I watched the 2nd half of the Bulls game the other night vs Golden State, and as you could imagine, I have some thoughts to share. Maybe it’s because I was more pumped up about this game. Maybe because it’s all this talk about the Warriors beating the 96 Bulls record. Maybe because this was more than just your average regular season game. Maybe it’s because in the end, the Bulls fell short. I just don’t see this Bulls team better than it has been over the past number of years. Maybe it’s too early to give this assessment.
We’ve dominated regular seasons under Thibs, and so far, the results this year under Fredberg haven’t been too bad. Currently at 8-4, the Bulls aren’t in bad shape. And after all, nobody has beat the Warriors yet this season. Then why do I feel that this loss was symbolic of the Bulls under Thibs; that this loss shows that Thibs was not the problem… that this loss shows that we still won’t be able to get over the hump when it counts.
I’m going to run through some comparisions, from my point of view. The good news is Buckets is Buckets. This guy is clearly the best player on the Bulls and has been since the start of last season. Who comes after him, is still the problem. Pau Gasol had a tremendous year last year; he surprised the heck out of me. His numbers should get better in this new system, but I see some things. He still takes that occasional European nap on defense in the middle of games. He’s horrible at rotating, his defensive positioning is bad, and he plays soft. I saw this Friday night. I also saw a guy, when we were struggling to score, fail to take the smaller man in the post and make a bucket. It’s like he needs that occasional kick in the ass, the fire lit under him, to be more aggressive. He wasn’t, and I’m just not sure that’s him… but we have seen moments.
I like Nikola… always have. He was another one that surprised me last year. He loves playing under Hoiberg, because it seems like he’s been told you always have the green light to shoot. He’s made a lot, but man has he thrown up some bricks and wild shots too. He doesn’t seem to play under control at times, and again, on defense… yeah. These 2 guys make me miss Thibs the most. He would kick you in the ass. He would make sure you play under control, or he’d sit you. Gasol doesn’t have to worry about being pushed, and Mirotic can continue to run wild without any consequences.
This is a negative culture that the therapists are attempting to cialis without prescription deliver with a specific end goal to advance mental prosperity. Not to forget the fact that the PDE5 enzyme is responsible in brand viagra 100mg blocking the blood flow to the penile tissues. Sometimes the result of enhancement surgery is not up to the mark, then there is no point in opting for the best viagra cialis levitra surgical procedure. Now the big question arises as why this problem occurs? It may occur due to some mental problems such as anxiety, depression, stress and feeling of guilt can cause impotence. buy levitra in canada I just don’t know about Dougie McDermott. Sure, he can shoot when open, but shouldn’t that be a prereq for most NBA players? It’s not, and we should appreciate that, but again, defensively this guy is bad. I hope we all see why Thibs didn’t play this guy as much. And speaking about not playing guys as much, what Thibs seemed to be slapped for, what’s up with Bobby Portis? The guy is at least aggressive from what we’ve seen in the preseason and the little we’ve seen in the regular season. Tony Snell, again has flashes, but looks lost at times. Captain Kirk plays admirable as always, but this is probably his last year… he can’t give you a lot of minutes every night. And Taj, still love that guy, awesome block in this game, but how does he fit into this new offense?
This new offense… this new system… what exactly is it? Whatever it is, Joakim Noah certainly does not fit it, and for that, I’m upset. This guy was awesome under Thibs. He was the new point center, flirting with triple doubles, while being the NBA defensive player of the year. Yes, he’s had injuries, and yes, he’s never been the most talented on offense, but he looks horrible out there. I could see Thibs coming back in the league, and snatching him right up when the Bulls let him walk after this year… and that upsets me again. I miss the old Joakim Noah…
And that brings us to Rose, purposely left for last in this conversation. If you want to look for a reason the Bulls haven’t been able to get over the hump, the reason Thibs took the hit, the reason this same Bulls team now has to change its identity in a new system, look no further. Why wasn’t he on the court Friday night? Yeah, ankle injury… and you know what, I do feel bad for the guy, with all the stuff he’s had to deal with, but a minor injury like this, and he’s out again. He’s been playing like crap, but I’m sure we’ll blame the eye for that one. Without Rose being Rose, this team doesn’t have enough. Thibs stood by him his entire tenure.. then Derrick talks about enjoying more freedom in the offense. And what exactly have you done with that freedom Derrick? If anyone should be told to never shoot another 3 pointer again it’s you. How long will Hoiberg stand by you? How long will the Bulls? How long will we? A Chicago boy playing for his hometown team is a great story, but how long before you’re not a Bull any more?
OK, I’ve gone on a little bit here doing my Comparabulls, but I’m frustrated. I know the reason we didn’t get over the hump wasn’t because of Thibs, and I’m sorry, I still can’t get past that… but I will. I see this team in that same position this year. Yes, it’s early, and I hope I’m wrong… I hope the Bulls continue to improve under Hoiberg, and take that next step in the postseason, but I’m not feeling it right now. OK, I’m done letting my frustation out. We’ll wait until Tuesday in Portland, when the Circus Trip continues, to root, root, root for those Bulls, and hope for better results… and hope that when that postseason rolls around, this Bulls team will be in shape to advance further than they ever have. I’m not convinced yet.
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