We are 3-7 Looking at the other lotto hopefuls: Philly is 1-9. They're really going after it. Milwaukee is 3-7. They seem to be about the same caliber team we are this season, in spite of a worse record. We've split the series with them so far in head to head match ups, close games. Orlando is 2-8. Sacramento is 3-7 Memphis is 3-7 Meanwhile the Knicks are 4-6 and the Nets are 5-5 in their last 10 games. I sense maybe they're warming up? Milwaukee at 5-19 is 14th (last) seed in the East. We are 9th, and a loss tonight could make us 12th.
For me it's too early to start lottery watching. Besides, I'm very curious to see, when Hinrich is cleared to return, whether another of the Bulls rotation players comes down with a sore [insert body part].
You think they're holding players out? The thought crossed my mind because there were so many injuries but then I remembered that Thibs was the coach.
These guys aren't suiting up so Thibodeau doesn't have any choice. I think it's possible that the front office is going to be uber-conservative with the health of the remaining rotation players. Deng's injury came after a series of brilliant performances culminating in the win over the Heat. It was originally characterized as a "sore calf." They then changed it to a more impressive-sounding "achilles problem." Deng misses 4 games and then Hinrich seamlessly takes Deng's spot on the shelf with his sore back. Could just be a coincidence, but my spidey-sense is tingling a bit.
Completely possible. It's the same issue though. Injuries happen all the time so it's impossible to completely tell what was their cause.
My guess is the Bulls aren't going to make any moves that signal an all-out tank, because they're still not sure what direction they want to take and maintain whatever team morale might be left on the squad. But there's no need to push anything. So instead of having guys play banged up, everyone'll be fine taking the conservative approach towards recovery. I frame the D.J. Augustin signing along the same lines. He's an NBA scrub, but he can at least masquerade as a legit player, whereas Teague and MJ can't even come close. A Teague/James PG rotation is historically bad. Bad enough to make everyone else miserable due to all the problems it causes. Having Augustin around doesn't change the overall trajectory, but he at least puts a finger in the dike.
Lu's last 10 games. Most with Kirk. 6, 15, 22, 24, 27, 27, 37, 20, 17, and 26 points. Our record 2-8. It's great to see him putting up big numbers in losses. I'm all for him getting a last big payday. Do the Bulls pay him MAX? We are a 4 game losing streak from being worst in the East. WITH the "I'll play these" guys. When I suggest we tank, it doesn't mean faking injuries or throwing ball games. Those thing stink of poor sportsmanship. FWIW
I don't think I buy this. At some point in time I think we're going to have to deal with the probability/horror that the Bulls may be trying right now; that this is competing for them. Augustin was a huge upgrade over Teague and James. The difference between picking 6th and 11th is vast and every win matters. The front office doesn't make that acquisition unless they're trying to win.
I think with Kirk out, the Bulls' choices were to play Teague 48 minutes those nights, and James in garbage time. James played 10 minutes that mattered and hurt himself. We were a pulled hamstring away from starting Boozer at PG. Or Dunleavy. Or Lu. Or Jimmy. None have PG skills. Maybe it's important to at least appear to be trying by having a real PG out there.
Why? I don't want to belabor this, but all you've shown is that the Bulls might have been the worst team in the league, sans Philly, if they hadn't have brought in another point guard. I can't find a way to square the acquisition with the belief that the front office is trying to tank.
Maybe they really are trying to make the playoffs for some strange reason. I saw an interview with Thibs about tanking where he said there's no way they would tank and that the way to do things is to go out and play your hardest and win if you can and then deal with things as they come (e.g. the draft pick, etc.). Though it doesn't take much intelligence to see the team is terrible and losing lots of games. To think DJ Augustin would come in and be the savior is laughable. But DJ will be a fine backup to Rose next season, no?
Not sure. His shooting has been awful the last couple of seasons. I like how he runs a team. Don't you want a scorer in that role off the bench?
2-8 in their last 10 after tonight. They're playing with a purpose! If the season ended today, the Bulls would have ping pong balls likely for 7th or 8th pick in the draft, though they could get #1, #2, or #3. They're tied with Brooklyn at 9-16, and one game ahead of the Knicks at 8-17. And 1.5 games ahead of Orlando. 1.5 games out of 5th pick. Top 5 is going to net us another Rose caliber player if we pick right.
We've had teams that win so easily. Teams that look like they're playing even with the competition and then you look at the score and they're up 20 points. This is the opposite. The 2013-14 Bulls lose so easily. Denny, I think I need scoring from my point guards with this offense. I think you try to retain Augstin if he ends the season shooting 42 or percent from the field with decent three point shooting. Otherwise, there should be other minimum salary players who can fill that role and give you more production.
