Boylan keys on rotation

[TB#1]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketba ... 03.article

Boylan keys on rotation

January 3, 2008
BY JOHN JACKSON

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Because of their uneven play, the Bulls weren't able to establish a regular rotation during the first two months of the season. Who played -- and for how long -- often changed from game to game.

But since Jim Boylan took over as coach last week, he's tried to bring consistency to the player rotation.

''Over the last three games we've established somewhat of a rotation,'' Boylan said before the Bulls' 109-97 win over the Bobcats on Wednesday. ''Not perfect yet, but I think our guys are starting to understand when they'll be playing.''

This much is apparent: If you're one of the main guys, be prepared to spend a lot of time on the court.

''Maybe right now we're playing guys a little too much, maybe too long,'' Boylan said. ''We talked about that when I took over, that some of the main players were going to have to play longer minutes because our season is starting to slip away a little bit and we need our main guys to come through.

''We had been struggling, so the only way that I see us getting back on track again was to get our guys out on the floor trying to find their rhythm, find their way out there together. That meant they'd have to play some longer minutes.

''We can't save it for anything at this point in time, because if we do that, then we find ourselves too far gone and not being able to climb back in the playoff race.''

[DuckIII]

Because of their uneven play, the Bulls weren't able to establish a regular rotation during the first two months of the season. Who played -- and for how long -- often changed from game to game.

I just wanted to point out that I reject this premise. Skiles always sucked at setting a rotation, regardless of how well the team was playing. Its a major reason why he needed to be fired. I place great blame on his awful crap-shoot rotations in causing the team's uneven play, not the other way around.

Boylan comes in a sets a rotation and the team settles down and plays well as individuals and as a group. Its hardly a coincidence.

[TB#1]

New rotation sucks for Tyrus Thomas though. when Thabolicious gets burn in the new rotation and TT gets DNP'd, its not a good omen for the Bayou Boy.

[DuckIII]

New rotation sucks for Tyrus Thomas though. when Thabolicious gets burn in the new rotation and TT gets DNP'd, its not a good omen for the Bayou Boy.

I'm comfortable in my belief that his PT is going to come around.

But I've come to the strong belief that Paxson needs to really try to consolidate Chapu, perhaps Thabo, and some other assets to get a reserve 2/3 wing player. I don't even care about "winning" the trade.

Playing Chapu at the 4 is what is messing everything up right now, in my opinion.

[suckfish]

Yer, one of the main reasons many wanted Skiles fired was because of the inconsistency.

The rotations aren't quite ideal under Boylan but they are much much better. Ty is suffering, but look everything else has had consistency, players ARE actually starting to learn their roles.

It's nice to see him adapt in the second half, a lot of Boylan's second half rotations are based on who played well and what worked in the first half.

[step]

I'm comfortable in my belief that his PT is going to come around.

Oh most probably it will, just when everyone starts clicking there will be too few minutes to spread around.

You are right though, Chapu and perhaps some other pieces need to be consolidated. It's come to the point I'd even consider sending him to Memphis for a condition pick and filler, the more salary we take the less restrictions on the pick.

[DuckIII]

I'm comfortable in my belief that his PT is going to come around.

Oh most probably it will, just when everyone starts clicking there will be too few minutes to spread around.

You are right though, Chapu and perhaps some other pieces need to be consolidated. It's come to the point I'd even consider sending him to Memphis for a condition pick and filler, the more salary we take the less restrictions on the pick.

I would too. Chapu has value around the league. He can start at small forward for a number of teams. He's a guy we can move, along with other pieces, to free up the roster and get bigger and maybe even get a decent reserve "big guard" in return. And even if we don't, I honestly don't really care what we get back as long as it isn't another big.

[Ralphb07]

I would like to see Chapu and Thabo or Duhon traded for a nice 2guard. But I do like that Boylan isnt playing Noc like Skiles was. Noc only had 17mins last night and deng played 37. So that means Noc played only 6 mins at the 4 spot, which isnt bad since the Bobcats were playing small.

But it showed lastnight Noc playing 17 was good for him and the whole team. he was 3-6 with 10 pts which was a nice spark, he didnt mess up at all and it gave Noah solid mins which was huge.

[DuckIII]

I would like to see Chapu and Thabo or Duhon traded for a nice 2guard. But I do like that Boylan isnt playing Noc like Skiles was. Noc only had 17mins last night and deng played 37. So that means Noc played only 6 mins at the 4 spot, which isnt bad since the Bobcats were playing small.

I wouldn't conclude that just yet. Boylan played the hell out of Chapu against Milwaukee despite the fact that he was sucking big time.

[gnk2727]

His rotation is not bad and I do expect TT will be getting more burn based on situation and performance.

Ideally I would like to see:

C - Wallace 30, Noah 10, Gray 8
PF - Smith 18, TT 20, Noah 10
SF - Deng 28, Nocioni 20
SG - Gordon 35, Deng 8, Sefolosha 5
PG - Hinrich 34, Duhon 14

We would have room for everyone to get at least a bit of PT. However the only way it works is if Wallace's and Duhons minutes are cut down a bit. And I'm not sure that will happen.