ESPN - Bulls fire coach Skiles; no replacement named yet - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3167808)


"This was a difficult decision to make, but one that was necessary at this time," general manager John Paxson said in a statement Monday. "Scott helped us in many ways during his time with the Bulls; most importantly, he helped this franchise get back to respectability. I am appreciative of his hard work and the imprint that he left on our team."

The Bulls said no decision has been made on a replacement for Skiles.

Ben Wallace (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3149) said Saturday he would welcome personnel changes if it would help the club.

"That's one of those things that goes along with this league," said Wallace. "Change is not always bad. If everybody wants to be here we have to step it up and go out there and play basketball."


Bulls fans will probably be happy about this.

Is there a coach Ben doesn't hate?

Flipper is pretty amazing

Cola did not survive Big Ben
Pound for Pound did survive Big Ben
Skiles did not survive Big Ben

Flipper survived Big Ben and evidently patched things up with Uncle Sheed.

I just hope we win the title this year mostly because it would make Pistons fans very happy, but also because I got a feeling that we are stuck with Flipper at least until his current contract runs out regardless of whether we win a title with him as coach or not.

Would KG had left (been traded) MN earlier if Flipper had left earlier? He was out pretty quickly after Flipper left and we all know that KG thinks a lot of Flipper. It is going to be quite a while before the T-Wolves get back to the playoffs.

:hoops:

I'm sitting here giggling a bit thinking about Larry Brown's head blowing off trying to coach Ben Gordon.

Looks like the other Van Gundy will be coming back.............

Little surprising since this year is starting off the same as the others. For whatever reason most Bulls fans feel differently about this 9-16 start and Paxson must be under a lot more heat. Firing the coach is a popular 1st line of defense for a GM.

Pistons meanwhile are off to the leagues 2nd best record so far. The leagues not just the East.

HEADBANDS FOR EVERYONE!!!

:party2::party::dancingparty:

Little surprising since this year is starting off the same as the others. For whatever reason most Bulls fans feel differently about this 9-16 start and Paxson must be under a lot more heat. Firing the coach is a popular 1st line of defense for a GM.

Actually they recovered far better last year from their slow start than they did this year. Their low point last season was losing the first 6 games of their circus road trip to fall to 3-9, but they immediately won 12 of their next 13 and never fell below 3 games over .500 the rest of the way, eventually finishing 49-33. Their record after 25 games was 15-10. But now that they're 7 below .500 after 25 games, it's pretty clear that they've taken a step back.

Just to stir the pot a little.

Except against us Big Ben's performance this year for the most part has been off quite a bit. Of course he has been injured, but he hasn't missed that many games.

I was just thinking.

Big Ben has got an awfully large contract, which it appears at this point the Bulls are probably stuck with. There is no way, in my opinion, given Ben's huge salary that they could trade him, unless they agreed to eat a big chunk of his salary but would that do them any good?

One of the salary cap experts on this forum could probably explain if the Bulls traded Big Ben but ate some of his contract how that would affect their cap.

In any case, he will not be too easy to trade because his performance has been way off this year against everyone but us.

Right now the Bulls are really hurting financially because of the deal that they gave Big Ben. So maybe Paxon thought it would be better and cheaper to get rid of Skiles, depending on how much of his contract that they have to eat and hope that Big Ben's performance improves enough to warrant most if not all of his salary.

My guess is that Big Ben's performance is going to improve starting now.

Did I just say that he has been dogging it in order to force Paxon's hand to fire Skiles?

:hoops:

Ben has obviously been struggling a lot in recent weeks, but I think he has way too much professional pride to dog it for any conceivable reason, no matter how bad his relationship might be with whomever the coach is.

Ben has obviously been struggling a lot in recent weeks, but I think he has way too much professional pride to dog it for any conceivable reason, no matter how bad his relationship might be with whomever the coach is.

You are most likely correct.

Most likely he was not dogging it, but the bad relationship with Skiles along with the poor performance of the Bulls this year along with Big Ben's injuries could have negatively affected his mental approach to the games and therefore his performance.

Also, we continue to win, and he could be bummed out about taking the Bulls deal and not staying with us for less money, even though he publicly denies it.

:hoops:

Yeah, I personally think it is bull. Chicago is has been a slow starting team and Skiles has them peeking in the playoffs. The only thing different this year is that the management messed up the psyche of the team the first 10 games by allowing all those Kobe rumors to fly. The guys were bombarded by trade rumors. Plus you add a few new good players to the mix, it takes a little time to get in a groove. Chicago was starting to get it turned around. They were 500 over the last 10 games. They had the worst part of the season and were only two games out of the last playoff spot. I'd trade Flipper for Skiles right now. They can throw Ben in the trade too.

Actually some commentary has said that the Gasol-to-Chicago rumors last year were basically stronger than the Kobe rumors this season--obviously not as much on the national media radar, but more realistic because the chances of the Bulls actually trading Kobe were never very good. The failure to reach contract extensions with Deng and Gordon might have more to do with their production dropping than the Kobe rumors. Though I'm not sure what the deal is with Hinrich, who's been particularly bad.

Bulls fans at the blog I've been checking a bit (blogabull.com) seem to have a similar complaint vis-a-vis Skiles not playing their young big men that we have with Flip Sr. and Amir, only it's more pronounced with the Bulls fans because it's about more than one young player for them. And in general, there seems to be a lot of anger with how he managed their rotations, but even worse than our criticisms of Flip Sr. because (unlike our situation here) Skiles kept messing around with their starting lineups.

Yeah, I personally think it is bull. Chicago is has been a slow starting team and Skiles has them peeking in the playoffs. The only thing different this year is that the management messed up the psyche of the team the first 10 games by allowing all those Kobe rumors to fly. The guys were bombarded by trade rumors. Plus you add a few new good players to the mix, it takes a little time to get in a groove. Chicago was starting to get it turned around. They were 500 over the last 10 games. They had the worst part of the season and were only two games out of the last playoff spot. I'd trade Flipper for Skiles right now. They can throw Ben in the trade too.

Why did they fire Skiles if the team started the same as last year and yet they still almost made it to the ECF last season.

Skiles didn't control personnel changes.

The trade rumors?

Paxon is going to fire Skiles because of trade rumors that he helped create a lot more than Skiles.

So why did Paxon really fire Skiles?

Maybe Paxon just woke up on the other side of the bed.

Would you trade Kufous for Love? LOL

:hoops:

Actually some commentary has said that the Gasol-to-Chicago rumors last year were basically stronger than the Kobe rumors this season--obviously not as much on the national media radar, but more realistic because the chances of the Bulls actually trading Kobe were never very good. The failure to reach contract extensions with Deng and Gordon might have more to do with their production dropping than the Kobe rumors. Though I'm not sure what the deal is with Hinrich, who's been particularly bad.

Bulls fans at the blog I've been checking a bit (blogabull.com) seem to have a similar complaint vis-a-vis Skiles not playing their young big men that we have with Flip Sr. and Amir, only it's more pronounced with the Bulls fans because it's about more than one young player for them. And in general, there seems to be a lot of anger with how he managed their rotations, but even worse than our criticisms of Flip Sr. because (unlike our situation here) Skiles kept messing around with their starting lineups.

Check out Arena's latest blog. It gives a pretty good account of the Deng/Gordon thing. Gordon actually sat down to talk to Arena's about it, maybe knowing he would put it out there.

They fire Skiles around Christmas. That's cold.

As long as the Bulls fon't hire LB, i'm good.

Actually some commentary has said that the Gasol-to-Chicago rumors last year were basically stronger than the Kobe rumors this season--obviously not as much on the national media radar, but more realistic because the chances of the Bulls actually trading Kobe were never very good. The failure to reach contract extensions with Deng and Gordon might have more to do with their production dropping than the Kobe rumors. Though I'm not sure what the deal is with Hinrich, who's been particularly bad.

Bulls fans at the blog I've been checking a bit (blogabull.com) seem to have a similar complaint vis-a-vis Skiles not playing their young big men that we have with Flip Sr. and Amir, only it's more pronounced with the Bulls fans because it's about more than one young player for them. And in general, there seems to be a lot of anger with how he managed their rotations, but even worse than our criticisms of Flip Sr. because (unlike our situation here) Skiles kept messing around with their starting lineups.

Skiles came on board in 2003-04.

The players that they say he failed to develop are probably from the group that were traded like Chandler, Crawford, Curry etc.

But Hinrich's first year was also 2003-04, Gordon's, Duhon's, Nocioni's and Deng's first year were all 2004-05, Those five guys all developed under Skiles were the Bulls five leading scores last year and got them within 2 wins of the ECF. So I really don't understand how people can say that he didn't develop young guys.

Chandler had been with the Bulls for two years before Skiles arrived so what did Cartwright a former center and Chandlers initial coach with the Bulls do during those two years to develop Chandler? No way you can lay that on Skiles, though he did have Chandler for three years before they sent him to NOK. The fact is also that during Chandler's last two years in Chicago he averaged about 14 rebounds per 40 minutes so it wasn't like he was doing a Darko.

As far as Curry and Crawford go. Look what they are doing now with the Knicks. Did Skiles ruin their careers? I doubt it, because he certainly doesn't have appeared to have ruined the careers of Chandler, Gordon Hinrich, Deng, Duhon and Nocioni.

As far as using a lot of different lineups. They had injuries and were playing poorly so he was trying to improve their performance.

:hoops:

Check out Arena's latest blog. It gives a pretty good account of the Deng/Gordon thing. Gordon actually sat down to talk to Arena's about it, maybe knowing he would put it out there.

They fire Skiles around Christmas. That's cold.

As long as the Bulls fon't hire LB, i'm good.

Doesn't that have to do with the contract extensions offered by Paxon that they turned down.


"It ain't about just Iggy, Deng and Emeka, it's about everyone. It's about all young players out there who are going into negotiating and who are be going to do it in the future. If somebody offers you $12 million and you think you're worth more than that, somebody should punch you in your face if you turn down that money. What if you get hurt and you can't play basketball again? You just lost $60 million. You just threw away a great lottery ticket. That's what people don't understand."
I can't say that I totally disagree with Arenas on this one, but this type of criticism is very unusual from one player to another. I've heard players complain about other players' deals, but never in a public forum.
While in Chicago, I spoke with Gordon and Deng about Arenas's post. Both players turned down extensions in the neighborhood of five years, $50 million and it has been blamed for some of the Bulls struggles this season.
Needless to say, Gordon was a tad bit upset with Arenas.
This sounds like a Paxon thing, not Skiles.


I Talked to Ben Gordon
For all the Chicago fans out there who heard about Ben Gordon wanting to talk to me (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/12/19/gordon-arenas-crossed-the-line/), we sat down and talked for like 30 minutes. He wanted to pick my brain a little bit and we did some chit-chatting. You know, I didn’t actually say his name in my blog, but he still wanted to talk to me about that part of the market.

He was telling me the real story, the part that people wasn’t getting. He was like, “G.A., I respect your game, and we did a shoot together in the past so I know you’re cool, but it was hard to read what you were really saying (http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=400024176), that’s why I wanted to talk to you.”

He was telling me, “They didn’t even negotiate with me. They were like, ‘This is what it is, take it or leave it’ and that was it.”

It works both ways. I was just giving him some of the knowledge I know. And the same thing with Deng. I ended up finding out that with Deng; they didn’t even offer him $60 million. No, they didn’t even come close to that money.

If you do a search for "Skiles" on the Arenas blog you come up empty.

So according to the Captain Quirk blog the problem with Deng/Gordon and the Bulls had to do with Paxon and not Skiles.

Gordon, Deng Respond to Gilbert - Wizards Insider (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2007/12/gordon_deng_respond_to_gilbert_1.html)

NBA.com Blog Squad: Gilbert Arenas Fan Voice (http://my.nba.com/forum.jspa?forumID=400032200)

:hoops:

Obviously Paxton believed the ESPN and SI hype about the Bulls winning the east and with the horrific start he was forced to make a move...Send in Ron Jeremy's brother or even the Zar to take over. LB like Hubie and Daddy Rich, may be a tad to old to coach in todays environment....

Can we fire Flip so that the Bulls can have him?

Obviously Paxton believed the ESPN and SI hype about the Bulls winning the east and with the horrific start he was forced to make a move...Send in Ron Jeremy's brother or even the Zar to take over. LB like Hubie and Daddy Rich, may be a tad to old to coach in todays environment....

Did Paxon fire Skiles because he knows that Zeke is getting the ax in N.Y.? and is planning on bringing Zeke back home?

I don't know how the Bulls fans would take to having a Bad Boy as a coach, even one from Chicago.

:hoops:

Doesn't that have to do with the contract extensions offered by Paxon that they turned down.

This sounds like a Paxon thing, not Skiles.

If you do a search for "Skiles" on the Arenas blog you come up empty.

So according to the Captain Quirk blog the problem with Deng/Gordon and the Bulls had to do with Paxon and not Skiles.

Gordon, Deng Respond to Gilbert - Wizards Insider (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2007/12/gordon_deng_respond_to_gilbert_1.html)

NBA.com Blog Squad: Gilbert Arenas Fan Voice (http://my.nba.com/forum.jspa?forumID=400032200)

:hoops:

Yea i meant the contract situations affecting play more than coaching. It sounds like they are angry with management not the coach.

Can we fire Flip so that the Bulls can have him?

Ben will go insane LOL

Skiles came on board in 2003-04.

The players that they say he failed to develop are probably from the group that were traded like Chandler, Crawford, Curry etc.

I think they mainly want Thomas and Noah to play more, and fewer minutes for Big Ben.

Did Paxon fire Skiles because he knows that Zeke is getting the ax in N.Y.? and is planning on bringing Zeke back home?

I don't know how the Bulls fans would take to having a Bad Boy as a coach, even one from Chicago.

:hoops:
I thought about that too Budda, thinking that bringing home the native son might put a fire under the da bulls......I can't recall what history that Zeke and Paxton have though.

The next question is if for some awful reason Flip doesn't get to the finals again, is Skiles on Joe's future radar??

http://www.nba.com/media/encyclopedia/LarryBrown_220_060430.jpg

I'd have to think about watching many piston games if he was our next coach... i'd always cheer and hope they win. but he's a rotten coach for our team... he's a coach in the terms of Doug Collins and cola, great for young bad teams but when there ready to take the next step its time to show them the door.

They should hire Rick Carlisle. He can do wonders with a mish mosh of talent.

I loved Isiah as a player but what sober and sane GM/Owner would possible want to hire Isiah for anything front office related?

They should hire Rick Carlisle. He can do wonders with a mish mosh of talent.

I loved Isiah as a player but what sober and sane GM/Owner would possible want to hire Isiah for anything front office related?

Sure, RC might be a great coach for the Bulls for the win column but he is rough on the secretarial staff.

They should hire Rick Carlisle. He can do wonders with a mish mosh of talent.

I loved Isiah as a player but what sober and sane GM/Owner would possible want to hire Isiah for anything front office related?

Since Chicago pretty much has a set roster, its not a bad idea. Carlisle is good at getting a lot out of the players he chooses to play. His main deficit is he needs to be baby sat as far as who he plays.

Since Chicago pretty much has a set roster, its not a bad idea. Carlisle is good at getting a lot out of the players he chooses to play. His main deficit is he needs to be baby sat as far as who he plays.

We did have him right at the start of his head coaching career so have to keep that in mind. I am sure he has learned a few things since then.

I hope they don't hire him because he would be a good fit for them. Maybe good enough to still get them into the playoffs.

I would never want Carlisle back as a Pistons coach, but the job that he did with the 2002 Detroit team was the best I have ever seen from a Pistons coach.

To take that 2002 roster (Stackhouse, Robinson, Chucky, Corliss, etc.) and get 50 wins out of it was remarkable. To actually win a playoff series (first in 11 years) was a huge step out of the teal era and into the direction of the current championship era.

Like I said, I don't want him back, but Carlisle certainly got the most out of those two Pistons teams that he coached.

I would never want Carlisle back as a Pistons coach, but the job that he did with the 2002 Detroit team was the best I have ever seen from a Pistons coach.

To take that 2002 roster (Stackhouse, Robinson, Chucky, Corliss, etc.) and get 50 wins out of it was remarkable. To actually win a playoff series (first in 11 years) was a huge step out of the teal era and into the direction of the current championship era.

Like I said, I don't want him back, but Carlisle certainly got the most out of those two Pistons teams that he coached.

I think a Bulls team coached by RC would give the rest of the league as much trouble as the Skiles coached Bulls give the Pistons.

Skiles won't make excuses, point fingers at Bulls players on ChicagoSports.com (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-071224chicagobullsscottskilestalksaboutfiring,1,13 27896.story?page=2&coll=cs-home-headlines)


A team source said Reinsdorf and Paxson met with Ben Wallace and his agent, Arn Tellem, who is close with the chairman, shortly after the Bulls concluded their annual extended November trip to gauge the team's mood regarding Skiles.


It looks like Ben Wallace got a say in what went down. I wonder how he feels about RC now.

Looks like the other Van Gundy will be coming back.............

This might seem the obvious choice. A lot would depend on how Paxton reacted with his talks from player interviews before the firing.

I wouldn't go with an established coach that has a lot of baggage right now, because it would take too long for trust level development.

If the bulls are to get back on track, then it would have to be with a younger type who would get immediate player buy-in. Someone who has played a high level and been exposed to all types of team-coached circumstances.

Also high on my list is someone who can balance enthusiasm, trust, encouragement and analytical judgments as seen from organizational levels.

Paxon should pick Stu Jackson.

Still, whatever coach they get its not going to turn them into instant contenders. They are solid at every position but nothing stands out. Heinrich is solid but not great and that little 6' shooting guard they have is not making it.

They need an agressive GM who is not afraid to take some risks. Especially since they are effectivly off the FA market this summer.

Good news to me if they stay the same. .500 something team that will get knocked off in the 1st or 2nd round.

I dunno. Seems like they are stuck between a rock and hard place. They are a team who is supposed to contend for a title. We all know that there aren't many coaches available for teams trying to turn the corner. In terms of demand, there are many teams trying to take the next step towards contendership, but absolutely zero coaches available with a proven resume, except for....................LB4LB, and as hard as LB is on guards, Heinrich & BenG, would be a mental mess by March. He'd have Duhon, Griffin, Deng, Ben and Joe Smith starting, Tyrus Thomas, Hawes, Noah, Gordan, and Heinrich would be DNP-CD's every game.

Doug Collins:pound:

Talked about this when the news broke on Sirius NBA radio with Dee Brown. One name that came up is Terry Porter.
One of the main problems is Wallace's contract is so huge they can't afford the money for Gordon and Deng both. They would be paid less than him. Smart move (of course) to let Ben walk so we could sign CB to his money.

Talked about this when the news broke on Sirius NBA radio with Dee Brown. One name that came up is Terry Porter.
One of the main problems is Wallace's contract is so huge they can't afford the money for Gordon and Deng both. They would be paid less than him. Smart move (of course) to let Ben walk so we could sign CB to his money.

Exactly.

It is Big Ben's Big Contract that we did not offer, that along with trading Nazr and C-Bill's new team first contract, that are going to keep us financially competitive and on the court at the top of league.

The Bulls had to choose.

Remove Skiles in the hopes that Big Ben will be a lot happier and pick up his game enough to get the Bulls into the playoffs this year.

or

Stay status quo and get a lottery pick.

Unfortunately, for them the removing Skiles did not help their financial position.

Dr. D. Phd in Commerce. He knows how to handle the $$$$$$$.

:hoops:

Still, whatever coach they get its not going to turn them into instant contenders. They are solid at every position but nothing stands out.


Sounds like the Pistons.

How the hell is this Ben's fault too?

....okay...it's Christmas....I'm not going to start...........breathe.......breathe....

How the hell is this Ben's fault too?

....okay...it's Christmas....I'm not going to start...........breathe.......breathe....

If you are referring to my post that is not what I said.

I said

1. The Bulls overpaid for him because it eliminated in their financial flexibility,

2. Dr. D was smart in not offering a max contract to Big Ben

3. Big Ben and Skiles didn't get along (headband situation is just one example). Now that Skiles is gone Big Ben should be happier and therefore play better. When he plays better the Bulls play better.

In none of the above is Big Ben being accused of being at fault for anything.

Happy Holidays

:hoops:

Now that Skiles is gone Big Ben should be happier and therefore play better.

:hoops:



Not just Ben, but any player who doesn`t give his all everytime he steps on the floor (making the kind of money that Ben does) is a disgrace to sports.

I can deal with someone being unhappy, however, you are still recieving your check on the 1st and 15th of the month so you should be playing at your best, unless you are injured.

Not just Ben, but any player who doesn`t give his all everytime he steps on the floor (making the kind of money that Ben does) is a disgrace to sports.

I can deal with someone being unhappy, however, you are still recieving your check on the 1st and 15th of the month so you should be playing at your best, unless you are injured.

As everyone knows I put a lot of importance the emotional aspect of the game and I believe that when a player and his coach don't get along it can negatively affect a player's emotions and hence his performance.

In my opinion fighting through physical pain, can often be less difficult than fighting through emotional pain.

:hoops:

How the hell is this Ben's fault too?

....okay...it's Christmas....I'm not going to start...........breathe.......breathe....

Thank you. It isn't. Good Lord.

Of all the simplistic, escape goat ideas this one beats all.

Merry Christmas Big Ben Wallace. I'll always love you and I promise that anytime someone takes a cheap shot at you I'll put them on ignore. Amen.

Thank you. It isn't. Good Lord.

Of all the simplistic, escape goat ideas this one beats all.

Merry Christmas Big Ben Wallace. I'll always love you and I promise that anytime someone takes a cheap shot at you I'll put them on ignore. Amen.

No one said it was Ben's fault.

:hoops:

As everyone knows I put a lot of importance the emotional aspect of the game and I believe that when a player and his coach don't get along it can negatively affect a player's emotions and hence his performance.

In my opinion fighting through physical pain, can often be less difficult than fighting through emotional pain.

:hoops:

There have been many examples of players and coaches not getting along, yet still remain competitive (against the opponent) and successful.

If a player is making max money and unhappy with his coach and fails to produce on the court, IMO, it shows a lack of maturity and selfishness. It has nothing to do with emotion.

There have been many examples of players and coaches not getting along, yet still remain competitive (against the opponent) and successful.I

A lot of people have made a big deal of Kobe being able to rise above all the negative stuff in the media and lead the Lakers this year to one of the best records in the league.

Why

1. Because he is a star and great media copy.
2. Because it is unusual for most people to do that, regardless of how much money they are making.

It seems to me that you are being very hard on Big Ben, and unfairly so.


:hoops:

A lot of people have made a big deal of Kobe being able to rise above all the negative stuff in the media and lead the Lakers this year to one of the best records in the league.

Why

1. Because he is a star and great media copy.
2. Because it is unusual for most people to do that, regardless of how much money they are making.

It seems to me that you are being very hard on Big Ben, and unfairly so.


:hoops:

What?

I am talking about any player who exhibits the attitude and behavior that you stated in your previous post.

You said Ben was being emotional and unhappy with Skiles and that led to his poor play thus far this season.

I for one don`t believe Ben`s lees than stellar perfomance at times this season is because of his relationship with Skiles. I am not being hard on Ben.

Kobe is a very good example, thanks, however, I wasn`t even thinking of Kobe.

You said Ben was being emotional and unhappy with Skiles and that led to his poor play thus far this season.


Sorry if I wasn't clear.

I thought I said that Big Ben was unhappy with the conflict that existed between them, which is not the same as being unhappy with Skiles.

In relationships almost everyone is unhappy with conflict that may exist, but that doesn't mean that they are being unhappy with the person that they are having that conflict with.

:hoops:

Sorry if I wasn't clear.

I thought I said that Big Ben was unhappy with the conflict that existed between them, which is not the same as being unhappy with Skiles.

In relationships almost everyone is unhappy with conflict that may exist, but that doesn't mean that they are being unhappy with the person that they are having that conflict with.

:hoops:

I hear ya.

In an article today Pax says they may not hire a coach until the summer with one of the assistants running the team until then.

Surely not...

If you are referring to my post that is not what I said.

I said

1. The Bulls overpaid for him because it eliminated in their financial flexibility,

2. Dr. D was smart in not offering a max contract to Big Ben

3. Big Ben and Skiles didn't get along (headband situation is just one example). Now that Skiles is gone Big Ben should be happier and therefore play better. When he plays better the Bulls play better.

In none of the above is Big Ben being accused of being at fault for anything.

Happy Holidays

No, it wasn't solely in response to you. I didn't think you inferred that at any point. It was just the first two pages of this thread that almost drove me over the edge. That and the assumption that Ben Wallace only plays when he wants to.

But, I'm letting it go. Some people just hate guys that are poor FT shooters no matter what they do.

No, it wasn't solely in response to you. I didn't think you inferred that at any point. It was just the first two pages of this thread that almost drove me over the edge. That and the assumption that Ben Wallace only plays when he wants to.

But, I'm letting it go. Some people just hate guys that are poor FT shooters no matter what they do.

I hear ya.

Glad ya didn't jump. Its not worth it.

:hoops:

In an article today Pax says they may not hire a coach until the summer with one of the assistants running the team until then.

Surely not...

Ian Eagle and Dee Brown thought that Pete Myers might take it over for awhile, but they figured a hire would come pretty quick.

One thing I asked is if the problem is Ben's game is offensive rebounding and kickout to the guards or in our case, big men who could shoot. The Bulls primarily have jumpshooters and therefore no offensive rebounds.
I noticed that in our losses to the Bulls, Nocione was the one that got penetration and Ben got the Offensive rebounds when our defense failed.

Carlisle, Brown, Westphal interested in Bulls opening (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Carlisle-Brown-Westphal-interested-in-Bulls-op?urn=nba,59129)

Tuesday, Dec 25, 2007 12:04 pm EST

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_rumors__17/ept_sports_rumors-231180190-1190744522.jpg?ymLXuL.CJfb69EXDGetty Images

Chicago Bulls (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/chi/) GM John Paxson made it clear that he was unlikely to pick a permanent successor this season, or as permanent as a coach can be in the NBA these days the Chicago Tribune reported.
Sources say inquiries have already been made on behalf of Rick Carlisle and Larry Brown, each a former coach of the year, and Paul Westphal, who's back on an NBA bench as a Dallas assistant.

Rumors - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors;_ylt=AhN2eNzrXl7xK5CKGjhIKj.QvLYF)

:hoops:

Sounds like the Pistons.

Lot of things stand out for the Pistons. Billups vs Heinrich, Rip vs Gordon, Sheed vs Joe Smith. Anyone take the Bulls in that?

The Bulls have not been in the same serious contender class ( beyond pre-season hype ) that the Pistons have enjoyed for the past 4 seasons since #23 played for them. I could only imagine what a 20-7 start would mean to them.

Our story is more one of wasted opportunities.

Skiles has ALWAYS been a loser. It was only a matter of time. He was known to be selfish as a player (thats why his 30 assist game hardly EVER gets mentioned as a great record, because unlike hockey assists , some guards try to hog the offense, like Kevin Porter) and he was selfish as a coach. As for his relationship with Ben?:
..........Look what he's done to my boy!(see 'The Godfather')....


goodbye, good riddance...GIVEME SOME TRAVELING MUSIC, BOYS(Take the ATrain playing in background):pound:

Hey, Scotty Bowman wasn't liked by players. He pulled their strings all the time and played pranks on them to keep them on their toes. However, the guy has won everywhere he has coached. The player doesn't have to like the coach. The player has to respect the coach and play hard.

As expected, the Bulls announced today that assistant Jim Boylan will be the interim coach for the rest of this season:

ESPN - Boylan to take reins of Bulls for remainder of 2007-08 season - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3169999)

There is a poll currently running on the Yahoo NBA front web page.

The question is:

Who should the Bulls hire as their next permanent coach?

The popular choice is:

Drum Roll.

Pound for Pound. LOL


Who should the Bulls hire as their next permanent coach?

Jim Boylan ----------02%
Larry Brown --------39%
Jeff Van Gundy -----35%
None of the above --24%

NBA on Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba)

:hoops:

I'm sitting here giggling a bit thinking about Larry Brown's head blowing off trying to coach Ben Gordon.
I love Larry, but I think the NBA has had enough Larry Brown to last a long, long time.

They fire Skiles around Christmas. That's cold.
I used to think that firing people at Xmas is cruel, but not so much anymore. We spend the first 6 months of the year paying taxes, I would hate to get fired in July, when my taxes are all paid up!

....okay...it's Christmas....I'm not going to start...........breathe.......breathe....
Breathing is good. A big dead rotting Low is absolutely no good to us!

Well, the interim coach will coach the team through the end of the season.

Sports Central | Sports Articles and Columns | NBA | Centers Reclaim the Paint, and NBA (http://www.sports-central.org/sports/2007/12/27/centers_reclaim_the_paint_and_nba.php)


The old guys — Shaq, Ben Wallace, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas — are quickly wearing down. It's the first year they aren't among the premiere centers in the league. It's largely because they've just gotten old, but it's also because everyone else has gotten so much better.


I thought Z was still putting up decent numbers, but I'll admit that Shaq and Ben have not shown much so far.

I love Larry, but I think the NBA has had enough Larry Brown to last a long, long time.


I used to think that firing people at Xmas is cruel, but not so much anymore. We spend the first 6 months of the year paying taxes, I would hate to get fired in July, when my taxes are all paid up!


Breathing is good. A big dead rotting Low is absolutely no good to us!

Not everyone in America celebrates Christmas.

When TMZ saw Kareem last week walking down a street in N.Y. they caught up with him and wished him a Merry Christmas.

He scowled at the TMZ reporter and said.

"I don't celebrate Christmas"

This is true. Cap is Muslim.

:hoops:

I used to think that firing people at Xmas is cruel, but not so much anymore. We spend the first 6 months of the year paying taxes, I would hate to get fired in July, when my taxes are all paid up!


LOL

I think i'm the only one who would be absolutely terrified if they hired LB as their coach. He's a nutcase yes, but a damn good playoff coach. I feel like we would have the most difficult time beating them (more so that we do already :))

If they wanted a relentless defensive dictator, they would have just kept Skiles.

The players stopped responding to his motivation techniques.

LOL

I think i'm the only one who would be absolutely terrified if they hired LB as their coach. He's a nutcase yes, but a damn good playoff coach. I feel like we would have the most difficult time beating them (more so that we do already :))

Pistons already beat an LB team back in 03 when he was with the Sixers.

Depends on what LB they get. If they get the one we had in 03/04 then he could really shape that team up. Given they way he is most of the time, clashing with the front office and whatnot, I can't see Paxon going for it.

Of course its going to have to wait until next year in either case. Be intestesting if they even make the playoffs this year.

Paxson should be the one going as well. He built this team. He signed Ben to that horrible contract. He drafted another Ben prototype in Noah. He gave up Aldridge. He gave up on Chandler. I could go on...

Paxson should be the one going as well. He built this team. He signed Ben to that horrible contract. He drafted another Ben prototype in Noah. He gave up Aldridge. He gave up on Chandler. I could go on...

agreed.

Trading Aldridge and not re-signing Chandler were two huge mistakes.

By keeping Aldridge + Chandler instead of getting Thomas + Wallace, the Bulls would be a much better team AND would have saved $4.7M per year, which would be available to sign other players.

Aldridge + Chandler = 29.2 points/ 18.5 rebounds/ and .555 fg%

Thomas + Wallace = 10.8 points/ 13.4 rebounds/ and .373 fg%

If the salaries were reversed, it would still be a no-brainer.

I didn't realize how far Ben Wallace has fallen. His rebounding is now 28th in the NBA at 8.4 per game. Even McDyess (204) has more rebounds than Ben (201). Perhaps Skiles took more blame than he deserved...

I didn't realize how far Ben Wallace has fallen. His rebounding is now 28th in the NBA at 8.4 per game. Even McDyess (204) has more rebounds than Ben (201). Perhaps Skiles took more blame than he deserved...

Perhaps Ben is still looking for the right coach.

LOL

I think i'm the only one who would be absolutely terrified if they hired LB as their coach. He's a nutcase yes, but a damn good playoff coach. I feel like we would have the most difficult time beating them (more so that we do already :))


The Bulls need more help than a good coach!

The Bulls need more help than a good coach!

You're probably right.

Thinking about it more, the CHI players have proven that they're not mentally touch at all. LB might be more likely to break them than anything else. Although, he does have insider knowledge of our players though.

Looks like it doesn't matter this year anyway.

Apparently the one immediate change that Boylan is making will be to move Gordon into a Manu role off the bench, with Duhon replacing him in the starting lineup. Paxson says here (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-071227chicagobullsnewcoachjimboylan,1,4309771.stor y?ctrack=2&cset=true)that he wants to see the younger guys play more (I think that mostly means Thomas and Noah)...BUT...only "if things don't start to turn around to where we play better and win more games." Bulls fans want those guys getting more of Big Ben's minutes right now, so they aren't likely to be very happy with this.

Apparently the one immediate change that Boylan is making will be to move Gordon into a Manu role off the bench, with Duhon replacing him in the starting lineup. Paxson says here (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-071227chicagobullsnewcoachjimboylan,1,4309771.stor y?ctrack=2&cset=true)that he wants to see the younger guys play more (I think that mostly means Thomas and Noah)...BUT...only "if things don't start to turn around to where we play better and win more games." Bulls fans want those guys getting more of Big Ben's minutes right now, so they aren't likely to be very happy with this.

I still maintain that Noah is way over rated.

Other than his running ability and ability to jump up and down and wave his hands in the air to get the crowd psyched up, I was not impressed with his game when he was at Florida.

:hoops:

I still maintain that Noah is way over rated.

Other than his running ability and ability to jump up and down and wave his hands in the air to get the crowd psyched up, I was not impressed with his game when he was at Florida.

:hoops:
Noah is probably the Varejao type of the player - high energy, some hops, gets the boards and quite limited offensively. It wasn't what Chicago needed already having Thomas and Wallace. Don't you think they'd love to have someoneo like Stuckey to penetrate and dish to all their shooters?

Noah is probably the Varejao type of the player - high energy, some hops, gets the boards and quite limited offensively. It wasn't what Chicago needed already having Thomas and Wallace. Don't you think they'd love to have someoneo like Stuckey to penetrate and dish to all their shooters?

Are you suggesting that we trade Flip Murray to the Bulls for Noah? Great idea.

Are you suggesting that we trade Flip Murray to the Bulls for Noah? Great idea.

Only if he promises to give free tennis lessons to Palace personnel.


Joakim Noah

Background Noah is of Swedish, French and Cameroonian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameroon) descent. He was born February 25, 1985 to Yannick Noah (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yannick_Noah), a former French professional tennis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis) player and 1983 French Open (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Open_%28tennis%29) Champion




Yannick Noah

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yannick_Noah#column-one), search (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yannick_Noah#searchInput)
Yannick Noah
Country http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/20px-Flag_of_France.svg.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_France.svg) France (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France) Residence - Date of birth May 18 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_18), 1960 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960) Place of birth Sedan, France (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedan%2C_France) Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) Weight 180 lbs (81 kg) Turned Pro 1977 Retired 1996 Plays Right-handed Career Prize Money US$ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_dollar)3,440,660 Singles Career record: 476-210 Career titles: 23 Highest ranking: 3 (7-Jul-86) Grand Slam results Australian Open (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Open) SF (1990) French Open (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Open_%28tennis%29) W (1983) Wimbledon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Championships%2C_Wimbledon) 3R (1979, 1985) U.S. Open (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Open_%28tennis%29) QF (1983, 1985, 1989) Doubles Career record: 213-109 Career titles: 16 Highest ranking: 1 (25-Aug-86) Infobox last updated on: January 23 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_23), 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007).
Yannick Noah (born May 18 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_18), 1960 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960), Sedan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedan%2C_France), Ardennes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardennes_%28d%C3%A9partement%29), France (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France)) is a former professional tennis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis) player from France. He is best remembered for winning the men's singles title at the French Open (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Open) in 1983 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983), and as a highly-successful captain of France's Davis Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_Davis_Cup_team) and Fed Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_Fed_Cup_team) teams.



Joakim Noah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joakim_Noah)

Yannick Noah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yannick_Noah)

:hoops:

Are you suggesting that we trade Flip Murray to the Bulls for Noah? Great idea.
As long as Pistons send Noah to someone else for a draft pic. Flip already strugglin trying to get regular playing time for Amir.

I didn't realize how far Ben Wallace has fallen. His rebounding is now 28th in the NBA at 8.4 per game. Even McDyess (204) has more rebounds than Ben (201). Perhaps Skiles took more blame than he deserved...

Careful, a large proportion of formulites would have a hard time dealing with that reality factor.

I practically fell out of my chair when I read an earlier comment on: "Can't Ben get along with any coach?"

Paxon should be man enough to admit he made a huge mistake and buy Ben out to save the rest of the team. It really wouldn't be a big deal...it's only money. Bulls have to move on.

I find it pretty funny how many times John Paxson's name has been spelt incorrectly in this thread.

Paxon, Paxton? haha.

Also this post of Buddha's made me pretty hungry. :hungry:


Just to stir the pot a little. :stirthepot:

...unless they agreed to eat a big chunk of his salary but would that do them any good? :burgereater:

...if the Bulls traded Big Ben but ate some of his contract how that would affect their cap. :eatpizza:

...depending on how much of his contract that they have to eat and hope that Big Ben's performance improves enough to warrant most if not all of his salary. :pop2:

Ben suffers from depression. This is a real malady. He is struggling to ply his craft. I believe that a change in scenery would help. He'll not snap out of this malady unless he is able to resolve the issues in his head. Notice the only games that he connects with are the games against the PISTONS. Thats when he feels whole again. He simply misses his buddies. Just like many of us still miss him and appreciate what he has done for our franchise..........:stirthepot:

Ben suffers from depression. This is a real malady. He is struggling to ply his craft. I believe that a change in scenery would help. He'll not snap out of this malady unless he is able to resolve the issues in his head. Notice the only games that he connects with are the games against the PISTONS. Thats when he feels whole again. He simply misses his buddies. Just like many of us still miss him and appreciate what he has done for our franchise..........:stirthepot:

I think it was either Big Ben or Flipper. In my opinion they just could not resolve their differences. The blame to me falls on Flipper, because as coach it is his responsibility to do what is necessary to insure that his players want to play for him.

:hoops:

I think it was either Big Ben or Flipper. In my opinion they just could not resolve their differences. The blame to me falls on Flipper, because as coach it is his responsibility to do what is necessary to insure that his players want to play for him.

:hoops:

agreed, and if Ben was 3-4 years younger Joe probably would have kept ben and sent flip packing... but ben's window was closing and Joe knew it.

I find it pretty funny how many times John Paxson's name has been spelt incorrectly in this thread.

Paxon, Paxton? haha.

One poster on the Blog a Bull website started a thread slamming "Jim Paxon" for promoting an assistant who won't play their young big men...LOL.

I find it pretty funny how many times John Paxson's name has been spelt incorrectly in this thread.

Paxon, Paxton? haha.

I'm sorry...I was thinking of Patton.

One poster on the Blog a Bull website started a thread slamming "Jim Paxon" for promoting an assistant who won't play their young big men...LOL.

The organizational man will fulfill his role. A bit disingenuous, but what the hell, this is business and a ruthless one (what's new) at that.

February is a prelude that will make your head swim.

agreed, and if Ben was 3-4 years younger Joe probably would have kept ben and sent flip packing... but ben's window was closing and Joe knew it.

I am never bothered by conclusions. I am more concerned by the customarily pathways leading up to them.

Your conclusions leave out a whole host of interesting Shakespearean plot twist that leave not a rack behind. Instead, you hop-skip-jump into the conclusion's status of a deus ex machina, which would indeed, embarrass JD.

I think it was either Big Ben or Flipper. In my opinion they just could not resolve their differences. The blame to me falls on Flipper, because as coach it is his responsibility to do what is necessary to insure that his players want to play for him.

:hoops:

Yeah, how about consulting Sloan on that one?

Yeah, how about consulting Sloan on that one?

Sloan only puts guys like Arroyo and Giricek in his doghouse. Not exactly all-star calibre. Flip was extremely lucky that he put 'the face of the franchise' in the doghouse and got away with it.

Maybe we should start calling Flip, 'the Magician'.

Sloan only puts guys like Arroyo and Giricek in his doghouse. Not exactly all-star calibre. Flip was extremely lucky that he put 'the face of the franchise' in the doghouse and got away with it.

Maybe we should start calling Flip, 'the Magician'.

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20071225&Category=SPORTS03&ArtNo=312250019&Ref=AR&MaxW=275&MaxH=300&border=0

:hoops:

After watching Ben play the past 2 Bulls games, you see a different player. There could be two reasons for this 1/ he was dogging it under Skiles, 2/ the way he feels emotionally is extremely important as to how he plays. I don't know which one it is. I would've said the latter b/c i think Ben has too much pride to not try, but alot of the things he's doing better now are just effort related. I'm starting to feel like my perception of him was just that, a perception.

I still fully blame Flip for the situation though. He couldn't have handled it worse, and doesn't seem to know how to handle players in general, as seen with his continuing inabilities.

"Hey, Amir, you will play, we're working on getting you time, Stay ready"

Primo Brezec enters, Amir DNP-CD

I'm sorry...I was thinking of Patton.

Who the hell is Jim Patton?

I still fully blame Flip for the situation though. He couldn't have handled it worse, and doesn't seem to know how to handle players in general, as seen with his continuing inabilities.

He seems to have resolved his issues with Sheed.

Hold on just a minute. Sheed is the coach, so that is not a good example.

:hoops:

He seems to have resolved his issues with Sheed.

Hold on just a minute. Sheed is the coach, so that is not a good example.

:hoops:

So, Sheed decided this year to reduce his minutes? It`s Sheed who is making decisions on AJ`s minutes and the increased PT for Max?

Please get off the Sheed is the coach kick.........

So, Sheed decided this year to reduce his minutes? It`s Sheed who is making decisions on AJ`s minutes and the increased PT for Max?

Please get off the Sheed is the coach kick.........

It is not a kick.

I honestly believe that Sheed has a very significant influence on what happens in the locker room and on the court. I and others have brought links to support this position. You might want to go back and read them.

Sorry you don't see it that way.

As far as AJ goes, the answer to the question is definitely yes beyond a doubt. Sheed has been working with AJ all year and I can guarantee you that he is giving serious big time input to the coaching staff including Saunders about whether AJ is ready to move into the rotation. Who better to know than the guy who plays against him in practice and mentors him.

Since AJ is playing behind Maxey, AJ minutes affect Maxey's and vice versa. So yes Sheed is even having a big input on Maxey's minutes.

Thank you

:hoops:

It is not a kick.

I honestly believe that Sheed has a very significant influence on what happens in the locker room and on the court. I and others have brought links to support this position. You might want to go back and read them.

Sorry you don't see it that way.

As far as AJ goes, the answer to the question is definitely yes beyond a doubt. Sheed has been working with AJ all year and I can guarantee you that he is giving serious big time input to the coaching staff including Saunders about whether AJ is ready to move into the rotation. Who better to know than the guy who plays against him in practice and mentors him.

Since AJ is playing behind Maxey, AJ minutes affect Maxey's and vice versa. So yes Sheed is even having a big input on Maxey's minutes.

Thank you

:hoops:

Give me a break.

I am sure Sheed does have sme input on what happens in the lockeroom and on the court., and so does CB, Rip, and Tay. I guess they are assistant coaches.

But to say Sheed coaches the team is a stretch, sorry you don1t see it that way. Now, if it`s your opinion that Sheed is the coach, then i see your point.

Who the hell is Jim Patton?

Just an analogy I was thinking of:

Paxson=Montgomery (English Army Officer WWII)
Skiles= Patton (American General WWII)

As far as AJ goes, the answer to the question is definitely yes beyond a doubt. Sheed has been working with AJ all year and I can guarantee you that he is giving serious big time input to the coaching staff including Saunders about whether AJ is ready to move into the rotation.

I think not. Sheed has enough problems just keep himself in the starting rotation.

Sheed suffers,from what I call at times, the Pascallian dilemma:


Mans ills come from the fact that he had not yet learned to sit quietly in a room. Pascal

After watching Ben play the past 2 Bulls games, you see a different player. There could be two reasons for this 1/ he was dogging it under Skiles, 2/ the way he feels emotionally is extremely important as to how he plays.


....uh 3/ bone spurs

Pippen wants to coach Bulls (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Pippen-wants-to-coach-Bulls?urn=nba,59566)

Monday, Dec 31, 2007 3:40 pm EST

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_rumors/ept_sports_rumors-979685369-1172850771.jpg?ymUxdH9C_DZXQX3r
Former Chicago Bulls (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/chi/) great Scottie Pippen says he's serious about coaching, and if there is an opening with the Chicago Bulls, he believes he's perfect.
"What's my disadvantage?" Pippen asked. "No NBA coaching experience? [Scott] Skiles' record with the Bulls wasn't that great. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to do what you've done your whole life. I've played basketball, run teams and won.
"They didn't put me at point guard because I could dribble good. They put me there because I could run a team. I wasn't the best dribbler, the best shooter. I wasn't a point guard. But I knew how to run a team."
LMAO!!!

With quotes like this, I hope he gets a head coaches job in the NBA. LOL

Rumors - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors;_ylt=Aht_rvQMXd60kORVzW5fFuS8vLYF)

:hoops:

Game over
It has been reported that the firing of Bulls coach Scott Skiles was ordered by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and that general manager John Paxson had to do it against his wishes.

Not true. Reinsdorf didn't want to buy Skiles out of the final year and a half of his deal at all. It was Paxson who insisted on making the change.

Here's how Paxson and Skiles fell out. Skiles told Paxson that he thought the team was irreversibly broken. Paxson told Skiles to fix it. Skiles said he couldn't. The players apparently got wind that Skiles had quit on them. In fact, one report had Ben Wallace going to Paxson and complaining that the players felt Skiles had bailed. The ballgame was pretty much over at that point.
Webber will 'definitely play,' but there's no room with Pistons (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071231/SPORTS0102/712310301/1127)

:hoops:

Just an analogy I was thinking of:

Paxson=Montgomery (English Army Officer WWII)
Skiles= Patton (American General WWII)

I know....me = witty

I still maintain that Noah is way over rated.

Other than his running ability and ability to jump up and down and wave his hands in the air to get the crowd psyched up, I was not impressed with his game when he was at Florida.



Noah is now playing more, making big contributions on both end, and the Bulls are winning.

Good for them that should help
the whole dictator coach was'nt working out

Northwest Herald - Local News and Video for McHenry County, Illinois - Kaduk: Pax didn’t equip Bulls for pitfalls (http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2008/01/10/sports/columnists/doc4785dd9fd9349469832738.txt)

it’s clear the reluctance to trade either player was because of Paxson’s grand plan of building a championship contender in the image of Joe Dumars’ Detroit Pistons. That design worked rather well for the Bulls’ GM the first few years with the club reaching the second round of the playoffs last spring and the team setting its sights even higher last fall.

But the crucial mistake he made among the early hype was overlooking the fact that his players were another year older. Far from the Baby Bulls that hooked us with their energetic play in the 2004-05 season, the core of Gordon, Deng and Kirk Hinrich were established players in the league. They no longer need to prove themselves by earning a spot on the roster.

Northwest Herald - Local News and Video for McHenry County, Illinois - Kaduk: Pax didn’t equip Bulls for pitfalls (http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2008/01/10/sports/columnists/doc4785dd9fd9349469832738.txt)

Of course, it’s clear the reluctance to trade either player was because of Paxson’s grand plan of building a championship contender in the image of Joe Dumars’ Detroit Pistons. That design worked rather well for the Bulls’ GM the first few years with the club reaching the second round of the playoffs last spring and the team setting its sights even higher last fall.

Since when did Joe build the Pistons through drafting young players?

Of course, it’s clear the reluctance to trade either player was because of Paxson’s grand plan of building a championship contender in the image of Joe Dumars’ Detroit Pistons. That design worked rather well for the Bulls’ GM the first few years with the club reaching the second round of the playoffs last spring and the team setting its sights even higher last fall.

Since when did Joe build the Pistons through drafting young players?

Just tells you how much they know b-bal in the windy city. :pound:

Just tells you how much they know b-bal in the windy city. :pound:

Or at least in McHenry county.