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Hey Marquis, It’s Ronald Agers, co-editor of the Chicago Bulls website “Pippen Ain’t Easy”. The best choice for Bulls news, previews and reviews. Just checking to see if your NBA career is alive. I was there when my colleague, Candice Connell reported that you were sent to Iowa to play for the D-League. I know that was a tough time for you. You’re thinking that your people would be laughing at you, thinking that you’re horrible. Well you are half right. They weren’t laughing at you. You did stink. But here’s the good news, there is a chance for you to make it up quickly and resurrect your career and stay out of China and/or Turkey. Here’s how we are going to do it. If it works, just ask the Bulls organization for a throwback jersey of my favorite player…Orlando Woolridge.
First things first. You must learn how to defend the guy in front of you. That is what got you sent down in the first place. I watched some of your games (like if you got in) and noticed that you watched the ball and didn’t practice the discipline of watching the ball and keeping tabs on your man. Fake hustle does not work when you are getting back-doored to the basket time after time. Look I know some players allow their entire game to be affected when their shot is not falling, but for this team it’s no excuse. One reason is because defense is the only way you will see the floor under Coach Thibodeau. Number two, you were not alone with bad shooting. Look at Kirk Hinrich, he can’t throw the ball in the ocean standing eye-deep. He kept his spot on the team. Tony Snell is shooting less than 40% from the field. He’s getting some burn on the court. Get the picture.
You really need to find a veteran on the team and follow him. No, it does not have to be Derrick Rose, but he is a good start. It is unbelievable how hard this guy works. You need to shadow what he does and work on your game. This is not college. You weren’t even the best player on your college team, or second, or third. You know what I’m saying. The point is you have to work hard on your game. Stay a few hours after practice and work on that shot of yours. Talk to an assistant coach, do some film work. Work on being a NBA player. Treat it like a job, because it is.
Finally, Marquis you are going to have to do something that is kind of daunting. You’re going to have to face the fact that you might not be good enough to play in this league. You were brought back for a reason. You might be getting traded, you are like that guy in baseball, the player to be named later, you know the throw in. But I’m thinking different because I’m rooting for you. Kirk Hinrich or Mike Dunleavy might be on the move and the Bulls have a roster spot for you. Remember, rookie contracts are cheap. You got that going for you. Let’s take advantage of that. It just might work.
I’m keeping it real for you Marquis, this might be your last shot in Chicago. I’m probably the last person on the planet who is not your friend or share your bloodline that believes you are going to make it. Hopefully you’ll read this on your FanSided App on your phone or Ipad, get motivated and go practice. I’m talking about practice man. Not a game, not a game that some people die for. I’m talking about practice. I know this is a remixed Allen Iverson rant. But it applies. Plus, he was better than you too.
Good Luck
Ronald Agers, Co-editor Pippen Ain’t Easy
P.S.
If this works I want a Orlando Woolridge throwback jersey, white, XXL size.