Full Court Press

I'm not condoning Noah's actions for being late yesterday, but in his defense, he was given permission by the Bulls to take a leave earlier in the day due to a death of a close friend or family. Let's not all start jumping to conclusions here, which I'm sure is bound to happen with more posts to come because I KNOW there are a ton of Noah-haters out there just from draft day alone. He does play the game with 100% hustle and energy and he wasn't the biggest problem of the team this season, far from it. Just find that coaching staff first that all the young players will listen to and respect and this "immaturity" problem within the team can be fixed quickly in time.

My most vivid memory of the team this past season was the laughing Bulls on the bench during that 30 point loss to the Orlando Magic on the road. That was about the time I knew that this team was lost for the rest of the season.

As for Boylan, he never had a chance, not when the "core" already quit the season long before he was hired as interim coach. They were better off keeping Skiles as head coach for the rest of the saason so that people could pile on even more ammunition for blame onto Skiles that I know a lot of people still like to do even though he's no longer here.

Pax, I'm waiting for your press conference relieving Boylan of head coaching duties today and a new coach hired by the end of the month!

Roman responds: I like Noah - a lot. I think he had a really good season. But this isn't the first .. or second or third .... time he's been late.

My most Vivid memory is one that never happened....not getting Kobe Bryant...when we had the chance. This will go down with the losing Magic in a coin toss and Portland drafting Sam Bouie. One of the most Classic Blunders of all time!

That and opening night when the look on everyone of the IndespensiBULLS faces when they all were on the Trade Block and they just laid a big egg on the court for the next 2 weeks.

Paxon...you BLEW IT!

They were better off keeping Skiles as head coach for the rest of the saason so that people could pile on even more ammunition for blame onto Skiles that I know a lot of people still like to do even though he's no longer here.

Bingo. Regardless of whether the team quit on Skiles or Skiles quit on the team, he was under contract and even if the team didn't like him, they performed under his leadership. Winning is something they never did for Boylan.

The Bulls don't need a facelift, they need an attitude adjustment. To this end, I would have Pax coach this team himself. I would give him one year to coach HIS team back into the playoffs. Funny thing is I think he could get this team back into the playoffs next year.

I agree Noah is about the best thing about this season. No he should not be late, at all. But to be honest, knowing of him at Florida and what I saw his rookie season, I do believe he did not mean to be late, but it still must stop now. Noah was right to snap on Ben Wallace, often this season, Noah was the only leader the Bulls had, I vote for him to be one of the captains next season. Poor Boylan, but next, Pete Myers and the rest of that weak, really assistant coaching staff needs to go fast. We demand a quality coach, my wife likes Reggie Miller, I like Rick Carlisle, Jeff Van Gundy and Pat Summit (the first female NBA coach is coming soon) she would be a God send, and a no-brainer please make Norm Van Lier on of the assistants, that is long over due.

This season was a lot like having something great coming on TV but when you sit down to watch it you find that your satellite is out.

You wait for a while to see if it gets better.... then you start to drift in and out of the roam occasionally checking to see if it is working.... then you just loose all interest and finally find something better to do.

Roman responds: Such poetry (except for loose).

Roman, I understand that Noah was late on more than two, three or however many occasions, but that was one of the biggest problems with the organization or coaching staff. Where was the the discipline? Who was the authority figure (leader) on the team who should have at least told the rookie that the actions are unacceptable? Instead, they make more public about a tirade Noah has with Ron Adams and a "fight" with Ben Wallace after that terrible Orlando game. Your colleague, John Jackson, wrote a nice article today about Boylan and his lack of authority and he was dead on. By the time Boylan figured it out, it was too late to police the team this season. That's the problem, it was always too late for the Bulls to fix anything. You could see all the issues early on, even dating back to last season, on what was missing with the team, yet the organization is always too late to do something about it. And then they talk to the media and fans as if they knew what the problems were all along, but end up taking their sweet time to do something about it!

And then Culzie... the Kobe Bryant trade talks was all hype, it was never close to happening despite what many people thought. Kobe had veto power and he wasn't about to be traded to a depleted team like the Bulls would have been if we traded half our roster, including future draft picks, to get him. Kobe already went public about not including Luol Deng in the trade talks and don't forget that the cheap Bulls don't like entering luxury tax territory. If you think this year's Lakers team is within salary cap limitations with that loaded team, then you don't know your NBA basketball. There's more to it than just all Paxson not making the moves. The entire organization has to decide if they want to keep going down this conservative path or take the risks to get this team back to Championship contention soon.

A Sun-Times poll just posted asking about who should be the next Bulls coach... so far, leading the votes is Rick Carlisle. Are you kidding me, Rick Carlisle?? For all the talk we have about how out of control this Bulls team is right now and the majority thinks he's the best coach for the Bulls? The same Rick Carlisle who was coach of the Pacers during Motor City melee debacle between the Pacers vs. Pistons that forever tarnished Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal? Wow, how quick people forget. Be careful what you wish for if you want Rick Carlisle as your next Bulls coach.

Roman responds: Go to suntimes.com/sports and vote for who you think should be the next head coach.

My most memorable moment?

Charles Barkley's comments about how truly weak the Bulls are.

He is dead-on accurate.

About the best development of the entire season is that we did not sign Deng and Gordon to long-term contracts.

Phew!

Getting a penetrating point guard would be great. Get rid of Gordon. He can't finish or pass when he drives. He can only shoot from the perimeter. His defense is nowhere. If he understood he is not a starter it would be different. The back to the basket guy would be great but a good penetrate and dish guard would be even better. Is there any chance the Bulls would trade up to get Rose? He looks like a true point guard. I hope we don't draft one of those smurf point guards. They may be good offensively but who are they going to guard? You have to hope the opponent also has a smurf.

Headline: Boylan to be replaced by Larry Hughes.

My favorite moment was when Tyrus Thomas received a double closeline to the face while going for the shot and none of the refs saw it- that and watching Nocioni pull a Manning every time he got beat. You've gotta admire his "stopping" ability.

Hopefully, Paxson will seriously consider Scottie Pippen for the head coaching position. Players will listen to him.

Roman responds: Please tell me you're joking. Isiah was a great player, too, and no one on the team he put together listened to him.

My favorite memory of the season? The game where they were up 25 in the third quarter only to collapse in the fourth and lose.

Oh, wait. That was almost every game.

2 things...

- the only thing missing this year would have been Duhon or someone eating on the bench last night

- how funny will it be if Charlotte lucks out into the first pick of the draft. had the Bulls lost last night they would have flipped a coin with them

What about this deal: Gooden/Hughes/S&T Gordon for Marbury's expiring/pick swap/cap filler (we'd have to eat a fairly bad contract here at best Jerome James, at worst Malik Rose or Quentin Richardson but I wouldn't mind getting Q as an overpriced sixth man, he might do better coming home). Resign Deng, and use next year's cap space from Marbury to build the team around Noah/Thomas/Deng/Hinrich/rookie PG. The Garden fans will be looking for a quick improvement from Walsh, and those three players would provide it without long salary commitments (except Gordon, but I imagine he'd be popular enough in NYC to make up for it). From our side, we get a shot at one of the top PGs in the draft without giving up core young players.

Jim Boylan finished 24-32 stint. His winning percentage was the same as Scott Skiles who finished 9-16 and was on a 3 game losing streak. I will miss Boylan. The tribune had a nice parting peice which included comments from Kirk and Gordon about what kind of Coach they want. Bulls need a defensive minded coach, but someone who will understand players. For me the most memorable moment of the season was the Christmas Eve Skiles firing. Was the perfect stocking stuffer for me. I just dont like bullies. Even winning bullies like Bobby Knightmare.

Jokim, Tyrus, Noah and Duhon all have immaturity problems. The whole team needs direction. And we need to get a bonefide star in here. People will hate me for it, but I think we need to get rid of Deng and Kirk. Deng because because his offense is too soft and his stock is high. Kirk because he is not a playmaker and not a bench player.

I was at the game last night and saw the future. The lineup included Gray, Noah, Thomas, Thabo and Duhon. All of which I would keep along with Gordon, Gooden, Hughes and Noch. Everyone else....see-yah. Gray and Tyrus needs a person assigned to their endurance over the entire summer. They are both out of shape. Bulls need a star point guard - a Chris Paul type. I think thats the missing piece for them.

Bulls are a world class organization. That show they put on for the fans last night was awesome and first class.

The Bulls played with little intensity, heart and effort all season long. It resulted in several really bad road losses to the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves. There were also way too many losses at United Center. As for the next head coach, I don't know how much Jerry Reinsdorf will allow GM John Paxson to spend with Scott Skiles still getting paid. Two guys in particular, Rick Carlisle and Norm Van Lier, would be ideal for this sorry team. Norm wouldn't tolerate any garbage and would emphasize defense, while Rick won in Indiana & Detroit. If not, why not Pax? He drafted these players...

Maybe they can fire skiles again. The lakers and kobe used the bulls for leverage, paxson got pantsed. After wasting a contract on a 6'7" center who can't score or shoot freethrows, and trading a scoring power forward for a potentially good jumper, paxson got played by LA. This destroyed team chemistry and let deng and gordon walk for nothing. he should of traded thomas, deng and gordon for a power forward and a scoring guard. Oh well, maybe he'll draft a hard nosed gamer that was really good in college. So long Pax.

Mercifully this season is history. I've purged from memory everything from November until today.

Roscoe, did Villano pass you the glaucoma medicine or what? Scottie Pippen would only have the time to coach the Bulls if he hired his 17 children to be asst. coach, towel boy, ticket taker, Fandemonium employee, raffle ticket seller, Mr. T, Andy Frain, a Luvabull or 2, Jumbotron operator, Mai Tai vendor, Benny, Jesse White Tumblers, and the guys who shoot t-shirts at the crowd. Even if he could find jobs for all his charges, he's just too plain stupid. He may also come down with a migraine every time there was 1.7 seconds to go in the game. Now pass that thing over here!!!

I think your thinking of Jason Caffeys 17 kids

I love Norm Van Lier, but for all of you who want him as the next head coach, there's a reason he's never been offered a coaching position, even as an assistant.

Does anyone know what that reason is?

Julie sez: "He may also come down with a migraine every time there was 1.7 seconds to go in the game."

Since you're so fond of picking nits; it was 1.8 seconds.

Julie sez: "Roscoe, did Villano pass you the glaucoma medicine or what?"

I do suffer from a condition known as Anal Glaucoma.

I have a tendency to call my boss at around five o'clock in the morning and say, "Ya know Terry ... I just can't see my a$$ climbing out of bed, and coming to work today."

I don't care what anyone says, Scottie would be better than Skiles. You can bank on that.

I never thought that Boylan was the answer, but I do know this:

That man had spent 14 years as an assistant, when provedence laid this opportunity in his lap. If anyone out there thinks he didn't want to make the most of what might be a once in a lifetime chance ... they're nuts.

It is for this reason alone that I believe he gave it everything he had. And even though it wasn't nearly enough, he was fighting for his professional life, and tried as hard as he could; which is more than I can say about the players that he had the misfortune of coaching.

They barely tried at all.

most memorable moments of the Bulls 2007/2008 season:
1. culzie losing the bet with Keith on the Kobe trade
2. the Skiles Christmas party
3. dumping Ben Wallace
Julie are you sure you weren't already into that glaucoma medicine? it's uncharacteristic for you to make 2 statistical errors in one post.

Keith I don't believe Duhon will be back next season but agree with you about Gray, Thomas, Noah and Thabo. But I won't miss Boylan he was too soft, there has to be a balance somewhere between him and Skiles.

Gee Villano could it be that what Norm's drinking in that cup on the studio set isn't kool-aid?

For all the Noah haters out there....inspite of his tardiness he was the only one to even come close to taking up somekind of leadership role and speak out and bring it every time he was on the floor. Meanwhile the 2 so-called captains allowed the likes of Wallace to instigate a suspension extention and Boylan lost control of the team when he went along with it. I believe that was a defining moment for Boylan.

Jeff I see you've been at the glaucoma medicine also, Marbury has been a pariah every where he's been. Regardless of what talent he may have the last thing the Bulls need is his attitude.

Oh right - I did forget about that 0.1 second, and maybe I added a few kids, but he's still a pinhead. Great players don't necessarily make great coaches. In my opinion, a great coach has to be smart. Scottie Pippen is not. His current job is "special" assistant coach of the Lakers. "Special" being the operative word here. Remember those special kids who rode the short yellow buses to school?

As far as Van Lier, I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing he can't keep his rabbit in his pants.

And finally, now we now where all that smoke comes from Villano!

Look...Roman has been working the Sports Beats in Chicago for over 10 years, you dont see anyone crying that he isnt on AROUND THE HORN do you?

Villano its no secret that Van Lier was black listed. He is a great mind in the game, and every bit as tough as Sloan over in Utah. Would have made a great coach, but his time passed. We are in the day where you have to communicate with players. The league is watered down, and good players are hard to find. Combine that with legions of fans, lots of money and being 22 and under. Recipe for contention.

Southside Keith, you really have to get over this obsession of Scott Skiles. The guy is no longer here. He is also known as a good NBA coach in the NBA community, but more of a quick fix guy who can never seem to bring his teams to the top. You make him sound like he's the worst coach around, but he was a heckuva lot better than Tim Floyd and Bill Cartwright and probably better than half of the NBA coaches today in my opinion. You also compared him to Bobby Knight, but where did he ever bully his players physically? Sure, he plays psychological warfare with the players, but what's wrong with that? Look, I know he's not the most charismatic guy around, he's terrible with the media and he's basically a little guy with a smart mouth, but he can coach. I have no problem with a hard-nosed coach who tries to get the best out of spoiled, rich NBA players. Obviously his methods didn't work and he probably did challenge Paxson's aurthority and decision-making which led to the quick hook, but he took this team to THREE straight playoff appearances with basically NO superstar on the team. I've had many discussions about Scott Skiles with my other buddies and believe it or not, most dislike him just like you, Southside Keith, but mainly they hate his personality and think he's just a snot-nosed little punk with a smart mouth. Our "core" Bulls players turned on him because they were all weak mentally, that's the bottom line, I don't really care what anyone else says otherwise. Don't blame it all on Skiles, blame the weak-minded "core" of the team that has no clue how to lead by example and by their own play. Everyone on the team talked about being professional, but none of the core acted that way and let their weak minds take over their basketball talents.

Paxson did the right thing in firing Boylan ASAP, but then he goes around saying that he's in no rush to hire a new head coach? Bad move and already a bad start to a pivotal offseason. It's bad enough I read that Pete Myers and Ron Adams will be retained as assistants, but this head coaching hire has to be done as soon as possible and then hopefully that new head coach can advise Paxson to clean house of the current staff of assistants. He should have already been interviewing candidates months ago, but yet again, this is another example of the snail-pace bulls in decision making. They talk about making changes on the roster and the upcoming draft lottery and draft picks, but don't you need to hire a head coach first and then build your team roster, free agents, trades and draft picks around his philosophies? I know I'm not an NBA GM, nor do I claim to be better than one, but sometimes I just scratch my head on common sense alone.

Like I said before, clock is ticking, Pax. You're about to lose many loyal season ticket holders soon (not just myself) the way this is going.

Ohhh - Tim, you blew my cover! I've had terrible glaucoma since my freshman year in college. Munchies too.

Edgar | April 18, 2008 09:47 AM -

Edgar you have some smart friends - listen to them! I agree, Skiles is old news but ROMAN asked us what was our most memorable times. And that was it for me. I was within context of the question and entitled to that. What a lot of you guys don't know is that I also believe SKILES IS A GOOD COACH! And what is SAD is that he let his pugnacious attitude overshadow that. He was busy walking around like Bugs Moran instead of Phil Jackson - who has a friggin banner floating over his head! And his attitude cost us a good coach and damaged Thabo and Tyrus Thomas's development as players. Thabo was on his way out of the league under Skiles - and we can all see - it wasnt because of his talent. Just that ONE player could have made a difference in out entire line-up this season and just may have cost us the playoffs. And there was also - his attacks on Eddy and Chandler. We were dumping players because they didnt get along with our coach. His reputation also likely affected our chances at landing free agents. Paxson drew the line in the sand and wisely dispatched him.

Coaching in today's NBA is a job for a person who can communicate. Its difficult, but thats why you get paid. I hope a smarter Scott Skiles emerges. Because thats what the league needs. And we need fans to demand that these guys earned their pay by coaching and developing talent and not posturing. Because we all know "he aint gone whup nobody's backside".

Southside Keith, you're definitely one of the regular bloggers here and I know for sure you've been taking your little shots on Skiles on more than several occasions even before Roman posted this question about memorable moments. I was simply commenting on that. But it's all good, I'm not necessarily disagreeing with your counterpoints, but we'll still have to wait and see on the development of Thabo and Tyrus. If they have any desire to succeed in this league, then they should easily overcome whatever damage Skiles did to their confidence. I watched Thabo closely earlier in the season when Skiles actually gave him some early playing time and he didn't help himself any with the terrible shooting and turnovers. Even I wanted him out of there! Great players overcome adversity, let alone a hard-nosed coach, over time. If development regresses over time just like it did with our core, then how will things be any different with the next control-freak head coach? Eddy Curry though, I disagree. Skiles didn't damage him permanently. Curry has always played soft since his days in high school. I'll give you Tyson Chandler though. Skiles rode him too hard. I thought Chandler was progressing very well on the team, but then came the injuries and then Skiles' overexpectations. That was a terrible move trading him away and I didn't like that from the beginning. You don't trade away legit 7-footers who play hard all the time. That being said though, you have to admit he's only doing this well at New Orleans because of a superstar point guard in Chris Paul, otherwise with or without Skiles, he'd probably still be the same type of Bulls player that fans will either love from his hustle and energy or hate because he still has no true offensive post game.

I definitely agree with your last statement 110% though, Southside Keith. The new coach must be able to communicate with his players, more so than the knowledge on X's and O's, for this to work. No communication, no respect. No respect, then we're back to square one calling for Paxson to get fired again.

"Everyone knows Norm Van Lier was blacklisted" ??

huh?

we do?

by who?

who blacklisted him and who didnt hire him because of that black list?

it doesnt even make sense...i mean...its not like there is a master owner who tells other owners who they can hire and fire...i mean...an owner couldve hired Norm if they wanted too.

I have to think that its probably closer to what Julie said...or maybe he has a problem with grandpas cough medicine or something...but..i highly doubt it was a McCarthy style conspiricy!

Has anyone seen the Photo?

Tim? Keith?

I paid my debt to society!!

LOL I SEE IT! haha GOOD SPOT!

Norm hasn't been blacklisted; he's being shunned.

He has a serious drinking problem, and this is no secret around the league. I've listened to him piss and moan about his lack of opportunities insofar as coaching is concerned, and he was plastered when I heard him.

Either that, or he has narcolepsy and a speech impediment.

Keith sez: "Coaching in today's NBA is a job for a person who can communicate. Its difficult, but thats why you get paid. I hope a smarter Scott Skiles emerges. Because thats what the league needs."

Don't bank on it.

Leopards aren't known for changing their spots, and it's rare when a person is able to significantly alter their personality or emotional make-up.

The most profound change I've ever seen in a professional sports figure was the transformation of George Foreman. He was once a sullen, miserable, S.O.B., and now he's one of the nicest guys in the entire world.

And it isn't an act. You can see his kindness, and the joy in his face every time he smiles.

I HEARD NORM SAY IT. It was either live or on the radio. Right after the Bulls reign.

Mark V. You got foreman right on the Nose! I hated him before he got fat. Thats probly what he needed...to get something to eat! Changed his life!!! Excellent observation!

Need a boxing fix errr now and then Roman!

OK...now I know I caught you in a paradox Keith...

You say a Coach must be able to communicate and then you say Pippen would make a great coach.

BOOM..

Pippen doesnt really speak English...or speak much at all.

how is he going to communicate....by having the players read the ridges and bumps on his head like brail?

Bye Bye Isiah!

Maybe Rodman can coach the Knicks right Keith?