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RSS: Bulls Official News · Oct 11, 2010

Expect bidding for O.J. Mayo to begin at some point

He's pretty good at a lot of things. Not great at anything. Yet O.J. Mayo clearly considers himself a key to the Memphis Grizzlies. Sam Smith writes that it is better to move a guy like that than get un an ugly negotiation at a time you have higher priori

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RSS: Blog a Bull · Oct 11, 2010

Bulls not investigating Boozer injury, and who will be the Bulls captains?

The patented KC Johnson cold-water toss (with signature bucket):

"It's a non-issue to us," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Since Boozer suffered the fractured fifth metacarpal at home on a day off, only he knows what happens for sure. He told team officials the injury occurred the same way he told reporters. Since neither the team nor media witnessed the incident, it's next to impossible to find evidence to discount Boozer's story.
(some credit to Sam Smith for denouncing it first, ironically calling it a 'media fabrication' in a column full of them...)

That's fine. I was fine with them investigating, fine with them not. Not so cool by the New York Daily News for making it up, unless this is all a nice spin job and the Bulls are still looking into it internally. Which is, again, fine by me.

In similarly interesting-but-not-really-news, noticed that (via BulletsForever) the Wizards are all but officially making Hinrich and John Wall their captains. Not only does Kirk get to keep his nickname, but the designation for Wall is in contrast to the Bulls captaincy, which has yet to be held by Derrick Rose.

You'd think Rose would have to be for this season, right?

Not only is Hinrich gone from candidacy (though I would not be shocked if he was still somehow Bulls team captain despite not being on the team anymore), but perhaps the entire system of naming the captains has changed with a new coaching regime. The past couple coaches has let the team nominate and decide, but we don't know if Thibodeau will just take control on this one. Maybe his job is made easier by (you'd hope) figuring that Rose and Noah are acting as leaders, and no veterans are around to claim the job, including the guy who's out all of camp.

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 12, 2010

Boozer optimistic about recovery

By K.C. Johnson

As for the minor news, Carlos Boozer said Tuesday morning that he will have the cast on the fractured fifth metacarpal of his right hand removed in three weeks.

"I'm doing conditioning and cardio; I'm doing good," Boozer told reporters at the Berto Center. "I hope I'm going to be back quicker than normal. We'll let the bone heal and see where we stand."

As for the non-news, Boozer responded to a published report claiming the Bulls are looking into Boozer's claim that he tripped over a gym bag to suffer his injury. The Bulls denied the report on Monday.

"It's completely false," Boozer said. "You want to get your facts right before you decide to write something that's not true. My teammates are behind me. The Bulls are behind me.

"I can't worry about what people write. I know what's real and what's going on. I'm here supporting my team. And I have the support of my team and organization. And I'm looking forward to getting back out there when my hand is ready."

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MikeDC · Oct 12, 2010

Re: Johnson: Boozer investigation talk? Bag it

RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports said: ↑

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I'm not going to bother splitting this off into a new thread just to say it, but KC should investigate why his employers use that dorky picture of him. It's probably not quite as bad as Brett Favre's junk, but jeez.

RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 12, 2010

Brewer set to make Bulls debut

By K.C. Johnson

At least for Tuesday, Ronnie Brewer won't be the starting shooting guard many projected him to be when he signed as a free agent this summer.

But Brewer at least will make his Bulls debut after missing the first three exhibition games with a sore right hamstring. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Brewer would play one stretch in each half for a total of 10-12 minutes.

"It's not going to affect the way I play," Brewer said. "I'm still going to be aggressive and be one of the most athletic guys on the court at all times."

Also, C.J.Watson will return after sitting for two games with a sore left quadriceps. The Bulls take a 1-2 record into the matchup with the Raptors.

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RSS: Blog a Bull · Oct 12, 2010

Preseason Preview and Open Game Thread #4: Bulls vs Toronto Raptors

[Thanks to Option27 for tonight's game preview -ed.]

Bulls get their first look at the Turkoglu-less Raptors tonight ; )

More importantly, we finally get a chance to see Ronnie Brewer playing in a Bulls uniform. Brewer, who has been nursing a strained hamstring since the start of camp is expected to play no more than 10 or 11 minutes tonight.

UPDATE: Brewer won't start. Bogans stays in that role for now. Via KC's Twitter

Also returning tonight is C.J. Watson (leg bruise).

CJ Watson returns after sitting for two games with a sore left quad. Thibodeau says he will play 15-18 minutes vs. Raps.

With Brewer and Watson both returning from injuries, Tom Thibodeau faces the challenge of figuring out minutes to share at the 2 guard spot. Entering the season, Brewer seemed to be a lock for the starting job but his injury has opened up playing time and allowed players like Kyle Korver and Keith Bogans to prove their worth to this team.

Preseason is not even halfway over and already the Bulls are facing questions about playing time.

The shooting guards have performed well in the first three contests. Kyle Korver is the team's leading scorer at 16.3 points per game and is shooting 53 percent from the field. Keith Bogans has started and knocked down an impressive 6 of 9 attempts from 3-point range.

The 2 guard spot appeared to be a glaring hole after free agency ended but the 3-headed monster thing may actually work out. Should be interesting to see who's minutes increase and who might not even play.

“Some guys who had been playing may not play tomorrow", warned coach Tom Thibodeau.

Blogging with the enemy at RaptorsHQ

The game is being televised on CSN-Chicago at 7 P.M. CST

Reminder: Sign up for BaB game previews!

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 12, 2010

Bulls lead Raptors at halftime

By K.C. Johnson

The Bulls welcomed Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Watson back to the lineup and then built a 57-43 lead over the Raptors at halftime Tuesday night at United Center.

The Bulls are shooting 55.8 percent with 15 assists.

Derrick Rose scored 14 points in the first quarter and Joakim Noah played the first 18 minutes, 34 seconds and tallied 10 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal.

Brewer, who has been out with a sore right hamstring, played the final 5:12 of the first quarter, recording one assist.

The first half featured coach Tom Thibodeau continuing to look at the Noah-Omer Asik pairing, which played well. It also marked the first time Watson and Rose paired in the backcourt, also to good results.

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Good Hope · Oct 12, 2010

Thanks for the update, KC!

RSS: Blog a Bull · Oct 12, 2010

Open Game Thread #4 OVERFLOW: Bulls vs Toronto Raptors

witty stuff.

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 13, 2010

Johnson: Noah, Bulls big on Asik experiment

Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose celebrate a bucket against the Raptors. (Chris Sweda/Tribune)

By K.C. Johnson

The Bulls have shot over 52 percent in back-to-back preseason victories and averaged 27 assists in those two contests. Any surprise, then, that players are raving about Tom Thibodeau's offensive sets?

Here are some other observations after the Bulls improved to 2-2 in the preseason with Tuesday's blowout victory over the Raptors:

The Omer Asik-Joakim Noah experiment is going well.

Asik turned in another active, physical effort. He finished with nine points, eight rebounds and three blocks against the Raptors. If this development continues, the Bulls will be better-suited to weather the two-month loss of Carlos Boozer.

"He's doing a lot of things that can really help our team," Noah said. "His best asset is he wants to learn, he wants to get better. You can't teach that size. And he can really move. He puts in a lot of extra work. He's hungry to become a big-time player. As long as he stays humble and hungry and driven, I think it's going to get real scary when it's right."

The Derrick Rose-C.J. Watson backcourt is fast.

Thibodeau's desire to try this look got derailed when Watson missed two games with a sore left quadriceps. The two guards played together in two different stretches against the Raptors, and their ability to push the ball upcourt made the offense click.

"I thought that combination played well," Thibodeau said. "And that's a lot of speed for us. It allows us to get up the floor defensively, get into passing lanes. And offensively, we know C.J. can score."

Noah earned his day off Wednesday.

Thibodeau canceled practice, with the Bulls having a bowling party for sponsors Wednesday evening. Noah will rest until then after playing 39 minutes, 58 seconds against the Raptors, flirting with a triple double.

"You want him to get his minutes at center, so he's in there with the starters," Thibodeau said. "I was anticipating (Andrea) Bargnani starting and I wanted to look at him guarding a range-shooting power forward. To me, that's the big test when you ask if he can play power forward. So he probably played a few more minutes than I would've liked. But I wanted to see that matchup."

With Boozer out, Noah will log minutes at both center and power forward. But he's fine with the extra duty.

"I'm feeling good," Noah said. "I understand I'm going to be playing a lot, especially early. I'm just happy I can be out there."

That's a nod, obviously, to the plantar fasciitis that limited him down the stretch of last season and continues to be a non-issue this season.

Asik can speak English.

This is a light-hearted reference to Asik still politely declining interview requests because the Turkish center is not comfortable in his second language. But Derrick Rose said the language barrier isn't an issue for teammates.

"He knows how to speak English unless he don't want to talk to you," Rose said, laughing. "Then he'll act like he doesn't know. I hope I didn't just give him up."

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RSS: Blog a Bull · Oct 13, 2010

Links: Bulls trounce Raptors, Thibodeau praise, 'One Brothers', More NBA previews

Only caught the first half of Tuesday's destruction of the Raptors. Bulls looked excellent on both ends, and an especially pleasant surprise offensively.

And while, 'it's the Raptors' is easy to say (and I said it during the game), beating up on them is certainly better than the alternative. Preseason doesn't matter that much, but looking bad in preseason against a bad team would mean something. To see a Boozer-less team be so dominant is at the least a good sign.

Better and more comprehensive coverage here, here, and here. Lots of praise for the new Thibodeau offense, being that it actually looks like an offense. And with our new coach also being able to expertly communicate about the game, I'm afraid I'll be lacking for easy material all season.

A couple other more random things:

Watched 'Once Brothers', the Vlade Divac / Drazen Petrovic documentary that's part of the very enjoyable (granted, I'm in the wheelhouse) 30 for 30 series on ESPN. I recommend catching a replay this week if you can. Not only is it simply a touching and compelling story of two friends torn apart by war, but the basketball involved is a treat to watch, from seeing formative highlights of the Yugoslavian national team to a thrilling sequence of Petrovic's '92-'93 season with the Nets. That includes some dueling with Jordan and the Bulls, and also peppered in throughout is highlights of Yugoslavian teammate Toni Kukoc. Dan Devine over at Ball Don't Lie has a very nice review.

Your Northwest Division NBA Blogger previews:

Jazz - SLC Dunk | Salt City Hoops | SBN Recap

Nuggets - Denver Stiffs | Roundball Mining Company | The Nugg Doctor | SBN Recap

Thunder - Welcome to Loud City | Planet BBall | SBN Recap

Timberwolves - Canis Hoopus | TwolvesBlog

Blazers - Blazersedge.com | SBN Recap

Recaps: All Previews

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 14, 2010

Raptors' Dorsey suspended for Scalabrine swing

Tribune News Services

NEW YORK -- The NBA has suspended Toronto's Joey Dorsey for one game for swinging his arm at Bulls forward Brian Scalabrine.

NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson announced the ban on Thursday. Dorsey will serve the suspension in the first regular-season game that he is healthy for and eligible to play in.

Dorsey swung his arm at Scalabrine with 7.3 seconds left in the Raptors' 109-90 loss at Chicago on Tuesday.

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 14, 2010

NBA union plans legal action over technicals

Tribune News Services

NEW YORK -- The NBA players association says it plans legal action over the league's decision to issue more technical fouls for complaining.

Billy Hunter, the executive director of the union, says in a statement Thursday that the players weren't consulted about the rules changes, which he calls "an unnecessary and unwarranted overreaction" by the league.
The NBA has told players they will be whistled for technicals for overt gestures, running up to an official to contest a call, or other actions that don't show proper respect for the game.

But Hunter says the players have been respectful, and the new rules stifle the players' passion.

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 15, 2010

Mavs coach: Thibodeau's Bulls will be "tough"

By Fred Mitchell

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, who fainted and collapsed during a practice late last week, said Friday he is feeling "good" and went on to discuss the prospects for first-year Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.

"I think Tom is a guy that is not your typical first-time head coach," Carlisle said following the Mavericks' shoot-around practice at the United Center in advance of Friday night's game against the Bulls.

"He's been around this (as an assistant) for over 20 years, and in some pretty high-capacity responsibilities. He's worked for some great coaches. He has been a major part of a championship (Celtics) team in 2008. So, I know I don't view him as kind of that young, first-time, never-got-his-feet wet-type of guy. I believe from day one he is going to be very versed on what this job is all about. I think he is going to do great. He has certainly earned this opportunity."

Just last Friday, Carlisle gave his players a scare during practice at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

"I got up early, had breakfast, took my daughter to school, came in, worked out, had a couple of Balance bars, a couple Mountain Dews, had a staff meeting and got ready for practice," Carlisle told Galloway & Company on ESPN 103.3 FM in Dallas after the episode. "I got to feeling a little lightheaded, fainted and, before I knew it, they were pulling me out of there on a stretcher."

Carlisle was released from the hospital later the same day.

Carlisle, who turns 51 on Oct. 27, previously served as head coach of the Pacers and Pistons. He has been an assistant coach with the Nets, Trail Blazers and Pacers.Asked the major difference between being an assistant and a head coach in the NBA, Carlisle replied succinctly:

"Suggestions versus decisions. In Tom's case, and fortunately for him...I was fortunate, too... I was an offensive coordinator for Larry Bird (with the Pacers) and had a lot of responsibility for play-calling and putting offenses in, and stuff. And Tom had those same responsibilities with the Celtics. He understands the whole decision-making aspect of it. He's been there, so he's got a head start on most head coaches."

Carlisle expressed his overall view of the Bulls under Thibodeau.

"They are going to be a tough, physical, persistent team... both offensively and defensively," he said. "And if you don't compete against them for 48 minutes, you're going to get your (butt) kicked. That's my view of them. Tom's a no-nonsense, kick (butt) guy and they are going to play the same way."

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 15, 2010

Jason Kidd: 'I'm a big fan of DRose'

By Fred Mitchell

Jason Kidd has been a star point guiard in the NBA for 16 seasons, so he knows similar talent when he sees it in the Bulls' young Derrick Rose.

"I think he has all the tools to be a great player in this league," Kidd said Friday following the Dallas Mavericks' pre-game practice at the United Center. "He understands the game, you know, he's a competitor. He's athletic, he gets to the basket, he can shoot, finds the open guy. So he has all the tools to be a great point guard in this league. I am a big fan of DRose. He works extremely hard. I am always watching him and seeing what he's doing."

Kidd, 37, was able to observe Rose first-hand on Team USA over the summer. He is pleased to hear that the third-year Bulls guard is becoming a more vocal leader with his teammates.

"As a point guard, when you're young, you just want to play," Kidd said. "But as you get older you might feel a little bit more comfortable saying things. And I think he is starting to feel comfortable. I think playing on the Team USA, with the stars that they had and being able to talk and communicate, it just makes the game so much easier. I think he's carried that over from the summer and I think he's doing a great job."

One unique aspect of the NBA is that competing players during the season often become teammates during the summer months.

"I think it's a brotherhood in the sense you want to push each other when you're going against one another," said Kidd, whose Mavericks will face the Bulls Friday night in a preseason game. "It's a friendly battle.You want to win, but at the same time you want to push each other to get better. I think that during the summertime when you have that opportunity to go against the best in the world in practice, it can only bring your game up to another level. And I think this summer D-Rose has done that."

Kidd, who is second all-time in NBA assists with 10,335, sees Rose developing in similar fashion.

"I think it just takes time, being able to get the minutes and different things you get exposed to- good or bad, if you're winning or losing," he said. "He's had a short time in the NBA, but I think he has shown his leadership and maturity. His future is extremely bright for him."

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle feels there is no limit to what Rose can accomplish.

"Rose is in the process of becoming a great player, no doubt about that," Carlisle said. "He's got Hall of Fame ability. He certainly is on that path. Jason Kidd is one of the guys who has defied Father Time because he takes such great care of himself. He's got some unusual gifts, and he has a great intellectual curiosity and aptitude for the game. So it has allowed him to play at an extremely high level for an extremely long period of time, which is not easy. I compare his career to Reggie Miller, who I had at Indiana...same type of thing. Even though the body gets older, it still fires at a high level. And the mind is sharper than ever."

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 15, 2010

Today's question: Could Jordan score 100?

Michael Jordan heads up court after a basket in a 1998 game against the Indiana Pacers. (Tribune file)

Reporters from Tribune newspapers around the nation give their take on the question of the day.

KC Johnson, Chicago Tribune

If Michael Jordan said he would score more points under today's rules, then Michael Jordan would've scored more points. Basically, virtually anything Jordan said he would accomplish, he accomplished. Such was the tenacity and talent of the Greatest Player Of All Time.

So many of Jordan's teammates talked about how the player with the most talent also possessed the most competitiveness. That rare combination propelled Jordan to dizzying heights. And that same combination would send his scoring average higher today. Without hand-checking on the perimeter, MJ would've gotten to the rim at will early in his career and would've been even more effective in the post with his turnaround jumper later in his career.

Few could guard him even in the rough-and-tumble, Bad-Boy-Pistons era anyway. That's because Jordan was tough enough to absorb contact. Without it, he'd be downright scary.

Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Duh. Jordan not only would have scored more points because of the limited contact allowed on the perimeter, but because of the talent drain created by league expansion after his prime Bulls years and the league's move away from thug-like enforcers, the type Pat Riley utilized during his Knicks coaching tenure.

About the only change since Jordan's prime years that would create any new challenge would be the legalization of zone defense, but that approach is so minimally utilized that it likely would not even stand as a factor.

As for concerns that the contact limitations on the perimeter would create foul trouble for Jordan, this is not a league that puts its prime attractions in foul trouble. Exhibit A there would be LeBron James.

Baxter Holmes, Los Angeles Times

Oh, MJ. There's nothing you can't do -- or at least that's what you think. But 100 points in today's NBA? Nope. You'd foul out first. Nice thought, though.

First, your career-high was 69 -- and that came in overtime.

Second, 100 isn't as easy as you make it sound.

Wilt Chamberlain did it in an era when most big men stunk -- and even then his 100 came against a backup center on a night when his teammates intentionally fouled to get the ball back. It was a circus act, not basketball.

And Kobe, whose 81 in 2006 is the second-highest game behind Wilt, put up that many because his teammates then stunk.

Also, Kobe's a great three-point shooter, and you're not. These days, you'd need the three-ball to hit the century mark. Free throws wouldn't be enough. Not against the talent these days, which is as good as the NBA's ever seen, if not better.

So, MJ, don't pop off some bombastic proclamation to remind us you were great. We haven't forgotten, OK? But 100 points is too much for any ballplayer, even you.

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 15, 2010

Bulls' Gibson out vs. Mavericks

By K.C. Johnson

Taj Gibson will miss Friday night's exhibition against the Mavericks with a sore right heel. Gibson and coach Tom Thibodeau said the injury is unrelated to the plantar fasciitis Gibson battled in both feet last season.

"If it were a regular-season game, I'd play," Gibson said.

Thibodeau will start rookie Omer Asik at center and slide Joakim Noah to power forward, where he will be matched against Dirk Nowitzki. Thibodeau said Luol Deng and Brian Scalabrine also will get turns on Nowitzki.

Gibson will accompany the team to Orlando and a determination if he will play against the Magic on Saturday will be made before that game.

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RSS: Blog a Bull · Oct 15, 2010

Preseason Open Game Thread #5: Bulls vs Dallas Mavericks

Happy Friday!

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RSS: Chicago Breaking Sports · Oct 15, 2010

Bulls-Mavericks tied 55-55 at halftime

By K.C. Johnson

Thanks to torrid 3-point shooting early, the Bulls tied the Mavericks 55-55 at halftime Friday night at United Center.

The Bulls hit six of their first nine shots from downtown, including three straight from Luol Deng.

Deng scored 13 points for the Bulls, who were led by Derrick Rose's 14 points. The Bulls sank 7 of 16 3-pointers overall for the first half.

Dirk Nowitzki's 14 points led the Mavericks.

The second quarter also featured coach Tom Thibodeau's first career technical foul as a head coach.

WIth Taj Gibson sidelined by a sore right heel, Thibodeau startedrookie Omer Asik at center and shifted Joakim Noah to power forward anda tough matchup with Nowitzki.

Asik started strong with a blocked shot and three straight freethrows -- typically a weakness for him -- but succumbed to foultrouble. He had three in the first 8 minutes, 25 seconds and sat.

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RSS: Blog a Bull · Oct 15, 2010

Bulls - Mavs. Preseason overtime.

They really should just call it a draw. Nice to see Rose hit a pressure 3 after about 14 missed Dallas FTs.

No matter the score, I thought overall the Bulls looked pretty darned excellent.

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