In a team meeting before practice at America West Arena, coach Scott Skiles asked veteran players if they agreed a starting lineup change was needed. They did.
Skiles then announced Chris Duhon, Luol Deng and Antonio Davis are in against Utah. Eric Piatkowski, Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry are out.
Kirk Hinrich will shift to shooting guard and Andres Nocioni will guard Carlos Boozer at power forward as the Bulls try to avoid a 10th straight loss, which would be the worst start in franchise history.
Chandler and Curry haven't come off the bench together since sitting for Charles Oakley and Marcus Fizer in a 20-point loss to Philadelphia on March 28, 2002.
"I was shocked," Curry said.
Chandler experienced a different emotion.
"Yeah, it does upset me," Chandler said. "I don't think any player wants to come off the bench. I definitely don't, especially at this time of my career."
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EnySpree Posts: 44919
Alba Posts: 138
Joined: 4/18/2003
Member: #397
playing Duhon and Heiny together isnt a bad idea. Duhon is a heady player and a winner. So is Kirk. It gives you two guys that can run and offense and move the ball around better. Both are above average defenders as well. I like that move. I havent seen enough of Deng or the Nocioni kid, but have liked what I have seen. Antonio is a tough player... I've been suprised he doesnt play more there.
When you look around the league you should see you cant forcefeed kids minutes and expect good results. You need veterans that know how to play the NBA game. IF I was Chi I would have gotten a good veteran core of players to START and work these young kids into the rotation as they learn to play the game at this level.
Guys like Cliff Robinson, Barry, Antonio Davis, Travis Best, Derek Anderson... there's been a lot of players available in recent years the Bulls could have built a repectable team around.
You draft a bunch of HS kids and early entry draftees and force them minutes the only thing your going to get done is fire a lot of coaches. Its NEVER worked in the league, and it NEVER will.
you're right fishy. the only exception to the rule appears to be lebron which tells a lot about his potential (god,we're still talking about potential with this guy ...)
but there are a few trade rumors outthere. dont you guys think weird that sweet hasn't played a lot over the past couple of games ? related or not ? sounds intriguing.
fishmike Posts: 53866
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 7/19/2002
Member: #298 USA
but look at Lebron... they got him a veteran point guard for the younger Miles right away. This year they added another guy in Eric Snow that knows how to defend and play smart basketball.
Amare had Marion and Marbury.
Denver is another perfect example. They drafted a bunch of young guys but put solid vets around them. Dre Miller, Boykins, Voshon Lenard, Camby.. good NBA veterans expected to either start or play core minutes. Kiki didnt just put Nene, Carmello, Skita and Rodney White out there for 35 minutes a game. If he did they would still be in the lottery and those players would be labeled "selfish" or "poor workers." You see this every year... its not rocket science
you're right. most of time mixing youngs and vets is the best way to go. look at how indy managed to rebuild.
look at us, we're trying to do the same. guess what, i think we have a shot now. nice to see what IT has done so far. we have a season to think about (haden't been waiting so much for games for a while) and a nice future in front of us (rookies, contracts soon to expire).
I always prefered that to the "let's destroy everything" and try to start from scratch. unless you got shaq, duncan or lebron, this led nobody to the top.
...)