Chicago Bulls Thread

[Andrew]

Thoughts on the Gray-Brown trade? As I said in the other thread, it means a little more size in the backcourt and Gray was playing sparingly so I feel it's a decent swap.

[Dan's Brain]

Yeah, your sentiments are mine there.

I've always had a lot of time for Aaron Gray (probably far too much time), so it is sad to see him go. But, to be honest, I was surprised to see him re-sign in the off-season. His opportunities for further decent court-time probably departed the day that Brad Miller arrived.

As for Devin Brown, yeah fine. He'll be better defensively than Pargo (but then again, so would I), and might be able to provide some slightly more consistent offense.

[The X]

I'm surprised Devin Brown is even in the NBA, let alone teams trading for him. Poor trade for Bulls.

[Rip32]

Chicago's favorite White Panther is gone... his legacy will live on forever.

[shadowgrin]

So long AG. He will be missed.

[adv1s5]

That game against the Spurs reminded me why the Bulls are my second favorite team (sorry, grew up a Lakers fan and always will be). Double digits from six players (almost seven with Gibson, who had 8 points), excellent game from Rose, everybody rebounding, typical hustle plays from Noah and energy from Gibson, pretty much a nice game. Good to see Tyrus Thomas making an impact since his return too. They've been solid with him back in the line-up. I just hope Salmons picks it up pretty damn soon, because he can shoot better than 41%.

Do people who post in this thread also like the makeup of this team, have been fans since MJ, lived in the Windy City, or what?

[Andrew]

Looks like picking against the Bulls in the daily predictions thread is working. It's clear what I must do the rest of the way.

[George7]

Nice win by the Bulls and it was pretty surprising to have that road streak against 3 tough matchups
Rose seems to get that leading act really wll as he seems really nice.And i'm glad to see the big 4 working well(thomas,Noah,Taj and Miller)
About the trade.I believe this trade will be a plus for Chicago because that what the team needs.Good shooters that can help Rose to be more free in Offense and make him more creative and threatening.
Because this year the defence in the perimeter was around Rose for sure and that didn't help him.Last year all were watching BG7 as well and he was more free to do his thing.And now that he's in Top Form,he may be even better.
Brown may not be the best Shooter but is a good little addition,not sth fascinating ,lika Amar'e for example but good move.

[Andrew]

It's low risk, too. Brown's low paid and a free agent at the end of the year and was acquired for a player who was seeing less than ten minutes per game.

[Dan's Brain]

Hopefully his being there also pushes Salmons to start playing better. Nothing would be a better motivation than knowing that you might lose minutes to Devin Brown.

[Andrew]

Seems like picking against the Bulls is continuing to work, make it four in a row. Derrick Rose has also been named to his first All-Star squad, becoming the first Bull to make it since Jordan's last appearance for Chicago in 1998. This season's shaping up to be decent after all, the embarrassing mishandling of the VDN situation aside.

[air gordon]

gotta give some love to VDN. i thought they'd go winless on this 7 game road trip and what do you know.. 4 in row, baby

Rose's stats in January
23ppg
51fg%
4rpg
6apg

and that jump shot doesn't look flat anymore

that brown trade.. hope that paves the door to either Hinrich or Salmons to getting traded... otherwise meh. i guess it could be a positive since Pargo will see less PT now

the white panther will surely be missed. back when i heard that the bulls picked some dude 7fter from pit late in 2nd round.. i thought Aaron Gray was black haha

[Andrew]

gotta give some love to VDN.

Absolutely, though you have to wonder what happens from here though. Perhaps he's saved his job a la Mike Woodson.

[George7]

That 5 win road streak was sth that i didn't expect from the Bulls but they show nice chemistry and they perform really well.
And now climbed at 7th spot same % with Charlotte and 3.5 games in front of the Bucks.
Also nice to see a Bulls player making it to the all-star game since a long time.Rose deserved it with his late performance.

[Dan's Brain]

gotta give some love to VDN.

Absolutely, though you have to wonder what happens from here though. Perhaps he's saved his job a la Mike Woodson.

I daresay he has, barring a major post All-Star meltdown. At least until the end of the year at any rate.

[air gordon]

just keep in mind it was just last week where he had the horrible coaching blunder in GSW. My stance on the VDN situation... he's done a good job lately. for someone that came in with no coaching experience, he's done an admirable job. that's nice and all but for me this is what it comes down to: assuming they don't trade for one of the FA studs, if Lebron, Bosh, Wade, etc will come to the Bulls, mentioning they would prefer to play for a proven coach... someone like Avery Johnson instead VDN... you have to fire VDN and bring in a proven coach. IF i'm Paxson, i do whatever what it takes to entice these studs to come to chicago. of course the coach will not be the clincher but if it's going to help bring a franchise player in the least bit, you have to do it

i wonder if some of these guys think VDN as the coach of team that blew that huge lead to Sacto... the guy who used up all his TO's before the Bulls last possession in the playoffs???

last nite Luol Deng actually scored a clutch basket. that bastard stepped up as Rose was unable to finish at the rim late in the game. the brown bag over my avatar's head is getting loose

but still- i'm seriously beginning to think that VDN thinks he is Phil Jackson and that Taj gibson is Bill Cartwright! why is there need to start off games, feeding the ball to gibson in the post!!!!???!! please. someone tell me why!!!11

[Andrew]

just keep in mind it was just last week where he had the horrible coaching blunder in GSW. My stance on the VDN situation... he's done a good job lately. for someone that came in with no coaching experience, he's done an admirable job. that's nice and all but for me this is what it comes down to: assuming they don't trade for one of the FA studs, if Lebron, Bosh, Wade, etc will come to the Bulls, mentioning they would prefer to play for a proven coach... someone like Avery Johnson instead VDN... you have to fire VDN and bring in a proven coach. IF i'm Paxson, i do whatever what it takes to entice these studs to come to chicago. of course the coach will not be the clincher but if it's going to help bring a franchise player in the least bit, you have to do it

Absolutely right. As much as I've grumbled about VDN in the past, I've got to give him his due; on the whole he's done a pretty decent job for his first coaching gig anywhere, and doing so at the highest level no less. He's also handled the situation with the front office leaving him to twist in the wind with a lot of class, which I respect. But like you said, if taking the next step and acquiring a premier free agent requires bringing in a more experienced and accomplished coach, then that's what has to be done.

[air gordon]

no thoughts on Taj Cartwright Gibson?

[Andrew]

Nothing other than what you've said already, not catching as many games as you do it's not something that comes immediately to mind but I have noticed it. That aside, I don't mind Gibson though I certainly have no delusions of him being a superstar player. James Johnson is still going to waste though, might as well have picked up DeJuan Blair or better yet, Ty Lawson, if Johnson doesn't fit in the rotation. I'm not saying I think he should play more of course, it's more about throwing the pick away.

[George7]

Personally ,as i've seen from James Johnson in the season and in the pre-season,He seems as a solid player.In fact he reminds me Paul Pierce.His style,his body structure are same as Pierce.If he was given amore chances he would be great contributor the following years.He just needs work.

[Andrew]

Really, Paul Pierce? I wish I could be that optimistic, I wouldn't make that comparison myself. Draft Express' best case scenario of Ryan Gomes seems more accurate, though as it is he's a long way from that just yet.

[adv1s5]

aaaand the Bulls lose to the Clippers

[Andrew]

Naturally. It was a home game they should've won and I picked them to win as a result. It was inevitable.

[George7]

Andrew, maybe you should keep picking the opponents in the prediction game?
The first game that you chose the Bulls,and we lost!

[Andrew]

Tempting. I thought that one was a safe bet though.