4/15 - Bulls (41-40) vs. Toronto (32-49) - 7 pm, CSN

[David]

:thumbsup: Did a search, couldn't find a thread.

 

It looks like something might be imminent with D'Antoni.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3383366

 

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Monday night that Bulls general manager John Paxson came away from two interviews with D'Antoni in Phoenix impressed and seriously interested in the coach who wants to leave the Suns in part because of a tense working relationship with Paxson's good friend Steve Kerr.

 

Sources in both organizations openly expect D'Antoni to wind up in Chicago now -- with one Phoenix source going so far as to describe a deal as "imminent" -- but it's believed that financial complications account for the one obstacle that could derail his move from the desert to the Windy City.

 

I have to say, I'm excited/intrigued about seeing D'Antoni's system and how it would work with the Bulls' personnel. People seemed to always compare the Bulls to the Suns the past few years due to the jump shooting and all that, but Skiles was obviously running a lot more half court offensive sets. The run n' gun style should be exciting.

 

I hate to make the comparison, because Nash is an MVP, but if you look at his numbers at around the same age, they're very similar to Hinrich's. Nash really flourished under D'Antoni, and people seem to forget that he was "just" a very good PG with a couple all star appearances before going to Phoenix and suddenly exploding after age 30 into an MVP type of player.

 

I'm not saying Hinrich would make that same massive jump, because that would be asking a lot and nobody is Steve Nash, but I could see him really benefiting from the system.

 

I do have concerns about his emphasis (or lack thereof) on defense, but the Bulls at least have players who are already considered to be strong defensive players. D'Antoni's playoff record concerns me, too. That said, if nothing else, it could be a lot of fun to watch. I have games like the Denver game from this last year in mind (obviously they shot out of their minds, but yea).

 

I kinda rambled a lot more than I had intended to there, but thoughts?

Edited October 27, 2008 by David

[RedFlash]

Did a search, couldn't find a thread.

 

It looks like something might be imminent with D'Antoni.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3383366

 

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Monday night that Bulls general manager John Paxson came away from two interviews with D'Antoni in Phoenix impressed and seriously interested in the coach who wants to leave the Suns in part because of a tense working relationship with Paxson's good friend Steve Kerr.

 

Sources in both organizations openly expect D'Antoni to wind up in Chicago now -- with one Phoenix source going so far as to describe a deal as "imminent" -- but it's believed that financial complications account for the one obstacle that could derail his move from the desert to the Windy City.

 

I have to say, I'm excited/intrigued about seeing D'Antoni's system and how it would work with the Bulls' personnel. People seemed to always compare the Bulls to the Suns the past few years due to the jump shooting and all that, but Skiles was obviously running a lot more half court offensive sets. The run n' gun style should be exciting.

 

I hate to make the comparison, because Nash is an MVP, but if you look at his numbers at around the same age, they're very similar to Hinrich's. Nash really flourished under D'Antoni, and people seem to forget that he was "just" a very good PG with a couple all star appearances before going to Phoenix and suddenly exploding after age 30 into an MVP type of player.

 

I'm not saying Hinrich would make that same massive jump, because that would be asking a lot and nobody is Steve Nash, but I could see him really benefiting from the system.

 

I do have concerns about his emphasis on defense, but the Bulls at least have players who are already considered to be strong defensive players. D'Antoni's playoff record concerns me, too. That said, if nothing else, it could be a lot of fun to watch. I have games like the Denver game from this last year in mind (obviously they shot out of their minds, but yea).

 

I kinda rambled a lot more than I had intended to there, but thoughts?

 

The only reason why getting D'Antoni makes sense for the Bulls, if they decide to make some serious changes. If D'antoni is the guy, then the 1st player the Bulls should target is TJ Ford (provided the Bulls don't luck into Derrick Rose). He's the kind of push the O kind of PG that makes D'Antoni's system go.

[David]

Wasn't Hinrich at his best in college in the open court and not really a great half-court type of PG?

 

Could it be that Hinrich's skill set is (far) better suited to D'Antoni's style than Skiles's?

 

Thabo is another player I could see flourishing under D'Antoni. Good player in transition.

 

Gordon - Not sure what to make of it. He's not the best open court player (understatement). But he obviously can hit a jumper. Will he even be back next year?

 

Hughes - ??? Enigma. Could be an asset if he shot fewer damn pullup jumpers and went to the basket more. And unlike Gordon (who a lot of fans wished would go to the basket more), he seems to really have the skills to do so.

 

Thomas - Depends on a lot of things, but could benefit from the up-tempo style. On offense, I can see him finishing at the rim a lot. A lot. But what else could he do? He started hitting that jumper a little more consistently (or so it seemed, at least) toward the end of this season. That could be a big asset, if it wasn't a mirage.

 

Of course, a lot of these people could be gone and new faces could be in. Paxson might (should?) overhaul most of the roster, for all we know. He does need to save his job.

 

 

All that said, I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow basketball as closely as I do baseball and football, so I don't know a whole lot beyond the superficial. I'm just putting my random thoughts out there. They could be completely wrong/stupid/misguided/etc.

[David]

Oh, and if we do get D'Antoni (hell, even if we don't), how much longer till CP3 is a free agent? 1-2 more years?

 

Having D'Antoni here could be really attractive to Paul if he gets to free agency (though he's probably happy as can be in NO right now).

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

I would be overjoyed if the Bulls got D'Antoni. Even though at first glance it doesn't seem like the tradional Paxon guy...I think Pax realizes he is at a crossroads here regarding his tenure as Bulls GM..so I think he would make a bold move like D'Antoni.

 

Since Skiles was hired by Milwakee...does that take part of his Bulls salary off the books? I can't see penny pincher Rien$dorf paying both Skiles and D'ANtoni.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

As the the players...I think Noah and Thabo would benefit the most......I would say Tyrus..but he needs to stop doggin it on the fast breaks. Hinrich would have to go, IMO. I really can't see him running this offense. Ben Gordon? I'm iffy on that one. Nocioni? Adios....he is the killer of fast breaks with his stupid shots. If D'Antoni is hired..the Bulls should probably go after Collinson of UCLA.(nevermind..he is going back to school)

[wolf stansson]

Hinrich would have to go, IMO.

He thrived in the break in college. I'd give him a shot.

Ben Gordon? I'm iffy on that one.

Why? Joe Johnson, Quentin Richardson and Leandro Barbosa thrived. BG would do well with as many open three's and as little d he would have to play.

Nocioni? Adios....he is the killer of fast breaks with his stupid shots.

I disagree. I think he'd thrive and with D'Antoni's system you need as many outside shooters as you can get.

 

Deng could be an animal in this offense as well.

[Guest]

As the the players...I think Noah and Thabo would benefit the most......I would say Tyrus..but he needs to stop doggin it on the fast breaks. Hinrich would have to go, IMO. I really can't see him running this offense. Ben Gordon? I'm iffy on that one. Nocioni? Adios....he is the killer of fast breaks with his stupid shots. If D'Antoni is hired..the Bulls should probably go after Collinson of UCLA.(nevermind..he is going back to school)

 

D'Antoni's system would highlight Hinrich's strengths and Gordon would get a lot of jumpers which would be great for him.

 

If you wanted a guy from UCLA in D'Antoni's offense (ignoring that Collison is returning for his sr year), Westbrook is the guy you would want, despite Darren's speed. Collison's passing is suspect, decision-making average.

[rawaction]

So, who's all free agents on the Bulls? What will the team look like next year?

[Flames24Rulz]

So, who's all free agents on the Bulls? What will the team look like next year?

 

Gordon and Deng are restricted free agents (Bulls can match any offer).

 

Duhon and Shannon Brown are unrestricted free agents.

 

I'd still prefer to see Avery Johnson here because at least with his system, he gives you a mix of both good offense and good defense. D'Antoni would be a good coach strictly on the basis that the Bulls will finally be an exciting team to watch again. But does anyone really think his system can lead to a championship?

 

D'Antoni could be a moot point anyway because I'd be willing to bet that the Knicks are going to offer much more than the Bulls will.

[jersey cubs fan]

D'Antoni could be a moot point anyway because I'd be willing to bet that the Knicks are going to offer much more than the Bulls will.

 

I thought they were hot for Mark Jackson. He's the fan/media favorite, from what I can tell.

[rawaction]

I'd like Avery over D'Antoni also, but I think either could lead the Bulls to a championship. D'Antoni probably fits the current players best.

[Guest]

I'd like Avery over D'Antoni also, but I think either could lead the Bulls to a championship. D'Antoni probably fits the current players best.

 

It'll likely be one of those two. If D'Antoni's teams can play D, the Bulls can win a championship.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'd like Avery over D'Antoni also, but I think either could lead the Bulls to a championship. D'Antoni probably fits the current players best.

 

It'll likely be one of those two. If D'Antoni's teams can play D, the Bulls can win a championship.

 

Doesn't matter who the coach is, they'll still need to acquire a star.

[Soul]

I'd like Avery over D'Antoni also, but I think either could lead the Bulls to a championship. D'Antoni probably fits the current players best.

 

It'll likely be one of those two. If D'Antoni's teams can play D, the Bulls can win a championship.

 

Doesn't matter who the coach is, they'll still need to acquire a star.

 

The current Bulls roster won't win a championship. If Paxson can finally pull the trigger on a star player that would change things, depending on the deal.

[Banedon]

The Bulls got rid of Tom Dore and Wayne Larrivee as TV broadcasters, and Johnny Kerr will only be doing pregame and halftime stuff now.

 

Neil Funk will move from radio to TV.

 

Chuck Swirsky will take over on the radio.

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080506-chicago-bulls-broadcasters,1,1263760.story

[Derwood]

thank god! wayne larivee was beyond awful

[Jon]

Wow. Didn't see that coming. Is Wennington following Funk to the TV side?

[illiniguy]

The Bulls got rid of Tom Dore and Wayne Larrivee as TV broadcasters, and Johnny Kerr will only be doing pregame and halftime stuff now.

 

Neil Funk will move from radio to TV.

 

Chuck Swirsky will take over on the radio.

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080506-chicago-bulls-broadcasters,1,1263760.story

Why. Red is like Harry. They can't do this.

[Banedon]

The Bulls got rid of Tom Dore and Wayne Larrivee as TV broadcasters, and Johnny Kerr will only be doing pregame and halftime stuff now.

 

Neil Funk will move from radio to TV.

 

Chuck Swirsky will take over on the radio.

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080506-chicago-bulls-broadcasters,1,1263760.story

Why. Red is like Harry. They can't do this.

 

Red was getting to the point that the travel was difficult if the article is to be believed.

 

No idea on Wennington, Jon. The article didn't mention.

[UMFan83]

I'm assuming its going to be:

 

TV: Funk and Stacey King

Radio: Swerski and Wennington

 

It's hard to break up Funk and Wennington, but if they are keeping Stacey around, he is pretty much useless when not on TV.

[jersey cubs fan]

I always loved that Chuck Swirsky was not a made-up name.

 

 

And according to wiki:

 

He is a big fan of Dairy Queen's blizzards and cherry coke.

Edited May 6, 2008 by jersey cubs fan

[David]

Roll it!

[BRASKYS SCOTCH]

thank god! wayne larivee was beyond awful

 

 

Adios to "RrrrrrING IT UP!" and "By the SLIMMEST of MARGINS!" ... not quite the basketball equivalent to "SWUNG ON AND BELTED!" but still cringe-inducing.

[Keener98]

So, who's all free agents on the Bulls? What will the team look like next year?

 

Gordon and Deng are restricted free agents (Bulls can match any offer).

 

Duhon and Shannon Brown are unrestricted free agents.

 

I'd still prefer to see Avery Johnson here because at least with his system, he gives you a mix of both good offense and good defense. D'Antoni would be a good coach strictly on the basis that the Bulls will finally be an exciting team to watch again. But does anyone really think his system can lead to a championship?

 

 

 

D'Antoni could be a moot point anyway because I'd be willing to bet that the Knicks are going to offer much more than the Bulls will.

 

From what Ive seen and heard it doesnt matter to D'Antoni if the Knicks offer more, Chicago is where he wants to be.