Chicago Bulls Thread

[puttincomputers]

whats with all the foot injuries! are the youngsters being pushed to hard at running at practice? are taj and noah already washed up because of over zealous training?

[Andrew]

You never know, but it's just as likely to be a mixture of bad luck and the nature of the sport.

[adv1s5]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Chicago-is-going-down?urn=nba,227493

Chicago has gone from sixth in defensive efficiency to 11th over the course of this five-game swoon. The team, as currently presented, is a miserable defensive outfit with some of the worst individual defenders at their respective positions (Derrick Rose(notes), Brad Miller(notes), Hakim Warrick(notes)) having to take on extra duty and play roles that they're just not suited for. With Thomas gone and Noah and Deng out, Chicago just doesn't have the length to contest nor the foot speed to stay with opponents, and the results have been pretty terrible over the last two weeks.

Interesting read, but nothing too revelatory.

[Andrew]

Indeed, nothing too surprising. On one hand it's not too bleak: a lottery pick, money to throw at a quality free agent and a little bit of talent still under contract is hardly the worst position to be in. However, I still think their bid towards a top free agent will be weakened without at least a token playoff appearance.

[J@3]

On one hand it's not too bleak: a lottery pick, money to throw at a quality free agent and a little bit of talent still under contract is hardly the worst position to be in.

Actually as part of the Salmons trade, the Bulls pick will be swapped with Milwaukee's (top 10 protected). So unless Chicago do some serious tanking they won't have a lottery pick.

[puttincomputers]

dont give up hope yet. the Bulls have time to right themselves. who knows maybe they can sign a foreign player and make a run.
maybe from this league
http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u ... etball&t=c

[Dee.]

I Hope you are not being serious.

[Andrew]

On one hand it's not too bleak: a lottery pick, money to throw at a quality free agent and a little bit of talent still under contract is hardly the worst position to be in.

Actually as part of the Salmons trade, the Bulls pick will be swapped with Milwaukee's (top 10 protected). So unless Chicago do some serious tanking they won't have a lottery pick.

Ah, forgot about that. Quite right, short of a complete free fall, tanking or extremely good luck they probably won't benefit from that top ten protection. Still, could be worse.

[NovU]

It might be early but I think the Bulls are not going to the playoffs. Deng is out and the moves before the deadline I think is coming back as some losses. On top of that, Rose is game time decision for tonight's game and it isn't certain that he's 100% anytime soon.

I'm beginning to think Deng'll never be worth the money he was signed for. For once, I thought he was finally healthy, but again... he just can't seem to stay healthy long enough to be the player he was asked to be.

[Andrew]

Between the tough schedule, injuries and thinner roster, I'd be very surprised if they made the Playoffs having already lost nine in a row. As for Deng's contract, I've always felt they made the wrong call with him as well as Hinrich for that matter, but it is what it is.

[George7]

NOt good at all the things here.The Bulls are going from bad to worse,lets see if they can do a final push just to save sth from this seson

[Andrew]

Rose's return helped snap the losing streak, though the skid has likely dug too deep a hole for a token playoff appearance. Hopefully it won't have too big an impact on their pitch to the better free agents.

[George7]

Rose and Noah is back and Bulls are a different team!
Without them there would be a loss,and the 2 seem to be those who can take the team in their back
(2.5 games back from Toronto)

[NovU]

I'm surprised how the Bulls gave up on Salmons. Maybe he didn't fit into the current system or the future plan, but seeing how the Bucks and Salmons are doing good this late in the season, gives me a thought or two how he would have helped if played at the level for the Bulls he's playing right now. Anyways, Rose did play good today. 2 & 1/2 games behind for the 8th seed right now.

[Andrew]

Salmons was a disappointment after looking like a really good acquisition last year and it's a shame he couldn't help them as he's currently helping the Bucks, but the bottom line is that he wasn't working out so well and by giving him up they could position themselves for a bit more cap space this coming offseason.

[Dee.]

Can they still make the playoffs?

[Lamrock]

Its obviously mathematically possible. They probably won't, but the Craptors are pretty bad as well.

[john26]

Its obviously mathematically possible. They probably won't, but the Craptors are pretty bad as well.

after the raptors' home L to the jazz i think its likely that chicago will make the playoffs. they have rose and noah back. they could probably go 4-1 the next 5 games for a 37-38 record

[Andrew]

The odds have to be a little better but you never want to be making up ground at this point of the season. If they overachieve and make a token appearance that'd be great, otherwise it is what it is and they've at least cleared more cap room.

[NovU]

Just when I thought CHI was done for the season, they're 1/2 game behind Toronto for 8th seed. The Raptors on a nice 3 game losing streak while the Bulls suddenly look alarmed. I am loving this late season race. Gives some dramas always. Meanwhile western conference looks to be settled with minor seeding changes. Looking at the teams I am guessing western lower seeded teams are capable of upsets... while eastern lower seeded teams just want to get into the playoffs...

[George7]

Bulls can make it as raptors now playing @ CHA and it's a tough match to win,and if Bulls win at the game with PHX in Chicago they will be 8th and pass toronto.

[puttincomputers]

go bulls! and go charlotte! at least for tonight
hey guys its actually possible, if i saw right, for milwaukee to miss the playoffs. wouldnt that be sweet?

[Lamrock]

No? The Bucks are a very likable team with a real chance of making the second round.

[Andrew]

I have to admit I don't have any great dislike for the Bucks despite being a Bulls fan, owing to Bogut's presence on the team. That said, I'd rather see the Bulls do better (not happening this season, of course) and win any and all games against the Bucks. As far as them missing the Playoffs, technically it's still possible as they've haven't clinched yet but it seems highly unlikely.

[NovU]

What a devastating loss. CHI played hard, but couldn't seem to get a break. It was Nash who just took the game away. Rose extremely did play good though.

Hope to see them bounce back strong.