Season 2006/2007

Record 49-33

A pretty successful season by Baby Bulls. The last time the team had as many as 49 wins was in 1998. There were negatives as well – Nocioni’s injury, inconsistency of Gordon, and, of course, Ben Wallace. While I wouldn’t say that he played badly, but the expectations were quite high. Maybe more energy, more team spirit. So far it looks like a loss for all sides. Pistons lost one of their leader. Chicago didn’t get who they were hoping to get. Big Ben lost his home.
Skiles has been directing the team for the past four years, but he still can’t figure out what to do with Ben Gordon. If he has him starting – he plays poorly, put him back on the bench – the results are there right away. In the first round of the playoffs Chicago got rid of the wounded lion just like they were supposed to: quickly and without any sentiments, not giving Miami any chances for a comeback. Next round they were taught a lesson themselves.

Offseason

Draft

Joakim Noah, Aaron Gray, JamesOn Curry.
How successful was the draft for Chicago? During his college years, Noah stood out with his hard work more than his talent. The question is why does Chicago need someone like him where at least half of the team consists of energetic forwards?

Key Trades

Acquired: Joe Smith. Smith still can provide 15-20 minutes of solid average basketball.

Offseason grade: C

Season 2007/2008

A player with a post presence will make a championship contender out of this team. That’s what many basketball writers are saying. But it is not as simple as that. Sure, on paper it all looks great. However, in real life those combinations are not quite as strong. If the team does get that player who will play near the basket it will solve many problems. But it will create many others. Many of Skiles’ playing schemes will be broken.
Bulls can make that jump without a Gasol-type player. But there are no doubts that they need some kind of addition – probably more psychological than low post. If you try to draw parallels between this Bulls team and the “older brother” – Pistons team, it is very obvious what Chicago is lacking. In the beginning of 2004 Detroit, at that time coached by Larry Brown had the same strong characteristics as today’s Chicago team. Defense, character, athletics, several defenders. Even Big Ben was there, a younger version. That team had varied playoff success before they got Rasheed Wallace. He brought his niche play to the offense and leadership qualities. He gave the team that last push it needed to get over the championship hurdle.
It absolutely doesn’t mean that Chicago should try to get the second Wallace from Detroit. Everything in its due time. Wallace’s place and time was at that time in Detroit. But each team has its own Rasheed Wallace. What does he look like and what position does he play? Maybe it is not a center, but a swingman playing on the West Coast. Who knows? But it is a fact that so far Chicago has been unable to find its Rasheed Wallace.
The team relies heavily on Heinrich-Gordon-Deng trio. The same sniper – one game an advantage and another a disadvantage. He is the most inconsistent out of the leadership trio but who is never afraid to take a deciding shot. The same playmaker that disappears during the important games. The same forward who can do everything on the court. The best player of the three is at the same time the softest of the three. He’s least qualified to be the leader. So, how many leaders do Bulls have – three or none?


Note of importance

Skiles love Tyrus Thomas and looks like he may earn a place in the starting rotation. Sefolosha after a good series against one-armed Wade got a local Bruce Bowen status. Nocioni got a new contract. Noah was drafted. Not sure why the team still needs Victor Khryapa and whether the guy will find any playing time.


Bottom Line

The team will be an inconvenient opponent to many, but I just don’t see them being able to beat the likes of Detroit and San Antonio, at least not yet.

Playoffs – yes
Championship – no

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Should the Bulls Fire Scott Skiles? - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

Would Laimbeer run into the same problem after a year or so as a head coach? Team burnout.

He hasn't with the Shock. Are you implying that the Shock players are tougher than the Pistons players? Interesting point of view.

Are you implying that they aren't? Even more interesting.

Swin Cash seemed to have burned out. Not sure about the rest of the team.

How many titles have the Shock win under Bad Boy Bill and how many titles did the Pistons win under Brown?

I totally agree.

I love the season preview Mikhail. It's very well written and thought out. I have a question though. What do you or anyone else think about this frequent reference to how small the team is by the announcers continually? No one really talked about how small everyone was last year when they were playing well. It was all about their weapon being speed and dexterity, wasn't it? Anyway, do you guys think the Bulls starters are just too small for NBA success? And if so, how did they do so well last year? Do the teams have their number somehow now even this early? Or are they just playing like doo doo? Or is everyone mad and anxious because they might be a Laker tomorrow? Answers anyone? It's quite a significant meltdown this team is having.