No sooner had the final buzzer sounded in Sunday’s 121-98 Bulls’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, I could hear the clock ticking away, marking the end of the Vinny del Negro era in Chicago. Most fans will blame del Negro for the poor performance of the Bulls this season. That’s usually the case. But management also must take some of the blame. What did they expect when they hired Del Negro two years ago, a relative unknown with very little professional coaching experience to speak of? When you hire mediocre talent to coach your team, you will get mediocre results.
It was clear back in December that Del Negro’s days were numbered when rumors of an imminent firing flew around the Internet. But nothing happened, and it appeared that the beleaguered coach had a reprieve. Then a few weeks ago when stories surfaced of a heated exchange between Del Negro and team president John Paxson, you figured Del Negro’s days were numbered.
To his credit, Del Negro has kept the team together during these ups and downs and multiple injuries, and he has managed to lead them to two playoff appearances in two consecutive years. But that is not good enough for Bulls management or for Chicago fans, who hunger for another championship in any sport. If the Bulls are serious about bringing another championship to the Windy City, they not only have to upgrade the talent on the floor, they need a serious talent upgrade in the coaching ranks.
Showing posts with label Chicago Bulls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Bulls. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, May 04, 2009
Bulls Look Ahead After First-Round Defeat
Most people expected the Bulls-Celtics series to be a yawner and a laugher. Instead, it turned into one of the most compelling and thrilling playoff contests in recent memory. Overall, the teams played seven overtimes during the series, including two overtimes in game 4 and three in game 6. After the thrill ride during the first six games, Game 7 seemed anticlimactic, with the Celtics winning by a 10-point margin.
The seventh-seeded Bulls pushed the Celtics to the limit and played with an intensity no one expected. In the end, the Celtics endured, thanks to playoff experience, home court advantage, and a little luck. If the Bulls finish off Games 2 and/or 5, they – not the Celtics -- would be preparing to face the Orlando Magic in the second round rather than packing up for the summer.
I doubt the Celtics will go much further than the second round. These overtime games exposed several weaknesses – age, slower legs, and a weak bench. Without Kevin Garnett, they are simply an above average team.
The Bulls, on the other hand, showed what a gutsy bunch of players they are. They will lose some players during the off season, most likely Ben Gordon who becomes a free agent. And rookie head coach Vinny Del Negro made a few mistakes along the way, but proved that he’s worth keeping around next season.
The Bulls may have lost the series, but they achieved a moral victory. And that’s something they can build on for next year.
The seventh-seeded Bulls pushed the Celtics to the limit and played with an intensity no one expected. In the end, the Celtics endured, thanks to playoff experience, home court advantage, and a little luck. If the Bulls finish off Games 2 and/or 5, they – not the Celtics -- would be preparing to face the Orlando Magic in the second round rather than packing up for the summer.
I doubt the Celtics will go much further than the second round. These overtime games exposed several weaknesses – age, slower legs, and a weak bench. Without Kevin Garnett, they are simply an above average team.
The Bulls, on the other hand, showed what a gutsy bunch of players they are. They will lose some players during the off season, most likely Ben Gordon who becomes a free agent. And rookie head coach Vinny Del Negro made a few mistakes along the way, but proved that he’s worth keeping around next season.
The Bulls may have lost the series, but they achieved a moral victory. And that’s something they can build on for next year.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Bulls' Head West After Dismal Loss
The Bulls will be glad to get out of town for a couple of weeks for their annual circus road trip starting this week. After a horrendous 30-point loss to the Toronto Raptors Saturday night, it may help the team forget how horribly they shot the ball (less than 30 percent shooting in the first half alone). The team only had 13 points in the first quarter, 30 at half time, and 43 after three quarters. Coach Scott Skiles benched all the starters within the first few minutes of the third quarter with the intent of bringing them back, but the game got so out of hand soon after that he let the reserves play on. Things were so bad, in fact, that by the fourth quarter, whatever fans were remaining at the United Center were booing and chanting, “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!”
It was the worst Bulls basketball game I have ever witnessed.
What baffles me is how a team that has essentially the same players as they did last season could possibly play so poorly in one game, especially when they had just defeated the powerhouse Detroit Pistons on Thursday. The Bulls don’t usually play well on the West Coast, so this upcoming road trip could be problematic. On the other hand, it may be just the tonic they need to forget Saturday’s carnage.
It was the worst Bulls basketball game I have ever witnessed.
What baffles me is how a team that has essentially the same players as they did last season could possibly play so poorly in one game, especially when they had just defeated the powerhouse Detroit Pistons on Thursday. The Bulls don’t usually play well on the West Coast, so this upcoming road trip could be problematic. On the other hand, it may be just the tonic they need to forget Saturday’s carnage.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Bulls’ Slow Start Is Nothing to Fret About
A lot of people are looking at the Bulls’ 0-4 start to the new season and asking, “What’s wrong with the Bulls?” Some suggest that it must be the lingering effects from the Kobe Bryant trade rumors. The slow start seems alarming when the team can’t even beat the 76ers, a team that isn’t supposed to make the postseason.
It’s too early to panic, though. The Bulls have always been a slow-starting team and manage to pull things together when they need to. Remember two years ago when the team started the year with nine straight losses? Somehow, they got their act together and made a run to the postseason. Last year, they started the season 3-9, and also made the postseason.
Unlike previous seasons, this one carries a slightly different feel. With so much success behind them, many expected the Bulls to come charging out of the starting gate straight to a divisional title. The problem may be that the high expectations are creating extra baggage for the Bulls and the pressure is slowing them down.
In the long run, the Bulls will do fine. Yes, they will struggle at times because opponents know what the Bulls can and cannot do on the court. Coach Scott Skiles will make some adjustments to respond to what opponents are doing to contain them, and GM John Paxson will make some mid-season trade to help the team for the home stretch. The Bulls players say they aren’t panicking, and neither should we.
It’s too early to panic, though. The Bulls have always been a slow-starting team and manage to pull things together when they need to. Remember two years ago when the team started the year with nine straight losses? Somehow, they got their act together and made a run to the postseason. Last year, they started the season 3-9, and also made the postseason.
Unlike previous seasons, this one carries a slightly different feel. With so much success behind them, many expected the Bulls to come charging out of the starting gate straight to a divisional title. The problem may be that the high expectations are creating extra baggage for the Bulls and the pressure is slowing them down.
In the long run, the Bulls will do fine. Yes, they will struggle at times because opponents know what the Bulls can and cannot do on the court. Coach Scott Skiles will make some adjustments to respond to what opponents are doing to contain them, and GM John Paxson will make some mid-season trade to help the team for the home stretch. The Bulls players say they aren’t panicking, and neither should we.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Bryant Will Never Be a Bull
Last June, I wrote in Woman’s Eye that the acquisition of Kobe Bryant by the Bulls was a pipe dream. I still believe that today. That’s why I was relieved to hear GM John Paxson’s statement yesterday that the Bulls were never close to a deal for the disgruntled Laker. Paxson seems like an upfront guy, and if he says the Bulls and Lakers were “never on the verge of a deal,” then I believe him.
He was smart to put things to rest. With a new season underway, trade talks were on everyone’s mind, including the Bulls players who were rumored to be going to LA. Paxson needs his players to have their heads in the game right now. Making a statement now assured them that no one – not Ben Gordon, not Ben Wallace or anyone else – would be leaving Chicago any time soon.
Since all this trade talk escalated earlier this week, I’ve had a hard time believing that this deal would take place let alone that Paxson would even consider making it. Paxson was part of the Bulls championship teams of the early 90s. Even with a superstar like Michael Jordan leading the way, the team played well together. When Paxson took over as GM, he and coach Scott Skiles weeded out the deadbeat players on the team, those who were lazy, self-absorbed or lacked integrity. For Paxson, character and integrity are just as important as talent. He understands what kind of team is needed in Chicago to win a title, and he has done well to build one that embraces teamwork and plays with integrity and has character. Does that sound like a Kobe Bryant-style team to you?
Kobe is just one more distraction that the Bulls don’t need. If the Bulls really, really wanted Bryant here in Chicago, they would have found a way to get the deal done. The Bulls are better off with the team that they have and perhaps make a deal down the road for a lesser-known player who will provide what the Bulls need, without the unnecessary distractions that could hurt them in the long run.
Don’t get me wrong. The Bulls could certainly use someone with Kobe’s talent. They just don’t need the baggage that comes with it..
He was smart to put things to rest. With a new season underway, trade talks were on everyone’s mind, including the Bulls players who were rumored to be going to LA. Paxson needs his players to have their heads in the game right now. Making a statement now assured them that no one – not Ben Gordon, not Ben Wallace or anyone else – would be leaving Chicago any time soon.
Since all this trade talk escalated earlier this week, I’ve had a hard time believing that this deal would take place let alone that Paxson would even consider making it. Paxson was part of the Bulls championship teams of the early 90s. Even with a superstar like Michael Jordan leading the way, the team played well together. When Paxson took over as GM, he and coach Scott Skiles weeded out the deadbeat players on the team, those who were lazy, self-absorbed or lacked integrity. For Paxson, character and integrity are just as important as talent. He understands what kind of team is needed in Chicago to win a title, and he has done well to build one that embraces teamwork and plays with integrity and has character. Does that sound like a Kobe Bryant-style team to you?
Kobe is just one more distraction that the Bulls don’t need. If the Bulls really, really wanted Bryant here in Chicago, they would have found a way to get the deal done. The Bulls are better off with the team that they have and perhaps make a deal down the road for a lesser-known player who will provide what the Bulls need, without the unnecessary distractions that could hurt them in the long run.
Don’t get me wrong. The Bulls could certainly use someone with Kobe’s talent. They just don’t need the baggage that comes with it..
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Bulls’ Trade for Kobe Just a Pipe Dream
Ever since Kobe Bryant wrote on his Web site (kb24.com) several weeks ago that he wanted to be traded from the Lakers, analysts have been speculating about whether a trade would actually take place. Bryant named the Chicago Bulls as one of three NBA teams that he would like to play for, but I think a trade by the Bulls for Bryant is highly unlikely.
Since taking over as Bulls’ GM several years ago, John Paxson has rebuilt this team on good sportsmanship and unselfish play. He and coach Scott Skiles have weeded out deadbeat players and brought in players who play hard and with heart. Good character is just as important as talent. There are no superstars on the Bulls; Ben Wallace is about as close to one as you’ll find. The trio of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich are emerging superstars in their own right. The Bulls already have good team chemistry, and they have earned a reputation in the NBA as being an unselfish team. Bryant, on the other hand, isn’t exactly known for his generosity on the court. Paxson and Skiles are looking to improve for the immediate future, and Bryant would certainly provide some of the inside scoring that the Bulls desperately need. But Bryant’s character may not fit in with the Bulls’ team philosophy, which is why this trade is just a pipe dream.
Since taking over as Bulls’ GM several years ago, John Paxson has rebuilt this team on good sportsmanship and unselfish play. He and coach Scott Skiles have weeded out deadbeat players and brought in players who play hard and with heart. Good character is just as important as talent. There are no superstars on the Bulls; Ben Wallace is about as close to one as you’ll find. The trio of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich are emerging superstars in their own right. The Bulls already have good team chemistry, and they have earned a reputation in the NBA as being an unselfish team. Bryant, on the other hand, isn’t exactly known for his generosity on the court. Paxson and Skiles are looking to improve for the immediate future, and Bryant would certainly provide some of the inside scoring that the Bulls desperately need. But Bryant’s character may not fit in with the Bulls’ team philosophy, which is why this trade is just a pipe dream.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Bulls Overmatched by Pistons
So the Chicago Bulls lost again to the Detroit Pistons Thursday night at the United Center and are now poised to be eliminated when the two teams square off in Game 4 Sunday. I don’t think there’s a single fan in Chicago who expected this team to play as poorly as they have in this series — two blowout losses to Detroit by 26 and 21 points respectively and a loss last night after blowing a 19-point lead early in the third quarter.
It seemed the Pistons were toying with the Bulls during the first half last night before flipping a switch on their zone defense halfway through the third quarter. In a blink of an eye, the Pistons closed to a one-point deficit at the end of the quarter. The Bulls have no answer for Detroit’s zone defense, and obviously, the Pistons see some weakness in the Bulls that they are easily exploiting. At this point, a series loss is inevitable and disappointing considering how well the Bulls played against the Miami Heat in the first round.
In a post two weeks ago, I suggested that the Bulls might have put forth more energy into defeating the Heat and may not have much left for the Pistons. Apparently I was right because the Bulls just have been overmatched by the Pistons in just about every phase of the game. Just as last year’s brief playoff run gave the Bulls the incentive to beat the Miami Heat this year, this series against Detroit may be the very thing the Bulls need to push themselves further next season.
It seemed the Pistons were toying with the Bulls during the first half last night before flipping a switch on their zone defense halfway through the third quarter. In a blink of an eye, the Pistons closed to a one-point deficit at the end of the quarter. The Bulls have no answer for Detroit’s zone defense, and obviously, the Pistons see some weakness in the Bulls that they are easily exploiting. At this point, a series loss is inevitable and disappointing considering how well the Bulls played against the Miami Heat in the first round.
In a post two weeks ago, I suggested that the Bulls might have put forth more energy into defeating the Heat and may not have much left for the Pistons. Apparently I was right because the Bulls just have been overmatched by the Pistons in just about every phase of the game. Just as last year’s brief playoff run gave the Bulls the incentive to beat the Miami Heat this year, this series against Detroit may be the very thing the Bulls need to push themselves further next season.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
No More Baby Bulls
It’s been a long time since I felt so much excitement about the Bulls in the postseason, about nine years in fact. While the Bulls have made the postseason the last two years, they did not make it out of the first round. Today, they took a big step forward by sweeping the defending champion Miami Heat during the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Today’s 92-79 victory was not their best outing in the series. The Bulls shot only 34 percent from the field, but shot well from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, had only five turnovers and dominated defensively down the stretch to earn a meeting with the Detroit Pistons.
Watching today’s game, I could see a hunger and confidence in this Bulls’ team that I did not see last year in the playoffs. They are a more complete team, with a good, healthy balance of experience and youth. This team played with a chip on its shoulder, challenging the Heat to keep pace with them.
But did they leave everything they had on the basketball court in this series? Will they have anything left for the next series? Will they be prepared to battle the more powerful and experienced Pistons team, which won the NBA title two years ago?
The Bulls passed an important test today. The next test will begin next weekend in Detroit.
Today’s 92-79 victory was not their best outing in the series. The Bulls shot only 34 percent from the field, but shot well from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, had only five turnovers and dominated defensively down the stretch to earn a meeting with the Detroit Pistons.
Watching today’s game, I could see a hunger and confidence in this Bulls’ team that I did not see last year in the playoffs. They are a more complete team, with a good, healthy balance of experience and youth. This team played with a chip on its shoulder, challenging the Heat to keep pace with them.
But did they leave everything they had on the basketball court in this series? Will they have anything left for the next series? Will they be prepared to battle the more powerful and experienced Pistons team, which won the NBA title two years ago?
The Bulls passed an important test today. The next test will begin next weekend in Detroit.
Monday, April 23, 2007
5 Keys to Beat the Heat
With one victory safely tucked away in the best-of-seven series against the Miami Heat, the Bulls have a chance to really show the NBA reigning champions that they mean business with a win Tuesday night in Game 2 at the United Center. The Bulls have several factors in their favor this year that they did not have last year when they faced the Heat in the first round in the NBA playoffs. Here are my five keys to the Bulls’ playoff success.
1) Home court advantage. In a strange playoff setup, the Bulls have home court in this opening series because they have a better record than the Heat, even though the Bulls are the fifth seed. The Bulls have one of the best home records in the NBA this season and they can really put that advantage to good use in this series.
2) Youth and experience. The Bulls have a good blend of experience and youth. After having faced the Heat last season, they know what they need to do to beat them this year, and this time, they have more experienced players like Ben Wallace to help them. The Bulls are beginning to understand what it takes to win in the postseason. They’re gaining experience with each playoff game they play.
3) Dwayne Wade's injury. Wade is still not 100 percent and still appears to favor his injured shoulder. The Heat cannot depend on Wade to carry them this time around as they did last year.
4) Ben Wallace. Wallace provides the inside dominance that was lacking on the Bulls teams of years past. He also brings a wealth of playoff experience which should rub off on the younger Bulls.
5) Luol Deng. The talented Bulls’ forward was injured last season and missed the playoffs. While most fans look to Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon as the go-to guys down the stretch, the guy that could really make a difference is Luol Deng, who is clearly the most consistent player the team has. I expect to see him make his presence felt on the court at some point in this series.
1) Home court advantage. In a strange playoff setup, the Bulls have home court in this opening series because they have a better record than the Heat, even though the Bulls are the fifth seed. The Bulls have one of the best home records in the NBA this season and they can really put that advantage to good use in this series.
2) Youth and experience. The Bulls have a good blend of experience and youth. After having faced the Heat last season, they know what they need to do to beat them this year, and this time, they have more experienced players like Ben Wallace to help them. The Bulls are beginning to understand what it takes to win in the postseason. They’re gaining experience with each playoff game they play.
3) Dwayne Wade's injury. Wade is still not 100 percent and still appears to favor his injured shoulder. The Heat cannot depend on Wade to carry them this time around as they did last year.
4) Ben Wallace. Wallace provides the inside dominance that was lacking on the Bulls teams of years past. He also brings a wealth of playoff experience which should rub off on the younger Bulls.
5) Luol Deng. The talented Bulls’ forward was injured last season and missed the playoffs. While most fans look to Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon as the go-to guys down the stretch, the guy that could really make a difference is Luol Deng, who is clearly the most consistent player the team has. I expect to see him make his presence felt on the court at some point in this series.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Will a Trade Make a Difference for the Bulls?
As the Chicago Bulls enter the stretch run, fans and basketball experts are debating whether the team should make a trade before the trading deadline on Feb. 22. Especially after losing five of the last six games, you have to wonder if the Bulls are ready to make a move. Certainly it could be a shot in the arm.
As much as I'd like to see them make a trade, I'm not sure who they would trade away. Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are not going anywhere. Ben Gordon is a popular player and his name has cropped up in trade discussions. Chris Duhon is another possible option for trade bait, but what would the Bulls get back in return?
My prediction is that the Bulls will not make a move. I think the team will wait until the off season to address their needs. In the meantime, the team would love to get Andres Nocioni back in the lineup. They miss his presence on the court terribly. If he is able to come back, it may provide the very spark that the Bulls need during this stretch run, more than any trade could do.
As much as I'd like to see them make a trade, I'm not sure who they would trade away. Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are not going anywhere. Ben Gordon is a popular player and his name has cropped up in trade discussions. Chris Duhon is another possible option for trade bait, but what would the Bulls get back in return?
My prediction is that the Bulls will not make a move. I think the team will wait until the off season to address their needs. In the meantime, the team would love to get Andres Nocioni back in the lineup. They miss his presence on the court terribly. If he is able to come back, it may provide the very spark that the Bulls need during this stretch run, more than any trade could do.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Bulls Playing Head Games
So much is being made of the Bulls' benching of star center Ben Wallace after he broke team rules by wearing a red head band during Saturday night's game against the New York Knicks.
I'm not sure what the problem is. This seems like a silly, trivial matter to me. If the Bulls were winning, this wouldn't even be given any media attention. Wallace has been wearing a head band for years. It doesn't offend anyone and it doesn't interfere with the team's play on the court. Besides, Bulls' fans have seen far worse from Dennis Rodman's wardrobe.
If Wallace feels the head band gives him an edge on the court, if it helps him block more shots or get more rebounds or score more points for the team, let him wear it. Let's not sweat the small stuff here. Let's focus on the more important things, like winning basketball games.
I'm not sure what the problem is. This seems like a silly, trivial matter to me. If the Bulls were winning, this wouldn't even be given any media attention. Wallace has been wearing a head band for years. It doesn't offend anyone and it doesn't interfere with the team's play on the court. Besides, Bulls' fans have seen far worse from Dennis Rodman's wardrobe.
If Wallace feels the head band gives him an edge on the court, if it helps him block more shots or get more rebounds or score more points for the team, let him wear it. Let's not sweat the small stuff here. Let's focus on the more important things, like winning basketball games.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Bulls Open Season with Florida Split
When the Bulls regular season schedule was announced last summer, everyone was eyeing their opening night meeting with the NBA Champion Miami Heat in a rematch of their first-round playoff contest. With the addition of Ben Wallace and P.J. Brown up the middle, the Bulls figured to be an improved team defensively, and they did not disappoint. After a shaky first quarter, they trounced the Heat 108-66. Wallce and Brown made their presence felt in the paint, and their defensive stops led to alot of fast break points. Bulls players raced up and down the court so quickly that the Heat looked like they were running in molasses. Much of the Miami crowd, which came to celebrate the Heat's NBA title, left the arena by half-time.
The Bulls team that looked so dominant last night disappeared overnight, as they lost to Orlando 109-93. Everything that seemed to go right for them last night went wrong tonight. Despite the loss, the Bulls should be one of the best teams in the league this season.
The Bulls team that looked so dominant last night disappeared overnight, as they lost to Orlando 109-93. Everything that seemed to go right for them last night went wrong tonight. Despite the loss, the Bulls should be one of the best teams in the league this season.
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