I’m Reading: Bulls looking at Harrington? Joakim Getting Close

Al Harrington

Marc Berman of the New York Post looks at Al Harrington’s situation, seeing as Al will be a free agent and the Knicks are almost certain to let him walk. Berman quotes a source as saying the “Wizards, Blazers and Bulls have interest“. I highly doubt the Bulls will go anywhere near Al Harrington. Harrington is known as a blockhead. He’s nice if you have a serious offensive need to fill, but the Bulls need to go into the opposite direction at his position slot.

And someone tell me why the Wizards would have interest?

Because Washington has a guy named Andray Blatche who’s become their go-to guy, and is basically a better version of Harrington. Meanwhile the trade of Brendan Haywood let the Wizards open up playing time for Javale Mcgee who the Wizards love. Harrington coming in would contradict the mid-season trade unless he’s open to a smaller role. (unlikely)

Joakim Noah Update

K.C. Johnson writes about a excited Noah talking about a return from injury. In Noah’s mind he’s a bit closer to returning than the actual reality. All things considered, sure, Noah’s foot is a lot better, but plantar fasciitis is one of the trickiest injuries out there. I’ve watched guys go through the same exact process, only to have a relapse and ultimately have to retire because of this ailment. So personally i’m not about to get my hopes up and I advise you do the same. Look for Noah to get light minutes early next week, but probably not this weekend against Philly.

Tags: Al Harrington, Andray Blatche, Chicago Bulls, Javale McGee, Joakim Noah, K.C. Johnson, Marc Berman, Washington Wizards

I’m Reading: The Wrist of Rose, Bosh is Not LBJ

When it rains, it pours, says the latest injury to Derrick Rose which could sideline him for tomorrow’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Nine times out of ten it wouldn’t be such a big deal with Hinrich being a more-than-suitable back-up, but his suspension for inadvertently bumping a referee may result in Pargo being integrated into the starting line-up seeing as if Rose can’t suit up. Further information on Rose should be available later today as the Bulls want to see how he responds to yesterday’s loosening techniques on his sprained wrist.

The Difference Between Bosh And LBJ

Chris Bosh is not Lebron James. After free agency, the similarities stop there. James prefers to keep quiet on his personal desires to move forward as an NBA player,(LBJ loves the attention, and staying mum does nothing but keep the banter going) while Bosh openly complains about his club, leading to more speculation that there’s a minimal chance of CB4 re-signing in Toronto.

With the Raptors having lost nine of their last ten, Bosh sounded off on his teammates following a loss to the Warriors.

Make no bones, the Raptors can score the ball. They have one of the best offensive teams in the league. But scoring isn’t the problem, it’s stopping the ball. The Raptors are a horrible defensive team and have been for a while. Bosh himself is not an elite defender, but he’s not bad either. Certainly not the main source of blame. I feel for Bosh when his teammates are either A)Constantly letting players get into the teeth of their defense or B)Not being able to make the necessary rotations to ensure a defensive stop.

If Bosh decides to stay in Toronto it’s clear he must put the pressure of them to rebuild the defense. That’s how the situation gets dramatically better. You can tell me get rid of Jose Calderon but a better ‘team philosophy’ on that end could result in an ample amount of victories.

The mistake in Toronto was not bringing in an assistant to be the “defensive coordinator”. Boston brought in Tom Thibodeau and became the best defensive team in the league. Oklahoma City brought in Ron Adams to revamp their defense, which is being lauded as one of the biggest reasons next to Kevin Durant for the development of the Thunder. See a pattern here?

Games are won on the defensive end. When CB4 figures that out, give the Bulls a call.

Tags: 2010 free agency, Boston Celtics, Bryan Colangelo, Chicago Bulls, Chris Bosh, Cleveland Cavaliers, Derrick Rose, Jose Calderon, Lebron James, Oklahoma City Thunder, Ron Adams, Tom Thibodeau, Toronto Raptors

Tyrus Thomas: One Big Useless

This post is dedicated to Tyrus Thomas. A gentleman, a scholar, and one helluva head scratcher. His tenure in Chicago is best described as one big tease, and if you were to privately ask Bulls’ personnel about Tyrus, you’d damn sure get a colorful answer.

The only reason i’m typing this is out of frustration. I wasted hours upon hours watching Thomas, seeing the potential while looking forward to watching him blossom before our eyes. It never happened until Thomas was traded to Charlotte where he’s now putting up 11 and 7 off the bench for Larry Brown. Where was this for the Bulls?

Unfortunately, we got the verbal idiocracy. We got the “idiot package” , void of his athleticism or defensive instincts. But if you want to hear about his most famous moment as a Chicago Bull, then keep on reading.

Thomas was being interviewed on his nomination for the Dunk Contest. Tyrus, being Tyrus, had his opinions:

“I’m just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day… I’m just into the free money. That’s it. I’ll just do whatever when I get out there.” (This attitude is part of why NBA players are wearing suits on the bench)

Now pardon me if I don’t think Thomas is consulted by Ari Fleischer….

“It was a miscommunication and understanding of words,” Thomas said. “I take it as a lesson learned. I hate that this happened. I don’t want to give a bad impression. I didn’t even think I said it in a way to make it be as if I was saying, ‘OK, I’m going out to get a check, and that’s it.’ I didn’t [want to make it] like that at all.”

Oh, alright.

“I’m just into the free money that’s it”

Yeah, taken out of context…

I know this post is random, and doesn’t really have any point to it, but what’s half the point of writing? To express a distinct feeling. And that distinct feeling is I hate Tyrus Thomas. He’s a classic example of how the modern NBA picks more on upside nowadays as opposed to proven success. Things may be shaking out correctly for Tyrus right now because of an injury to Gerald Wallace, but wait until he returns and Thomas is relegated to the bench. He’ll be a mirror-image of what he was here.

When that happens, I’ll be the first one to say “I told you so”.

This Message Was Brought To You By the Tyrus Thomas hatred Fan Club.

Tags: Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Gerald Wallace, Larry Brown, Tyrus Thomas

Rose with Bruised Wrist

MRI results showed no structural damage to the left wrist of Derrick Rose which is certainly good news. Rose is listed as day-to-day with a 80% chance of playing against Memphis.

Tags: Derrick Rose

Put the Losing Down, Keep The Perspective

It’s a very simple task. Step away from the current disaster which is the Chicago Bulls.

Ask yourself this question: Do you deserve to watch the current carnage?

Joakim Noah? Sidelined for at least another couple weeks. Luol Deng? Banged up with the calf. Derrick Rose? Oh sh*t.

Losers of their last six, the Chicago Bulls are having a tough time of it. Injuries have simultaneously sidelined the Bulls’ marquee players, leading to the remainder of the roster having their expected difficulties because of a lack of talent.

But…there could be a light at the end of this tunnel. Put the losing down, Keep the Perspective.

Keep the Perspective is what you should be telling yourself every time Jannero Pargo bricks a 20 footer. Keep the Perspective should be circling your brain as Acie Law IV uncharacteristically gets playing time because of a wrist injury to Derrick Rose. Keep the Perspective shall continue ringing as a young guy such as Chris Richard proves “D-League Strong” compared to an established presence such as Joakim Noah.

Why Keep the Perspective?

For the interest of looking at the big picture. Were the Bulls poised to win an NBA Championship this year? Rationally, the answer is no, but most around the Chicago area have looked at this season as a barometer of what we are and ultimately what we’ll need to be to move forward and take the next step as a legitimate contender. And that last statement has as much to do with free agency as anything.

The trades of John Salmons and Tyrus Thomas opened up the availability to sign a player such as Chris Bosh this summer. And even if a player such as Bosh dismisses Chicago, the Bulls could still have options because of Carlos Boozer and David Lee. You might think I’m forgetting Amar’e Stoudemire, but from what I’ve heard, Amar’e is most likely going to Miami where he owns a home and has been vocal about his desire to play alongside Dwyane Wade.

Nonetheless, the Bulls will have their paws in the free agency cookie jar. It’s all about the market and the talent on hand, both areas in which Chicago excels. So once again, have faith and Keep the Perspective.

A Bittersweet version of “Keep the Perspective”

Most may not want to accept the possibility of missing the playoffs, and I understand that. But with the recent rash of injuries, especially this season’s concerns around Noah’s foot, there remains a legitimate possibility in that the Bulls will be watching the post-season from home.

As bad as this sounds, you could be playing your way into a better lottery selection. (Unintentionally of course)

Keeping the Perspective Continued…

It’s now very likely we could see the Bulls sign a max free agent in the summer and draft a decent-enough stud in the first round of the NBA draft. That’s a decent influx of talent right there. Furthermore, if the Bulls draft another guard, you could see Kirk Hinrich flipped in a trade. So Keep the Perspective, times are tough right now, but they could very well shake in the right direction.

You’ve just go to stay positive and hope for the best. What else could one do?

Tags: 2010 free agency, Acie Law IV, Amar'e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls, Chris Bosh, Chris Richard, David Lee, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Jannero Pargo, Joakim Noah, John Salmons, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Miami Heat, NBA Draft, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Slam Magazine, Toronto Raptors, Tyrus Thomas

I’m Reading:Lack of ‘D’ Should Be No Surprise, Jerome James Has Found A Role

Matt Mchale of BullsBytheHorns does a recap for last nights game between the Bulls and the Mavericks. Without much surprise, the Bulls look much more like a “Bullock” than an actual “Bull”. Ninety percent of the piece I agree with, except for this quote:

“The Bulls are not good enough without Joakim Noah. Not defensively, not offensively, not in any way. Even with him, they’re merely above average.”

Merely above average? The Bulls deserve a little more credit than their getting. Make no mistake, I’m not calling the Bulls a title contender, but the Bulls had some positive aspects working for them. For one, they actually D up. Something you can’t say for a lot of teams. But a player of Joakim’s caliber has a lot to do with the way they approach the game. The Bulls are at their best when they get out and run, something you can’t do if your taking the ball from out of bounds or if your not rebounding. You can’t have one without the other, and without Joakim the Bulls have been exposed.

The performance of Derrick Rose may serve as cosmetic cover-up, but as the Bulls have now lost their last four it’s starting to look grim for all with hopes in the Windy City.

Jerome James “The Heavy DJ”

This should gas you up. Jerome James, bench warming hall of famer, has earned himself his most prominent NBA role according to Mike McGraw. Jerome James is being paid 6.6 million dollars this season to be the DJ in the locker room, in charge of all things music. But this isn’t Jay-Z or Nas, this is on some weird stuff….

Jerome James:

“I try to create a calm atmosphere”. “Flip (Murray) was with me in Seattle, we had a rule there, No cursing in the lyrics”

Ok, not only are you a waste of 6.6 mill, but your content on turning the remainder of the roster into a bunch of pansies. Thank you Jerome for what has been a productive tenure with the Bulls..

Tags: Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Flip Murray, Jerome James, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Seattle Supersonics

Fantasy Basketball:My Quest to Get Better For The Playoffs

Anybody who’s been doing the fantasy basketball thing for years should know the tricks of the trade.

For one, a little less SportsCenter and a little more NBATV or league pass coverage. Anybody watching basketball knows how good Lebron James or Kobe Bryant is. We don’t need the reminder. However, when doing the Fantasy thing, it’s going to take a deeper look into the NBA.

Sounds like work? I hope not, this is the best part.

I say this because you have to look deep and find the players you truly believe in. You must scout like your getting paid.

That’s my quest right now. Noah’s injury crippled my rebounding, while Devin Harris hasn’t given me the points once promised. (I was hoping for more out of Beasley too) I’m a team with question marks looking to battle for post season position. It doesn’t sound like a good thing but you never know what your going to find. Here’s a tip:I was pretty happy after it was all said and done.

Bill Walker

Michael Beasley’s former teammate from Kansas State graduated from the Celtics with a PHD in benchwarming, but the same can’t be said for his tenure in New York. Walker has made the most of his playing time because of the absence of Wilson Chandler, showing an uncanny amount of athleticism for a player who’s already had three knee surgeries in his young career.

It’s a small sample size but the talent is obvious, as displayed by the last two games where Walker has scored 22 and 21 against the Cavaliers. If that doesn’t do anything for you, look at the increase in his minutes since the trade and the corresponding statistical production. From three minutes a game to twenty-five, while the points increase from 1 to 12.0 ppg.

This isn’t surprising for me. It was only a couple years ago that I was saying Walker could possibly replace James Posey in Boston. It’s amazing what opportunity can do for a player. And for me, I go from looking from a fool to potentially getting something out of Walker with no cost but a meaningless drop.

I would advise you to pick up Walker if somebody hasn’t already. He could be one of those players who breaks out this season to average about 14-15 ppg before the year is finished. Yes, Wilson Chandler will be back but the Knicks’ coaching staff has been so impressed with Walker that you can’t let him rot on the bench. Trust me on Walker, he will continue getting the minutes.

Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks highly of Walker. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated referred to him as being “loaded with talent“, concluding the Celtics will “regret trading him”.

Corey Maggette (If Available)

Someone in my fantasy league got the wrong piece of into on Maggette’s injury, made the drop, and now I got his 20.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 2.5 apg. Check your FA list just in case because somebody else might have made the same mistake. In truth, Maggette is slated to return by the 11th. It’s just a tweak of the Hamstring, not a tear. It’s a great move for me seeing as I couldn’t compete with the top guys in my league when it comes to points and rebounds. Once again Noah’s injury hurt me, and adding Maggette who’s stacked should lessen the blow on the backboard.

Give Him A Look

Terrence Williams-T-Will has often been called one of the most disappointing rookies this season, but he’s shown flashes recently, and with the Nets having nothing to play for it’s a good bet you could see Williams with a bigger shift in minutes.

What Potential Production Could I see From Terrence Williams?

Williams is not a natural scorer but this wouldn’t be what your looking for. His court vision and rebounding is what sets him apart from other players with his 6′4 frame. Expect assists, boards, steals with a smattering of blocks here and there. He’s an athletic freak with a amazing first step.  His jump shot will hold his scoring back, but he is capable of hitting the occasional three.

Tags: Bill Walker, Corey Maggette, fantasy basketball, Michael Beasley, Terrance Williams, Terrence Williams

I’m Reading:2010 Free Agency, Joe Johnson, Norm Van Lier

Update:Joakim Noah will be sidelined for the next three weeks, according to K.C. Johnson.

Just because Joakim Noah’s foot is a pain in the ass doesn’t mean we can’t talk free agency. Basketball prospectus has a great read on all teams lining up their ducks for this summer’s free agency. From reading this it reinforces the truth in that Chicago is as desirable as any place else contending for elite free agents. Three Reasons:

Star-Derrick Rose doesn’t lead the league in assists, but he’s a facilitator at heart. Rose is and will be the most attractive piece the Bulls have to offer. Think about Rose and Bosh on the pick & roll…or even Boozer.

Team-Add one elite player and the Bulls become incredibly deep. For instance, say Chris Bosh comes to the Bulls. The Starting lineup would like Rose, Hinrich, Deng, Bosh and Noah. Taj Gibson comes off the bench along with the possibility of Hakim Warrick. It would have been nice if we drafted Omri Casspi instead of JJ, but even bringing a consistent performer like Taj off the bench is not something every team could say.

Market-Everybody makes reference to history when speaking of Madison Square Garden, claiming it’s a huge factor when drawing free agents. I’m not saying MSG is a slouch by any stretch of the imagination. But think about it, the United Center, which has barely been around for even a third of MSG’s tenure, has seen far more “history” because of MJ and his title winning exploits. I hate to turn this into a pissing contest but the score of championships is Chicago-6 and New York-2. You want to talk history?

Everybody says MSG has the heritage, we’re not so bad either..Where’s the statue of Willis Reed?

Doug Thonus wouldn’t sign Joe Johnson long term, but makes the case for Johnson regardless. Johnson is a nice player in that he’s somewhat of a throwback, but I agree with Doug’s assessment of Johnson not being worth the money after 2-3 years. I’ll be fair also by saying Johnson has never been a big leaper (usually those players lose a step quickly, look at Vince Carter), so it’s not like he’ll have to adjust his game drastically as he gets older. But the central point should be the Bulls don’t have the need for him. What’s the point of drafting Derrick Rose then making him adjust to playing off the ball more? Not very rational in my mind. Power Forward, say it again, Power Forward.

Matt Mchale of BullsByTheHorns states his case for Norm Van Lier getting his number retired by the Bulls. Do you see any reason to disagree with Matt? I certainly don’t. Stormin’ Norman may have been under appreciated because he wasn’t an elite scorer. Kudos to Matt on a great piece, defensive legends should get their acclaim also.

Tags: 2010 free agency, Bosh to Bulls, Chris Bosh, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, I'm Reading, James Johnson, Joakim Noah, Joe Johnson, Kirk Hinrich, Lebron James, Luol Deng, Norm Van Lier, Taj Gibson, Vince Carter

Banged up Bulls with Tough Stretch of Games

Usually I’m one to hang my hat on the side of optimism, but for the Bulls at this point of the season it would be insulting to project something I honestly don’t feel.

The next eight games loom large for Chicago. Seven of the eight teams have a .500 record or better, with the Mavericks being in that span of games twice.

At the same time, the Bulls must make a go of it without two of their three core players. Joakim Noah, probably the most under appreciated center outside of Chicago, is dealing with the possibility of a foot injury that may jeopardize the rest of his season. Will you hear of Noah’s impact on a network like ESPN? Of course not, he’s not a flashy player, but all Bulls’ fans know Joakim’s value in regards to team defense and on the boards. You can criticize me, but Noah is the most important Bull behind Derrick Rose.

Luol Deng has his own injury concerns, albeit nowhere near as serious. The knee is more of day-to-day status, with Luol hoping for a return on Thursday against the Grizzlies.

In an effort to find a silver lining, Derrick Rose’s knee isn’t as bothersome as we worried, and we all know it will take much more to get the Memphis product out of the line-up. That’s good news so let’s grab on to it.

For Perspective:Rose, Noah, Deng and Miller. Those are the Bulls’ players not practicing today.

Upcoming Opponents (Next 8 games)

Memphis

Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo. That’s a team I’d look to start a franchise with in NBA live. Now in real life, the Grizzlies aren’t the Grizz we’re accustomed to.  This is a much improved offensive team that can rebound with the best of them. They’ve become a top ten scoring team to go along with guys like Randolph and Gasol who can dominate the glass on both sides.

Dallas

Speaking of rebounding, the Mavs have a guard by the name of Jason Kidd who used to be the leading rebounder on the New Jersey Nets. In Texas, Kidd doesn’t have to do everything, while the Mavericks have traded for size in Brendan Haywood and scoring in Caron Butler. Dallas has made themselves a legitimate contender, so if the Bulls can split the two games i’ll be happy.

Utah

Much like the Spurs, the Jazz usually get it together in the second half of the season. Typically the Jazz wreck people at home and struggle on the road, but Jerry Sloan’s team has improved themselves away from Energy Solutions to the tune of a 14-14 record. Boozer is playing on a natural high for the last couple months which may lead to a tenure with us, but for now, Bulls beware.

Orlando

I’m sure I’m not the only one who remembers the Bulls/Magic contest at the United Center a couple weeks ago, which makes traveling to Orlando a tougher proposition. Jameer Nelson has returned to form in recent games while the Magic are finally seeing legitimate post moves without the dunks from Dwight Howard. That’s scary, and it’s something we’ll have to deal with on the 11th.

Miami

The Heat are nothing special. I know this and you know this. It’s Dwyane Wade followed by mediocrity. Being fair though, Jermaine O’Neal has stayed healthy and put up respectable numbers for a center. Gameplan for a guy like Wade? Shrink the floor and let the others beat you.

Cleveland

Without players like Noah it will be tough to hang around with a talented Cleveland team who can not only dominate with Lebron but on the glass as well, but at least we’ll be at home. After the Cleveland game the schedule becomes a bit more friendly.

Tags: Antawn Jamison, Atlanta Hawks, Brad Miller, Brendan Haywood, Carlos Boozer, Caron Butler, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Jameer Nelson, Jason Kidd, Jermaine O'Neal, Joakim Noah, Lebron James, Luol Deng, Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Orlando Magic, Rudy Gay, Utah Jazz, Vince Carter, Zach Randolph

Bulls Sign Richard, Waive Lindsay Hunter

This shouldn’t catch you by surprise but the Bulls have signed Chris Richard to a contract. Terms of the deal are unknown, but the prelude to this is Lindsay Hunter being waived. Hunter’s a good locker room guy but it doesn’t make much of a difference for Lindsay who’s more of a locker room guy. Rarely did we see Lindsay Hunter on the floor making contributions, as he’s more of a mentor for Derrick Rose. Hunter will now be taking a position with the Bulls’ organization, probably because of his positive effect on Rose.

Tags: Chris Richard, Derrick Rose, Lindsay Hunter