Game Thread: Hawks @ Bulls -- 12/28

[Jamaaliver]

After a lengthy break, the Bulls are ready to get back at it. Up first, Atlanta. They once again get the Hawks in the second game of a back to back as was the case in their second meeting, a 136-102 blowout Bulls win.

Bad news for the Hawks and hoops fans hoping to catch Trae Young in action tonight, Young suffered an ankle injury in Atlanta's 112-86 loss to the Bucks. Young will not play tonight. The Hawks have lost nine straight and dropped to a league-worst 6-26. Atlanta's John Collins will be playing in his third game after serving a 25 game suspension. When in the groove, Collins is a terrific talent and a core player as the Hawks move forward. Tonight will mark the final appearance of Vince Carter hoopin' at the United Center. Carter is playing in his league record, 22nd season and continues to be a strong rotation player for Atlanta.

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[Jamaaliver]

Overheard in Chicago last night:

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[jayu70]

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Who starts in place of Trae?
I hope LP doesn't go small and start Vince at PF with Collins at C like he did in 2nd half.
If last night showed anything, it's that Collins should never be a full time C.

[jayu70]

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[Shooter Says]

Overheard in Chicago last night:

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They must be handing out verified badges on Twitter nowadays. 0% chance LP is fired when it was TS who constructed a team with 3 rookies, injured vets, and no shooting off the bench. It was always the plan to tank this season and it's easy to see that now looking back at our off season signings.

[kg01]

Overheard in Chicago last night:

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They must be handing out verified badges on Twitter nowadays. 0% chance LP is fired when it was TS who constructed a team with 3 rookies, injured vets, and no shooting off the bench. It was always the plan to tank this season and it's easy to see that now looking back at our off season signings.

I bet Fitzdale thought similar things in NYK too. I'm still a CLP guy but stranger things have literally happened this season.

ETA: I do agree with you though regarding that guy's 'verified' status. He's talking outta his arse.

[Shooter Says]

Overheard in Chicago last night:

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They must be handing out verified badges on Twitter nowadays. 0% chance LP is fired when it was TS who constructed a team with 3 rookies, injured vets, and no shooting off the bench. It was always the plan to tank this season and it's easy to see that now looking back at our off season signings.

I bet Fitzdale thought similar things in NYK too. I'm still a CLP guy but stranger things have literally happened this season.

ETA: I do agree with you though regarding that guy's 'verified' status. He's talking outta his arse.

True, I am surprised they didn't give Fiz more time, but NY is a tough market.
I think LP has done a good job at developing our younger guys - Trae and JC are playing like all stars, and both Hunter and Cam are making improvements as rookies. I think that's the biggest thing that separates LP from what was happening with Fiz in NY. Fiz was also given decent off season signings in Morris and Randle. Our biggest signing was Jabari.

[jayu70]

They must be handing out verified badges on Twitter nowadays. 0% chance LP is fired when it was TS who constructed a team with 3 rookies, injured vets, and no shooting off the bench. It was always the plan to tank this season and it's easy to see that now looking back at our off season signings.

I bet Fitzdale thought similar things in NYK too. I'm still a CLP guy but stranger things have literally happened this season.

ETA: I do agree with you though regarding that guy's 'verified' status. He's talking outta his arse.

True, I am surprised they didn't give Fiz more time, but NY is a tough market.
I think LP has done a good job at developing our younger guys - Trae and JC are playing like all stars, and both Hunter and Cam are making improvements as rookies. I think that's the biggest thing that separates LP from what was happening with Fiz in NY. Fiz was also given decent off season signings in Morris and Randle. Our biggest signing was Jabari.

That was Fiz's issue...playing the vets in lieu of development of the young players. It didn't help that the GM and POBO sold the owner that they gave him enough vet help to win by signing a plethora of PFs.

[Shooter Says]

I bet Fitzdale thought similar things in NYK too. I'm still a CLP guy but stranger things have literally happened this season.

ETA: I do agree with you though regarding that guy's 'verified' status. He's talking outta his arse.

True, I am surprised they didn't give Fiz more time, but NY is a tough market.
I think LP has done a good job at developing our younger guys - Trae and JC are playing like all stars, and both Hunter and Cam are making improvements as rookies. I think that's the biggest thing that separates LP from what was happening with Fiz in NY. Fiz was also given decent off season signings in Morris and Randle. Our biggest signing was Jabari.

That was Fiz's issue...playing the vets in lieu of development of the young players. It didn't help that the GM and POBO sold the owner that they gave him enough vet help to win by signing a plethora of PFs.

The portion I highlighted is why I think LP will be safe this year. There's pressure in NY to win games and that's probably why Fiz was playing vets instead of developing their young talent. Their front office is a mess, and it shows as you mentioned in signing all PFs. In contrast, even though guys like Bruno look lost at times, he still starts for us because our front office has a clear plan and is executing it - develop our young talent (while tanking). Everyone in the front office seems to be on board with this, and why I think LP almost certainly gets another year.

[jayu70]

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[dms269]

I'm fine with Goodwin getting some run...as long as he doesn't shoot the ball. Dude couldn't hit the water if fell out of a boat last night

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[Jamaaliver]

Personally, I'd like to see Lloyd get really creative with the starting 5 tonight. Go with the veterans tonight to start: Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe.

Play position less basketball-- matching up Turner on Lavine and Hunter on Markkanen.

We just need a win at this point. Nick Nurse is constantly trotting out new schemes and lineups to mixed effect. I'd like Lloyd to do the same.





There is literally nothing to lose at this point...

[jayu70]

Personally, I'd like to see Lloyd get really creative with the starting 5 tonight. Go with the veterans tonight to start: Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe.

Play position less basketball-- matching up Turner on Lavine and Hunter on Markkanen.

We just need a win at this point. Nick Nurse is constantly trotting out new schemes and lineups to mixed effect. I'd like Lloyd to do the same.





There is literally nothing to lose at this point...

You really want to see Turner guarding Lavine coming off a bad hammy, most nights he looks like he can hardly move?
And Crabbe guarding whoever they start at PG?
Markkanen is out with an illness.

[Jamaaliver]

You really want to see Turner guarding Lavine coming off a bad hammy, most nights he looks like he can hardly move?
And Crabbe guarding whoever they start at PG?

I am open to any creative strategy tonight that gives us an advantage over a more talented, well rested home team that's smacked us around repeatedly this season.

Anything!!!

I'm tired of being down double digits in the first quarter.

[jayu70]

You really want to see Turner guarding Lavine coming off a bad hammy, most nights he looks like he can hardly move?
And Crabbe guarding whoever they start at PG?

I am open to any creative strategy tonight that gives us an advantage over a more talented, well rested home team that's smacked us around repeatedly this season.

Anything!!!

I'm tired of being down double digits in the first quarter.

It's a strategy, just not one I'd term 'creative'

[dms269]

Go back to the fundamentals. 3 man weave. Bounce passes. Short shorts.

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[King Ken]

Overheard in Chicago last night:

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They must be handing out verified badges on Twitter nowadays. 0% chance LP is fired when it was TS who constructed a team with 3 rookies, injured vets, and no shooting off the bench. It was always the plan to tank this season and it's easy to see that now looking back at our off season signings.

I bet Fitzdale thought similar things in NYK too. I'm still a CLP guy but stranger things have literally happened this season.

ETA: I do agree with you though regarding that guy's 'verified' status. He's talking outta his arse.

Fizdale had expectations from his front office and owner. Our front office purposefully put together a **** roster which no one would win with and suspensions and injuries happened.

LP is going nowhere and doesn't need to. He is a good coach

[King Ken]

Personally, I'd like to see Lloyd get really creative with the starting 5 tonight. Go with the veterans tonight to start: Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe.

Play position less basketball-- matching up Turner on Lavine and Hunter on Markkanen.

We just need a win at this point. Nick Nurse is constantly trotting out new schemes and lineups to mixed effect. I'd like Lloyd to do the same.





There is literally nothing to lose at this point...

[ducler]

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[Radioblacktive1]

Another solid “if everyone was at their ceiling we would destroy the other team” lineup.