Chicago Bulls nation better get hyped right now. We are two days away from the start of the regular season; where the games matter and the player statistics actually mean something. Erase all memories of the preseason; they don’t matter. It is a whole different world once the real games begin. No more blind speculation and fewer rumor pieces. The reporters here at Pippen A’int Easy will finally have concrete performances to base their arguments off of. Buckle your seat-belts Bulls fans because we are in for a wild crazy ride.
So, lets get back up to date with the latest story lines permeating from the heralded walls of the United Center. The Chicago Bulls concluded preseason action on Friday in a 113-112 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Following a disappointing (I would have used the word devastating if this had occurred during the regulars season or playoffs) 4th quarter the Chicago Bulls underwent an extended scoring drought to cough up the 8 point lead that they had going into the 4th quarter. At one point in the 4th, the Bulls had a 13 point advantage.
Tom Thibodeau appeared visibly upset following the conclusion of the game. Thibodeau has established a reputation throughout his time in Chicago as being a perfectionist that knit picks the potential improvement points from every single game. It is typical to see Thibodeau displeased following a game; I mean I can probably count on one hand the amount of times that I have seen the man smile. But Coach Thib’s demeanor following the loss against Minnesota was abnormal. If Thibodeau was an animated cartoon, he would have had steam coming out of both his ears.
Oct 20, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call against his team by the officials in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Value City Arena. Cleveland won the game 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
A peeved off Tom Thibodeau didn’t hold back in his criticism of the performance of his team following their loss to Minnesota.
"“We obviously got a lot of work to do,” Thibodeau said. “That’s what it reveals to you. Give up 30, score 21. Blow a 13-point lead. Turn the ball over like crazy.”"
Thibodeau even went as far to blame Derrick Rose for the loss against the Timberwolves. Rose finished the game with 27 points.
"“We lost,” Thibodeau said. “He {Derrick Rose} runs the team. He’s the point guard.”"
Ok, so Tom Thibodeau is pissed. Not breaking news, although the extent of this anger hasn’t been seen often from the normally even-keeled Tom Thibodeau. He is a coach that avoids getting too high over himself or his team during good times and avoids being excessively emotional during interviews. So these comments are a little out of character. They make for a decent story.
In other news, Jimmy G. Jordan (formerly Jimmy Butler), remains sidelined with sprained ligaments in his left thumb. Jimmy Butler, who sustained the injury last Monday against the Charlotte Hornets, remains day-to-day in terms of his availability. His status for the Chicago Bull’s opener against the New York Knicks on Wednesday is still up in the air according to Coach Tom Thibodeau.
"“We’ll see where he is,” Thibodeau said. “It really is day to day. He came in today, did a little more, said he felt better. We’ll see where he is (Tuesday) and then the day after. But he’s moving in the right direction. If he can go, he will. If he can’t, he can’t.”"
Jimmy Butler was a little less ambiguous regarding his status for the game tomorrow night. This quote is courtesy of the Chicago Bulls twitter page.
Jimmy Butler on if he’ll play vs. Knicks: “I don’t know. I feel better. I’ll put some ice on it and see how it feels in the morning.”
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 28, 2014
Oct 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) gets hugged by Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44), Chicago Bulls guard Kim English (24) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) after he shot a last second three-point basket to beat the Atlanta Hawks 85-84 during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The timing of Jimmy Butler’s injury came at a rather inopportune time. The Bulls finished the preseason on a two game skid that can be largely associated with the absence of Butler. Jimmy was the Chicago Bull’s most valuable player throughout the preseason, getting it done on both sides of the ball. The Bull’s really missed his defensive presence against the elite wing players on the Cavaliers (Lebron James, Kyrie Irving) and they missed his ability to attack the basket as evident by their scoring troubles in the final two preseason contests.
Hopefully Butler recovers in time to play in the regular season open against the New York Knicks. While it may be unwise to rush a player back from an injury this early in the season, the Chicago Bulls need Jimmy in order to have the best opportunity to beat the Knicks.
Let me tell you, I’m hyped for this game. It may be the first game of the season, but statements are going to be made. Raise your hand if this game has you feeling excited.
Oct 24, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) talks with referee Haywoode Workman (R) during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Interesting Carmelo Anthony raised his hand. Remember him? The ‘superstar’ player that snubbed the Bulls and resigned with the New York Knicks. Keep in mind that it was never about the money; Anthony coincidentally returned to “dead-endville ” for $124 million contract instead of choosing one of his handful of way better options. I’m totally buying that.
To save face, Anthony sugarcoated his reasoning for resigning with the New York Knicks despite the plethora of better options that could have significantly advanced his career.
"“I am a New York Knick at heart,” Anthony said. “I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world.”"
Anthony is covering up a lie within the lines of his quotes. He wanted to be paid because he has an overstated understanding of his own importance. Loyalty or commitment to the New York Knicks was trumped greatly by the prospect of earning a lofty paycheck.
Despite evidence to the contrary, I really am not too bitter about Carmelo snubbing the Chicago Bulls. I want to see the Bulls annihilate the Knicks tonight to prove the stupidity of Carmelo Anthony’s decision; but I’m somewhat glad that Carmelo was too stupid too see what was right in front of him. Carmelo Anthony needed the Bulls more than the Bulls needed Carmelo Anthony. If Anthony would have signed this summer, the depth that the Chicago Bulls so meticulously accumulated this off-season wouldn’t be a reality. The Bulls would probably have the best starting unit in the league, but would have little on their bench to speak about. In order to clear cap space, Gibson would probably have been traded and Gasol obviously wouldn’t be in the picture. In addition, Mirotic would still be doing his thing in Europe instead of playing for Chicago in the States
Carmelo is such a me-oriented selfish player that there is no guarantee that his style of play would have meshed with the Chicago Bull’s playing style. Carmelo would have had to make sacrifices offensively; sharing the scoring burden with Rose could have presented problems. Anthony hasn’t demonstrated that he is capable of sharing the spotlight with another superstar or able to suck up his ego and take less shots for the good of the team. Additionally, Carmelo doesn’t play defense and we all know how Coach Thibodeau feels about players that show little effort on the defensive side of the ball.
Carmelo Anthony to the Chicago Bulls is a marriage that thankfully didn’t happen. In retrospect however, it is time for the Chicago Bulls to show Carmelo what would he is missing by choosing to forgo signing with Chicago last summer. The Bulls are a true basketball team, that fight for each other every night and win together. Carmelo will never have that in New York City, at least with the group of players he has now and his present approach to the game.
Oct 14, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of a pre-season game at the Carrier Dome. The Knicks won 84-77. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
So, Chicago needs to destroy the Knicks tomorrow night and get Carmelo to think about what could have been.
The regular season is finally here. It has been too long since basketball games actually mattered and I’m pumped for opening night. Buckle up for the ride the next 8 months. For those fans who have been slacking on their fan obligations over the last few years hop on the bandwagon. I promise it will be worth it.
Come on Derrick Rose! Get excited! This is what you were born for!
Oct 24, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scottrade Center. The Timberwolves won 113-112. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls play the New York Knicks tomorrow October 29, 2014 on ESPN at 7:00 central standard time. Be there or be square.