Da Bulls!!

[NUKE_CLEVELAND]

Winners of 7 in a row and only 1 game under 500?! Could it be that we have a real basketball team in this town for the 1st time in over 6 years?!?! I am most impressed!

[Jordan4life_2007]

Winners of 7 in a row and only 1 game under 500?!  Could it be that we have a real basketball team in this town for the 1st time in over 6 years?!?!  I am most impressed!

 

 

They might be the deepest team in the league, or atleast the eastern conference. I think the sky is the limit for these guys. As long as they continue to play defense and play hard every single night.

[backman]

if they could reduce the turnovers or increase the oposing teams turn overs they be near unbeatable.

[YASNY]

Guys, the Bulls are going to stumble. They're too young not to do so. You are going to have guys hitting the rookie wall soon, and the schedule is going to get much tougher. If they do make the playoffs, I wouldn't expect much from them. There is a similarity between the NBA and NHL when it comes to the difference between regular season and playoff games. They take it to another level. None of the main cogs of the Bulls has any playoff experience whatsoever. If they win a playoff series, consider it a MAJOR accomplishment and sign of good things to come. If they don't, which is more likely to happen, consider it a learning experience. Even MJ had learn how to win in the playoffs.

 

However, the resurgence of the Bulls is great to see. They are heading in the right direction. But if "the sky is the limit" is referring to this year's team, I think you are going to be disappointed.

[Rowand44]

Guys, the Bulls are going to stumble. They're too young not to do so.  You are going to have guys hitting the rookie wall soon, and the schedule is going to get much tougher.  If they do make the playoffs, I wouldn't expect much from them.  There is a similarity between the NBA and NHL when it comes to the difference between regular season and playoff games.  They take it to another level.  None of the main cogs of the Bulls has any playoff experience whatsoever.  If they win a playoff series, consider it a MAJOR accomplishment and sign of good things to come.  If they don't, which is more likely to happen, consider it a learning experience.  Even MJ had learn how to win in the playoffs. 

 

However, the resurgence of the Bulls is great to see.  They are heading in the right direction.  But if "the sky is the limit" is referring to this year's team, I think you are going to be disappointed.

I think the bulls will get in but you're right it would be a major accomplishment for them to win a playoff series, however if they can some how get into the 6 slot they'd have a pretty good shot at winning their first round matchup, a long way to go but just something to look at with that 6th playoff spot.

[southsider2k5]

I think the bulls will get in but you're right it would be a major accomplishment for them to win a playoff series, however if they can some how get into the 6 slot they'd have a pretty good shot at winning their first round matchup, a long way to go but just something to look at with that 6th playoff spot.

 

The 6th playoff position is going to be the ideal slot to be in this year.

[Texsox]

Guys, the Bulls are going to stumble. They're too young not to do so.  You are going to have guys hitting the rookie wall soon, and the schedule is going to get much tougher.  If they do make the playoffs, I wouldn't expect much from them.  There is a similarity between the NBA and NHL when it comes to the difference between regular season and playoff games.  They take it to another level.  None of the main cogs of the Bulls has any playoff experience whatsoever.  If they win a playoff series, consider it a MAJOR accomplishment and sign of good things to come.  If they don't, which is more likely to happen, consider it a learning experience.  Even MJ had learn how to win in the playoffs. 

 

However, the resurgence of the Bulls is great to see.  They are heading in the right direction.  But if "the sky is the limit" is referring to this year's team, I think you are going to be disappointed.

 

Excellent analysis.

 

In fact, I would add this for consideration:

 

It would be better this year for a lottery pick, than a first round exit. Next year they need the experience, but this year, another high pick would be nice.

[DBAHO]

The 6th playoff position is going to be the ideal slot to be in this year.

Absolutely. I bet the Bulls would love to play Boston, New York or Philly, unless the Nets or Raptors can make a late resurgence. Chicago has had the wood on the 1st 3 teams all season long. They'll have to settle for 7th or 8th though, I see Orlando and Washington fighting it out for the 6th seed behind

 

Miami

Detroit

Boston

Indiana

Cleveland

[CanOfCorn]

Guys, the Bulls are going to stumble. They're too young not to do so.  You are going to have guys hitting the rookie wall soon, and the schedule is going to get much tougher.  If they do make the playoffs, I wouldn't expect much from them.  There is a similarity between the NBA and NHL when it comes to the difference between regular season and playoff games.  They take it to another level.  None of the main cogs of the Bulls has any playoff experience whatsoever.  If they win a playoff series, consider it a MAJOR accomplishment and sign of good things to come.  If they don't, which is more likely to happen, consider it a learning experience.  Even MJ had learn how to win in the playoffs. 

 

However, the resurgence of the Bulls is great to see.  They are heading in the right direction.  But if "the sky is the limit" is referring to this year's team, I think you are going to be disappointed.

 

You are probably correct, but if this team can stay in contention through the lean times, i think they have a good chance to go a couple of rounds. Here's why: because they are young. You have two types of players on this team...rookies and players that haven't won in the NBA. There are no losers on this team, I mean you jalen Rose. This team has nothing to lose. They are getting their first taste of winning. They are learning what it takes to win games. even the rooks tasted what it was like the last 6 years when they started 0-9 and 1-13. Yes, they are playing the bulk of these games at home. Yes, they are playing weaker teams. if they can make the playoffs, other teams could be very scared of these youthful Bulls.

[LDF]

Guys, the Bulls are going to stumble. They're too young not to do so.  You are going to have guys hitting the rookie wall soon, and the schedule is going to get much tougher.  If they do make the playoffs, I wouldn't expect much from them.  There is a similarity between the NBA and NHL when it comes to the difference between regular season and playoff games.  They take it to another level.  None of the main cogs of the Bulls has any playoff experience whatsoever.  If they win a playoff series, consider it a MAJOR accomplishment and sign of good things to come.  If they don't, which is more likely to happen, consider it a learning experience.  Even MJ had learn how to win in the playoffs. 

 

However, the resurgence of the Bulls is great to see.  They are heading in the right direction.  But if "the sky is the limit" is referring to this year's team, I think you are going to be disappointed.

 

excellent post, isn't there a rough road trip coming in feb??? after that then i will see where we are.

 

i hope the young kids don't loose it and still maintain their intensity.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Guys, the Bulls are going to stumble.   They're too young not to do so.  You are going to have guys hitting the rookie wall soon, and the schedule is going to get much tougher.  If they do make the playoffs, I wouldn't expect much from them.  There is a similarity between the NBA and NHL when it comes to the difference between regular season and playoff games.  They take it to another level.  None of the main cogs of the Bulls has any playoff experience whatsoever.  If they win a playoff series, consider it a MAJOR accomplishment and sign of good things to come.  If they don't, which is more likely to happen, consider it a learning experience.  Even MJ had learn how to win in the playoffs. 

 

However, the resurgence of the Bulls is great to see.  They are heading in the right direction.  But if "the sky is the limit" is referring to this year's team, I think you are going to be disappointed.

 

 

I couldn't agree with you more. I hope you didn't take my "sky is the limit" comment as me saying that had a chance to do any real damage this year. This team is a LONG ways away from serious title contention. What I really meant was that if they're able to keep this core group of guys together that they would have a chance to do some special things down the road.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Excellent analysis.

 

In fact, I would add this for consideration:

 

It would be better this year for a lottery pick, than a first round exit. Next year they need the experience, but this year, another high pick would be nice.

 

6 straight years of lottery picks isn't enough for you? It would be a wonderful step in the right direction if this team were to make the playoffs.

[LDF]

I couldn't agree with you more.  I hope you didn't take my "sky is the limit" comment as me saying that had a chance to do any real damage this year.  This team is a LONG ways away from serious title contention.  What I really meant was that if they're able to keep this core group of guys together that they would have a chance to do some specials things down the road.

 

if they come thru the hardest part of the season and is still in the running for a playoff spot, they may be able to do some real damage in the playoff.

[GoodAsGould]

in my opinion their is still a handful of teams that would handle us in the playoffs and they are Heat, Pistons, Cleveland, Pacers.

 

Other than those 4 we have a chance... magic arent really 2 good.. we have beaten new york, boston, and 76ers. Washington prob better than us right now but id think we have a chance against them.

[Jordan4life_2007]

in my opinion their is still a handful of teams that would handle us in the playoffs and they are Heat, Pistons, Cleveland, Pacers.

 

Other than those 4 we have a chance... magic arent really 2 good.. we have beaten new york, boston, and 76ers.  Washington prob better than us right now but id think we have a chance against them.

 

I definitely agree that we couldn't run with the Heat or Pistons. You're probably right about the Pacers as well, although they're not gonna do much without Artest. I disagree about the Cavs. I think we could beat them in a series if we played them. They're young and inexperienced just like we are. We don't have a Lebron, but I think we have more talent and depth overall.

[GoodAsGould]

while id say we have more talent overall than the cavs... i think Lebron will be 2 much for us to beat him in the playoffs... a course he might become a choke artist in the playoffs too but as of now ill give him the edge just because of such a game changer he is.

[hammerhead johnson]

The Core:

Kirk Hinrich 24

Tyson Chandler 22

Eddy Curry 22

Ben Gordon 21

Luol Deng 19

Chris Duhon 22

Andres Nocioni 25

 

The Veterans:

Antonio Davis 36

Othella Harrington 30

 

40 wins = most miraculous feat in sports since Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Willie Mays Hayes led the Indians to the playoffs.

 

I'm older than everyone in their 7 man core. What, am I an old man at the age of 26?

 

Honestly though, I've watched a few games recently & this team is so much more enjoyable now that guys like Rose, Fizer, E-Rob, and Jamal Crawford are gone. So, I'm definitely happy about that.

[GoodAsGould]

lol old man at 26

 

 

yeah it would be pretty incredible if this team went to the playoffs also would tell you how weak the East has truly gotten... and what would make it better if we dumped Frank Williams lazy ass and picked up Jay Williams at the end of the season back... nothing like having a guy with that much heart to make a comeback reminds me of Rowand kind of.

[hammerhead johnson]

lol old man at 26 

 

yeah it would be pretty incredible if this team went to the playoffs also would tell you how weak the East has truly gotten... and what would make it better if we dumped Frank Williams lazy ass and picked up Jay Williams at the end of the season back... nothing like having a guy with that much heart to make a comeback reminds me of Rowand kind of.

 

Well, there are some trends that are worth noting. All of the quality free agents have been signing on with Western Conference teams in recent years.

 

However, the past two drafts:

 

East

Lebron James

Dwayne Wade

Chris Bosh

Kirk Hinrich

TJ Ford

Dwight Howard

Emeka Okafor

Andre Iguodala

Josh Smith

Ben Gordon

Al Jefferson

 

West

Carmelo Anthony

Josh Howard

Shaun Livingston

Devin Harris

 

Don't sleep on the East. With all of these quality young players, veteran free agents will come back around.

 

Unfortunately, I can't see the West losing it's stronghold on foreign-born players. Dirk, Kirilenko, Stoyakovich, Yao, Duncan, etc.

 

And how much crazier will it get in the future? The Russians are coming!

[greasywheels121]

I know it's about the same time the Bulls were dismantled, but when Shaq went West, so did the shift in power. Shaq's back in the East now.

[shakes]

Excellent analysis.

 

In fact, I would add this for consideration:

 

It would be better this year for a lottery pick, than a first round exit. Next year they need the experience, but this year, another high pick would be nice.

 

 

Didn't we trade this years first round pick for the rights to the Deng draft pick?

[hammerhead johnson]

I know it's about the same time the Bulls were dismantled, but when Shaq went West, so did the shift in power.  Shaq's back in the East now.

 

Yep, but their 9th, 10th, and 11th seed teams can still beat our 5th, 6th, and 7th seed teams. That's where I look first and foremost if we're talking about conference strength. We could answer the Spurs and whoever else right now with the Pistons and the pre-brawl Pacers, but when you look at overall depth, there's no question that they have a good 2/3 or at the very least 3/5 of the quality players in this league.

[Rowand44]

The 6th playoff position is going to be the ideal slot to be in this year.

No doubt, that's the spot I've really been hoping the bulls can somehow slide into.

[greasywheels121]

Yep, but their 9th, 10th, and 11th seed teams can still beat our 5th, 6th, and 7th seed teams.  That's where I look first and foremost if we're talking about conference strength.  We could answer the Spurs and whoever else right now with the Pistons and the pre-brawl Pacers, but when you look at overall depth, there's no question that they have a good 2/3 or at the very least 3/5 of the quality players in this league.

 

Agreed, but like you pointed out in your previous post, it seems to be coming closer to even. The stars in the West are getting older, and the East has really improved with a lot of young upcomers.

[hammerhead johnson]

Agreed, but like you pointed out in your previous post, it seems to be coming closer to even.  The stars in the West are getting older, and the East has really improved with a lot of young upcomers.

 

I hear that. I was speaking on the future moreso than anything else in that post. We'll see what happens with free agent acquistions over the next two years, because if the West continues to maintain a stronghold on both the quality free agents and foreign-born players, all of the young talent in the world won't be able to make up for it.