Chicago Bulls Thread

[Andrew]

Encouraging, perhaps, but not getting my hopes up too much. Definitely not his game.

[Moz]

Looks like taj earned the starting pf spot. How about that. Take that 3pt shooting and spacing

It seems that's the case but perhaps they just stuck with Taj since Niko is injured and Portis was unproductive in these pre-season games... Until they can't find a solid back-up C, I prefer Taj to be on the 2nd unit to back-up Lopez (I changed my mind again... Felicio is a PF. He got a big body but he can't be a reliable rim protector.)

So apparently Wade just ended pre-season with 43.7% from 3pt line.

And Charles Barkley shot 87% in the Barcelona games... He only played 4 or 5 games so you can't base the assumption that he's a reliable shooter with that. He's not hesitant and attempting more though...

Beside additional rim protectors, they badly need some outside gunners specifically stretch 4s. Rondo's floor generalship and Wade's patchy 3pt attempts sometimes make it passable but most of the time they're all clump in the shaded lane and were inside shots/putbacks reliant on offense. Taj or Lopez are ok pick and pop guys but it's not enough I reckon. They free up an open roster spot by waiving Dimwiddie so I hope they will get those sorted by picking-up a player (not another PG e.g. Jarrett Jack...) who can fill-in the holes.

[air gordon]

So are you saying they are a flawed team?

Taj officially named the starter for better or worse.

A lot questions heading into the season. The Middleton injury helps them but still a bunch of teams to battle Just for that 8th spot

[Moz]

So are you saying they are a flawed team?

Of course not, super teams doesn't have flaws! Just ask DRose....

So the streak is over of them picking up PG and finally got a wing who can shoot. Seeing his highlights on youtube, it seems he's a tad athletic version of MDJ or perhaps a taller Jimmer Fredette.

[air gordon]

For a sec I was worried they were going to sign will Bynum

Yeah why not on the chin shot. be awesome if they got him to spill the beans on Celtics plays

[ThePointForward]

So apparently Wade just ended pre-season with 43.7% from 3pt line.

And Charles Barkley shot 87% in the Barcelona games... He only played 4 or 5 games so you can't base the assumption that he's a reliable shooter with that. He's not hesitant and attempting more though...

Of course, not saying he's suddenly Ray Allen, but it's a good sign. But only time will show now.

[Andrew]

Wade is 3/4 so far against the Celtics. Just missed his first.

[Andrew]

[Andrew]

Big three and great D by Wade at the end there to clinch the win. Some sloppy moments, but it was encouraging to see them knocking down some threes, and at times the ball movement looked pretty good. I'm not expecting great things, but I don't think it'll be a painful year to endure either. Should be competitive, should be fun.

FELICIO.

phpBB [video]

[air gordon]

even MCW hit a 3

thought Taj played great in the 4th

if that Rozier kid can hit an outside shot he'd be awesome for the Celts

[Andrew]

Rondo too. Seemed like all the players who aren't known for their outside shooting managed to at least knock one down. Let's not get too excited, but maybe they'll have their moments from behind the arc. I did hear that Wade has apparently been working on his three-point shot, so maybe he'll be a bit more effective.

[NovU]

Contrasting to the last game, starters took only 4 threes and made 0 tonight. But beat the pretty good team in convincing manner.

Any detailed assessment Bulls fans can offer here? Too bad I couldn't catch first 2 games of the season.

[Andrew]

They're pushing the ball a lot more, making the extra passes. They're getting some good looks as a result, and since some of the new guys can knock down shots, it's paying off. Through the first couple of games, it looks like they're playing much better team basketball. Of course, that early season energy and excitement helps, but I think it's safe to say that some of the guys that have moved on were stagnating the offense, despite their respective abilities.

[ThePointForward]

Wade fined $25K for his throat slash gesture after hitting a dagger 3pt against Boston.

[Andrew]

I suppose it's fair enough, it's the era we live in, and rules are rules. He took responsibility for it, and acknowledged it probably wasn't the best idea given how the league frowns on that stuff. However, I like the fact he was that amped up in Game 1 of the season.

[Valor]

It's the rules but I don't like it at all. This is the piss weak era we live in....players can't have emotions at all because it might offend somebody

NBA turning into the NFL - No Fun League

[NovU]

Impressive yet again. The Bulls remain one of the six teams that are unbeaten for the season.

Last couple blowouts been nice for Wade's knees too as he got less playing time. Great start to the season

[Andrew]

They're yet to be really tested, but it's still great to see them taking care of business and having impressive outings in games that are far more winnable on paper. Last year especially, it felt like they let a lot of games like that slip through their fingers.

[mp3]

I'd say Boston was a decent test Andrew and Indy looked decent in the preseason too, of course neither are the Spurs, Warriors or Cavs but so far so good in the windy city and I think adding RJ Hunter was a great pickup to help with that outside shooting.

[Moz]

So they showed they can beat you by their perimeter game against the Celtics, their pace against the Vogel-less Pacers, and then on both against that expansion team in New York. Beside their pace, I'm loving how Taj is consistently knocking down his perimeter shots and how Dougie McBuckets is attacking the basket (Did I said the same sentence last year?). Such a bummer that MCW got injured... He should calm down and learn to control himself not be the wild guy that he is whenever he have the ball. I really like his tandem with Canaan on the 2nd unit. I'm very pleased of what I'm seeing so far (Yes, you can stop doing virgin blood and warrior heart sacrifices for now). Just some tad tweaks with their communication on offense to lessen their turnovers and much assertive rim protection is all they need I reckon.

[Andrew]

I'd say Boston was a decent test Andrew and Indy looked decent in the preseason too, of course neither are the Spurs, Warriors or Cavs but so far so good in the windy city and I think adding RJ Hunter was a great pickup to help with that outside shooting.

That's true, they're decent competition to say the least. They'll need to distinguish themselves against better teams before I start getting too excited, but I'm liking the start to the season, no question.

[air gordon]

yeah i was about to say about that Boston game. boston took the lead in the 4th and played some good defense. could have been a different outcome if Taj doesn't make those baskets and the unlikely step back 3 made by Wade.

too bad thats the only game ive watched so far

[NovU]

MCW despite poor scoring he was posing a threat to other team with his size and versatility. But I think his shortcomings eventually would turn into negativity for the team. I am hoping someone else(Canaan or McDermott) steps up in his absence and replace much of his playing time even when he's back.

[air gordon]

Way to jinx it, Andrew

Scrapped their way back In a game they didn't deserve. Bostons turn to get unlikely contribution from 3pt land

On a positive jerian grant gave some good minutes off the bench

[Andrew]

Sounds like I picked a good one to miss, then.