Back on the Bulls beat
So I was forced into emergency action on the Bulls beat last night. I covered the team for five years - the worst five in NBA history - and last night brought back some memories.
For instance, the game started with like six turnovers and two (Bulls) air balls. But the Bulls found a rhythm and hung on for a change.
I thought Kirk Hinrich played a strong game, leading the offense, moving the ball, playing some defense and scored it pretty well. And he was hurt for half the game.
It was weird being in the dressing room before the game. The fact is this team is in a playoff chase, but I couldn't tell by the mood in the room before the game. I asked Ben Gordon about it, and he said the enthusiasm is there but they need a little win streak.
It's amazing this team hasn't won more than two in a row this season.
And it helped them that New Jersey isn't very good and played half the game without Devin Harris.
It's really a shame eight teams from the East have to make the playoffs while some really good teams in the West will stay home.
It was good to see some familiar faces, like my two fellow beat writers. But I don't miss that gig. Just running through airports was enough to make me love my office job.
Plus, my liver doesn't miss that lifestyle either.
Comments
How do you know your liver wouldn't appreciate a walk down memory lane?...I found my liver appreciates little surprises every now and then...
You ordered the left side of the menu at Waffle House last night, didn't you?
go bulls
Posted by: Hitman | March 19, 2008 09:17 AM
Didn't watch the game last night, but the previous games showed me;
1) Boylan does not have the knack for knowing who to play in the fourth quarter crunch.
2) with the exception of Ben Gordon (of course), EVERY player on the Bulls roster is hesitant to shoot in the fourth when losing a lead. NOT GOOD!
3) Kirk Hinrich, for a supposedly well coached Kansas man, makes some dumb grammar school decisions in the third and fourth quarters. Unfortunately, blinders wearing Boylan leaves him in.
4) Andres Nocioni, once our key all around, all the time hustler, has been relegated to keeping Gray company on the bench???????
5) The ball looks a hell of a lot safer in someone elses hand, in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter of a close game, than in Gordons' hands. Now, if only these professionals would DO SOMETHING WITH IT!
6) I'll say this 'til I'm blue in the face. We have NO BODY that can stop a quick guard from penetrating, and NO BODY who knows how to position for weak side help, and proper rotation, afterwards. The latter, definitely being the coaching.
7) I say, play more zone when commanding a big lead in the fourth quarter. With the same scenario, flush that ball in the paint almost every time down court on offense, and pass New Jersey and Atlanta for the eighth play-off spot already, would ya. They sure in the heck don't want, and they surely can't give it away.
Not the way we're playing or being coached, anyway.
Posted by: Anthony Navarro | March 19, 2008 09:39 AM
I would like to hear about some of those memories...especially the more liver intensive ones.
Do I see a possible book plot developing?
YOU CAN USE MY OLD TAG LINE...
LOCKER RUMORS! OR
LOCKER ROOMERS
"The ufiltered underbelly of the underachieving undeliveraBulls"
Roman responds: Hey, had to delete the post with the line about Floyd. Sorry.
Posted by: bculz | March 19, 2008 10:20 AM
Yeah they definitely need a shakeup. This offseason will be good for the young Bullies. We need to dump some chumps and go shopping! Paxson get us a Center or Point Guard. I will even take Elton.
Kirk was good last night, but that usually passes (good pun). That oop to Deng suprise me - that Kirk can throw it, and that Deng caught it and Dunked with authority.
I like the Zone idea. We have to use that since we are out of sinc defensively as a unit.
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Southsider | March 19, 2008 02:49 PM
probably for the best...
Posted by: bculz | March 19, 2008 10:20 PM
I stopped watching a little while ago. It's not because I'm not a fan but because I can't stomach the way they're losing. I watched through the lean years but at least they tried. This team is clueless and has no heart whatsoever. Question Roman, why no blog on the Bonds indictment being dropped? They're now seeking a superseding indictment which simply means that they are admitting that they made a mistake. I read the entire transcript and it's some b.s. ESPN hasn't even mentioned it after they ran front page scoops on the original indictment. You media guys prove us cynical readers right every time.
Roman responds: Ernest, you've been around this blog long enough to not imply something like that about me. To be honest, the only Bonds news I've heard lately is the union is looking into whether there is collusion among owners not to sign him. When Barry was going down, I was quick to wonder why there weren't whispers about Clemens. So don't lump me in with the evil "media."
Posted by: ernest frazier | March 20, 2008 07:55 AM
Bulls should have cut Duhon after that fiasco. Bulls have to send a sound message to these players - but at the right time. That would have been a great time to do it, and the perfect man to do it to.
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Southsider | March 20, 2008 07:56 AM
EF and Roman. Thanks for the updates! Roman Sox/Uribe blog?
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Southsider | March 20, 2008 09:54 AM
You are right Keith! You too ernest. I gotta comment on Clemens too, he is getting off the hook WAAAAYYYY too easy.
Posted by: Chuck | March 20, 2008 03:37 PM
Roman should have a thread on a non-local, unemployed athlete that even ESPN doesn't consider worthy?
Posted by: Julie B. | March 20, 2008 09:23 PM
No indictment is being dropped...or it would be FRONT PAGE NEWS IN EVERY COUNTRY.
Show me a link..or a story something.
oh..wait..its probably lost with Keylans youtube groin pull collection.
Posted by: bculz | March 20, 2008 10:00 PM
I'm sorry Roman, I wasn't lumping you in. You've been more than fair. I just think it's curious how it hasn't even made the Sun Times, ESPN's MLB page but it's up on Yahoo. I just wish they had reported it as vigorously as they reported the indictment. Once again, I apologize.
Posted by: ernest frazier | March 20, 2008 11:52 PM
Oh, don't get me started on Duhon. He is the poster child for what ails this mismatched bunch of losers.
Posted by: ernest frazier | March 20, 2008 11:53 PM
EF...if it isnt reported ANYWHERE...then where did you hear about it?
In a dream?
Posted by: bculz | March 21, 2008 11:28 AM
Hitman sez: "How do you know your liver wouldn't appreciate a walk down memory lane?...I found my liver appreciates little surprises every now and then..."
Indeed!
This is why I refuse to sign the organ doner portion on my drivers license application form. My liver and I are very close, and I'd never consider putting it up for adoption. I enjoy taking it out for a few drinks, and showing it a good time. Over the years I've grown rather fond of the little guy, and I’d feel hurt if I knew that he'd be running around with a stranger, swilling single malt scotch the day after I croaked.
Not that my liver will ever actually need anyone else. He'll be so well preserved by the time I expire that he should be able to survive comfortably on his own for quite some time. Instead of leaving my liver on a strangers doorstep like some of you, I’m planning ahead for his future by putting away a fifth of Glenlivet every day.
Posted by: Villano | March 21, 2008 11:59 AM