Charlotte Bobcats at Chicago Bulls 12/01

[CaptainCrunch]

Charlotte Bobcats (6-8) at Chicago Bulls (3-10) 12/01
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/bobcats.jpg at http://www.neonclocksusa.com/photos/G6213NC-1.jpg

Game time: 8:30 p.m. United Center
http://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/ChicagoBlackhawks/front.gif

Probable Starting Lineups:
PG Raymond Felton 17.2 ppg v.s. Kirk Hinrich 10.4 ppg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/001ray.jpg v.s. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/12KirkHinrich.jpg
SG Jason Richardson 17.5 ppg v.s. Ben Gordon 18.1 ppg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/jasonrichardson.jpg v.s. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/7BenGordon.jpg
SF Gerald Wallace 18.7 ppg v.s. Tyrus Thomas 6.8 ppg 16.0
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/0001gerald.jpg v.s. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/24TyrusThomas.jpg
PF Emeka Okafor 13.2 ppg v.s. Loul Deng 16.0 ppg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/001emeka.jpg v.s. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/9LoulDeng.jpg
C Primoz Brezec 1.9 ppg v.s. Ben Wallace 4.6 ppg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/0001primoz.jpg v.s. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/3BenWallace.jpg

Charlotte Bench: Jeff McInnis, Walter Herrmann, Matt Carroll, Jermareo Davidson, Jared Dudley, Othella Harrington, and Derek Anderson
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/0001jeff.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/0001walt.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/001carroll.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/jermareo_davidson.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/dudley.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/0001harrington.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/0001derek.jpg

Chicago Bench: Thabo Sefolosha, Joe Smith, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah, Chris Duhon, Aaron Gray, and Adrian Griffin
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/2ThaboSefolosha.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/32JoeSmith.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/5AndresNocioni.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/13JoakimNoah.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/21ChrisDuhon.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/34AaronGray.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/44AdrainGriffin.jpg

Charlotte Head Coach: Sam Vincent
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/SamVincent.jpg

Chicago Head Coach: Scott Skiles
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/ScottSkiles-1.jpg

Charlotte last 5 games:
11/19 POR 101-92 W
11/21 WAS 111-114 L (OT)
11/23 @ORL 92-105 L
11/24 BOS 95-96 L
11/27 @MIA 90-110 L

Chicago last 5 games:
11/18 @LAL 78-106 L
11/20 @DEN 91-112
11/24 @NYN 78-85 L
11/25 @TOR 78-93 L
11/27 ATL 90-78 W

Charlotte inactive list: Seam May, Adam Morrison, Derek Anderson, and Ryan Hollins
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/001sean.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/0001morrison.jpghttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/hollins.jpg

Chicago inactive list: JamesOn Curry, Thomas Gardner, and Viktor Khryapa
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/20JamesOnCurry.gifhttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/31ThomasGardner.gifhttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/MullikinUSC/38ViktorKhryapa.jpg

[CaptainCrunch]

we need a win big time, losing 4 in a row really hurts

[ziggy]

I'm hoping that Chicago's problems continue at least through tonight's games. We don't want them to get well playing us.

[Dead_Real]

This is the perfect game for the Bobcats to get back on the winning side of things.

Also this will be on WGN tonight.

[dvdbumpus]

I'm pretty excited for this game. We have a chance to bounce back against a quality team that has their usual slow start. I see Okafor having a big game, and I hope that Tyrus Thomas doesn't light us up like he does in the preseason.

[MattD]

This is the perfect game for the Bobcats to get back on the winning side of things.

Also this will be on WGN tonight.

+1

[Wallace15]

We need this game BAD! Crash, Richardson, and Felton all have big games as we cruise to a 101-94 victory over the Bulls.

[ohara831]

From the starting 5 on each side, I think they all cancel out. I think the J-Rich vs Ben Gordon match up will be the telling difference. One of them will get hot, and other will struggle. the other difference will be who's Bench comes thru tonight. I actullly think the difference in the game will ultimately gome down to the point production from the Bench. This is in Chicago, so too close to call.

[ALong13]

We are coming off a 4 game losing streak, and we really need to turn it around. The Bulls just won a game after their very own 4 game losing streak, but IMO I think we can win this, and I think we need to win this, 2 games under .500 would be terrible for us, even if it's early on in the season, Chicago is still struggling, and we need to make them continue to struggle.

I think felton has a real good game tonight with 21 pts 9 ast, while Wallace scores 24 of his own. Okafor will get 13 and 14 rebounds, and JRich will still somewhat struggle with 16 points. In the end though I think it'll be enough to win. We win 111-104...

[bizzlecatz]

The Catz will win, if they make their free throws.

The Bobcats should be 11-3 right now. They have lost 5 games due to their free throw shooting. Tonight they will overcome. :)

[ziggy]

The Catz will win, if they make their free throws.

The Bobcats should be 11-3 right now. They have lost 5 games due to their free throw shooting. Tonight they will overcome. :)

Sounds like bizzlecatz is keeping the faith :biggrin:
I'm feeling it too, tonight is going to be a WIN

[davcbow]

I think we can easily win this one tonight if everybody plays on both sides of the ball, but when we have a bad game we really have one, blowing shots, missed free throws, missed RB's, turnovers, bad passes, I think we blew it in every area last game, we've got to be on top of our game. I hope we come out of the funk we've been in lately.
Go Bobcats!!!! ....:g:

[Dead_Real]

WOW at the announcer for WGN saying the Bobcats will be road kill for the Bulls I hope we kill this team tonight.

[Dead_Real]

Bulls getting whatever they want on the offensive end.

Brightside Okafor looks good.

[Alex]

That was a very sloppy start but we recovered nicely after Vincent's timeout around the 7:30 minute mark. Great quarter by Okafor.

[Dead_Real]

Damn if Crash could have made that dunk would have been a sick

[professajohnn]

gerald got tackled on that one

[Dead_Real]

Nice second quarter our D stepped up.

[Alex]

Where was the defense in that half, my goodness. We have to get something more out of Richardson if we're gonna really have a chance to win this game as it comes down the stretch. You know Felton is gonna show up in the second half by Richardson just looks lost out there, it's as if he's playing with these guys for the first time. I think we should isolate him on the post against Gordon, he's taller and stronger.

Okafor was very aggressive and it showed, his play needs to continue in the second half, we just need to feed him the ball because he definitely has the better of an aging Wallace and Thomas.

Wallace is playing fantastic, he just needs to keep attacking the basket with the same ferocity.

GO BOBCATS!

[spectre]

Where was the defense in that half, my goodness. We have to get something more out of Richardson if we're gonna really have a chance to win this game as it comes down the stretch. You know Felton is gonna show up in the second half by Richardson just looks lost out there, it's as if he's playing with these guys for the first time. I think we should isolate him on the post against Gordon, he's taller and stronger.

Okafor was very aggressive and it showed, his play needs to continue in the second half, we just need to feed him the ball because he definitely has the better of an aging Wallace and Thomas.

Wallace is playing fantastic, he just needs to keep attacking the basket with the same ferocity.

GO BOBCATS!


Crash's outside shot is looking good! I do wish he'd learn to watch those charges going into the paint tho...2 so far this game.

Gordon is shooting lights out, multiple shots with guys all in his grill. We HAVE to do a better job on Deng too, he's acting like an allstar out there.

[Alex]

I would play Dudley some minutes to try to cool off Deng.

[ziggy]

somebody might want to consider doing something radical like GUARDING BEN GORDON!!!!!

[Alex]

Yeah that would be a good plan...

By the way when I said J-Rich needs to get involved I didn't mean everybody else just needs to sit around and watch him, and God it would be nice if we could make some free throws. We're gonna need a perfect 4th quarter.

[ziggy]

Is Jared Dudley on Coach Vincent's shit list?

[dnbman]

I don't understand Vincent's vision at all.

It's obvious there's no significant offensive game plan, as all of the wing players basically take whatever open shot they can get. Nobody's trying to set screens. Nobody's trying to shoot midrange shots. There's no interior passing. There seem to be few cuts. Guys aren't ready for passes.

I just don't understand what Vincent's offensive game plan is. I really don't understand his lineups. Why not play Felton, Richardson, and Wallace together with Okafor and either Dudley or Davidson. Let them run together for a little while and get used to playing with each other. This McInnis/Felton back court is killing me.

[Dead_Real]

Bulls shooting lights out looks like the losing streak will continue.

What the hell Vincent finally puts Jared in with 3:00 minutes left? Fabio hasn't seen the floor at all makes no sense.

[dnbman]

And if you notice, Dudley is our only player who understands how to play in between the rim and the three point line. We get him in there and he can make passes in and out, plus hit shots.

We've got to get the guy minutes.

[ohara831]

Eaton: The Bulls announcer turned out to be correct - we were pretty much road kill for them the 2nd half.


Dnbman: I understand Sam's vision. It is clear. Tank the season, get high draft picks.I say picks for this reason. We will be at or near the the bottom of league shortly after All-Star break. Phoenix will be gearing up for a Playoff run, and since they lost Thomas, they need someone to play vs. Duncan. They will trade for Okafor and give us both their 1st round picks - their own and Atlanta's. With those picks, Bobcats will get Beasley and Rose in the Lottery, trade our 2nd rounder and Phoenix's late 1st rounder to move up and we will get Riek for our Center. Rose will take the lead PG job, Ray will move to SG. J-Rich will come off bench. Ray will be our back up PG. Our lineup will be: Rose, Ray, Crash, Beasley and Riek. We then win our Division for 10 straight years and 4 NBA Titles. THAT is the vision. I am not making that up. I come from the future and that is how this will play out. Either that, or I had some bad Sushi tonight.

[davcbow]

I think you may be doing more than just Sushi for din din..... :g:

[TheBeagle]

Another in a long line of typical road performances both by us and the home team: weak leadership and direction when the going gets tough, and the opposing team shooting lights-out. God, that was some ugly, static offense tonight; they were just fortunate the shots were going in at a decent clip or it would'be been another Philly game.

I really hope I'm proven wrong, but I hope some of you optimists out there are seeing my viewpoint on how difficult it's going to be to get 33 wins this year, and how long this losing streak is going to last. My guess is lucky number 13. Anybody want to take an over/under on that?

I don't know if it's the JRich addition or the Vincent addition, but this team looks more clueless than during the Bernie-era. GW and JRich are mixing like oil and water, and those whispers in the wind of the two of them being one of the top combo wing players in the league has scattered somewhere off the eastern seaboard by now; these guys are just not gelling...AT ALL.

Whatever confidence this team had gained from 6-4 has absolutely been demolished; these guys look like a bunch of players resigned to another year of futility. They've established the Bobcats culture of losing, and, sickeningly, they seem to be embracing it.

Though we differ on how we think management should go about it, ohara and I are absolutely right that MASSIVE, WHOLESALE changes are needed to turn this franchise around.

Oh well, onward and upward. I give us a 6% chance of beating the Raptors, but maybe we can catch some magic and pull it out.

[Alex]

This team has no heart and no passion on the road.

[ohara831]

This team has no heart and no passion on the road.
__________________________________________________ __

Remember a couple weeks ago I mentioned that I saw this team lacking heart on Defense? I got rather chided for that comment. I see you agree with me, and I think as the games pass, others will as well. There is something very basic and important missing on this team. An attitude that needs to be instilled in them by the Coach. He has thus far been unable to do so.

[ohara831]

Beagle: I know you are rather hesitant on counting on a Draft pick, and would rather look for a big FA signing. If we were picking between 12-18, I would agree with you. But, this is not the case. I am seeing this team and the complete failure to gel along with a lack of fire/passion on Defense (except for Crash) as leading us into a Top 5 Draft pick. Atlanta is young and will have serious growing pains. They will likely be there with us.

Now, this 08 Draft has at least 5 young players whom I think will become Franchise makers on the right team. There are a few more who will be All Star caliber players. This is an exceptional Draft in the Lottery area. That is why I am pushing so hard to get Atlanta's pick from Phoeniz. I think if we have 2 picks in the top 7, it really is a "can't miss" this time. Not even MJ could pick wrong. Only in this rather exceptional circumstance would I say "forget the FA route, build this year by the Draft and rebuild this team."

Why would Phoenix trade the Atlanta pick and their own 1st for Okafor? They have only a 2-3 yr window left with Nash before this run ends. They want experience now! Also, they can lock up Okafor long term and have he and Amare on the front line for another 7 years. They will need that in the West considering Portland will have Oden and LMA for years to come, and they still need someone to guard Duncan for another 3 years. Amare is an awesome scorer and good rebounder, but not much for Defense. That is why they need Okafor.

Let me say for the record, I love Okafor and would hate to give him up. But, you cannot expect to get something like this from Phoenix unless they get what they need. He can be the missing piece to their puzzle this year. I love Okafor, but he is limited. Good Defense and Rebounds, but his offense is limited to within 5 feet of the rim. I know some will disagree, but you cannot pay over $13 mil/ yr for that limited production. I know that will leave us bare down under from the All Star break on, but so be it. Give Jermareo time to learn with Hollins on the front line. They could both be quality back ups to our starters in the future.

J-Rich and Crash are just not geling as stated above. I will take Crash over J-Rich on my starting 5 any day. he is the one guy on this team that lays it on the line EVERY MINUTE of EVERY GAME! Others seem to take time off. We need a new Front Line, and must address the Guard situation. That can ALL be done in the Draft this yr. The talent is there. We just have to be bold and make the steps necessary to make the wholesale changes needed.

[dnbman]

Phoenix can't acquire Okafor unless they send similar contracts back. Most of their players under similar contract have fairly long term deals, so I don't think that's a possibility. Besides, Okafor is the kind of player that can be extremely valuable to us. There aren't many bigs in the NBA who are both GREAT defensive players and legitimate scorers. I've critiqued Okafor's offense as much as anyone this year, but he's light years better than the Ben Wallaces and Desagana Diops of the league. He can make some shots, and we can't ignore his scoring off putbacks. To conclude, Phoenix can't afford Okafor, and we can't really afford to lose him.

It's too early to blow up what we have. Our players all do a lot of great things. We just need a quality offensive coach to come in and make it happen. One bad thing about Vincent is that we were comparing him to Avery Johnson. However, Vincent didn't inherit anywhere near the scoring talent or offensive system that Avery did. Essentially, Avery didn't need to do too much to make Dallas's offense tick; he focused on defensive adjustments. For Vincent, both adjustments need to be made. What makes the situation eve more painful for Vincent is that we don't have the personnel to be a fantastic defensive team; most teams run layup drills against us. However, once we get another legitimate big (not a guy playing out of place, but a legit PF or C), that problem may be solved.

Also, I think our offense will run smoother when our defense is stronger. When teams score, that allows them to get back quicker to set up their defense, forcing us to go to a half court set, which we are miserable at. However, if the defense doesn't allow as many scores, we can push the ball quicker, playing the tempo our guys (outside of Primo) really need to be playing at.

Again, it's not time yet to throw in the towel and blow up the team. The easy way out is to tank the season and rely on yet another draft pick to come in and save the franchise. Well, there are a whole lot of franchises that have done so and are still waiting for a championship. We need to build on this year, eat some humble pie, and make the adjustments needed to solidify our interior. Along the way, we need to ingrain the little things on offense that can allow our team to have more scoring chances.

It's ugly right now, but it's not time to give up.

[ohara831]

Dnbman: I understand what you are saying. That is why I am not proposing anything until the All Star break. Then, we will know what we have vs what we need.

There is always a way to work things out trade wise. The Okafor deal would be able to be figured out, I guarantee that. It will be just a matter of time to see where we stand and then if our management decides to pull the trigger.

[dnbman]

There is always a way to work things out trade wise. The Okafor deal would be able to be figured out, I guarantee that. It will be just a matter of time to see where we stand and then if our management decides to pull the trigger.


Actually, that's not true. This summer was a testament to how hard it is to actually make trades. The last collective bargaining agreement was meant to increase potential earnings for veterans while encouraging players to remain with their teams. Also, part of the deal was to hinder teams over the salary cap from making moves to benefit their teams. As such, teams like Phoenix have to essentially take on what they send out. They'd have to match Okafor's salary, with the draft picks having a value of $0. Therefore, we'd have to take on around $7 million in salary. We could do it, but would it really be worth it to us? Plus, Phoenix can't afford to pay Okafor after his contract his up. Even though you're right about Nash's situation, they'd have to pay double what Okafor signed for as they are over the luxury tax threshold and should remain there unless they trade away Marion or Amare or some other big contracts.

The point is, trades are quite difficult these days, especially ones that make sense for both teams. I just don't think there are going to be too many scenarios where we'd give up Okafor and be better for it in the long run.

[spectre]

There is always a way to work things out trade wise. The Okafor deal would be able to be figured out, I guarantee that. It will be just a matter of time to see where we stand and then if our management decides to pull the trigger.


Actually, that's not true. This summer was a testament to how hard it is to actually make trades. The last collective bargaining agreement was meant to increase potential earnings for veterans while encouraging players to remain with their teams. Also, part of the deal was to hinder teams over the salary cap from making moves to benefit their teams. As such, teams like Phoenix have to essentially take on what they send out. They'd have to match Okafor's salary, with the draft picks having a value of $0. Therefore, we'd have to take on around $7 million in salary. We could do it, but would it really be worth it to us? Plus, Phoenix can't afford to pay Okafor after his contract his up. Even though you're right about Nash's situation, they'd have to pay double what Okafor signed for as they are over the luxury tax threshold and should remain there unless they trade away Marion or Amare or some other big contracts.

The point is, trades are quite difficult these days, especially ones that make sense for both teams. I just don't think there are going to be too many scenarios where we'd give up Okafor and be better for it in the long run.


This is correct, and why I made the "Be the GM" thread. I'd suggest giving an Okafor trade a go in there.

And we're not getting ready to blow the team up. That AIN'T happening.

[ohara831]

Dnbman: OK. They give us Raja Bell and the pick. Bell is listed as starting SG, but splits time with Barbosa. Barbosa actually is far more productive in pts by 18 - 10. He is also much younger than Bell. Bell's salary is less than $1 mil below Okafor. Throw in a couple bench players from each side to equal out, making one of them an expiring contract for Phoenix.

[ohara831]

Dnbman: OK. They give us Raja Bell and the pick. Bell is listed as starting SG, but splits time with Barbosa. Barbosa actually is far more productive in pts by 18 - 10. He is also much younger than Bell. Bell's salary is less than $1 mil below Okafor. Throw in a couple bench players from each side to equal out, making one of them an expiring contract for Phoenix.
__________________________________________________ _______

It works on the Trade Machine.

[spectre]

It's actually an interesting idea...Mek for Bell/ATL '08 1st. What would kill it from their end is Mek new salary, which will be at least 12 million and maybe more (if they gave up that pick and Bell they'll want to keep him). Next year they're projected to have 73 million according to ShamSports; the difference between the two salaries would add another 7 million.

Since they are so tax consious I don't think they'd do it for those reasons...and why it might be difficult to deal Mek to Phoenix.

[dnbman]

Dnbman: OK. They give us Raja Bell and the pick. Bell is listed as starting SG, but splits time with Barbosa. Barbosa actually is far more productive in pts by 18 - 10. He is also much younger than Bell. Bell's salary is less than $1 mil below Okafor. Throw in a couple bench players from each side to equal out, making one of them an expiring contract for Phoenix.
__________________________________________________ _______

It works on the Trade Machine.


Bell? Bell is their defensive specialist. He's one of the best shut down sgs in the league AND he's money from 3 point range. He's an integral piece of their team, and I don't see them trading him. Barbosa plays half of his time as Nash's backup, meaning Bell still plays big minutes at the SG spot. Plus, Bell's got two more years left on his contract. I'd love to have Bell, but why would we trade a proven defensive big for another sg?

I'm sure there is a deal that will pass the trade machine, but that doesn't mean it makes sense for either team.

[ohara831]

Dnbman: OK. They give us Raja Bell and the pick. Bell is listed as starting SG, but splits time with Barbosa. Barbosa actually is far more productive in pts by 18 - 10. He is also much younger than Bell. Bell's salary is less than $1 mil below Okafor. Throw in a couple bench players from each side to equal out, making one of them an expiring contract for Phoenix.
__________________________________________________ _______

It works on the Trade Machine.


Bell? Bell is their defensive specialist. He's one of the best shut down sgs in the league AND he's money from 3 point range. He's an integral piece of their team, and I don't see them trading him. Barbosa plays half of his time as Nash's backup, meaning Bell still plays big minutes at the SG spot. Plus, Bell's got two more years left on his contract. I'd love to have Bell, but why would we trade a proven defensive big for another sg?

I'm sure there is a deal that will pass the trade machine, but that doesn't mean it makes sense for either team.
__________________________________________________ _

Because they need a PF to help on Defense if they are going to win a Title. And we want that Atlanta pick. When we bat other ideas around like trying to acquire someone else's throw aways or 2nd tier player, we are only putting a Bandaid on a gushing gash that needs surgery and 20 stitches. I really dont care who they give us as a player, just make the money work so we can get the pick. I just chose Bell b/c his money is close, he is already 32 and Barbosa could take his place full time. I would think they would trade him b/4 Barbosa. Just thinking outside the box so we can find a way to make some magic for this team. They say "if it aint broke, dont fix it." The corralary would be "if its broke, fix it." We need to fix it, b/c we are broke right now.

[dnbman]

Because they need a PF to help on Defense if they are going to win a Title. And we want that Atlanta pick. When we bat other ideas around like trying to acquire someone else's throw aways or 2nd tier player, we are only putting a Bandaid on a gushing gash that needs surgery and 20 stitches. I really dont care who they give us as a player, just make the money work so we can get the pick. I just chose Bell b/c his money is close, he is already 32 and Barbosa could take his place full time. I would think they would trade him b/4 Barbosa. Just thinking outside the box so we can find a way to make some magic for this team. They say "if it aint broke, dont fix it." The corralary would be "if its broke, fix it." We need to fix it, b/c we are broke right now.

I don't think Phoenix needs another player as much as they need to stay on the bench during questionable blocking calls. Remember, they almost beat San Antonio last year. Enough about Phoenix though. If something happens, it happens. I'm just not anticipating it.

As for the broke thing, I think the course of the season will fix many things. But, we can't keep relying on draft picks to stop our whoas. For one, that's a lot of pressure to put on a rookie or any one player for that matter. (SEE: J Rich, Felton, Okafor, etc.) Second, rookies often don't pan out. There are not sure things in the draft. Oden will probably be great for Portland, but he hasn't played a real game yet. There's a chance that he never will, though he seems likely to return. The point is, you can't count on one guy. We have to play as a team, plain and simple. Too many teams rely on one guy to come in and make it all better. That hasn't worked for 90% of the league. The teams that have been successful outside of Miami have all been amazing TEAMS that happened to have some star players. We need to start developing that team mentality whether we go with who we have, draft a stud, or go in the FA market. At some point, the collection of talent, new or old, has to come together. I think I've written enough about this over the last two days. Again, my main point is that we can't keep waiting for the one player who is going to put us on his shoulders and lead us to a championship. That story about a guy named Godot was already written.

[dvdbumpus]

I think Bell is more of a system player. Because honestly, before Phoenix he was just above average. I think he's a pretty good player but Bell and a 1st? For Okafor?

Maybe I'm just crazy but a 31 yr old SG and a pick seems a bit lowballing Okafor's value.

[TheBeagle]

That story about a guy named Godot was already written.
Kudos from a literary student on the Godot reference! It's always good to class up the joint with some existential literature :wink: