Full Court Press

Granted I caught only about 3 min of the 4th quarter, but in that span during a 2 point game I saw:

- Thomas turn the ball over when he couldn't catch a pass...a completely non-descript toss of the ball to him
- Gordon thinking Noch would leave Lebron on a pick and roll, and leaves his guy wide open...a min later he followed that up with a launch of a bad shot
- Noch look completely foolish trying to guard Lebron

ho hum...

That must've been one helluva suite!!! It was Thursday where you sat? I mean, 'cuz the game was on Friday in our seats.

I watched the Wizards game along with todays Cleveland loss and as much as I hated to see them lose two games they could have won, I've noticed two key elements;

1) Hughes and Gooden make good decisions on the court. I know Larry likes to shoot, but his shots aren't forced. Drew has some moves to the bucket, something that was sorely missed. Doesn't hurt to have a big guard on defense, either.

2) Hughes and Gooden come in on the heels of Deng and Gordon having been out for some time. Luol and Ben don't look sharp at all, especially Deng. He's really hurt us these last two games. Actually, Superstud LeBron aside, Deng's been the difference. If our two "not for fifty million dollar" men don't get it back together soon, punt!

Hughes and Gordon actually look good together in the backcourt, that is unless the other team has TWO offensive minded guards.

I'm just flabbergasted that Boylan continues to allow Nocioni to shoot as many threes as he does. Geez, the guys 6'7", dribbles well, shoots eighty percent from the stripe, and is hardnosed. What a waste of four helpful qualities.

My bet is we don't get blown out by twenty any longer, and as much as I got nauseated at that Wizard game, a totally healthy and on the same page Bulls squad will be competitive the rest of the season.

What can I say, my glass is HALF FULL.

Zachrias Gooden is terrible.

Noah is the only guy on the team playing with any heart right now.

Hey...maybe we should double team LeBron every now and again huh?

Or guard a three point shooter?

Fist of all what is Noce doing guarding LeBron? That's like running a 4x4 against a 'vette in the quarter. The pass that Thomas miss handled in the fourth was below his knees making it a bit difficult to handle, I didn't see that as his fault. More important was Gordon's turn-over after LeBron ignited the crowd with that dunk. Considering the Bulls shot 39.2% and their so called main 3 were 10/30 it's amazing the Cav's didn't have a double digit lead until there was only 30.2 seconds left in the game. And the difference makers for the Cav's were Joe Smith(8 points all in the 4th) and Szczerbiak(the only other Cav in double figures). The last 4 minutes really came down to poor shot selection.

...Can we stop thinking about this year and reconstruct something worth watching for next year. Gooden, Hughes, Tyrius Thomas out definitely and maybe even Deng (if we can get something decent in exchange for him) and finally go after a BIG MAN with something more than Will Perdu-like skills. We need frontcourt players that can defend and score (i.e. see Tyson Chandler) and break up this nucleus of smallish type players that can defend anyone over 6-5 in the backcourt. Hughes is best coming off the bench if kept, but Jerry "Cheapskate" Reinsdorf needs to shell out some money to get some "A" list players. (see Paul Gasol or Kobe Bryant--one of which should be in a red/white jersey and coming out to the "Raging bulls theme song.") How long is it till draft day.....Maybe put all chips in a get Michael Beasley!!!!

I agree with Navarro. Bulls are better and will continue to improve. Bulls biggest problem is TEAM DEFENSE, and its an area they have the players to get better at. Boylan has a great problem and that is matchups and playing the young guys enough for them to develop.

You tip your hat to the Wizards who coached a great effort against the Bulls on Friday. They came out with 48 minutes of intensity and exploited the Bulls in the post. They were impressive to be on the road and the lesser team personell wise.

Boylan is such a joke. I can't believe he lasted as an assistant all these years with no basketball knowledge. What's even better is he counted on two retreads, Hughes and Gooden to WIN the game against Cleveland, the Team that traded them away precisely because they weren't good enough to help THEM win. Then he lets Highes jack up 20 shots. And again, even though they were facing another weak center in Varejao, he leaves Gray on the bench. He starts Noah at the 5 even though he is natural 4. He apparently also thinks Nocioni can guard James. No ability to create match-ups or even try something novel on defense to stop James. This Team has become a pathetic joke because of Reinsdorf, Paxson and Boylan. It's too painful to watch.

I was cracking up when I saw Noch guarding LaBron, but does is really make a difference, because I only Gooden and Thomas is man enough to check him. Noch has the heart to do it, but not the athleticism and size.

IMHO our best defensive unit is Hughes, Thabo, Thomas, Gooden and Noah. Boylan has a delima of playing Gray who needs the time, and Kirk and Deng - fan favorites. And the more he plays the younger players, the more we lose. Boylan cant afford to lose these games. It could cost him this rare opportunity.

The loss against the Wizards wasn't really predicta-bull, but rather more disappointing. What's really pathetic is that in a matter of only 5 or 6 games since the blockbuster trade, Hughes and Gooden are already not only the most consistent players on the team, but they're also the best players on the roster. And the sad part is that they're not NBA superstars either, not even close. I’ve read so many posts and opinions stating that Gooden stinks or Hughes is a terrible fg% shooter or whatever, but tell me then, can anyone honestly tell me that our core of Hinrich, Deng, Nocioni and Gordon are playing any better this season? Yeah, uh-huh, I didn’t think so. Hughes and Gooden have already had team highs in points and rebounds in I would say at least 2 or 3 of our last 5 games since the trade. Even then, the stats don’t tell the whole story. Too many people look at stats and highlight reels too often, but don’t watch the games closely. You can just tell that mentally, most of the regulars, especially the core veterans on the team are just waiting for the season to end already.

Paxson's press conference a couple weeks ago said that he was committed to the development of the younger players. Stick to it then! What have I said in several oher posts already? Trying to win these false hope regular season games to make the playoffs heading nowhere is pointless. If we make the playoffs by playing the younger players more, then great, that just bodes better for their overall experience and development, but if we make the playoffs and get ousted in the first or even second round using the same core players, then we still have accomplished nothing. IT'S NOT TANKING THE SEASON IF WE'RE STILL LOSING GAMES WITH OUT CORE PLAYERS! Bottom line, Aaron Gray must play more. Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons, both former FIRST round draft picks, must be given their opportunities also. Why did we even acquire them if we don't intend to play them? Heck, they’re not even playing in the NBA Developmental League. What a waste.

Boylan said in an interview a few days ago that he would hold players more accountable if they didn’t bring their “A” game into the games from now on. Well, in my opinion then, he needs to send a stronger message. Trading away Ben Wallace was a start finally, but either he shuts down players’ season completely (which I doubt will happen of course) or he significantly drops playing time from the core regulars. Luol Deng – either he’s not 100% healthy or he’s still pouting about his contract. Who knows, but who really cares anymore? Bottom line, he has underperformed. Same with Nocioni. Is he still suffering from that plantars fasciitis foot injury? I think he is because I've had that same injury before as well and it is a lingering injury that has no cure. Ben Gordon – nothing in his game has improved this season, not even his overall shooting, but worst of all, no chemistry with his teammates. Kirk Hinrich - he just can’t handle a leadership role, period. What all 4 (or 5 if I include Ben Wallace) have in common is that none have stepped up their game this season to help this team go from playoff contenders to Championship contenders. Therefore, all 4 must be held accountable for this shameful season. Bulls management, please send the memo out - develop the rest of the way and retool in the offseason.

As for Jim Boylan, here’s an example of what I think of him…. Boylan recently quoted in an interview over the weekend about developing young NBA players, “If the only way you develop and grow is being in the starting lineup, then the people who think that really don’t know the game well.” Uh, no Jim, I don’t care about who starts or who comes off the bench, but you have to give them ample playing time on the court to learn the nuances of the NBA game! Playing 5 minutes 1 game and then 25 mins the next game doesn’t help player development, Jim. What do I know though, I guess I don’t know the game of basketball, Jim.

Go Bulls!!

I don't know why Hinrich didn't play more. Gordon once again puts up loads of shot, misses 70% of them, seems to get upset by the misses, loses his man and floats around looking for something to do. I ask anyone to watch Ben for 5 minutes and then dispute what I see, he is terrible. We need to change the way we play, we have 10 very good players and should rotate them in for full court pressure, hard defense and fast breaks. We just seem relieved to get the rebound. Deng is still not healthy, don't play him.

Edgar | March 3, 2008 12:17 PM - Edgar you were on fire until you got to the Boylan quote. He is right. There is practice and game minutes. If you don't show up when called upon, then you are not hungry and don't have what it takes to be in the league. I agree, you have to give them a chance, but that chance doesnt constitute a START. Ben Gordon remains the leading scorer on the team and he does not start. There is only one case that can be made for starting a new player and that is the Center position. All the rest have to EARN time. Especially if they are going to be playing together in the future. You want to gell with teammates. Not just some players that are rookies.

I can't believe some of you think Larry Hughes is a great addition. He launches shots from all over the court and has trouble making 40%. Worst of all is his attitude. It wasn't in the chicago papers, but here is what Larry said before the game about his time in Cleveland:

“I play to enjoy myself, some people take this the wrong way, but winning a championship is not what I base everything on. I was given an opportunity to play basketball, travel around and have fun doing it and that’s what I want to do. I wouldn’t take being unhappy and not being myself and winning.
I would rather enjoy myself with 18,000-20,000 people watching the game and the people sending fan mail and those things and be happy…I didn’t come here to play the point guard, that’s just it. I came here to run the wing, just like he was running the other wing. I was asked to sacrifice for the team to win and for everybody, I guess, get paid. That is what was told to me and I wasn’t happy with that.”

In other words, me first! Forget winning. Larry wants his shots and money first and foremost. That is a great attitude to have in the locker room for the young Bulls. Watching Larry yesterday I was so happy to have him on the other team.

So now do we have Lebron Rules ala Jordan Rules, or do we continue to play hard as Roman made in the initial observation?

Though people don't like to state the obvious, you try and make the other four players beat you when coming up against teams like this. The superstar know how and works harder to get their points & rebounds. Something clicks in them and they will play superior defense when their offensive game is slacking. Other players will stop hustling if missing shots and layups and go .

Why is Noce guarding James? We do it on a prayer and a hope the guy has an off game and we win by three to seven points. It has nothing to do with Noce's ability. Who in the NBA can guard James one on one? Especially when he gets going? We have seen it in Chicago, so Noce guarding James does not bother me. WHAT THE HELL DID WE DO TO SHUT DOWN THE FOUR OTHER GUYS IS THE QUESTION(s)?

The bulls have no leader on this team and they don't play a lick of team defense. There was no one to lead these guys in either losses over the weekend and that has been a big problem all year. Kirk Hinrich is so garbage. He reminds me of rex grossman. Good Kirk, Bad Kirk. He can't guard anyone and he turns the ball over way too much to be our point guard. Ben Gordan turns the ball over way too much as well and takes a lot of terrible shots. We need a change starting with these two undersized guards being gone. We call Big ben and his 60 million a busted pick up but Kirk Hinrich and his 60 million is terrible as well. We need a defense minded coach next year who will hold these guys accountable if they don't play defense. If you don't fight through a screen just as ben gordon did a few times in the cavs game then you are going to be sitting on the bench.

I like these new posters!!!

One very important footnote I oversaw in my assessment of the Bulls lately is that Tyrus Thomas has improved considerably this past few weeks.

He no longer looks at the 'D' coming at him on his jumper, leaving 100% concentration on the shot. Also, because of this, he looks much more relaxed in his shot.

He's gone to the hoop and actually pulled up for a short shot off the board or finger rolled a short lay-up when the defense dictates. In the past he would try to run through the wall.

Silly turnovers are at a minimum.

I'm puzzled at how fast he turned things around, but I'll take it in a heartbeat. It also shows he really has what it takes. Now, if he keeps applying it day after day, we may really have something here.

Don't stop maturing Tyrus and don't leave any tools in your belt! There are a lot of people out there who believe in you. You just need to believe in yourself.

I am officially joing the "Dump Kirk" Club!

The once crooked bowl cut boyish hero of the city has been reduced to a step too slow Mens leaguer.

His production is down 3pts from last year. He cant make a decision, he cant pass, he cant shoot, he cant defend. His +/- is always the worst on the team.

Its time to say goodbye to this dude.....send him back to Kansas with his cookie monster backpack full of Jayhawk CD's

Keith, I understand what you’re saying and I also understand that you have to earn playing time minutes. However, the main point I was trying to make about Jim Boylan is that how do we know if he is being fair about who has earned the right to start or earn the playing time minutes when it’s not consistent among certain players game in and game out? In my opinion, he has no plan out there. He just throws players in and out hoping for a spark. Come on, my mom can do that (she was a former high school women’s hoop coach). What about matchups? Where was the Aaron Gray matchup vs. Eric Dampier when we lost to Dallas a few games ago and Dampier goes off on us like he’s Dwight Howard? Are we to assume that Gray didn’t earn any playing because of poor practices? How about the career journeyman and forever undersized Travis Diener of the Indiana Pacers and former Marquette Alum playing like an All-Star against our vaunted guard depth? How about team defense? When an opposing player beats a Bulls defender off the dribble and attacks the basket (which happens much too frequently), the weak side help is either too late or someone leaves an open shooter out in the perimeter for the easy drive and kick open jump shot. These are basic team fundamentals. I mean, I can go on and on about plenty of other specific items that I don’t see from Boylan, but frankly, I don’t want to continue hogging up the blog posts in here. However, going back to the regular core players, this is what I mean about accountability. Those jokers killed the season not because they lack the talent, but because they are WEAK mentally. They lost their edge pouting about contracts, trade talks and Scott Skiles’ disciplinarian ways. If you really want to discuss about earning time, then how in the world have the regulars earned their time with our losing record? How do we know if guys like Aaron Gray (has averaged only 6 mins/game in the last 5 games), JamesOn Curry, Shannon Brown, Cedric Simmons, even Drew Nichols, etc. have game at all if they don’t play even a minute of floor time at all, not even garbage time for that matter!? Sure, as fans, we don’t see what goes on in practices and who loafs during practices or comes in late and leaves early. Yes, we don’t see everything behind the scenes, but after watching Jim Boylan run this team in the last 2+ months since taking over the interim coaching job, I have seen nothing from him so far that tells me he’s the next Phil Jackson or Stan Van Gundy, coaches who have had the successful transition from assistant to true head coaching positions... No creative offensive sets, no go-to plays at end of games/quarters/period, no out-of-bounds formations, no defense adjustments, on and on and on… Therefore, I don’t trust him when making decisions regarding playing time and starting games. Just my opinion only of course and it’s not like anything can be done about the coaching position until after the season ends for the Bulls, but as of right now, I’m not impressed with Boylan in the least bit.

Which leads me to another recent post about Larry Hughes’ attitude… So let me get this straight, after only 5 games as a Bull, people are already saying that Hughes is a terrible pickup because of comments he made to a media outlet about a blockbuster trade? Give me a break. You think Hughes’ attitude is terrible for the locker room, but the regulars who have been on the team for years already show no heart on the playing court this season, who contributed in driving their coach away from the team in mid-season, and crumble under pressure from trade/contract talks are better attitudes in the locker room? Wow, we really have some bright ones in here, don’t we? Bottom line, you have to give Hughes and Gooden time to gel with new teammates, a new coach and certainly a new system (or in this case, a lack of it from Boylan). Give them a chance before you throw them under the bus over their career numbers and interview comments. It’s the core regulars that deserve the criticism more this season, not the new guys.

Did you see that photo of Larry Hughes in Carol Slezak's collumn? He looks like he's taking a dump. That's not a good look for the bulls.

Keylan sez: "Did you see that photo of Larry Hughes in Carol Slezak's collumn? He looks like he's taking a dump."

The entire team has been taking a season long dump.

Why should the new guy be the only one that's constipated?

The Cleveland Steamers?

Post as much as you want Edgar, you're making a lot of sense. Also, there is something about your name I really like. The worst thing about the Bulls other than Paxson and Reinsdorf is Boylan. He is really lost out there and clearly is NOT a basketball coach. Everything you said about him is true 1000%! However, the most damning evidence against him is that he takes a new player who publicly declares repeatedly that he only cares about himself, doesn't care about winning, prefers going to a losing team rather than staying on a Team that went to the Finals last year, puts him in the starting line-up and gives him the most minutes (43) and shots (20) on the Team. Think about that.
He makes him the focus of the offense. How stupid can one man be?
Paxson put the final nails in the Bulls coffin by making Boylan the interiim coach instead of hiring a real coach and letting the new coach have the rest of the year to mold them into a team. Nice work Paxson.

Now I'm sure many are going to jump all over me for this but here goes anyway.....could it possibly be that what Hughes meant when he said didn't like being told to sacrifice his game for the team, what he was really saying is Cleveland failed use his game to compliment LeBron the best they could? Just a thought.

Now as far as Boylan and match-ups go, does anyone besides me think Aaron Gray should have started against Darko last night? It was obvious from the begining Noah was having a hard time against the bigger Darko.

Im a "best matchup" for each game type of coach. I would always utilize my best matchups to try to exploit, protect against or take advantage of the other teams strengths or weaknesses!

Tim Little | March 5, 2008 10:11 AM - I agree!! But I will tell you something is going on with Gray. I just dont think that Boylan and that whole coaching staff could miss that. We ONLY have 2 centers!

I have noticed one thing since the trade, NO ONE has been on a insidious vective about the play of the Chicgo Bulls.

Critiques? Yes!

Hot tempered jargon with text pointing at one another? No!

I believe Rodney King's message is finally sinking in. YES, we ALL can get along!