Bulls 10-11

[dana]

That 4th quarter was sick last night.  Thank God Korver made that shot!

[Dan Michler]

Loved some of the comments at the bottom of this article on Bosh.
http://nba-facts-and-rumors.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/27082110

Evaluating the Miami experiment at the 1/2 way mark this season.  Miami has 12 losses (1 less than the Bulls) and is in 2nd place in the East behind Boston.  Look at what has happened to the production of the Big Three since joining Miami:

Bosh  2009:  24 ppg  11 reb  52%FG
Bosh  2010:  19 ppg  8 reb   50%FG

LeBron 2009:  30 ppg 7 reb 9 assists  50%FG
LeBron 2010:  25 ppg 7 reb 7 assists  48%FG

Wade 2009:  27 ppg  5 reb  7 assists  48%FG
Wade 2010:  25 ppg  7 reb  4 assists  49%FG

Miami dumped Beasley to clear up cap space for Bosh.  Beasley has 21 ppg this season.  They need to trade Bosh if they ever want to even dream about reaching the elite status of the 90's Bulls that people were comparing them to back in July.  Otherwise, LeBron could have done better just staying in Cleveland.

[Dan Michler]

Just for the fun of comparison, look at Derrick Rose's stats:

2008:  17 ppg  4 reb  6 assists 48%FG
2009:  21 ppg  4 reb  6 assists 49%FG
2010:  25 ppg  5 reb  8 assists 45%FG (%FG dropped this year because he's gone from shooting 0.8  3pt attempts per game to 4.3  3pt attempts per game this season, but he's making 38% of them this year which is an astonishing improvement).

His production compares favorably to LeBron's and the Bulls are right there with the Heat.  Rose has had to do it while missing Boozer for a month and Noah for a month.  Bottom line, LeBron really F'd up choosing Wade as his running mate over Derrick Rose (6 years younger than Wade) last summer.  Derrick Rose is the MVP of this league and has more than one MVP award in his future.

[Dan Michler]

D Rose just keeps on churning, despite some minor injuries and stomach ulcers.  He's in incredible shape, but I'm slightly concerned about him wearing down by playoff time.  He did play on Team USA over the summer, so he's been going non-stop for quite some time now.  We've got 5 days off for the All Star break, I hope he spends most of it resting.

Bulls now have the 2nd best record in the East, and are just 3 back in the loss column for 1st place.  I'm not sure if there is a legitimate argument that can be made for anybody other than Rose for MVP.  The battle for the 2 seed is important as it decides home court advantage in a Bulls/Heat 2nd round matchup if things stay the way they are with Boston at the top and Orlando trailing back in 4th.

Coming up we have a 5 game road trip, @LAC  @GS  @POR  @UTA  @NO

3 out of 5 would be great.

[philvb85]

After the win last night, I think winning 2 of the next 4 should be easy.  Sam Smith has a great column up on the Bull's website (http://blogs.bulls.com/2011/02/bulls-ready-for-five-game-western-trip/) with a little break down for each game.  Interestingly Rose has never won in the Rose Garden, getting beat pretty badly both times they played there.  Portland is in disarray right now and hopefully we can win that one.

I keep thinking we are going to hit a rough patch but somehow we keep avoiding losing streaks.  I could be wrong but I don't think we have lost 3 in a row yet this year.  If we keep this pace we could be looking at a 55 win season and a favorable match up in first round.  I really don't want to see New York or Atlanta there.

[Dan Michler]

After the win last night, I think winning 2 of the next 4 should be easy. 

Nice jinx man.  You never assume it will be easy on the road.  Blazers went 37-40 from the line last night.  That is some unreal shooting.  Portland has a great home crowd and an underrated home court advantage.  Next up, Utah, where it isn't getting any easier.  Then @NO.  Could be a 4 game skid really fast if we don't pick it up defensively.  Then we go home for CHA who is 2-0 against us this year and SA, the best team in the league.  Going to be a tough stretch heading into the break.  2-2 in these next 4 would be great.

[philvb85]

Yeah that was a bad idea to make that prediction. It was tough to watch that game last night, I'm actually surprised we managed to score 100+ points considering how bad our offense looked at times.  Despite the better than average night from our bench players, it just seemed like we couldn't score unless it was created by Rose.

I have been really disappointed in our defense as well.  Aldridge is a top power forward in the league and he's going to get his even if 42 is a little excessive.  What I was the most upset with was Andre Miller dropping 27 and having what looks like his best game of the season against us.  I'll just chalk it up to him being embarrassed one too many times be Rose and looking for vengeance. 

I hate to blame officials for losses, but this was just another game showcasing the Bull's lack of respect when it comes to the officials around the league.  No matter how you spin it, it gets pretty tough for an officiating crew to explain a 18 to 40 free throw differential.  We made 9 more field goals (2 more 3s), have a  +10 rebound margin and still lose. 

[dana]

Hope I can stay up for the whole game tonite.

Side note: Anyone see JJ's #s down in the D League?  I heard he's tearing it up. 

[pdga#7648]

2 huge road wins, finally gets them over .500 on the road at 13-12. need at least 1 of the next 2 home games vs Charlotte and the Spurs before the break. cause after it, besides Milwaukee and the Wizards, they have a tough 2 week stretch. Going to see how good they really are with seeing the Heat 2 times in that time.


All Bulls fans should be very happy regardless of the outcome of the next 2 games. and Noah will be back soon. Going to make a good team very hard to beat if the big 3 play their games. very excited about the 2nd half.

[Dan Michler]

Hope I can stay up for the whole game tonite.

Side note: Anyone see JJ's #s down in the D League?  I heard he's tearing it up. 

I read the same thing.  I guess he has the best player efficency rating in the D league.  Thibs should probably consider getting this guy in the rotation.  He just doesn't trust young guys. 

I'm not complaining though, Thibs should be coach of the year for the way he has gotten this team to play defense.  I hope Asik stays in the rotation when Noah comes back.  I have a feeling Kurt Thomas is going to get those minutes off the bench and Asik will be forgotten.  I'd like to see him develop.  He could be an important player for the Bulls in the future.  Ronnie Brewer has been fantastic.  These last 2 wins were impressive.

[Dan Michler]

Battle for the top seeds in the East is fierce.

Right now:  Miami 14 loss    Boston   15 loss      Bulls 16 loss

Bulls have 13 games left vs above .500 teams, 6 of which are on the road.
Boston has 9 left vs above .500 teams, 8 of which are on the road.
Miami has 14 left vs above .500 teams, 4 of which are on the road.

If Miami stays healthy, I think they finish strong and take the top seed.

I think the battle for the 2 seed between the Bulls and Celtics is going to be tight.  Boston is banged up and they are old.  They might make the decision to sacrifice the home court advantage in the 2nd round and rest up the old guys for another playoff run.  Remember, this same team finished last season 27-27 over their last 54 games.

The Bulls have some tough games ahead of them, but we should get Noah back at the end of the month.  If we get the 2 seed, it could mean home court advantage over Boston in the 2nd round.  That would be a hell of a playoff matchup.  Miami/Orlando in the 2nd round would also be worth the price of admission.  This year's playoffs are going to be the best since the Bulls/Knicks matchups in the early 90's.

[Mike Clark]

I do no think Asik will get lost on the bench. He has his moments and plays really well against certain matchups. You can never have too many big men. Especially against the Celtics and Lakers. Good big men can dominate against Miami cause they have no size. That is why they can not beat the Celtics right now. Asik's best days are ahead of him. He has some good skills. He needs to work on his overall fitness and upper body strength. He always looks tired on the floor and gets pushed around against stronger guys. Why is his nose always red? Does he drink too much or is he related to Rudolph.

I think JJ's best attribute right now is as trade bait. Not sure where he fits in on this team. I am glad that he is playing well in the D league. Makes him that much more valuable in a trade. With Deng playing he best basketball since being drafted and rotating Korver and Brewer. There are just too many guys who are the same. Both Korver and Brewer can play both 2 and 3.

Brewer is my favorite player to watch other than the obvious MVP choice D.Rose. Brewer's energy and defense are something to watch. He might be as responsible for changing the momentum in games and anyone else on this team. If the man could only make a 15-20 jump shot consistently he might be of best players in the league. He sure knows how to play the baseline. But that is the only offense he has.

When Noah comes back The Bulls are so deep and have so many lineup options they are going to be a matchup nightmare. Oh did I mention the League MVP D.Rose.

I am most impressed with Deng has been healthy all year. Knock on wood twice. I am assuming he will step up his game in the playoffs like he did last year. Last years playoffs showed me why Deng is getting paid what he is. He has earned that contract now. Just do not let him dribble down the lane, please.

Thibs is a really good coach. Now that could skewed because Vinny was soo bad. But I like what he has done so far.

[Dan Michler]

I think JJ's best attribute right now is as trade bait. Not sure where he fits in on this team. I am glad that he is playing well in the D league. Makes him that much more valuable in a trade. With Deng playing he best basketball since being drafted and rotating Korver and Brewer. There are just too many guys who are the same. Both Korver and Brewer can play both 2 and 3.

I disagree with you on that Clark.  JJ recalled from the D league the other day.  I'd love to see him in the rotation.  He's 6'9" and long.  He should be coming in to give Deng a rest.  JJ is our only true small forward on the bench.

Instead we are just using Bogans, Korver, and Brewer equal amounts.  Bogans is just a 30 year old journeyman shooting guard.  No real upside.  PER 7.8

I love Brewer.  I agree he can play the 3 if you need him to.  He's still just 25.  I'd rather he be our starting shooting guard and get starters minutes.  PER 12.9

We overpaid for Korver.  He's a good shooter and serves a purpose.  If we aren't playing him more then I don't think he's worth what we paid.  PER 12.7  About the same player efficiency as Brewer.  Korver is the guy we should look to trade if a trade is an actual possibility for the Bulls.  I'd like to see the 10 man rotation when Noah comes back to be as follows:  Rose, Brewer, Deng, Boozer, Noah starting and Korver, Watson, James Johnson, Asik, and Taj coming off the bench.  The old guys Bogans and Thomas can rest up and be ready for the playoffs in case they are needed.  Scalabrine can provide fan entertainment when the Bulls get up 20+ late in the game.

[Mike Clark]

I am not knocking JJ. If it came across that way, my bad. The team/coach is. They are the ones not finding playing time for him and sent him to the D-league. If he/team can find a way for him to contribute to the team all the better. They could not get him on the floor and find him playing time when he was here before. I was talking from a numbers perspective. Hopefully if he can provide some much needed rest for Deng. The rumors were they sent him to the D-league to show he has trade value since he couldn't get any playing time with the big club. The Bulls feel they need a 2 guard not another small forward. Again according to trade rumors and reports. JJ has been included in all trade rumors involving the Bulls.

According to reports/articles Thibs likes Brewer's energy coming off the bench. I tend to agree with you. But there is a lot about the NBA I do not understand. I like the results with him coming off the bench. I would think it would be better for him to start. But Thibs does does think that atm. I have heard something about stability or something with Bogans starting. I do not get it. When Bogans is hitting the open 3 it seems to work but that it isn't very often I see him hitting the open 3.

I think Korver needs to play with Rose more so he can get more open jumpers. That is what he needs to score. I do not think that paying 5mil for a veteran swing man is too much in NBA money. He is getting the average for what he is. He is one of the best shooters in the game when he is open. He can not create his own shot.

[Dan Michler]

I don't see a trade happening this season, do you?  Obviously shooting guard is the 1 glaring weakness of the team, but how can we realistically get somebody that is a significant upgrade from Brewer/Korver?  For a top-tier guy like Carmelo or Monta Ellis, teams are going to demand Noah.  That ain't happening.  I've heard these Asik for Courtney Lee rumors.  I don't think the Bulls are going to give up Asik that easily.  OJ Mayo?  Is he really that much better than Brewer?  That would seem like a waste of our resources.  I just don't see us being compatible for a big trade right now.

[philvb85]

I think a big trade might be detrimental to what we have going right now.  We have extremely good chemistry with the group we put on the floor every night.  Every guy is cheering for each other whether they are a starter or the last man on the bench.  I can't see us recreating that type of chemistry if we go after a big deal and gut half the roster.

Like Clark said,  we really need to work on getting Korver time with Rose.  I think the perfect opportunity for this would be the middle of the 2nd and 4th quarters, when Rose comes back in from his rest.  You can either start Korver in the 2nd quarter, hopefully to get him going and then by the time Rose comes back off the bench he is ready to hit the open jumpers our offense has been lacking.  This combined with Noah's return should open up the paint more for Rose to get quality drives and good chances for assists.  Right now with Kurt and Bogans out there the opposition can effectively "hide" two of their defenders on what are basically non-threats.  Although it was nice to see Bogans hit a couple 3s and make the Hornets pay for using his man to help and double Rose.

[Mike Clark]

I would do JJ and some picks for C.Lee. Now way would I give up Asik for C.Lee. First off he would get hurt right away and never play again. Or am I confusing Houston with Portland.

No I do not see any trade happening. Teams are out of their minds with some of the stuff they are asking.

The Nuggets better take the Lakers rumored trade if they want to trade Mello. Why they think anyone is going to give them anything when he will not sign an extension? No OJ please.

I really do not see any real weakness on The Bulls when Noah comes back. To me it is just a matter of how they match up against Boston and Miami. From the past they match up against Boston really well. But that is the past. I do not believe in the Miami thing until they get some players around them.

I think the continual complaints, not by anyone here just in general, about the 2 spot is stupid. You can't have top players at every position. It might not be this year but they will be able to fill the spot with a quality player at some point. I can live with who they have now. As long as they play defense. What did John Paxon ever bring to the table other than being a decent player who could hit an open jump shot? The second set of titles they didn't even have a point guard.  D.Rose scores more than enough to make up for the lack of a scoring 2 guard. They need a 2 that can hit an open jump shot and play defense. Hopefully Bogans steps up and start hitting those open 3s like he was in preseason. If Bogans does not step it up you might see Brewer starting by then end of the year and in the playoffs. Where is Ron Harper when you need him?

It is nice to be discussing such minor details about The Bulls. The decade before D.Rose has been brutal to watch.

[pdga#7648]

no trade needs to really happen.
when Noah comes back, having him, Boozer and MVP Rose on the floor together will be tough!

I agree Korver needs to play with Rose more. Korver can not score of the dribble, he is a catch and shoot player. Rose drives the middle then kicks it to Korver for the open 3.

Would love to see these Bulls knock LeBron from the playoffs! how freakin sweet would that be?

[dana]

A lot of rambling:

As long as Korver has a white guy to match up against, I love having him in the game.  Watching him try to guard Stephen Jackson last time around against the Bobcats was UGLY.

No way Asik gets traded.  How about the game he had Saturday?  Once he builds some strength and can bang with the big guys, he's gonna be a solid (backup) center. 

JJ sparked a few comeback wins off the bench early in the season, I'm guessing his lack of effort on D kept him on bench. 

I don't want to see a trade this year.  While Melo could take us to the next level, I don't think that Stephen Jackson or OJ Mayo can? 

Bogans has been shooting the 3 better lately, did anyone see him drive the lane on Saturday!!?  Ronnie is in the game when it matters, so I don't mind Bogans starting and getting some minutes. 

It will be nice when Noah is back to be able to count on Big Sexy and Asik for minutes.  They can pound away and get in foul trouble all they want, once Noah is back (this goes for Taj too). 

[Dan Michler]

As long as Korver has a white guy to match up against, I love having him in the game.  Watching him try to guard Stephen Jackson last time around against the Bobcats was UGLY.

Totally agree.  Defensive liability and just a spot up shooter.  Not sure why anybody would want to see him getting more minutes when we have Brewer getting equal minutes.

I don't want to see a trade this year.  While Melo could take us to the next level, I don't think that Stephen Jackson or OJ Mayo can? 

Agree on Mayo.  Steven Jax might be interesting?

I think the continual complaints, not by anyone here just in general, about the 2 spot is stupid. You can't have top players at every position. It might not be this year but they will be able to fill the spot with a quality player at some point. I can live with who they have now. As long as they play defense. What did John Paxon ever bring to the table other than being a decent player who could hit an open jump shot? The second set of titles they didn't even have a point guard.

Are you saying, "We don't need to add a solid 2 guard.  The proof is that the 90's Bulls were able to win multiple titles with some weaknesses." ?  Not sure I get that argument.  You are talking about the greatest teams of all-time.  Rose is no Michael Jordan, and even if he was, we have no Scottie Pippen.

Wanting to upgrade at the 2 guard is not really a complaint, and its certainly not stupid.  I love our team.  But if we want to win multiple titles with Derrick Rose, we need to upgrade at the 2 guard.  I think its pretty obvious.  It doesn't necessarily need to be a max contract guy like Carmelo, but a borderline all-star caliber shooting guard would clearly take this team to another level.  That being said, I think we are a longshot to win the title this year, but its not completely out of the question.  We would need Deng to elevate his game to new heights though.