Andrew's 06 Bulls, Part 2 :: 07/08 (October 2007)

[Martti.]

Great job so far this season, 24-5 is unbelievable! Those deals have worked out pretty well I'd say.

Also, gotta love Live '06 generated names, for example the league's best free throw shooter.

[Andrew]

Absolutely. NBA Elite 11's supposed to have revamped the generated rookies, hopefully that includes names and bio data as well as appearances and ratings.

Thanks for checking in guys, I should be posting a player evaluation fairly soon and then on to some more games.

[Axel The Great]

Absolutely. NBA Elite 11's supposed to have revamped the generated rookies, hopefully that includes names and bio data as well as appearances and ratings.

No hopes for porno mustaches then.

[Andrew]

I'm sure there'll still be a couple.

[Andrew]

Player Evaluation - December 2006

Since I've played a couple of months now, re-tooled my roster a bit and settled into a rotation, I thought I'd post some thoughts on how each player is doing so far.

Ben Gordon

Last year's Finals MVP has had a few games where he's struggled shooting the ball, but is still the star of the team registering a triple double and a 51 point game in December. Averaging a shade under 22 ppg to lead the team, he's still instant offense most of the time and will hopefully make his first All-Star appearance, having missed out last year due to a broken wrist suffered in January 2006.

Carlos Boozer

His numbers are down slightly from what he was posting in Utah but that's due to Chandler's presence on the boards and sharing the ball with Gordon. He's still averaging a double-double with 19 and 10 and has been a reliable inside threat, out-muscling defenders and also drawing his fair share of double teams, which has meant open shots on the perimeter.

Kirk Hinrich

Upped his assists average during the month of December. He doesn't always score double digits but has been fairly reliable when called upon to score, coming up with some big threes and when the opportunity presents itself, taking his man off the dribble and finishing at the hoop at a respectable rate. Also doing a good job defensively, currently leading the team in steals and doing a good job simply staying with and pressuring opposing ballhandlers.

Tyson Chandler

Averaging just under a double-double with a shade less than 10 points and 10 rebounds a game. Has been blocking more shots as of late and having some impressive rebounding games. Adept at finishing alley-oops, he's often the beneficiary of nifty passes when the defense collapses on one of the perimeter players attacking the basket. I have considered trading him for expiring contracts and a draft pick just to maximise my cap room in the upcoming offseason but his level of play is making him a bit difficult to give up.

Luol Deng

Deng's often the forgotten starter and probably the most inconsistent as he can sometimes get lost in the shuffle on offense, but still finds ways to contribute and is averaging double figures in scoring. Currently injured but expected back soon. He's still on his rookie contract in this Dynasty so he's hardly overpaid for his production.

Kyle Korver

Korver's struggled with his shot at times but has greatly improved the team's three point shooting and is developing into a fairly reliable sixth man. With Luol Deng currently sitting out with an elbow injury he's in the starting lineup and had a fantastic game against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Doesn't always bring much else to the table but grabs a few rebounds here and there and does a decent job playing the passing lanes.

Mike James

James has proven to be a much more dependable backup point guard than Chris Duhon, knocking down shots at a better clip (though he's been a bit cold as of late) and racking up assists in a modest amount of playing time. Was probably the team's best bench player following the trades, before Korver's scoring became a little more consistent.

Nick Collison

Minutes aren't always there playing behind Boozer but he's proven himself fairly solid. Also gives me another option backing up centre if I want a quicker lineup, he's averaging around 6 points and 4 rebounds per game.

Shawn Kemp

Older and probably in his last NBA season, Kemp still has his moments. Coming off the bench and playing limited minutes his numbers aren't great but he still manages to snag a few rebounds, throw down a few dunks here and there and fill the lane backing up Chandler. If he doesn't retire I wouldn't mind re-signing him and keeping him around as a third centre off the bench next year, so long as he's willing to take a big paycut.

Monta Ellis

Ellis' minutes have dropped off in recent games as Korver has been able to back up both the small forward and shooting guard positions, resulting in a shorter rotation. He's also not as much of an offensive threat as his real life counterpart has since become, making him a bit more difficult to score with and thus he's fallen out of favour a bit. I've been focusing training time on him though so hopefully he'll be able to work his way back into the lineup.

Steve Smith

Another veteran who's probably in his last year, like Kemp I'd be tempted to keep him around if the price is right. He's seeing more minutes following the trades and even more in the wake of Deng's injury, still knocks down some threes and gives me another shooter out on the floor when I need it.

Eddie Gill

Doesn't see much time unless someone gets into foul trouble or there's extended garbage time. Hasn't had any really noteworthy games but it's handy to have another point guard on the roster all the same.

Matt Carroll

Has spent most of the season on the injured list. He's another shooter but hasn't shot the ball well in very limited court time. Pretty much just another body for garbage time, currently active due to Luol Deng's injury.

Another game coming up soon.

[.PorkyJoker.o6]

Good Evaluation!

[Fresh8]

I'm a huge huge fan of the Reignman.

[George7]

Bulls are red hot till now and it seems that your roster is performing great!
Though i'd like to see Ellis more

[Martti.]

Love the evaluation, good to see Korver becoming your sixth man.

[Andrew]

January 3rd, 2007
Chicago (108) at Toronto (97)
Gordon scores 51 as Bulls shoot down Raptors
[ Boxscore ]


Kyle Korver didn't shoot the ball well, but made some defensive stops

Ben Gordon scored 51 points for the second time this season as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Toronto Raptors in the Air Canada Centre for the second time in less than a week. Chris Bosh scored 26 points included 10 during an intense third quarter but it wouldn't be enough as the Raptors lost their fifth straight game.

Carlos Boozer was also spectacular for the Bulls, scoring 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, joining Gordon in carrying the load offensively for the Bulls. No other Bulls player scored in double digits though Tyson Chandler snared 16 rebounds including seven at the offensive end and Kyle Korver, not usually known for his defense, had two steals and blocked two shots including a layup by Bosh.

Chicago scored the first six points of the game and appeared primed for a dominant night, but Toronto scored the next four to begin a dogfight that would last through most of the game. Chicago led by as many as ten during the first quarter and finished the period up five but soon saw their lead evaporate as the Raptors would briefly take charge, leading by as many as seven. The Bulls battled back behind Boozer and Gordon, who combined for 21 of the Bulls' 24 points in the second quarter and took back the lead at the halftime buzzer on a three by Gordon.

The Bulls got out to a quick start in the third and despite a couple of runs by the Raptors, extended the lead out to seven by the end of the quarter. Toronto would take advantage of the Bulls resting their starters for the first three minutes of the fourth however and soon held a 78-77 lead. After Gordon tied the game by splitting a pair of free throws, the Raptors jumped ahead by three behind a long bomb by Morris Peterson. Gordon answered with a layup at the other end but then Boozer fouled Peterson on a three point attempt, putting him on the line where he made two of three to go up by one.

Gordon's scoring barrage continued however as he made a shot on the next play and then grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed three by Korver, dunking the ball and putting the Bulls up by three. They would not relinquish the lead again as Gordon scored 23 in the fourth quarter to seal the Bulls' first victory of the new year. He also finished with five rebounds and seven assists.

For the Raptors, Peterson scored 18 points and handed out five assists but was 7/23 from the field. Former Bull Chris Duhon scored 16 points to go along with 5 assists. Joey Graham had a respectable 12 points on 6/9 shooting in 16 minutes off the bench for Toronto. Rookie Liu Kuffour scored 8 points and collected seven rebounds before fouling out.

Notes: Chicago edged Toronto 41-39 in rebounding. Both teams grabbed 16 offensive rebounds...the Bulls attempted 17 free throws, making 12. The Raptors were 10/11 from the charity stripe...the teams combined for 44 turnovers and 36 personal fouls...Chicago shot 15/23 (65.2%) during the fourth quarter. Toronto was 8/21 (38.1%) but were 2/4 on threes compared to the Bulls who were 0/2 from beyond the arc in the final period.

Current Record: 25-5
Next Game: @ New Orleans Hornets; 11-21 (January 4th)

[Andrew]

January 4th, 2007
Chicago (102) at New Orleans (90)
Gordon does it again as Bulls sting Hornets
[ Boxscore ]

Ben Gordon made it back-to-back 50 point games as he scored a season high 53 while leading the Chicago Bulls to a 102-90 victory over the New Orleans Hornets. Carlos Boozer added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls who have now won three straight. Desmond Mason top scored for the Hornets with 20 points and also added five rebounds and five assists in the loss.

The Bulls pushed the ball in the first quarter in an attempt to overwhelm the Hornets but as the period wore on their aggressiveness resulted in poor shot attempts and sloppy turnovers, allowing New Orleans to close the gap and even take a two point lead before Mike James evened the game at 26 heading into the second quarter. Gordon was superb in the first half, scoring 26 points including 11 in the second quarter as Chicago pulled away and led by ten at halftime.

The game became scrappy in the third quarter as both teams bricked shots and threw errant passes that were picked off or slipped through fingers and out of bounds. New Orleans would cut the lead to five before Chicago regained their composure and extended their lead back out to eleven heading into the fourth, where Gordon was once again spectacular with 18 points. The Hornets would not come closer than seven points in the final period as a final flurry by Gordon put the game out of reach for good.

"It's not something I'm setting out to do," Gordon said of his 50 point games. "I've been getting some great looks the last couple of games, getting the ball where I need it and my shots have been falling. It's just one of those things."

Notes: Ben Gordon is the first Chicago Bulls player to register back-to-back 50 point games since Michael Jordan in the first round of the 1988 Playoffs (April 28th and May 1st, against the Cleveland Cavaliers)...both teams attempted sixteen free throws. Chicago made twelve while New Orleans connected on eleven...New Orleans grabbed 38 rebounds (including 21 at the offensive end) to 37 by Chicago (11 offensive)...first overall pick Liu Cotton played just 19 minutes before fouling out. In Chicago's previous game, Raptors rookie Liu Kuffour also fouled out guarding Gordon.

Current Record: 26-5
Next Game: vs Orlando Magic; 22-7 (January 6th)

[Clutch]

Considering the team's early season shakeup, the Champs show no sign they've lost their winning form! Really enjoyed the player evals and hope you don't break up the Boozer/Chandler duo just for complacency's sake (they remind me of the Charlotte Hornets Zo/L-J combo from back in the day)

Gordon's double 50 is

[Andrew]

Only reason I'd break them up would be to maximise cap room at the end of the season but I'll have a decent amount of space as it is and Chandler's playing a bit too well for me to give him up, so that scenario's unlikely at this point. Thanks for checking in.

[Clutch]

I hear ya; i recall some tempting FAs coming out next off-season in your dynasty (incl. the King i think?) so it's definitely a tough balance planning for the future and being content with what's working; the whole "bird in the hand worth more than two in the bush" thing

[Andrew]

Yeah, because the game doesn't have extensions or restricted free agency LeBron, Wade, Bosh and also Melo are free agents at the end of the year. From memory at least three of them are on struggling teams so they might be inclined to sign elsewhere. The good thing is that even if I miss out on the major free agents, there are a couple of other decent players available and Kirk Hinrich is the only core player who'll need to be re-signed.

[Fresh8]

Nice back to back 50 point games. Can Gordon make it three in a row?

[Andrew]

January 6th, 2007
Orlando (87) at Chicago (100)
Gordon has 51 again, Bulls hang on to win
[ Boxscore ]


Gordon has been on a tear so far in 2007

Ben Gordon's scoring rampage continued against the Magic as he record his third consecutive 50 point game and fourth on the season, but the Orlando Magic made a spirited fourth quarter running outscoring the Bulls 32-10 and almost erased a 35 point deficit before the Bulls prevailed 100-87. Rookie Isidore Snow led the Magic with 22 points.

Orlando seized control of the game early, leading 18-12 six minutes into the game but bolstered by Gordon's 19 first half points, the Bulls would gain the upper hand for the next eighteen minutes as they took the lead and had the Magic down by twelve at halftime. Their dominance continued with an impressive third quarter in which they outscored Orlando 37-14 to lead by 35 heading into the final quarter and seemed to have the game in hand.

The Magic however, 22-7 heading into tonight's game, were not about to quietly into the night. Starting the quarter with an 8-0 run, they soon had the Bulls back on their heels as thoughts of extended garbage time quickly evaporated. Orlando looked sharp as they picked off Chicago passes, blocked shots and forced bad attempts, slowly but surely clawing their way into the game while the Bulls floundered. Gordon scored six of the Bulls' ten fourth quarter points to keep a double digit advantage alive but the Bulls were clearly rattled by their unusually shaky performance. Orlando would come within nine before a pair of free throws and a layup by Gordon preserved a thirteen point victory, much to the relief of the United Center crowd.

"We dodged a bullet," Bulls coach Andrew Begley said after the game. "That's probably the worst twelve minutes of basketball we've played all season, we're just glad it's over and we were able to hang on. Give (Orlando) a lot of credit, they showed a lot of pride and gave us something to think about." In addition to Gordon, three other Bulls scored in double digits as Carlos Boozer had 13 points to go along with 7 rebounds, Kyle Korver chipped in with 11 points and 5 rebounds and Nick Collison scored 11 points off the bench. Grant Hill scored 17 points while adding 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the Magic and Steve Francis had a good all around performance with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.

Notes: Ben Gordon became the first Bull to score 50+ points in three consecutive games since Michael Jordan (April 12th-16th 1987). Gordon has totaled 155 points (51, 53, 51) in the last three games compared to 164 by Jordan (53, 50, 61)...Orlando outrebounded Chicago 42-39 including a 17-13 edge at the offensive end...Chicago attempted 31 free throws to just 11 by the Magic. Orlando made ten of their attempts while the Bulls connected on 24...Orlando had 26 turnovers to 18 by Chicago, but did not turn the ball over once in the fourth quarter while the Bulls committed five fourth quarter turnovers...Luol Deng missed his fifth straight game with a sprained elbow. He may be available for the Bulls game against the Nuggets on Monday.

Current Record: 27-5
Next Game: @ Denver Nuggets; 14-22 (January 8th)[/quote]

[TheMC5]

Ben Gordon, holy crap.

Any idea what the record is for consecutive 50-point games? I'm assuming Wilt porbably holds it with something absurd like 10 or 11 in a row. I remember checking his box score stats from the year he avereged 50 PPG, and there wasn't more than a handful of games where he scored under 30.

[Fresh8]

Isn't Grant Hill the most recent player to do the feat?

Good stuff! Loving the coverage!

[Martti.]

TheMC5, It's actually 7 by Wilt.

Amazing, three straight. Gordon's shooting percentage in this last one wasn't great though.

[.PorkyJoker.o6]

Thats Crazy!!!!! 2 consecutive 50 Points Game??? FREAKING GREAT MAN! he deserves another MVP award!

[TheMC5]

TheMC5, It's actually 7 by Wilt.

7 is still pretty damn insane.

[Keef]

Get Korver Defensive Player of the Year

[Andrew]

Amazing, three straight. Gordon's shooting percentage in this last one wasn't great though.

The fourth quarter really messed things up. The comeback logic was in full force, I've never missed so many layups. You know the AI is in desperation mode when even the FSS layups are getting blocked and bouncing out.

Isn't Grant Hill the most recent player to do the feat?

Score 50 three straight times? His career high is 46, so no. Kobe's had four straight games of 50 or more but not in this Dynasty's reality and MJ is the only Bulls player to have three straight 50+ point games.

January 8th, 2007
Chicago (102) at Denver (77)
Deng returns, helps Bulls win fifth straight
[ Boxscore ]


After three straight games scoring over 50 points, Gordon struggled against the Nuggets

Ben Gordon showed signs of fatigue as his streak of 50 point games came to an end against the Nuggets. Gordon managed only 10 points and was just 4/19 from the field but the Chicago Bulls received a lift from a returning Luol Deng, who came off the bench to score 16 points and grab seven rebounds in 22 minutes as the defending champions won their fifth straight game with a final score of 102-77. Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 17 points and also added 10 rebounds.

Chicago struggled out of the gate, scoring the first point of the game as Carlos Boozer split a pair of free throws but would miss five straight shots as the Nuggets jumped out to an early 6-1 advantage. Gordon seemed weary after his recent scoring barrage, shooting 2/11 from the field in the first quarter and missing several layups to the delight of the Pepsi Center crowd. The Bulls would rally however and finished the first quarter on a 15-2 run, spurred on by eight points on a perfect 4/4 shooting from Luol Deng, who entered the game halfway through the quarter.

The Bulls would not relinquish the lead the rest of the way, though the Nuggets would cut the deficit to one at 32-31 early in the second quarter. Chicago would answer the run however and built an eleven point lead before Earl Boykins nailed a three pointer at the halftime buzzer to bring the Nuggets within eight heading into the second half. Their momentum would be short lived however as the Bulls blew the game open in the third quarter and cruised to victory with a lead that exceeded 20 points for most of the second half, pulling their starters for good with just under seven minutes remaining.

"It had to come to an end eventually," Gordon said of his impressive scoring streak. "I lost my legs in the fourth quarter against the Magic the other night and still felt a bit lethargic out there tonight. The important thing is we got the win, we played a much better game as a team tonight." Tyson Chandler registered a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds as well as blocking two shots. Mike James, Nick Collison and Monta Ellis also scored in double figures off the bench with James scoring 11 and Collison and Ellis adding 10 apiece. Carlos Boozer also contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds.

For the Nuggets, Kenyon Martin had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Camby scored 14 points while adding five rebounds and Earl Boykins had 11 points to match his jersey number along with 6 assists, but was 1/11 from three point range.

Notes: Chicago were 1/13 from three point range while the Nuggets were 2/21 from downtown...Denver attempted only four free throw, making three. Chicago were 11/17 from the charity stripe...Chicago won the battle on the boards, collecting 48 rebounds to 39 by Denver. Both teams had 18 offensive rebounds...Gordon's scoring outburst has propelled him into equal sixth place in the league in scoring (24.2 ppg), tied with Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets and Rashard Lewis of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Current Record: 28-5
Next Game: @ San Antonio Spurs; 20-14 (January 9th)

[Fresh8]

Nice slew of updates.

Grant Hill: 3 triple doubles in a row.

My bad!