Full Court Press

well..I guess we can hold on to.."if ya play at 3/4 speed and get hurt...nobody cares"...that's pretty special

I like your idea of this being the last post.

Also, what do you think John Jackson thinking when he wrote his column over the w/e??? Kind of like Kevin Bacon..."ALL IS WELL"!!!

Do you think he's actually watched any games this year?

What are our serious chances @ LeBron? or D Wade?

It seems fitting the only players who have shown any effort recently are the newbies: Gooden and ... well I guess that's it.

It's time for the Bulls to enter another hibernation like they did in the post-Jordan era. Hinrich is not the answer at guard and has regressed. His rise, slip to mediocrity and plateau at that point is the personification of the team's struggles

Deng has the body to play in the post more but is too much of a wussy to do so. I think Gordon has no fear, but he's too small to be effective at either end of the floor and plays defense about as well as a houseplant.

I like Noah's energy but I think it says something that he lashed out at Boylan and he hasn't even been in the league for a year.

Aaron Gray is the Washington Monument of the NBA.

Ty Thomas makes me pine for the days of Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler. Thomas and Chandler basically have the same skill set, but the difference is Chandler cares about winning and Thomas only cares about cashing his paycheck.

Cross your fingers for a top-3 pick in the lottery, otherwise it's another year of this garbage.

I've been posting almost all season long (at least since around the time Scott Skiles was fired) that the blame for this season was the core, which at the time, I meant Hinrich, Deng, Gordon and Ben Wallace. I've been saying for weeks that those core clowns should have had their 2007-2008 season shut down weeks ago because I already knew they quit a long time ago. I could see it on TV and I could see it at the games I watched at the United Center. I said before, it's not about the talent, the guys have talent, but they don't have the mentality to take this team to the top. Paxson should have seen this a long time ago, but now it's too late. You can't just get rid of "everyone" now because their trade value is so low!

I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but I think the Bulls should go back into a rebuilding mode once again. Forget trying to build around this so-called "core". Treat them simply as complimentary players and if someone from the core miraculously steps up his game at an all-star level next season, then great, but I wouldn't count on it long-term. I've seen enough of Deng, Hinrich and Gordon's games over the years that they'll never elevate to the next level. NEVER.

Now first plan of action for Paxson in the offseason-- HEAD COACH and assistant staff. Find a coach you know that you won't fire in mid-season during the Christmas holidays and build a viable staff around him. Then and only then can you plan out the type of players you want to surround that coaching staff with. Since not many teams out there will likely trade with us, then go with youth movement again and this time, come up with a better NBA player development program than Mike Brown and Pete Myers! Joakim Noah, with more NBA experience and years under his belt, has leadership traits that you can work with. I also like Drew Gooden. But please, someone please find a coach who can light a fire to Tyrus Thomas! Man oh man, the LaMarcus Aldridge comparisons will never stop until he gets his act together or he's gone from the Bulls forever.

Yes, next season will likely be rough again, but I'll accept a rebuilding mode if it means slowly getting rid of our core players that I don't really care about anymore. If they shine elsewhere on another team, so be it. I paid season tickets to watch a rebuilding team around the Tim Floyd era, so I don't mind going through another rebuilding period with fresh young and exciting talent, but I'm not paying to watch this team again if they think that they can still build a Championship team out Hinrich, Deng and Gordon.

These are the newer Bulls minus Ben Wallace. But for the first time this season I am totally disgusted with them. You just cannot lose to Miami. I would have some respect if Atlanta had won and they were officially eliminated, but to lose to Miami. What a drag.

We need a stud and thats for sure.

disappointing is a bit of an understatement and everybody doesn't have to go. Odds are though Ben Gordon will either be part of a sign and trade deal or sign a one year contract and be an unrestricted free agent in '09. Depending on who ends up as head coach next season will likely determine if it will be a repeat of this one.

Wow, is this team awful, when the team was rebuilding in the post Jordan era, I expected this team to be terrible, but have reached the low point of this team. They are not excited to be on the court, just there for the payday. The CORE players, have to got to go, I mean Hinrich, Deng, Gordon, and Thomas. Man aren't the Lakers happy they didn't make that trade. I know that we are spoiled from the Jordan days, and we expect winners, every year, or at least a team that cars about winning, but this team will not change until us fans make a change. This means that as long as we are stupid enough to pay for the overprice tickets and the overprice concessions, and this team plays in front of a packed and sold out night, Pax and Jerry will not change, funny thing WHY would you pay for this team, thats the question that needs to be asked.

This is for Scott Ward and all the other whiners:

If you don't want to watch the team, then don't.
Nobody is twisting your arm. If that's how you
feel, then don't show up. Yes, this Bulls team
underachieved this year. Yes, them losing to the
Heat was a real low point to the season.
Yes, they looked just as bad, if not worse
tonight in Orlando. If you want to quit on
the Bulls, like they quit on us this year,
you have every right to do that.

Just stop the whining already. Chicago isn't a
city of whiners. So if you're going to whine,
stop coming to the games and to this message board.

We true Bulls fans don't want to hear your whining.

Is there really an NBA Team in Chicago? With a Professional Coach and players? You could have fooled me. I thought they terminated the franchise. However, I did see the Heat beat a high school team wearing uniforms from the NBA Team that used to be in Chicago the other night though........

Yes they quit but to whine about they did wont change things. Yet to think that Pax will get rid of all 3 is crazy. Kirk and Gordon Yes I would love to see one go and Larry Hughes. Yet we know Duhon will stake his claim and move on, I can see the Suns coming after him. The draft will determine who has to go if we are in the top 3 who do we get? Common sense tells us that Rose and Beasley will be both gone so what college player out there could change us that much? Tyrus Thomas, wooo man what a disappointment, he seems to just be there i am so mad at this clown, his shot selection, his passing and his attitude seems to be in Baton Rouge near Mckinley high school not in the United Center, I am tired of waiting on his ability to catch up with our expectations. Right now he is close to being a BUM, some one compared him to Chandler, that person should stop drinking milk. The rookie Noah has shown more hustle than Tyrus has in bth his years here. Oh Pax has a serious Job on his hands this summer, first finding a coach, secondly trying to decide who do we keep. Its certain that Thabo should be a starter his play on both ends will be better next season. His summer will be working on improving his mid-range and distance jumper. I say keep Gordon simply because he can come off bench and score Kirk can he do that? I Know The real Bulls fans will be watching the draft and summer movements.

Roman responds: Of all the guys I'm guessing won't be here next season, I'm putting Tyrus Thomas near the top. Just because teams will want him included in packages. He's worth something, but I don't see him working out here.

The Bulls of '07-'08 will be remembered in 10 years with only one word that resonates: DISAPPOINTMENT. Some would like to blame Ben Wallace for aging and not being coach's lapdog (now that is truly a surprise!). Some would like to blame Deng for getting hurt and not giving 110% when rehabbing on the court. Some would like to blame Gordon for his ridiculously inconsistent play (like there isn't a reason a 6th man isn't in the starting rotation). Others would like to blame Hinrich for being a combo guard that is having his first down season at the point. I think all of those perspectives are too convenient. The blame starts and ends with John Paxson.

Mr. Paxson built a team of fundamentally sound, grinding, high character guys (Thomas being questionable in that last part)to compete with the SHOWTIME of the NBA. Being as no team without at least 1-2 superstars has ever won anything, I think Mr. Paxson's model was flawed. He traded Aldridge for Thomas. He drafted Gordon higher than he had a right to be drafted. He put all of his eggs in Wallace's bank account, utterly ignorant of how a high attitude big-man would clash with a throw-back coach. Mr. Paxson wasted a roster spot with the high-leadership/minimal talent Adrian Griffin. No, the balme on individual players is too convenient. Mr. Paxson built a flawed team, too guard heavy, with no veteran leadship on the floor. Ben Wallace is not around to blame any longer, nor is Adrian Griffin or Skiles and his daddy issues.

The team is at best a .500 club with virtually no go-to guy, no clear starters in the guard rotation, and weak with PF and C. Mr. Paxson needs to pick 5-6 guys out of this collection of redundant parts and rebuild. We've got enough to form a core of a solid bench with Deng and Noah as standouts. Mr. Paxson should be given 1 more season to give order to this mess or be let go to allow someone who understands today's players. I'm still dumbfounded at how in the last 2 years Mr. Paxson's decisions have utterly flushed the chances of a good competitor on the cusp.

The cusp's gone, and so is the team's chemistry. Time to bring in some new guys who know how to play as a unit, and a coach who knows how to treat them as something more than a university team. Millionaires tend to make bad whipping boys. DUH!

Thank you Marshall,
half these posters couldn't wait to get rid of Chandler and Curry, and now they are begging for their return. Then, they'll complain about this team, and these players turn it around, and they cry about how Paxson missed on TT or Noah. These idiots do nothing but stir controversy, and heresay. These people try to tell us how to spend our money, and call us stupid(more or less) if we do not follow them.

DO NOT LISTEN TO THE HATERS!!!!

I don't give a damn if they suck, I watch b-ball for the entertainment, not to see the bulls win every game. Probably just mad because they were not good enough to play the game themselves.

Roman responds: Chuck, exactly who is screaming for the return of Eddy Curry? He looks like he weighs 350 pounds. He couldn't even maintain a key role for the dreadful Knicks.

Pax was getting heat for not landing KG or Kobe, so he fired the coach during the middle of the season. Coaches aren't fired during the season because players don't respond to "interim" coaches. Don't blame the players, would you work equally hard for an "interim" boss?

Blame this one on Pax and move on.

The 04/05 thru 06/07 Bulls teams made the playoffs by hustle and solid team defense. The Bulls can return to this formula and return to the playoffs next year.

I wonder if 'Quitters' and 'Tankers' are considered the same thing. The Bulls are clearly tanking these ending games.

I think Noah said it best last night when he said "we can win but we're just not putting the effort out and making the sacrifices to win".

I have to believe a good part of that is they don't want to play for Boylan any more than they wanted to play for Skiles. Face it this coaching staff hasn't gotten any respect all season. And why should it when it is more concerned about things like no headbands than it is about getting the team to play as a team. Why not ban ponytails and beards too while you're at it? Do most players that wear headbands do it as a fashion statement or to help keep sweat out of their eyes? The Bulls need to get back to focusing on what wins games like team chemistry and they need a player that will lead not only on the floor but in the locker room. Noah has shown more leadership ability as a rookie than either Hinrich or Deng has. At least he has had the courage to speak out, right or wrong.

Pax hire a proven head coach, forget your childish headband ban and put a contender on the floor will you?

Bulls desperately need a new coach and a bonefide star and go to guy. I would draft the best 6'4 and above point gaurd available from the draft. Time to move forward.

I shoulda Guest Blogged...

NFL - No Dreads Rule?
NBA - No HeadBands Rule?

Whats up? Discuss...

These are the newer Bulls minus Ben Wallace. But for the first time this season I am totally disgusted with them. What a drag.

We need a stud and thats for sure.

Posted by: Keith Lifetime Southsider | April 9, 2008 03:01 PM
*****

KLS, why are you finally disgusted, but keep bringing up Ben Wallace as though he was a savior for the team? I do not understand your logic. All season you protected this guy and dump on everyone from the GM, Coach (basically you called the man ex-governor George Wallace or Bull Conner) to Yoakim Noah( by calling him Crusty the Klown) but never critique Ben Wallace game.

You spoke ill of the point guards and forwards previous to this blog, but even now you are still holding Ben Wallace up as a beacon of light.

I'm not downing you, but whatever you saw in Ben Wallace, 87% (this number is a little low) of the rest of the fans didn't see it. Will you now give Noah credit for playing the game with energy, maintaining a positive mental attitude though his teammates turned on him with your HARSH critique heap upon him, please?

You are finally disgusted! (Now that is a laugher)

Note to Paxson: The Bulls will not win another championship until they acquire all-star caliber talent. They have none.

You had a chance in Garnett & you blew it. Learn from your mistake.

GM rules to live by:

1: One all-star caliber player = 2.5 good players. Had you understood that, Garnett would be in Chicago & Kirk, Duhon, & Loul would be in MN.

2: Every non all-star caliber player is available for trade every year. For the Bulls, that's every player.

3: Rebuild a team with all-star caliber players even if it means another 10L.

4: If you can't attract all-star caliber players than go for pcs that can help you obtain that goal later.

Roman responds: From what I understand, he was offering Deng and others in 2006, but Minnesota refused. Kevin McHale took care of his old buddy Danny Ainge.

"I think Noah said it best last night when he said "we can win but we're just not putting the effort out and making the sacrifices to win".

I would guess we both think the Bulls suck Tim, but Noah is among the worst offenders on that team of mis-fits.

Has ANYBODY on that team earned the right to talk about what professionalism is required?

"Roman responds: Chuck, exactly who is screaming for the return of Eddy Curry? He looks like he weighs 350 pounds. He couldn't even maintain a key role for the dreadful Knicks."

One of Bill Simmon's recent links is a story on the Knicks. Absolutely hysterical, esp the part where they quote the opposing teams' scouting report on Eddy, Jamal, et al.

Yes, Chuck...we're all po'd we can't play the game like Eddy. DA...

Speaking of McHale, it certain that he took care of Boston I don't think he gives a do do about saving Ainge's job, it was save Boston, and besides McHale, what about that clown from Chicago who owns the Memphis grizz? what we offered was way better than what the Lakers got for Gasol and he had the nerve to make comments about what the Bulls should be spending. It certain that we have a great deal to do to get back to even making the play-offs, letalone being a contender of serious nature. Mad yes I am mad that Gordon and Deng both turned down 50 mil plus, I am mad that firing Skiles we still ran the same jump shot offense, I am frustrated that we had to bring that clown larry hughes in what do we need him for? Any clown who thinks that Ben Wallace helped us has no knowledge about basketball. Joe Dumas was right Ben was done. How can a guy spend that long in the NBA and shoot free throws like Ray Charles, he has no offense and we constantly used him on pick and rolls. If anyone thought that Ben Wallace was going to bring what Dennis Rodman, brought to the table again knows nothing about basketball. When Gordon and Deng both decide to whine like witches when Kobe name was mention please we need NBA players not babies who are insecure. They didn't take the high road and play like damn you wanna trade me look what I can do, yet it was whinning, whinning, and more whinning. I know Ben Gordon cant actually think that someone is gonna offer him 50 plus knowing that he can't do anything but score and he cant guard his own mama letalone another nba player I am so tired of this clown not knowing how get get through picks which just kill us because he is out of the play and the next guy has to fight with 2-3 players rotating. As for the Coach man who can bring this group of players together? People say Carlisle he has a track record of having his players revolt on him hell he is like Skiles. Do we need that again? Larry Brown, Please we know what he is about. Who is gonna lead us next year? who? Who are we gonna keep? Who are we gonna draft please not that clown from UNC. Sit back and watch gonna be a rough summer

I mean the first year after the trade, before Eddy became fat. When he averaged almost 20 pts a game. Now with Chandler playing well, fans miss him, the same ones who wanted to see him gone. I really do not care who stays or goes, I only care if we win, and let's try to finish developing the players we have. Boylan will not do.

Ok people get over the Garnett and Gasol stuff already! McHale wasn't going to deal with Chicago and Memjphis wanted expiring contracts Chicago didn't have so quit whining about what was not going to happen anyway!

Curry never was interested in playing defense or rebounding, don't miss him, Chandler was going nowhere under Skiles unfortunately Skiles stayed and along with Pax made the bigger mistake by bringing in Wallace. I hope Pax thinks about that before he trades Thomas away and he comes back to bite him in the a$$.

Gordon and Deng are about to find out they screwed up not signing contract extensions, and Pax looks a bit smarter now for not offering them any more than he did.

Pax needs to get a permenant head coach(not Boylan)before draft day. Don't know who will be available at the spot the Bulls will be picking yet for all the hype about Derrick Rose he certainly wilted under the pressure of the big game. I think he's still a couple years away from being an impact player in the NBA.

Romo - I don't think you can say McHale "took care of Boston". I was also surprised they didn't do the deal 2 years ago for Deng and what turned out to be a high pick but let's face it, he was right - the Bulls had nobody even close to Al Jefferson. That guy is a more athletic version of Brand.

When John Paxson signs or drafts a single player who makes an NBA All-stat team.....get back 2 me.

Paxson is NOT qulaified 2 run this team. Pretty simple.

Bulls Fan | April 10, 2008 01:19 PM - Great Post! I love CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, and trully appreciate the question.

But let me try and answer like this. I support the Bulls period. I am all things Chicago (Sox over Cubs). But I defend anyone I feel is being OVER attacked, and go after those that are held blameless. Few on this blog will challenge that EVERYONE thought the Bulls problems came down to Ben Wallace, and they crucified this guy. But looking at the Bulls - especially in the last few days - we clearly see - it was NOT his fault like people thought. They were lambasting the guy like - as soon as he was gone the Bulls would soar. And that is not to say he didn't have his faults - but it was no use to just pile on.

I'd like to think I was consistent with the coaching, and my thoughts about the guards. Skiles was too hard, and Boylan couldnt rally the troops which he desparately needed to do. I liken what Boylan did to the guy at Indiana. Likeable guy, but fell short of the organizational goal - to make the post season. Gordon has been lambasted, but Kirk had gotten almost NO blame. People throw him in with the "CORE", but he is suppose to drive the offense and make others around him better. And is consistently OUTPLAYED even by younger point guards. I also gave it to Deng who is soft as Angel-food cake! And I gave it to Gray the big slow whale for NOT being in shape, and to Noah - aka Krusty the Clown - for that suit, and for talking too much. Noah is a fine young talent, but as a youngster - you have have to shut up. Its NOT about right or wrong, but principle. When Sonny spoke out at Vito's sit down - that was clearly a violation.

And with finally being disgusted, I refused to get down until I was certain the team was not doing what they were capable of. Before this week, I felt the players had a legitimate gripe about the coach, rotations and playing time. And when Boylan was brought aboard - I thought they would have sense enough to behave and play with some pride. In fact, they owed Paxson that much for addressing their needs. And instead of winning the winable games, they tanked and took a step back. And thats what disgusted me.

Roman responds: Keith, I think Hinrich has taken the same type of beating that Gordon has. I even started at least one thread with the question: What's wrong with Hinrich? He's been beaten up, too. But when I talk to friends about what went wrong, I do put Ben Wallace near the top. This team has no leader, and as the highest-paid player, and one with a ring, he had the obligation to be that leader. For him to beg off being a captain said a lot. And if he's not going to be a leader, he can at least not be a distraction.

Everyone knows that this season was a major debacle. And we know that some things are going top have to change to get this boat in the right direction. Basketball is a team game but unfortunately for some, the fingers get pointed at them as if it were all their fault. It will be a miracle if the bulls find their way any where near the first or second pick in the draft, so the first thing that they need to do is find a coach.

Hinrich: Used to be a solid player but since his big contract he has become worse by the year. He stays in foul trouble, has lost, his shooting touch, and is a scoring point guard that can't score. He leads the team in turnovers (not ben gordon) I say we need to get rid of him more than anyone else.

Gordon: Gordon takes a lot of heat and sometimes rightfully so. But whether you like it or not he is the bulls' best player. Sure he is small, but so are many of other good players in the league. Sure he is a defensive liability but so are other good players in the league. Steve Nash is both small and a liability on the defensive end. Chris Paul is small, Tony Parker is small, Allen Iverson is small and is known for steals but not "on the ball defense". I just wish people would quit saying he can't play because he's small just say that you don't like him or want someone else don't blame it on his height. Gordon has improved his FT shooting among the top 3 in the league, cut his turnovers down by one from last year and basically provided the same offensive production

Deng: Perhaps the biggest disappointment after expectations were set high and he was to reach all-star level this year possibly averaging 25 points. None of that was seen this year. He went for 30+ only once and consistently settles for and misses that 18 foot jumper. With that 6-9 frame he needs to take it to the rack more. But to be able to do that he must improve upon his ball handling, strength, and FT shooting so that when they foul him he makes 85% of his throws instead of 75%.

Hughes: Plays good only when he is motivated. Someone whispered in his ear that he can shoot but clearly he can't. He settles to much for the jumper, which the whole TEAM does. Great defender however which would be tough to let go but that is why Sefolosha is important.

Sefolosha: I did not think it at first but he has potential to be very good and I'm talking Scottie Pippen good. He is long, athletic, and a savvy defender. He has an ok midrange shot and improving 3pt range. He plays with a lot of energy. Like Deng, he must improve on his strength most importantly and work on his jumper. If he can become a good shooter and get the strength to be able to drive it hard to the basket he could be a lethal weapon.

Gooden: I see gooden as being a great fit for this team and much like a lot of the players that we give away and blossom later (Brad Miller, Ron Artest, Elton Brand, Tyson Chandler, 2006-2007 Eddy Curry) , I feel gooden will finally do that here.

Tyrus and Noah: Main Objective should be to grow up and live up to their selections. Hitting the weight room should be a must, as their lack of it was put on display against Dwight "Superman" Howard. Both need to develop a post game especially noah who should never be allowed to shoot outside the paint. And Tyrus needs to become a better midrange player if thats where he wants to play.

Nocioni: A hard nose energy guy like most euro players he going to give you his all. I can see improvement in his shot selection and his foul selection. Way to many unnecessary fouls like hinrich. Stop arguing calls like you're always innocent.

Gray: One of the goofiest players I have ever seen. I never really see him becoming anything because he just doesn't have that grizzly bear mentality instead he has the care bear mentality. To many times I see him and noah attempt a move in the post and get stripped or their shot blocked. If he ever wants to be anything he needs to drop the fat weight and gain muscle weight. I feel he needs to slim down and get quicker. Get a nice buzz cut or something, I get tired of seeing him and Nocioni flipping their hair out the way.

I don't know who should go or who is going to go but I wouldn't be mad if Hinrich, Duhon, Gray, Hughes, or Noah was gone. There's a prospect by the name of DeAndre Johnson that may be available when the Bulls pick who can take Noah's place.

It makes me sick to my stomach with all the constant implication about how the Bulls hated to play for Skiles and then Boylan.

If I'm making 24,000 thousand dollars a year, working in some sweat shop, with a j.o. for a supervisor, I may be inclined to make waves and find a way to get the hay out of there. But we're talking about grown men, in a professional atmosphere, being paid millions to go out and perform, on T.V., in PAID by the public arenas, for the fans.

No, the boys just flat out gave up. We just lost the competitive nature somewhere during the middle of the season, and a good percentage of the team just lacked the will, big time.

True, a seasoned coach would have controlled things a lot better, but I'll bet my bottom dollar, if Michaels out there, he plays all out 'til the last horn of the season. That's just what dedicated athletes do, regardless of who's running the show.

Shoot, if you're unhappy about the play of the guy next to you, or your minutes, or even the lame excuse about who's running the team, play your ass off and make things better for tomorrow, at least. There is tomorrow you know!

I saw one box with Hughes playing 26 minutes, 0 points, 0 boards, 0 assists. Unacceptable for a caliber player, that size.

Just one of many occasions where the will disappeared for a day.

I guess it's hard to keep your chin up when everything else around you is crumbling, and that 28,000 dollar A WEEK pay check just doesn't suffice.

Oh well, there's always the day after tomorrow.

Keith - your first paragraph is just slightly exagerating things don't you think? Yes, EVERYONE thought Wallace sucked for the Bulls (and his stats are worse for the Cavs). Yes, everyone thought he was the most over-paid on the team but to suggest that the posters on this board thought he want the only under-achiever, and that the Bulls would "soar" after he was gone is complete nonsense.
If you want to continue on with your Wallace chubby fine...but please don't take the revisionist history route to try to make a point.

Breathe in and out SLOWLY. If you ask me, make the players responsible. Lots of excellent players have been traded, Jamison, Weber, Hamilton, Jackson, Carter come to mind and we will have to trade some of ours. We have very young players on this team STILL. Deng is even from another culture and is still learning. I still like him and Hinrich. Kirk is a combo guard which means only occasionally at the point. Look at his turnover ratio and his plus/minus scores. He is good. Gooden is now on the right team and Noah is what we thought he was, a good to excellent young center. Thabo is going to be a legitimate 2/3 so we need one thing desperately, a point guard who wants to play at both ends of the floor.
The short off guard, Gordon and the young and truely immatu