not among the highest paid either so please stop with the expectations and comparisons already! We're supposed to be looking at progress within the team and the development of the younger players. I'm not even looking at victories and the playoffs anymore. I don't care about that. The roster we have right now is what we have for the rest of this season, period. Deal with it and provide some better insight than just Larry Hughes vs. Ben Gordon as an NBA player. Each guy brings different skills to the game, but it all depends on how it all fits together as a team, especially a team like the Bulls that doesn't showcase a bonafide superstar player. That's what Bulls managment and Jim Boylan must figure out. If Boylan is to be the head coach of the future, then he has to find the right combinations and help create an identity for the team to be a run 'n gun no defense team, a defensive half court team, a hustle team, whatever. But that's his responsiblity and that is what I'm looking for this team to discover, not false hope regular season victories or a stupid playoff berth as an 7th or 8th seed going nowhere. Right now, the Bulls are all playing ragged out on the court with so many unforced turnovers, but I expected that. There are 4 new players and regulars just coming back from injuries. Come on people, everyone should have an open mind about this. Let's get some better posts in here!

Keith, Gordon a clutch shooter? You're eating too many happy meals again! When was the last time with the game tied or the Bulls one point back with the clock winding down did Ben Gordon hit the winning buzzer beater? Better yet when was the last time he didn't turn the ball over in that type of situation? Don't tell me it's not his fault and that he's being swarmed in those situations because you can say the same for kobe and Lebron yet they come through. Gordon is not a late game go to guy.

It's amazing how some people can make opinions based on 1, 2 or even just 4 games or whatever. Gooden and Hughes have only played 2 games with the Bulls and you expect instant star stats and victories already, especially victories against 2 of the better teams in NBA in Dallas and Houston? Guys, Gooden and Hughes are not among the elite NBA players in the league, we alerady know that, and they are also not among the highest paid either so please stop with the expectations and comparisons already! We're supposed to be looking at progress within the team and the development of the younger players. I'm not even looking at victories and the playoffs anymore. I don't care about that. The roster we have right now is what we have for the rest of this season, period. Deal with it and provide some better insight than just Larry Hughes vs. Ben Gordon as an NBA player. Each guy brings different skills to the game, but it all depends on how it all fits together as a team, especially a team like the Bulls that doesn't showcase a bonafide superstar player. That's what Bulls managment and Jim Boylan must figure out. If Boylan is to be the head coach of the future, then he has to find the right combinations and help create an identity for the team to be a run 'n gun no defense team, a defensive half court team, a hustle team, whatever. But that's his responsiblity and that is what I'm looking for this team to discover, not false hope regular season victories or a stupid playoff berth as an 7th or 8th seed going nowhere. Right now, the Bulls are all playing ragged out on the court with so many unforced turnovers, but I expected that. There are 4 new players and regulars just coming back from injuries. Come on people, everyone should have an open mind about this. Let's get some better posts in here!

Gray, Noah, Thomas, Hughes and Sefaloosha.
(keith)

Who guards Paul, Kidd, Crawford, Rondo, Nash?

Id say Gordon is our most clutch shooter.

Gordon is toast, and I can't wait. Hinrich should be traded with or right after Gordon. Most importantly the Bulls need to determine if Thomas is small forward or a power forward. If he is a three then Deng becomes trade bait, and Thomas should start with Gooden. If Thomas is a 4 then Gooden is trade bait if Thomas is the starter, or Thomas is trade bait if he can't beat out Gooden.

Personally, I love the first house cleaning, getting rid of all the grouchy useless old men, Wallace, Griffin and Smith.

Now we need a second bold house cleaning, getting rid of our supposed "core" Gordon, Hinrich, and Deng. Gordon is a no brainer, Hinrich is a highschool or college gym rat starting in the NBA. Deng is way to unathletic to be anything more than a teams third option. He seems incapable of finishing around the rim, and is not a good one on one defender.

I would start Thabo, Hughes, Thomas, Gooden and Noah, or in certain cases like against Houston and Dallas start Gray and bring Noah of the bench. Let the "core" watch from the bench, they might learn something. Deng can sub for Thomas, Nocioni for Gooden, Gordon and Hinrich can fight for scraps in the backcourt. If Jameson Curry was healthy I'd make him the third guard.

It's amazing how some people can make opinions based on 1, 2 or even just 4 games or whatever.
Let's get some better posts in here!

Posted by: Edgar | February 26, 2008 01:21 PM

Thanks Edgar for reminding posters this common element to giving an opinion. It should be well thought out or reasonable before posting one.

Culzie - Who guards Paul, Kidd, Crawford, Rondo, Nash?

I would say Thabo and Hughes. They are our BEST defenders and the right size to put offensive pressure BACK on Crawford Rondo and Nash. See what Thabo did last night to Kidd? Was beautiful.

Tim Little - I know you hate Gordon, but the next time you are watching the BULLS in the 4th QUARTER - count up who scores the most points. Its not your beloved Hinrich, I will tell you that. And it is not Deng. Gordon is CONSISTENTLY - our best scorer - not just for this season, but since he has donned a Bulls uniform. Check it if you think um wrong. The guy has his faults - weak defense, dribbling not solid, and his drives to the basket are shaky - as you continue to point out. But his scoring ability is second to NONE on the Bulls roster - and since he is not even starting thats even more amazing.

djssr - I disagree about Gordons rebounding. Its up this year and its normal to see him with at least 5.

I agree with the other guys saying how Hughes is the right size and option for scoring down the stretch. In the 4th, the bulls should have Hughes and Gordon on the floor, but let Hughes know, HE MUST DRIVE and let Gordon know, HE MUST SHOOT. Thats coaching. And the other complimentary players have to know their place - 3rd shooting options and boards!! Its a GOOD thing to have more than one scorer people.

Boylan, please STOP using Ben Gordon as a point guard. It's bad enough the new players will take some time to develop a chemistry with the team, Gordon does nothing to include the teammates like a pg should. It seems the Bulls are forcing minutes on BG to keep his value up. I'd rather see Duhon distribute the ball to the several weapons the Bulls have on the bench.

The Bulls have 2 avg to good starting lineups. Having BG shoot while 4 players stand around is a waste of that.

Also, Tyrus Thomas hitting that 15 footer recently makes it very difficult to not give him at least 25 minutes per game. The guy may not be the most disciplined defender, but his athleticism changes shots.

Keith first of all I don't hate Gordon and what I said was he is NOT the late game go to guy. Yes he can score and leads the team in scoring but he also leads the team in shots taken also and turns ther ball over more often than not in game situations. And as pointed out in several other posts he generally follows a great scoring game with a sub-par game. example 37 points against Denver followed by only 5 against the rockets.

Personally, I don't see Hughes or Gooden as more than players that can be move again in the off season. I was ok with the deal that brought them to the Bulls but they're not long term options. I would hate to see the Bulls give up on Thomas too quickly, and I also would hate to see Gordon be made available so Hughes could remain in Chicago. I think the Bulls should look to move Hinrich, Gooden, Hughes, and Noce this off season in order to find a better balance of talent.

aren't they a basketball team here in town? Who is the Islamic power forward? what a decline......Pax has to go....soon!

CG

all I know is, you cant post anything that remarks about Gooden's unique beard.

it gets deleted by the CAIR representatives.

Tim - sorry, I had you wrong. I understand what you are saying. It gets difficult to put up those game winners, especially when the opposing team knows you only have ONE option. Its a miracle that he even gets off a shot most of the time. He does turn the ball over a lot, but even with all that he remains our best option until Larry Hughes shows us otherwise.

See thats my big knock on Kirk. He is supposed to be the dealer and the guy who passes you the ball when you are in the BEST position to score. If he cannot do that...and can't score at will, then what in the world is he doing? I like the guy. He is a quiet, gritty player, but not a point guard. We ought to be ashame of ourselves for having all these short guards after having 6'6, 6'7, 6'6 - Harper, Mike, Scottie. And I find it downright shameful for Paxson and Skiles to have a guard that cant pass.

Enough about Gooden and Hughes! There is a reason they have bounced around the league! They are not good enough to be starters and that won't change in Chicago. If they were winners Teams would be trading FOR them not trading them away. Right now the main issue the Bulls have is not lack of talent it's bad coaching. Boylan is so bad it's not funny anymore. He makes Isaiah Thomas look like Red Auerbach. The line-up against Dallas includes Noah at Center? In case you haven't noticed the Mav's center is Erick Dampier a 6'11' 270lb clodhopper who has career average of 8 pts and 7 boards a game. Is there a better situation to play Gray? Instead he doesn't get a minute on the floor and Dampier goes for 14 points and 16 boards. Are you kidding me? Is Boylan so stupid that he couldn't see they needed a big body to keep Dampier off the boards if even Gray fouled out doing it? Instead, Dampier who has 50 lbs on Noah pushes him around. Nowitski goes for 29 points. Wouldn't you have tried putting Noah on him and use some of that energy and length to push Dirk out of his comfort zone even if he fouled out doing it? Everyone know that the way to stop Dirk is to harass and be physical with him and Noah could easily done that. Instead he plays Thomas out of position and uses Gooden who stinks defensively at the 4. Boylan is such a joke that it doesn't matter who they keep and who they trade as long as he is the coach they are doomed. And the longer Paxson leaves him in charge the more likely the Bulls will continue to be a laughing stock through 2009 and beyond.

Ed - do you really think Boylan and all of those assistants are that stupid??? I agree with your Dallas assessment but have to conclude that there HAD to be another reason why Gray wasnt used on Dampier. Not playing people has NOT been Boylans deficiency. Playing the likes of Thabo and Tyrus have been his strength.

We are thin at the center spot and I doubt if that position is filled anytime soon. A lot of teams are looking for centers. Even in the off season it will be a stretch to pick someone up. And even if we do get someone, we have to be careful because we want to play Noah and Gray right?

Keith...Kirk has been out, and you still blame him??

Ed did you ever consider that maybe other teams gave up on Gooden too easily just as Chicago did with Chandler? Gooden averages 11.4 points and 8.3 rebs a game. I don't consider that shabby.

I agree with you that Boylan is not a good head coach and have stated before in my posts that I fail to see the rhyme or reason for some of the combinations he has put on the floor.

Keith my problem with Gordon at the end of games is not necessarily his fault but the fault of coaching design. Here's the play design with 12 seconds left in a game that's tied or the Bulls are down 1 or 2 points......take the ball out on the side, immediately hand it to Gordon (preferably at the top of the arc)spread everyone off to the sides as Gordon dribbles at the top of the arc til the clock winds down to 7 seconds or less, Gordon starts to make a move to the lane, a double team comes and Gordon is too short to be able to see let alone hit the open man, Gordon attempts a cross-over move to free himself but can't then either forces up an impossible shot that hits only the floor or loses control of the ball. I would have more confidence in Gordon in that situation if Duhon had the ball at the top of the arc and Gordon was moving through several screens without the ball freeing himself up for an open 10 to 12 footer. that is when he is most effective and scores the majority of his points.

I've got to say, I kind of agree with you Keith.

Major misfit for this team: Ben Gordon...Hughes and him look good on paper while playing together on the floor. Maybe some chemistry will develop with Hughes doing the ball handling, driving/kicking to Gordon for open looks. It will take time but could potentially be decent. I still like Duhon better than Gordon. Get Deng back to form (if possible), use Sefelosha, Hughes, Hinrich and Duhon in the back court. Give Thomas 25-35 minutes a night. It is the only way he will develop any consistency. Unfortunately, I feel Nocioni is expendable now, especially considering Thomas and Sefelosha can both play the 3 spot. His salary is large enough to be valuable as a trade asset. Sign Gordon to the tender offer and package them together for SOMETHING, preferably putting together some combination for Elton Brand. Trading him away for Chandler was still THE BIGGEST MISTAKE this franchise has made, worse than overpaying Wallace. I would hope everyone could agree.

But hell, make a move for Jermaine O'Neal. I know his injuries/contract/age are disgusting but TAKE A CHANCE. HE WILL FIT IN WITH THIS TEAM AND WILL MOST CERTAINLY FILL A KEY WEAK SPOT. Send Gooden, Nocioni, and Gordon for O'Neal. It actually appears that the salaries would match up pretty well.

I think O'Neal, Thomas, Noah, Gray makes a nice front court rotation, with two centers... As said earlier, resign Duhon and have a back court rotation of Sefelosha, Hinrich, Hughes and Duhon. Deng, Thomas and Sefelosha would get the minutes at the 3. This also frees up time for us to really see what Thomas is, a 3 or an undersized 4.

I think the band, "The Who" summed it up quite well:

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

Ironically enough, the lyrics come from the song, "Won't get fooled again."

Now how apt is that?

-- The Seedster

"It gets difficult to put up those game winners, especially when the opposing team knows you only have ONE option."

OK, how many times did Jordan do that when EVERYONE knew he was getting the ball? I realize I have NO business putting Jordan and Gordon in the same context but Gordon is NOT that type of guy at the end of the game....never was but that's not his fault.

There aren't many though...Kobe, Lebron, a few others that can drain it from 20, take you off the dribble, or get to the line.

Josh, O'Neal is a cancer ask any pacers fan. My sister and her husband live in Indy and quit following them when they traded Harrington and kept O'Neal and refuse to ever watch or go to another game until O'Neal is gone. Getting O'Neal would be a detrement to any hope of creating any kind of chemistry on the Bulls. I would rather see Ron Artest back in Chicago than to ever see O'Neal in a Bulls uniform.

didnt they molest collies?

Given the new makeup ofthe team. Give them some time to gel, that means no playoffs this year. Why would you want this team to make it and be 3 and out? Look to chemistry, playing hard, and getting some answers to guards spots, Tyrus, and Noah and Gray. Roy Hibbert anyone, Brook Lopez in the draft. Maybe bring the prodigal son back (Elton Brand)????

Think of how much money Ben Gordon will command next season especially when he already rejected the Bulls' first offer of 5 years, $60 million? Are you guys really sure you want to keep a one-dimensional Ben Gordon at that price and build a team around that? Come on, let's make some sense here. Yes, Gordon has made clutch shots in the past, but I don't recall him making a game winning shot at all this season. No doubt, the guy can shoot that ball, but he's not worth that kind of money and he shows no chemistry at all with even our regular players right now. That’s what concerns me the most about BG, not his shooting abilities.

People tend to forget that Larry Hughes once averaged over 22 pts a game along with 2.9 sts/gme with the Wizards in his final year there. In fact, he averaged over 22 pts in a season twice in his career and he is only 29 years old. Call him overpaid or whatever, but those were solid numbers that year and he earned that contract with Cleveland based on the numbers he put up in Washington. You have to factor that his recent career numbers have been offset by injuries and playing alongside more accomplished scorers like LeBron, Arenas, Iverson, etc. That's why I'm willing to give him a chance because he has a fresh start here and he's still a young enough player to bloom in a system that fits his game. I'm not saying he's a savior or that he's among the NBA's elite just like I never said that about Pau Gasol when everyone labeled him as "softie", but he still can be a solid player for the Bulls only if Boylan or Pax (by whoever he finally hires as head coach permanently next season) can figure out how they want their team molded first to contend for an NBA Title. If some of you prefer Gordon, then fine, expect an up tempo, no defense jump shooting team again next season. I don't like that style of basketball and I don't think that style will ever win Championships, but that doesn't mean that I'll stop being a Bulls fan. I just want to see team improvement and progress. We can all go back and forth about who's the better player between Hughes and Gordon, but there are bigger issues. We just have to give the new guys more time to gel with the regulars (which includes developing the younger kids) for the remainder of this season and then have a plan in place for offseason moves.

An entry post earlier mentioned taking a chance on Jermaine O'Neal, but did you know that his contract is even more expensive than Kobe Byrant? His contract will be owed $21 million next year and $23 million the year after. The Bulls have already said that they will not touch luxury tax territory and they were already crying about taking on Pau Gasol's $14 million salary! No way Jermaine O'Neal becomes a Bull unless the entire roster is overhauled with cheap role players and rookie contracts. He’s way too risky even to take a chance on. I like the idea of trying to get Elton Brand back though. Hopefully he recovers from his injury successfully and hopefully he won’t command a salary like J. O’Neal’s, but I wouldn’t mind packaging Luol Deng, Drew Gooden and others to the Clippers for him. The Bulls will have resources to make trades in the offseason for sure. Let’s just hope Paxson isn’t gun shy this time around like he was with Kobe and Gasol.

And lastly, not playing Aaron Gray against Dallas and Dampier was a big mistake by Boylan. That’s another strike against his coaching abilities on the court. I want to see more Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons, Boylan!

LeBron,Elton,McGrady,JO'Neil,Okafor...would be my order.

EDGAR | February 27, 2008 04:07 PM - GREAT POST!

All the posters know, I don't like players that cannot do their jobs; ie if you are a shooting guard - SCORE. If you are a point - PASS. If you are a center - Rebound, Defend, Score around the basket. And above ALL - if you play a position be the RIGHT SIZE. With that said, that makes a lot of people on this team expendable. But ONLY for the right player or a star.

Culzie I like all those guys except - OLD-Neal, and OLD-Lady.

Keith, if that's the case why were you so hung up on Wallace? Regardless of what he did in Detroit or what he might do in Cleveland he did NOT do his job in Chicago.

What is imteresting now is that of the 25 games the Bulls have left 21 are with eastern conference teams. And with the spread between the current sixth and tenth seed in the conference being just 4 games, with any kind of a good run down the stretch the Bulls could possibly end up as the sixth seed. Nine of those 21 games are with teams currently in the top five spots in the conference making it unlikely to happen but you never know.

Considering the constraints Paxson may have had on his trigger finger this year, I am beginning to see a much more competitive team, and more importantly at this particular juncture, a 'fun to watch' bunch. We all know this is it, no STUD(S) this year, but at least the new group looks like they'll make the rest of the year TOLERABLE and possibly, just possibly, ENTERTAINING. Right now, I'll take it!

Good Win against Indiana..

Hughes and Gordon is not that bad of a backcourt.

Gordon,Hughes,Deng,Thomas,& Moussaoui

thats my line up!!

Tim Little | February 28, 2008 07:58 AM - I look at that 5 and 4 spot differently than most. When Paxson signed Wallace, I KNEW he was not going to be able to shoot. I wanted to know if he would do the things we signed him to do - consistently. Those were: Defend, Rebound, Block Shots, Pass to cutters, set solid picks, extend to defenders on the perimeter, be physical on the block and step up in the face of those who would try and intimidate our shawtys. Now he didnt do them to the DEGREE that folks wanted, but I was satisfied - knowing that the east was filled with that type of post play and that it would crucial come playoff time. I always looked at the bigger picture which is the PLAYOFFS. Thats the past though.... As Hawk would say..."hee-gooone!"

I like the new-look Bulls. I also like the Pacers. They have BETTER team defense than we do and their players are the right size and length. With a halfway healthy Old-Neal, they should be a force in the East.

Keith I look at it this way....if someone isn't going to play to their potential in the regular season they don't make the play-offs. Once you lock-up a play-off seed you can talk about how the regular season doesn't matter now but until that time every game counts. Wallace could have used his defensive skills to energize and lead the Bulls but he chose not to. I am never satisfied with some one that does just enough to get by and this season Wallace wasn't even doing that much. As much as I have complained about Ben Gordon's short comings I give him credit for leaving it out on the floor to the point of trying at times to do too much by himself which leads to turn-overs. What I have noticed in the last 3 games is that Gordon seems to be more comfortable and doesn't seem to feel everything is on his shoulders now.

For all the naysaying, pessimistic, ping-pong ball loving Bulls fans out there, the logistical projection shows the Bulls will pass Atlanta and New Jersey for the eighth spot after the next seven games. Other factors show:

1) The Washington Bullets will shelve Arenas and Butler, and New Jersey will allow Carter to run himself into the ground by mid-March. Both teams will fall off the play-off radar.

2) The newly created competition for minutes on the Bulls will rapidly light a long awaited fire, easily leapfrogging them into the play-offs. Their strong conference record wins the tie breaker for seventh, I repeat, SEVENTH seed.

3) The Pistons pass stumbling Boston for the top seed, and the Revivabulls take advantage of a Celtic cartilage deficiency and upset the Bawstonians.

4) The Magic shows Chicago just how far away they really are and hands the jockstraps to us, giftwrapped.

5) Paxson trades four players, in eleven player three team swap meet, and rebuilding cycle starts all over again.

6) Roman Modrowski recycles blog headings from 07-08 season because hey, if the Nike fits again, wear it.

the team may be alright after the newer pieces gel with the old - it may be next season before any true growth or potential is realized. I think that we do need to address the point position because Kirk's shooting is becoming a detriment and Du doesn't produce well enough to keep him on the floor. I'd definatly like to see another 7 footer like Gray - someone reasonably inexpensive and serviceable and that can get up the floor and rebound.

Though Gordon is one of my favs, he's gotta increase his accuracy and killer instincts.

Theirs only room for 1 small guard on the Bulls team and it has to be Ben Gordon. He should definitely come off the bench and the starters should be Noah, Tyrus, Deng, Thabo, and Hughes with Gordon Noch and Gooden and 15-18 minutes a game for Gray end of rotation. Gordon is a defensive liability but he's also capable of keeping teams honest on the offensive end. Hughes is a slasher that can create his own shot. Thabo has a reliable set shot and is reliable on defense, Tyrus if he keeps developing that top of the key shot and dunking and blocking everything he'll be fine, Deng has to find his heart and attack the basket like he does on back cuts all the time remember jumpers are fine but stars take it to the basket and get And ones. Noah is effective on pick and rolls and put backs and can run He belongs at center and another 2 years from now they wont be knocking him down so much. We have enough talent on the team to be consistent threats and thats fine for now b/c if they actually use these pieces and snare a star like Elton Brand teams are in trouble. We can live with one defensive liability on the floor but not two so its pretty much pick your poison Gordon (deadly streak shooter with poor defense skills great free throw shooter turnover prone but not afraid to take the big shot or Hinrich (great free throw shooter some defensive skills over dribbles average shooter who gets lost in the offense and is foul prone. It's pretty clear for me. Take those 8 and move forward leave the rest to the vultures

Tim Little | February 28, 2008 01:31 PM - Tim that is a reality in the NBA. There are many players that are not giving it there all and going full-throttle every night. I also looked at CONDITIONING, which was a stalwart of Michael and Scottie and hoped that lifting weights would rub off on our core. 82 games is grueling and injuries pile up because young players are not built for the grind. Wallace though undersized - was a physical specimen and the epitome hard work. Wallace NEVER belonged at Center, but he did it without complaint and to the best of his abilities - in my humble opinion. What I don't like is how all these skinny lil players look the same as they did when we drafted them. Just with tattoos.

Gordon has been getting skewered in Chicago. But the organization has asked a lot of him. Hughes and Gordon are going to be able to compliment eachother. And having Gooden in the post as a scoring option helps also. Its not the same for Hughes now, as it was for Gordon before the trade. Hughes is taller and a better ball handler, but without Gooden and Gordon in the 4th would have been swarmed and overwhelmed. The new players are helping unclog the offense and is making the Bulls a lot more unpredictable and difficult to guard. Its beautiful to watch. But they are going to have to find it on Defense. We have the horses to play much better defense on the perimeter instead of that hack defense that gets all of those calls against us.

I like points 1-4 Anthony...

Mr. Navarro I agree with most of your post but am just a bit more optimistic, I can see the Bulls taking the sixth seed from Washington beginning with a win over them tonight. That would pit them against Cleveland or Toronto in the first round. Interesting scenario isn't it?

Keith I disagree that Wallace was the epitome of hard work. Regardless of what he did off the court he didn't bring it on the court night after night. MJ brought it night after night and also in practice, he was the epitome of hard work. But I understnd that Wallace is your love of the week so I'll try not to upset you. We'll see what happens here very shortly since the Bulls have 4 games yet to play with Cleveland before the end of the regular season.

Tim, actually it's the Atlanta Hawks, by virtue of their schedule and Joe Johnson of course, who re-overtake the Bulls for the sixth spot. The Sixers will be the bumpees to number eight.

In reality, I would just like to see Hinrich wake his damn dairy air up and give this team some much needed stability.

I stopped watching the Wizards game at halftime. I watched a movie with my kids. Looked like a blowout. I turned the game back on in time to watch the Bulls lose! WHAT HAPPENED??? All I heard was there was a bad 3rd quarter? Was that coaching or playing? We should not have lost that one. That was one of the worst losses we've had this year.

Boy, sure didn't take long for them meathead STUMBULLS to shoot my prognostication into the ground. I almost found it impossible for anything to be worse than the officiating last night, but the knuckleheads from Madison St. sure stepped up to the plate.

These guys, just flat out, are the most inconsistent bunch of so-called professionals this side of the Arctic Circle.

It amazes how a gentleman (Boylan) can spend so many years on a bench, schooling players, and not learn a damn thing.

If we can fine a player for committing a crime, the same should be said for officials. Tony, Vito and Luigi couldn't have butchered that game better than those three mules with stripes!

Kirk Hindlick, what a disappointment you are!

Can we show the Bulls on W~j^ in Singapore for the rest of the season, so I won't be tempted to watch? Chingau!

If Boylan had any hope of hanging on to the job, it went down the toilet with that 3rd quarter performance last night.

Wait...or was that Skiles' fault?

Tim Little sez: "Mr. Navarro I agree with most of your post but am just a bit more optimistic, I can see the Bulls taking the sixth seed from Washington beginning with a win over them tonight."

And how did that, "beginning" work out for you last night?

Are those rose colored glasses you're wearing, or have you simply been drinking more Kool-Aid than Keith of late.

Well Mark that "beginning" didn't turn out like it should have. Although I'll agree with Anthiny that it was one of the worst officiated games I've watched the season that was not the reason they lost. They came out in the third quarter thinking they had the game won istead of coming out and putting the game away, period!

Tim sez: "They came out in the third quarter thinking they had the game won istead of coming out and putting the game away, period!"

And THAT, my friend, is why they AREN'T going to the playoffs this year ... period!

They suck.

Mark, I've noticed the majority of your posts begin by posting something someone else said then you have some sort of smart a$$ comment following it. Do you have an original thought to contribute? You know I respect Keith regardless of some of his misguided loyalties to Wallace, Randolph, Curry and the like because at least he has put some thought into what he says. Friday night was not the first time an NBA team thought they had a game in hand and lost. Michael Jordan and the Bulls had the Dallas Mavericks down by 21 going into the fourth quarter during one of their championship years and ended up losing. I suppose that team also sucked huh?

Tim, can you stop wollowing in the mire please!?

Well Mr. Navarro, thank you for being fair about Hinrich. Its a bold stance to take in this forum. You don't dare say a thing about smeegle the precious!!!! Boylan receives criticism because he effectivily replaced Skiles. Wallace underachieved, but you better not keep posting that Kirk stuff or you are going to get labled racist or something!!!

Boylan in my humble opinion is doing all he can, and after games says the truth concerning what happened. And he is playing the RIGHT players, but they are not performing. And now who are we going to blame it on??? Skiles is gone and so is Wallace, now what?

Sorry Culzie but ya know how it is even the best occasionally plays down to the level of the competition. LOL

Keith, you need to quit putting the word "racist" with anything I write. There is NO SIGN of racism in anything I write. Inuendos, yes, racism, totally out of the question. Now get off that rocker already!

For the record, Keiths that is, I'm German(Kirks' heritage), Mexican, American Indian and French.

I've been around the court long enough to truly have an excellent feel for the game of basketball, and if my frustrational wording offends you, skip on to the next blog or suck it up. Now, if I get into a verbal altercation with YOU that you feel is out of line, I expect to hear back from you.

Just DON'T label it as RACIST with my name in the paragraph, ever again.

Anthonyyyyyyyyyyyy - that was sarcasm! I agree with every word you wrote.

Tim, You know I expect more from a Varsity Letterman!

Ok culzie I promise from now on I'll only date cheerleaders LMAO

as oppose to??

your comnments about hinrich being a gym rat rather than a nba player nearly hits in on the head, except i would add that he has the attitude of a highschool sophomore. his incessant pouting has gotten old. Gordon, although, yes everyone knows he is a bit small, can create his own shots, unlike hinrich can not do this. gordon's ball handling has improved immensely, his professionalism is second to none, and his defense has improved. I would really like to continue to see gordon at the point, with thabo at the 2. I do really think that gordon can evolve into a pretty good point guard. Can't hurt, hinrich is not a true point anyway, and at the 2 he is at best average. trade off hinrich, make room for gordon and deng.