2011-2012 Bulls Free Throw Shooting Championship Thread

[Chuck to Chuck]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

Yeah.  it sucks being the person who throws the cold water of reality on everyone.

[Eli]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

Yeah.  it sucks being the person who throws the cold water of reality on everyone.

It's true. I'm already exhausted. No idea how you do it.

[BH]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

Yeah.  it sucks being the person who throws the cold water of reality on everyone.

It's true. I'm already exhausted. No idea how you do it.

We led the league in wins last year with a new coach, a 2nd year player who greatly elevated his game and our starting center (Noah) and Boozer being hurt most of the year. In a shortened season, I think the Bulls depth will only help them. Calm down Fro. If we don't get Howard, we aren't going to suck.

[Richard Chuggar]

If the Bulls want somebody to shoot 3's that DRose kicks out to him when he draws a double team as he slashes to the hoop, Rip Hamilton is not that guy.  Rip Hamilton is a chase me around 4 picks to get open and make a 15 foot jump shot.  Do the Bulls really need that guy?

[Eli]

If we don't get Howard, we aren't going to suck.

Never said they would.

[BH]

If the Bulls want somebody to shoot 3's that DRose kicks out to him when he draws a double team as he slashes to the hoop, Rip Hamilton is not that guy.  Rip Hamilton is a chase me around 4 picks to get open and make a 15 foot jump shot.  Do the Bulls really need that guy?

The bulls need someone to shoot 3s? I thought that was Korver's job. The Bulls need an actual scoring threat who can create their own shot, handle the ball and take the pressure of Rose. Not sure Rip is the guy to create his own shot anymore, but he's the best option available. And he can shoot a mean free throw.

[BH]

If we don't get Howard, we aren't going to suck.

Never said they would.

Sorry, I must have skipped all of your "the bulls will be good" points when you were dousing us all with the cold water of reality.

[Eli]

If we don't get Howard, we aren't going to suck.

Never said they would.

Sorry, I must have skipped all of your "the bulls will be good" points when you were dousing us all with the cold water of reality.

I still think they'll be very good. Wouldn't surprise me if they again were the top seed in the East because -- as you said -- their depth will be a big advantage in the shortened season. I just don't think they're very likely to get past an improved Miami team in a playoff series. If the goal is a championship, there are reasons to have concern. If the goal is to win a lot of games and a playoff series or two, cool. They'll do that.

[Internet Apex]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

All of this is exactly right.

[Slaky]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

All of this is exactly right.

Tell us more, lover of all things NBA.

[Saul Goodman]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

Yeah.  it sucks being the person who throws the cold water of reality on everyone.

So that's how Chuck sees himself. The Waterboarder of Reality.

[Chuck to Chuck]

So that's how Chuck sees himself. The Waterboarder of Reality.

Reality *is* waterboarding.

[Gilgamesh]

So that's how Chuck sees himself. The Waterboarder of Reality.

Reality *is* waterboarding.

Deep, man.

[CT III]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

Yeah.  it sucks being the person who throws the cold water of reality on everyone.

It's true. I'm already exhausted. No idea how you do it.

We led the league in wins last year with a new coach, a 2nd year player who greatly elevated his game and our starting center (Noah) and Boozer being hurt most of the year. In a shortened season, I think the Bulls depth will only help them. Calm down Fro. If we don't get Howard, we aren't going to suck.

We get it, you're Brian Scalabrine.

[Internet Apex]

He aggressively went after lebron and wade last year. They are going after Howard this year.

They've "gone after" a lot of superstar-type guys. They've landed zero, unless you want to count Ben Wallace or Carlos Boozer as superstars. The Bulls are awfully fortunate that 1.7% chance of getting Derrick Rose panned out. If it weren't for that, they'd still be stuck in 40-win NBA hell with a bunch of complementary players.

With a few rare exceptions, superstars win in the NBA. The Bulls were great last year, but they won 62 games in large part because their depth helped them slog through mundane winter nights against less-interested teams, and because Thibs is insane and went balls-out for 82 straight games. But in the playoffs, with Rose being the only real scoring threat and Miami now being able throw LeBron, Wade and Battier at him at max effort, things will probably end up the same as last year. The NBA isn't like baseball where you just need to get into the playoffs and then hope to get lucky; the more dominant, physically talented team typically wins, unless there's some weird matchup disadvantage (like Dallas-Golden State in 2007).

Now, if the Bulls somehow get Howard, I'll be happy to say I'm wrong about all of this and call them title favorites.

In conclusion, I don't like this discussion, because it makes me feel like Chuck.

All of this is exactly right.

Tell us more, lover of all things NBA.

Mercury's retrograde ends today.