It's one game. Still, it was fun to watch.
I hate this overused phrase, but I think Derrick Rose's first game with the Bulls will be a microcosm of his season. Some brilliant moments, some rookie mistakes.
The latter will decrease steadily.
Rose made his teammates, especially Tyrus Thomas better. And Luol Deng looked good. I've written here earlier that I think Deng will return to his 2006-07 form and have a really good season.
And I like that loaded bench. Every really good team needs one. Ben Gordon is a vital member of that unit, but I still don't think he'll be here at this time next year.
I think the best thing Rose did was help the Bulls win. And help fans forget about last season - at least for a night.
Great pic on the site. Didn't get to watch the game out here in CA. Saw the boxscore and highlights. The one thing that stands out is that Rose will get so many minutes and now Gordon will HAVE to play right of sit. They really don't need him if he won't play right. I still feel he and Wallace ruined last year. Kirk will look great because he knows how to play under control and has talent. 52 wins!
He's going to win rookie of the year this season and will be an all star next season. Already the 3rd best point in the NBA. He's 20? He wont hit his prime for another 3 or 4 seasons, thats scary. He has the potential to be the greatest point guard of all time, his game is so unique, definitely not something we have seen before. He can dunk on 7 footers as well, what other point guard can do that? I just hope he doesn't lose the humble attitude or get ruined by the constant media attention. People need to leave him the hell alone and let him play the game, its what he was born to do.
Roman, totally agree with you. D-Rose looked like he was a tad bit nervous, but he overcame them and played a great game. You could tell in those final moments of the game with the Bulls having the ball, they wanted to get him his 10th assist and earn a double-double in his debut.
As far as the rest of the team goes...I think Luol Deng impressed me a little in the first half. He took the ball to the hole, he wasn't afraid to go in the paint. He looked like he had composure and felt invincible. He didn't appear to have that same vigor in the second half, and that's what worries me about Deng. Sure, he'll score, but will he continue to drive into the paint and follow through on a consistent basis this season? I'm not so sure that he will..and that's based on his past performances.
Ben Gordon is and forever will be Mr. 4th Quarter. He should accept that fact of being a game-changer. He needs to realize that there is nothing wrong with being a game-changer off the bench. He dominates late in the game and has the ability to change the game on the whim of one of his many 3s. If he realizes that and accepts that role, he can be a great player in the NBA. But, he is definitely NOT starter-worthy.
Another thing I loved about last night was Tyrus Thomas' play. He looked focused and ready to go out and play a great game, which he did. He was able to attack the boards, drive to the hole, and challenged the Bucks on plays on both sides of the floor. Solid effort from Tyrus, and I hope it continues.
However, the best part of the game, which I hope happens at least once each game this year...the alley-oop from D-Rose to Tyrus. Made me leap out of my seat and go bonkers, just like the 21,000+ others at the UC. That was a phenomenal play, and something I sensed and hoped would happen last night.
But, I do worry how this team will perform once Larry Hughes comes back. I'm not a big fan of him or his inflated salary. It's amazing how well this team played without using him or Aaron Gray.
huge bulls fan and excited about this season.
although the real reason why i write is because im curious to know what camera was used to take this shot?
canon?
It's Thabo's job to lose, but he's going to get major competition from Gordon. Kirk is too inconsistent to start. The Bulls found that out last yr.
The wild card to this season has been Rose & Gordon. The potential is huge because Gordon no longer has to play the point. That means he can focus on finding space & staying with his man. It also means Gordon can conserve his energy a lot more.
If I were a betting man, I'd bet on Gordon starting w/in a month. If Paxson's able to trade Hughes or Kirk I'd even bet on them re-signing lil Ben.
Good post, Qumar:
I completely agree with you about Gordon, and feel that he should finally embrace his role as one of the best "sixth men" in the league.
There's a place on any roster for a player that can come off the bench strong, and effect the final outcome in a positive way for his team.
He needs to understand and come to grips with his defensive deficiencies, and realize that the reason he doesn't start is because being in a 20 point hole at the half isn't in the best interests of the team.
He'll never be a starting point guard in this league, but players with his talent, (when it's properly put to use) can command salaries comparable to starters.
It's all about finding your niche.
Awesome Post Q.
With the lack of WGN coverage I can expect this year, I will be fine, as long as you go to every game.
BC
QZ - good stuff. The words Cubic Zirconia just comes to mind when I typed QZ???
You guys are right about BG. Its on his ego and Vinny to make it happen. Good test for Vinny. I wouldn't worry about Hughes, he can backup Thabo and let Gordon close the show. Thabo gets in foul trouble anyway. Arron Gray is going to play because of the Centers in the East. I believe in his size and post game on the block. He is not Gasol, but all we need is 16 points and 10 boards. Thats very reachable for him.
At the end of this season, Bulls will be able to draw a star. Make no bones about it. We will still need Superstar or at least another star player to compete in the playoffs.
Just like many other americans right now I find myself in a situation of needing to trim some of the unnecessary expenses at least for a little while so the NBA League Pass has been passed up at least for the first part of the season so I can only follow the Bulls on-line here in the S-T and on ESPN Sport Central. But wehat I read in the box score and various columns hopefully things are turning around and was especially glad to see Tyrus start the season with a double double, hope he ends the season averaging that.
I liked what the bulls did here, they got a win.
Thomas is a freek athlete and when he learns to finish around the basket he's going to be dangerous. Pair that with the maturation of an already impressive Rose and you have the core to a winning franchise. D-Rose looked good, although he had a tough time getting around screens and lacked confidence shooting the basketball. Experience and a couple of good shooting nights will fix those issues. Aside from that, D-Rose was easily the fastest player on that floor. His first step is insane.
Deng looked good and so did Gordon coming off the bench. Now if only Nocioni would play as if he were in the olympics, we would have the most intense player in the league.
All in all, as Rose matures, so will this team. We needed someone to run this offense and now we have it. Watch for some impressive nights this season. Go Chicago!
Romes...I say get Q on the Free Wolves Tickets Payroll...the dude has some talent!
I second culzie's request. However, I wouldn't mind getting paid...kinda need a job right now.
Gotta agree with the peanut gang here about Q. Nice post. Guess you had a good one too, Roman. Liked Rose, and man, his brother looks huge, he didn't look that way in HS, that was the most interesting development of the night, Reggie Rose is bigger than me now.
If the Bulls beat Boston (in Boston), and Rose has a good game...
Rose is gonna blow up around the NBA.
Michael Jordan type blow up.
It's just 1 game, but people will be paying attention to his game.
I wonder how long it'll take before The Celtics put the clamp down defense on him? I wonder how he'll handle it?
not sure if having a coalition of THE Chuck, Keith LTSS, and Culzie are towards you advantage or disadvantage here.......
Apparently, the pay scale has gone up and its now... Metalicca, Guns N Roses and Poison tickets now. All the shirtless dudes you could ever want.
mcmaximus - Celtics should probably win this game handily. But mark my words. They will have NO answer for Rose. He is simply too fast. Bulls are going to lose the game on the inside. But this is only a measuring stick to see where we are offensively and defensively. I think we are outmatched on both ends. Point guard and bench will be the only areas we have an advantage. Lets hope Boston overlooks us.
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