Bulls vs Grizzlies 7pm CT

[dougthonus]

The funniest moment of the night was Stacey randomly busting out Pip for not watching the game. And then judging and mocking him for it. “Who doesn’t watch his own son’s game?!?”

I have no doubt that Stacey is the type of dude who expresses friendship by busting chops. But I bet Pip didn’t love that one being on live TV.

Yeah, also, his is a pro and will now play in 82 games a year, this one had no more meaning than the next. He's also has plenty of other kids that he may wish to attend to. Following around the uber wealthy NBA pro-athlete probably is the least place his help as a father is required.

[The Explorer]

Yeah, also, his is a pro and will now play in 82 games a year, this one had no more meaning than the next. He's also has plenty of other kids that he may wish to attend to. Following around the uber wealthy NBA pro-athlete probably is the least place his help as a father is required.

This is incorrect, coming out to his father's old stomping grounds and having a phenomenal game is pretty special. He said so himself.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s crazy to say I put up 30 and 10 in the gym where my dad had played,” he said after scoring 26 points in the first three quarters to help Memphis win its second straight. “It means everything to me and my family. I talked to my dad tonight about coming in here and playing. He just told me to go out there and kill it, so that’s what I tried to do.”

Pippen Sr had an instagram story celebrating Jr's game afterwards, so he did show support, which indicates it's probably not meaningless to him.

[DuckIII]

The funniest moment of the night was Stacey randomly busting out Pip for not watching the game. And then judging and mocking him for it. “Who doesn’t watch his own son’s game?!?”

I have no doubt that Stacey is the type of dude who expresses friendship by busting chops. But I bet Pip didn’t love that one being on live TV.

Yeah, also, his is a pro and will now play in 82 games a year, this one had no more meaning than the next. He's also has plenty of other kids that he may wish to attend to. Following around the uber wealthy NBA pro-athlete probably is the least place his help as a father is required.

I don't really care what he does obviously, but I doubt I'd be completely missing my son's game against the team on which I became a legend to the point that I literally had no idea at all what was going on. Its not like he's Chris Paul's dad. Jr. has only played 44 NBA games ever, started only 24 of them, and this was only his 4th game against the Bulls.

On the other hand, we're talking about people whose lives are completely different than mine. I just thought it was funny.

[dougthonus]

This is incorrect, coming out to his father's old stomping grounds and having a phenomenal game is pretty special. He said so himself.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s crazy to say I put up 30 and 10 in the gym where my dad had played,” he said after scoring 26 points in the first three quarters to help Memphis win its second straight. “It means everything to me and my family. I talked to my dad tonight about coming in here and playing. He just told me to go out there and kill it, so that’s what I tried to do.”

Pippen Sr had an instagram story celebrating Jr's game afterwards, so he did show support, which indicates it's probably not meaningless to him.

Fair enough that this game may have meant something to him.

I still disagree with the expectation that his dad be there for it. It's a regular season game that ended up being more special because he had a great game. If he scored 6 points on 3 of 9 from the field, I doubt there would have been commentary about it. It wasn't an important game. Scottie Sr has burned all his bridges with the team and likely wants no part of being here as part of the underlying context.

[drosestruts]

Bulls looked tired which makes sense given our schedule of late.

If you want to trade our vets - the good news is Zach and Vuc continued to play well.

The best thing of the night was that first half from Buzelis. 14 points in the half and scoring in a variety of ways. Was great to see. We all want more minutes for Matas, I like that he's going out there and aggressively earning those minutes.

Can't give up 140+ points and expect to win.

Had never heard of Jaylen Wells in my entire life. He was automatic from 3.

One day off and then another back-to-back for the Bulls. This schedule is crazy.

[DuckIII]

This is incorrect, coming out to his father's old stomping grounds and having a phenomenal game is pretty special. He said so himself.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s crazy to say I put up 30 and 10 in the gym where my dad had played,” he said after scoring 26 points in the first three quarters to help Memphis win its second straight. “It means everything to me and my family. I talked to my dad tonight about coming in here and playing. He just told me to go out there and kill it, so that’s what I tried to do.”

Pippen Sr had an instagram story celebrating Jr's game afterwards, so he did show support, which indicates it's probably not meaningless to him.

Fair enough that this game may have meant something to him.

I still disagree with the expectation that his dad be there for it. It's a regular season game that ended up being more special because he had a great game. If he scored 6 points on 3 of 9 from the field, I doubt there would have been commentary about it. It wasn't an important game. Scottie Sr has burned all his bridges with the team and likely wants no part of being here as part of the underlying context.

Stacey didn’t say anything about Pip not being at the game. It was because when he texted him during the game Pip had no idea what was going on and had to ask Stacey how it was going.

[DuckIII]

Bulls looked tired which makes sense given our schedule of late.

If you want to trade our vets - the good news is Zach and Vuc continued to play well.

I’m downright optimistic about Vuc. I assume there will be several contenders who would love to add an extra veteran big playing like he is now at the cost of less than $30 million for two postseason runs. I did not see that coming. Guys his age who decline like he did don’t bounce back like this. They might bounce back a hair, but usually it is a concrete sign of ongoing decline. It’s a wonderful development so long as AK accepts the need to trade a highly productive vet on a team that in theory could make the play-in/6th seed.

Lavine I’m still concerned about because regardless of how well he is playing this year and how much he shifts to “taking what the defense gives him” which is what teams want to see, I don’t trust NBA groupthink. The NBA has been collectively stupid about valuing Lavine relative to similar players for years and it bottomed out last season. At his price, I just don’t know.

The best thing of the night was that first half from Buzelis. 14 points in the half and scoring in a variety of ways. Was great to see. We all want more minutes for Matas, I like that he's going out there and aggressively earning those minutes.

The simple truth is outside of Lavine he is by far the most physically talented player on the team with, by far, the highest upside. That simultaneously is a compliment to him and and indictment of AK.

[drosestruts]

Bulls looked tired which makes sense given our schedule of late.

If you want to trade our vets - the good news is Zach and Vuc continued to play well.

I’m downright optimistic about Vuc. I assume there will be several contenders who would love to add an extra veteran big playing like he is now at the cost of less than $30 million for two postseason runs. I did not see that coming. Guys his age who decline like he did don’t bounce back like this. They might bounce back a hair, but usually it is a concrete sign of ongoing decline. It’s a wonderful development so long as AK accepts the need to trade a highly productive vet on a team that in theory could make the play-in/6th seed.

Lavine I’m still concerned about because regardless of how well he is playing this year and how much he shifts to “taking what the defense gives him” which is what teams want to see, I don’t trust NBA groupthink. The NBA has been collectively stupid about valuing Lavine relative to similar players for years and it bottomed out last season. At his price, I just don’t know.

The best thing of the night was that first half from Buzelis. 14 points in the half and scoring in a variety of ways. Was great to see. We all want more minutes for Matas, I like that he's going out there and aggressively earning those minutes.

The simple truth is outside of Lavine he is by far the most physically talented player on the team with, by far, the highest upside. That simultaneously is a compliment to him and and indictment of AK.

On the trade front I do think Vuc should have some trade value based on his play, but outside of the Lakers I struggle identifying a team that wants/needs a center and is trying to win.

For Zach - I've always felt that an in-season trade was unlikely. It's hard to make the money work. I have to imagine there's some front offices kicking themselves right now for not buying low on him. For better or worse I think Zach is here for the season.


Trying to think of whom I'd even argue for being of similar of more upside/talent than Buzelis. Closest I can come up with are Lonzo and Williams.... and now I'm thinking about a world where they can play healthy and a Ball-LaVine-Williams-Buzelis-Center (Smith?) lineup is on my mind and does on paper sound intriguing

[dougthonus]

Stacey didn’t say anything about Pip not being at the game. It was because when he texted him during the game Pip had no idea what was going on and had to ask Stacey how it was going.

Yeah, fair enough, I'm sure the comments weren't meant to be scathing either, nor does Scottie need my defense, but I doubt I'd be watching either if I were in PIp Sr's position.

[burlydee]

Ball has played like 4 games in 3 years. People should stop penciling him into future lineups.

Now that ppl are making long term plans with Zach, it's the perfect time to trade him. I think teams like Orlando, Charlotte, Detroit, Indy and the Clippers make sense for him. Teams not tanking but who aren't at the top of the league who and can't attract top free agents. A young player, a contract and a pick. Let's start to turn this roster over.

[FriedRise]

Honestly I think we would have made it closer if Ja and Edey played. It seemed like they couldn't miss from 3, but then I looked and we matched them from 3. We also matched them on TO's, and we're close on FT's too. Really came down to the fact that they beat us up on the boards. What baffled me is that on the 2nd half of a B2B against a bigger team that we only played Smith his usual 15 minutes. I think that our pace works against us on the 2nd half of B2B's. That Wells guy really killed us, and Pippen had a free pass to the rim on every drive.

Matas had himself a great 1st half and then his carriage turned back into a pumpkin in the second half...rookies, right?

Ayo struggled against JJJ at the rim a few times and I think it zapped his confidence

Smart and his 0-11 statline was also a huge boost for us the last time we saw them.

[Red8911]

Stacey didn’t say anything about Pip not being at the game. It was because when he texted him during the game Pip had no idea what was going on and had to ask Stacey how it was going.

Yeah, fair enough, I'm sure the comments weren't meant to be scathing either, nor does Scottie need my defense, but I doubt I'd be watching either if I were in PIp Sr's position.

I find it hard to believe Pippen wasn’t watching his son play in Chicago against the Bulls. He’s always watching him and is present in a lot of games. Unless he had something going on at that time, who knows and honestly who cares.

My only issue is the bulls let Scottie Pippen JR drop a career high 30 pts on them. Players should be ashamed of themselves where a mediocre player goes off on them. Dont they have more pride to stop him ? It’s not Ja Morant. So frustrating, this defense is absolutely terrible. Can’t develop players without playing defense, that’s not how you win games.

[DuckIII]

Stacey didn’t say anything about Pip not being at the game. It was because when he texted him during the game Pip had no idea what was going on and had to ask Stacey how it was going.

Yeah, fair enough, I'm sure the comments weren't meant to be scathing either, nor does Scottie need my defense, but I doubt I'd be watching either if I were in PIp Sr's position.

As I’ve gotten older watching my sons play basketball has become my favorite thing to do in life. Literally, there is nothing I would rather do barring like a trip overseas or something. Fortunately I still have a Jr. and an 8th grader left who both love it so I have 5 seasons left to go. I can’t relate to Pip on this one.

At least not given that the game was against the Bulls. I’m sure most NBA parents don’t watch all 82 games a season for whole careers.

[DuckIII]

Stacey didn’t say anything about Pip not being at the game. It was because when he texted him during the game Pip had no idea what was going on and had to ask Stacey how it was going.

Yeah, fair enough, I'm sure the comments weren't meant to be scathing either, nor does Scottie need my defense, but I doubt I'd be watching either if I were in PIp Sr's position.

I find it hard to believe Pippen wasn’t watching his son play in Chicago against the Bulls. He’s always watching him and is present in a lot of games. Unless he had something going on at that time, who knows and honestly who cares.

My only issue is the bulls let Scottie Pippen JR drop a career high 30 pts on them. Players should be ashamed of themselves where a mediocre player goes off on them. Dont they have more pride to stop him ? It’s not Ja Morant. So frustrating, this defense is absolutely terrible. Can’t develop players without playing defense, that’s not how you win games.

Red this is a roster problem. Even if every player on the team gave maximum defensive effort the whole game our collective defense would still be terrible. Every night.

This roster will not play a single “good” defensive game all year. They are not capable of doing it. They will have games when the other team will be bad offensively, but don’t confuse the two.

Also, Pip Jr. has game. Take a look at his per 36 this year while averaging a legit 26 mpg. He’s good.

[Jeffster81]

This is the kind of game is why I effin hate the modern NBA. This is not basketball.

[drosestruts]

Ball has played like 4 games in 3 years. People should stop penciling him into future lineups.

Now that ppl are making long term plans with Zach, it's the perfect time to trade him. I think teams like Orlando, Charlotte, Detroit, Indy and the Clippers make sense for him. Teams not tanking but who aren't at the top of the league who and can't attract top free agents. A young player, a contract and a pick. Let's start to turn this roster over.

Again I think acquiring Zach will be difficult for anyone in season when salary matching rules and such need to be adhered too. Orlando I imagine is kicking themselves for not attempting to buy low on Zach and instead shelling out for KCP who's averaging 7 points on 23% 3P%.

Now, in season - I don't see how they combine salaries to make something even make sense.

Similar for other teams.

[Chi town]

Stacey didn’t say anything about Pip not being at the game. It was because when he texted him during the game Pip had no idea what was going on and had to ask Stacey how it was going.

Yeah, fair enough, I'm sure the comments weren't meant to be scathing either, nor does Scottie need my defense, but I doubt I'd be watching either if I were in PIp Sr's position.

As I’ve gotten older watching my sons play basketball has become my favorite thing to do in life. Literally, there is nothing I would rather do barring like a trip overseas or something. Fortunately I still have a Jr. and an 8th grader left who both love it so I have 5 seasons left to go. I can’t relate to Pip on this one.

At least not given that the game was against the Bulls. I’m sure most NBA parents don’t watch all 82 games a season for whole careers.

Totally relate.

My sons are playing together on the JV team at their HS here in SF. No freshmen teams here. My Soph son is starting SG and my Freshman son is 6th man. Watching them play together is so awesome. Sat mornings we play together in open gym runs at the local rec. Playing with them has been more fun than winning two state championships playing HS bball. It’s like the best gift I didn’t even know could be given.

[Chi town]

Yeah, fair enough, I'm sure the comments weren't meant to be scathing either, nor does Scottie need my defense, but I doubt I'd be watching either if I were in PIp Sr's position.

I find it hard to believe Pippen wasn’t watching his son play in Chicago against the Bulls. He’s always watching him and is present in a lot of games. Unless he had something going on at that time, who knows and honestly who cares.

My only issue is the bulls let Scottie Pippen JR drop a career high 30 pts on them. Players should be ashamed of themselves where a mediocre player goes off on them. Dont they have more pride to stop him ? It’s not Ja Morant. So frustrating, this defense is absolutely terrible. Can’t develop players without playing defense, that’s not how you win games.

Red this is a roster problem. Even if every player on the team gave maximum defensive effort the whole game our collective defense would still be terrible. Every night.

This roster will not play a single “good” defensive game all year. They are not capable of doing it. They will have games when the other team will be bad offensively, but don’t confuse the two.

Also, Pip Jr. has game. Take a look at his per 36 this year while averaging a legit 26 mpg. He’s good.

Only way we play a good defensive game is Buz Pat Dalen and Smith playing most of the game.

[Chi town]

Bulls looked tired which makes sense given our schedule of late.

If you want to trade our vets - the good news is Zach and Vuc continued to play well.

I’m downright optimistic about Vuc. I assume there will be several contenders who would love to add an extra veteran big playing like he is now at the cost of less than $30 million for two postseason runs. I did not see that coming. Guys his age who decline like he did don’t bounce back like this. They might bounce back a hair, but usually it is a concrete sign of ongoing decline. It’s a wonderful development so long as AK accepts the need to trade a highly productive vet on a team that in theory could make the play-in/6th seed.

Lavine I’m still concerned about because regardless of how well he is playing this year and how much he shifts to “taking what the defense gives him” which is what teams want to see, I don’t trust NBA groupthink. The NBA has been collectively stupid about valuing Lavine relative to similar players for years and it bottomed out last season. At his price, I just don’t know.

The best thing of the night was that first half from Buzelis. 14 points in the half and scoring in a variety of ways. Was great to see. We all want more minutes for Matas, I like that he's going out there and aggressively earning those minutes.

The simple truth is outside of Lavine he is by far the most physically talented player on the team with, by far, the highest upside. That simultaneously is a compliment to him and and indictment of AK.

On the trade front I do think Vuc should have some trade value based on his play, but outside of the Lakers I struggle identifying a team that wants/needs a center and is trying to win.

For Zach - I've always felt that an in-season trade was unlikely. It's hard to make the money work. I have to imagine there's some front offices kicking themselves right now for not buying low on him. For better or worse I think Zach is here for the season.


Trying to think of whom I'd even argue for being of similar of more upside/talent than Buzelis. Closest I can come up with are Lonzo and Williams.... and now I'm thinking about a world where they can play healthy and a Ball-LaVine-Williams-Buzelis-Center (Smith?) lineup is on my mind and does on paper sound intriguing

I think Vuc is an easy trade. Half the money and one less year.

Think Zach would need to be a 3 way deal. Don’t see it likely that he gets traded in season. Think Coby’s much more likely. Way cheaper and younger and his next contract will be cheaper then Zach’s current contract.

[Ice Man]

Lavine I’m still concerned about because regardless of how well he is playing this year and how much he shifts to “taking what the defense gives him” which is what teams want to see, I don’t trust NBA groupthink. The NBA has been collectively stupid about valuing Lavine relative to similar players for years and it bottomed out last season. At his price, I just don’t know.

In summer 2023, Bradley Beal was the same age that Zach is now, paid a similar amount, and was a worse player. He netted a bucketful of draft picks for the Wizards. Admittedly only the second round picks were outright, with the first round picks being swaps. But still ... confusing.