Chicago Bulls Thread

[Oskar]

Benji, he is a PG. He just doesn't get those assists, but he isn't a hogger or anything. If someone's open, he'll pass, but it's always a brick coming afterwards, so .. Yeah, he's terrific.

[Andrew]

I don't know. I kinda like him starting. He's a defender for the top "wing" player. Gordon we know can produce points no matter what, so playing him starter minutes off the bench is no problem, and gives that second line some scoring. The Bulls can't score, and they need their best scorers on the court most of the time. But if they're doing rotation lines, it's best to balance them so they have some kind of scorers in both starter/reserve lines, instead of playing five guys who can't put the ball in the basket enough. (Not saying Rose and Gordon shouldn't be on the court together at least 20 minutes a game...just that out of the gate, having Sefolosha on that opposing top scorer for six or seven minutes might work better. We don't need Gordon to warm up as he's not that type of player.)

I see what you mean, but if they're going to run with that lineup, someone in that starting five needs to step up and use what offensive tools they have. Deng should be as fearless as Thomas was against the Celtics in putting up shots (perhaps not quite as free but I'd prefer Deng to be taking some of the shots Thomas was attempting) and Rose looks pretty comfortable taking it to the basket. They'll need to shoulder the scoring load if the other three aren't doing much until Gordon or Hinrich come into the game.

If someone's open, he'll pass

Not always, he makes some pretty sketchy decisions sometimes. He's not alone in that category, on the Bulls or throughout the league but for a player who isn't necessarily a score-first point guard his decision making leaves something to be desired at times.

[Oskar]

But, he's a rookie, and the best player on the Bulls team. Or if not, he'll be it when he's got some more experience, can improve his shot and defense. He's already the fans favorite, and no surprise .. He's just amazing to watch.

[shadowgrin]

He's the fan favorite because he's the number 1 draft pick and perceived as the Bulls savior.

[Oskar]

Have you watched him this season already ? If not, you should ..

[Valor]

meh, i'll agree with the comment made by one of the guys during the celtics game, the bulls lineup would be most effective with rose, gordon, hinrich on the floor at the same time, playing small ball

[Andrew]

But, he's a rookie, and the best player on the Bulls team. Or if not, he'll be it when he's got some more experience, can improve his shot and defense. He's already the fans favorite, and no surprise .. He's just amazing to watch.

Sorry, I thought you were referring to Hinrich.

[Oskar]

But, he's a rookie, and the best player on the Bulls team. Or if not, he'll be it when he's got some more experience, can improve his shot and defense. He's already the fans favorite, and no surprise .. He's just amazing to watch.

Sorry, I thought you were referring to Hinrich.

Well, about Hinrich, that counts true.

[Andrew]

They just lost to Orlando but 96-93 is a respectable scoreline and they shot a decent percentage (better than the Magic, funnily enough). Woeful games from Deng and Thomas though.

[Andrew]

Another loss but not quite as tough to watch as the Celtics game last week. I don't think the final score reflected the effort the Bulls put in against the Cavs, they got a lot of good looks that didn't fall and they competed hard from start to finish. I would have liked to have seen them rally and cut into the deficit a little more (and of course, would have preferred a win above all) but it wasn't a truly horrible game.

Really good games from Gordon and Rose, though Gordon's scoring burst was too little too late. I really like the way Rose can get to the basket, he had a couple that didn't fall but it was great to see him attack the basket fearlessly and get that breakaway dunk early in the game. Even Gordon went to the basket a few times for some of his points but it was nice to see his shot falling. During the game they were discussing the logjam and the possibility that Gordon is the odd one out, which I still don't agree with. I'd still rather they try and move Hughes if possible or even Hinrich before Gordon. Hughes is not a long term solution and Hinrich is not a potent enough scorer to play shooting guard alongside Rose.

It's going to be tough with all those big contracts though, John Paxson has really made some bad gambles with some of those signings and extensions. Ben Wallace was obviously a huge mistake, I wasn't keen on that at the time and it just got ugly last year. Kirk Hinrich regressed after his extension, Nocioni is still gritty and tenacious but often disappears as he did tonight and Deng hasn't been all that impressive this season. The season is still young so it might not be fair to call Deng's extension a mistake but given how he was supposed to be the player to keep (with Gordon being expendable) despite struggling just as much as any other Bull last year and the one who got the big extension, he needs to step up especially if his contract ends up being the reason Gordon leaves because right now, Gordon is looking like the player to keep and Deng looks like he's a long way from the star people are touting him to be. Early days, but right now I don't have a great feeling about that.

Getting back to the game, I understand the advantages of starting Thabo but I'm still not too enamoured with the idea. Sure, Gordon's still getting starter minutes but I don't think Thabo's ready for the role. He's also out there when the Bulls desperately need to score some points which is a bad idea as for all his potential and the tools that he currently has, he's not effective enough in providing a scoring boost to be in the game when the team needs buckets and fast. Gooden was out of control, that jumper he took late in the game when the Bulls were making one last push was just a terrible idea. Both he and Thomas cannot fall in love with the long jumpshot. They can both knock down the odd jumper and are not true post players but they shouldn't be so trigger-happy from around 18 feet out.

Despite all that, they probably would have had a good shot at winning if LeBron James hadn't been, well, LeBron James. I'm amazed to see he only shot 13/23, it didn't seem like he missed ten shots during the game. He was just too good going to the basket, without a dominant big man in the paint you're not going to stop him (and even if you do, he's going to be pretty successful). All in all, it's a loss so it's disappointing but not nearly as disheartening to watch as the Celtics game last week.

They've now got five home games before the Circus Trip, unfortunately they've got the Cavs again as well as Phoenix and Dallas. I'd say at least three of their games are winnable though and given they are a better team at home than on the road it's not nearly as daunting as the seven games following the homestand. If they can make it through November around .500, I think they'll be in good shape moving forward.

[Andrew]

Shaq was out but still a very nice win over the Suns, strong performances once again from Gordon and Rose. Hinrich started instead of Thabo who didn't see much court time and Thomas came off the bench as well as Gray moved into the starting lineup. I'd still like to see Gordon start but as long as he's getting starter minutes bringing him off the bench does seem to be working.

It's only been one game but that does look like a better rotation, I don't think Thabo's ready to play a lot of minutes unless he happens to be performing well or someone else is struggling or otherwise unavailable. Back to .500, so far it's been a better start than last year. That's not saying much but given they're running out of excuses and Deng's struggles, it's nice to see all the same.

[Doobie]

I saw that Andrew wrote in another thread that he'd prefer to see Gordon starting, but I want to ask the question. Is Gordon deserving to be a starter? I love the way he plays, I love what he brings to the court.

Honestly he is pretty small for his position, but his strength makes up for it. I think he is the ideal sixth man for any team, he is like the ultimate spark plug. I see your situation where he is probably the best 2 guard on the Bulls roster, and you do have Hinrich on the bench for now. But aside from that, without hinrich coming off the bench, you guys really lack a firecracker who can come in and ignite the team.

(Keep in mind I've only seen 2 Bulls games this season.)

[Andrew]

I think he does but having him provide a scoring lift off the bench has its advantages so I understand Del Negro doing that, so long as Gordon's still getting the minutes. With Hinrich out for three months though, I expect Gordon will continue to start as Thabo wasn't working out that well.

A bit disappointing to see them lose to the Cavs again as they were leading until they were outscored 20-4 in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter. Another strong performance from Gordon though and Rose was decent, though he didn't shoot particularly well. LeBron killed them again.

[The X]

It seems to me that the Bulls are in same position as they were a year or two ago....meaning, they got Gordon, Hinrich, Deng & Nocioni....all good players....they now also have Rose, who is great....but that's where it seems to end....are there going to be some trades?!? ever since they traded Brand, they haven't had a decent post threat at PF or C....now Hinrich is injured, he's not going to be traded....I think they should hold onto Gordon, as if they ever assemble a real quality team, he's going to be a superb 6th man....I don't know, it just seems every boxscore I see, Tyrus Thomas just isn't providing what the team needs....I don't know, it seems they'd be getting more out of that position from Leon Powe or Glen Davis, although I could be wrong....

How do Bulls' fans feel about the team? For me, I think they're back to where I expected, a 5-8 Eastern playoff team, but then again, that's where they were the last few years (except last year, which was freak bad year where team gave up on coach)....

okay enough venting....

[Doobie]

I think the bulls have a lot to go until they can seriously contend, but they have a way better present/future then a lot of other teams (including my dear knicks.) Like you said, they haven't had a good post threat in a while, and I still remember all those Gasol rumors over the last 2 years before he went to the Lakers. I think Gasol would've made a hell of a difference, but well now he's the difference Make in LA. I see them contending for the last 2 playoff spots along with the Heat, Pacers, Bucks, Wizards, Hawks. I think those 6 teams will rank 7-12 in the east.

[Andrew]

It seems a fair few people are in favour of trading Gordon and feel it's the logical move, which combined with the fact he is my favourite Bull makes me all the more adamant that he should stay. Consider the moves the Bulls have made with Pax's line of thinking thus far: big money to Hinrich only to watch him regress, an emerging post player in Lamarcus Aldridge traded on Draft day for an amazing athlete but shaky player in Tyrus Thomas, signing Ben Wallace, a huge contract to Deng who I fear is not going to be the star people have pegged him to be...those moves haven't panned out.

If keeping Gordon is the opposite of such "logic" then I say do the opposite and take a chance on him. If you can pay a lot of money to someone who isn't performing as well as you'd like, you can certainly pay someone who is. I guess that's easy for me to say since I won't be the one paying the luxury tax but I'd rather they keep their most proven scorer, especially with the way he continues to play as he did in the 2007 season and so far this year.

The post problem remains a concern and if they can make a deal that would improve their offensive game down low so much the better, but I think Rose can alleviate the problem to a certain extent with the way he can get into the lane and either finish or find teammates. Size is a problem for a backcourt of Rose and Gordon but I like what it can potentially achieve offensively. Of all the guards in the logjam, they're the two I hope the Bulls retain (though I'd say there's no worries of them trading Rose anytime soon).

Despite the missteps I do feel optimistic but how they clear the logjam and how guys like Noah and Thomas develop (and whether they become reliable scoring options inside) is crucial because they could be in much worse shape moving forward but they could easily throw that away and truly have to start all over again as they did ten years ago.

[shadowgrin]

The Bulls post problem will be answered if they start Aaron Gray every game and give him starter minutes.

[Andrew]

In all seriousness, I'd like to see him get some more minutes as a starter. I doubt he'll ever be a dominant force in the post but he seems to be a competent player (given how most players picked when he was turn out to be training camp fodder). It's tough since they've also got Noah and he shouldn't be wasting away on the bench either but Gray's had his moments so far.

[Andrew]

The Hawks remain undefeated and the Bulls drop to 3-5 after today's game. Still not the best of news but easier to swallow considering they only played eight players and are without a couple of key players. Apparently Hughes is close to returning which in the short term would actually help out the situation in the backcourt with Hinrich out. I really hope he doesn't start ahead of Gordon or end up eating into his minutes as he's been playing well, more like his 2006/2007 form.

[NovU]

It's really surprising to see the Hawks playing this good.

Yeah, return of Hughes will definitely help Bulls, and I even more want to see Gooden returning to the line up soon. Front court is too weak and not making enough contribution at the moment. Gooden is the only solid inside presence Chi has anyways.

[Dan's Brain]

Lindsey Hunter's about to be signed to ease the burden on Rose while Hinrich is out.

I think it's a good move. One that i sort of saw coming earlier in the week - with either Hunter, Darrell Armstrong or someone of that ilk.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ba ... 5107.story

[Andrew]

Agreed, it's a pretty good move in the wake of all the injuries. Hunter's an experienced, solid veteran who doesn't need to play a lot of minutes for them but should be able to competently back up Rose while Hinrich's out. Preferable to a D-League callup, in my opinion.

[Andrew]

Good win over Dallas yesterday, a pretty awful start but these things happen and it's great that they managed to bounce back. The way Gordon's playing, I think you've got to leave him in the starting lineup when Hinrich gets back. It's all well and good to have that scoring punch coming off the bench but you don't want to leave it to your bench to make up a big deficit either. Whether they go with Gordon and Rose or Rose and Hinrich, it's going to be a small backcourt so I'd rather they go with the stronger offensive backcourt at this juncture.

[Andrew]

Derrick Rose may be a long way off being able to do what Michael Jordan did in Chicago, but on Saturday night he became the first rookie to do something with the Bulls since His Airness.

According to the Chicago Tribune, with his 23 points in the Bulls' win over Indiana, Rose became the first Bulls' rookie since Jordan in 1984 to score in double digits in all of his first 10 games.

"I'm not [comparable] to him," Rose said. "I'm not even near him right now. I'm too far away. For me to do that, it's nice. But I'm worried about winning."

Source

Nothing to blow out of proportion but an example of how well Rose has been playing so far. I must admit I didn't give him much of a chance in the ROY race as I thought Beasley and Oden would be the frontrunners and while it's still early days, if he keeps playing like this he's definitely in with a chance. More importantly, the Bulls should be competitive.

The circus trip could easily place them in a hole though. Going .500 through their first ten games isn't too bad and one of their better starts in recent years but to have a shot at still being competitive later on, I think they'll need to remain around. 500 at least through November and into the new year. So far they're 0-3 on the road which isn't encouraging heading into the trip but hopefully they can weather the storm better than the past couple of years.

[Andrew]

They were just destroyed by the Blazers. Hopefully they can pick up a couple of wins on this trip. Meanwhile...

Bulls' Hughes Not Happy With Limited Role

Luol Deng missed the Bulls' game in Portland last night, with guard Larry Hughes starting in his place.

Deng's injury will not solve the Bulls' glut at the guard position, however, and according to Hughes something has to change.

"I don't want to play like this," Hughes said. "I'm not comfortable with 15-20 minutes. Something has to change."

According to the Chicago Tribune, Hughes said he would accept coming off the bench as long as his minutes increased.

"You have to understand that situation and I do," Hughes said. "We have a lot of guys at one position. Somebody has to come off the bench, and you accept that role. But I'm not expecting 15-20 minutes, and I don't want to deal with that."

Hughes, a former All-Star and starter for an NBA finalist, said he would accept coming off the bench as long as his minutes increased.

"We all understood the situation going in," he said. "I want to give it a little time, but being put in a situation not to succeed doesn't do me or the team any good."

"I have a lot to offer as far as helping guys out. I want to be a positive influence. But not being out there in crucial times, I don't see the benefit."

Interesting that they referred to him as a former All-Star when he's never been selected as one and even Richard Dumas can say he's started in the NBA Finals but that's beside the point. Even with the money he's being paid, I think Hughes should be the odd man out in the guard rotation especially when Hinrich gets back from his thumb surgery and the fact he's complaining about minutes having been back only a couple of games is not something I want to see. It's a shame he's got a couple of years left on his contract so they can't just cut him. If they lose Ben Gordon (who's having a pretty good season despite everything that was said about him this past offseason) over Hughes, then Pax should lose his job. Hughes and his contract were a necessary evil to get rid of the unmotivated Ben Wallace but he's not a long term solution and should not dictate his role with the team.