Full Court Press

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 t