Road to Glory II

[Valor]

NBA Media Day 2011

All around the NBA, teams have been gathering to meet the media for the first time this season. It's a tradition like none other, it is the annual media day. Every off-season brings about plenty of new faces in new uniforms and the summer of 2011 was no different. Let's take a look at these amazing photographs that were taken.


The Bulls' new big men Carlos Boozer and Shaquille O'Neal poses for a photo


The two Chicago rookies Jeremy Lin and Marcus Jordan shows off their skills on the court


A quick look at San Antonio's new centers - rookie Octavius Ocho, and free agent signing Greg Oden


Gloomy Gil is spotting a new number this season | New Wizard AK-47 makes Arenas even more dangerous


New/Old Warrior Jason Richardson shows off the new Jersey and court with Steph Curry


Rookies Martti Must and Liam Washburn poses for their respective teams during media day


Rookie Thierry Tirieux shows off his hops | Blazers rookie Will Sit has the most ridiculous hair in the NBA


Top Free Agent Carmelo Anthony poses with the number 1 overall pick Harrison Barnes


Nuggets look to move on from the Melo era by signing Tracy McGrady and Zach Randolph

[Valor]

Good to see Sit will feature in your story soon.

like right now? check out your photo-shoot (and the ridiculous hair) from media day

[Axel The Great]

Hmm... Two grandfathers in San Antonio.

[Fresh8]

I saw that. I look like a monster haha

[megarover]

That picture of Sit is hilarious.

[kibaxx7]

Nice portrait Sit Hey, I look good in a Hawks J!

[Valor]

Hmm... Two grandfathers in San Antonio.

Indeed

I saw that. I look like a monster haha

You need a haircut

That picture of Sit is hilarious.

Nice portrait Sit Hey, I look good in a Hawks J!

Fits you quite well doesnt it


Preseason Recap coming soon, all those who still wants to participate in the contest better hurry up! Winners will be announced along with the recap!

[Martti.]

Great idea giving Jordan's son #45! Also, I look good in a Rocket uniform.

[Valor]

Great idea giving Jordan's son #45! Also, I look good in a Rocket uniform.

He wore #5 in College but since i have Boozer...
You happy with your number? #31 wasn't available on the rockets (battier) so i got you #13 instead

[Martti.]

Yeah, it's fine.

[Valor]

2011Preseason Recap
Preseason Results - 5W 2L

Since the Detroit game was the final game of the preseason, a complete record cannot be shown


October 10th @ Portland Trailblazers
Win 91-86
Outstanding Players
Portland: Brandon Roy 24 pts 7 ast, Will Sit 14 pts 8 ast, Marcus Camby 14 pts 7 reb
Chicago: Derrick Rose 22 pts 8 ast, Carlos Boozer 18 pts 5 reb, Joakim Noah 6 pts 8 reb 4 blk

October 13th vs Milwaukee Bucks
Win 99-86
Outstanding Players
Milwaukee: Harrison Barnes 29 pts 6 reb, Carmelo Anthony 17 pts 9 reb, Andrew Bogut 12 pts 18 reb
Chicago: Derrick Rose 23 pts 6 ast, Carlos Boozer 17 pts 10 reb, Joakim Noah 14 pts 15 reb

October 16th @ Washington Wizards
Win 96-87
Outstanding Players
Washington: Gilbert Arenas 29 pts 10 ast, Chris Bosh 23 pts 13 reb 5 ast, Tyrus Thomas 6 pts 14 reb
Chicago: Derrick Rose 26 pts 7 ast, Carlos Boozer 23 pts 4 reb, Joakim Noah 12 pts 10 reb 6 blk

October 18th @ Detroit Pistons
Win 102-96
Outstanding Players
Detroit: Tayshaun Prince 24 pts, Kyrie Irving 16 pts 5 ast (off the bench), Troy Murphy 13 pts 10 reb
Chicago: Derrick Rose 18 pts 9 ast, Carlos Boozer 16 pts 5 reb, Joakim Noah 7 pts 10 reb 2 blk

October 20th @ Washington Wizards
Loss 100-105
Outstanding Players
Washington: Gilbert Arenas 32 pts 11 ast 5 reb, Chris Bosh 20 pts 8 reb, Mike Miller 18 pts
Chicago: Derrick Rose 21 pts 6 reb 5 ast, Carlos Boozer 20 pts 8 reb, Joakim Noah 12 pts 9 reb

October 24th @ Milwaukee Bucks
Loss 100-101
Outstanding Players
Milwaukee: Michael Redd 32 pts 5 ast, Brandon Jennings 23 pts 9 ast, Carmelo Anthony 14 pts 10 reb (game winner)
Chicago: Derrick Rose 26 pts 10 ast, Carlos Boozer 20 pts 12 reb, Joakim Noah 11 pts 16 reb

October 26th vs Detroit Pistons
Win 95-88 (OT)
Outstanding Players
Detroit: Chauncey Billups 35 pts 7 ast, Charlie Villanueva 16 pts 13 reb 3 blk, Tayshaun Prince 13 pts 6 reb
Chicago: Derrick Rose 35 pts 11 ast 2 blk, Carlos Boozer 18 pts 10 reb, Kirk Hinrich 17 pts, Joakim Noah 11 pts 12 reb 4 blk



Chicago Bulls Player Stats

- Bold Indicates Team Leader


Injury Report

[Valor]

Shaq Contest Results + Leaderboard

Thank you to all the participants in the contest to determine Shaq's new nickname as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Shaq says his thanks via another twitter message: "ty chi-town 4 da suggestions, i have a new nick"

Contest Result
1. Sit - Air Shaqness (5 points)
2. Clutch - The Big Stampede (3 points)
3. Martti. - The Big Breeze (2 points)

Participation (1 point): Axel., Lamrock, George7, De8., badreligionau, puttincomputers, Houndy, Justine., C-77

Training Camp Point Gain (4 points): Sit (Will Sit), Lamrock (Liam Washburn), Thierry. (Thierry Tirieux), Martti. (Martti Must), Clutch (Octavius Ocho)


Leaderboard
1. Sit - 5+4 = 9 points
2. Clutch - 3+4 = 7 points
3. Martti. - 2+4 = 6 points (-6 points = 0 points)
4. Lamrock - 1+4 = 5 points (-5 points = 0 points)
- Thierry. - 1+4 = 5 points
5. Axel. - 1 point
- George7 - 1 point
- De8 - 1 point
- badreligionau - 1 point
- puttincomputers - 1 point
- Houndy - 1 point
- Justine. - 1 point


How to use the points: Each point can be put into one attribute point. For traits such as vertical, speed, stamina, awareness...etc two points are needed. You can use your points at the start/end of these times: Preseason, All-Star Break, Offseason

Note: For those who have rookies, you have until the start of the season to submit your improvements if you want to use the points now, otherwise you'll have to wait until All Star Weekend for your next chance

[Lamrock]

+2 Off. Awareness
+1 3pt shooting

L-Train for MVP!

[Martti.]

+1 - Quickness, 3PT shooting, Off awareness, Blocking.
+2 - Defensive awareness.

[Valor]

+2 Off. Awareness
+1 3pt shooting

L-Train for MVP!

done

+1 - Quickness, 3PT shooting, Off awareness, Blocking.
+2 - Defensive awareness.

Sorry man, you don't have enough points
Quickness, Off/Def Awareness cost 2 points each. 3pts and blocking are 1. You'll need 10 points for that.

[Martti.]

+1 - 3PT shooting, Blocking.
+2 - Defensive awareness.

I'll go like this then.

[Fresh8]

I'm gonna wait for All-Star weekend.

[Valor]

2011-12 NBA Season Team-by-Team Previews
October 26th, 2011

With the 2011-12 NBA Season just around the corner, here's a quick preview of all of the 30 teams around the league

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division


Head Coach: Doc Rivers
2010-11 Record: 45-37, Eliminated by Orlando Magic in Eastern Conference Finals
Key Losses: Kendrick Perkins (Memphis Grizzlies), Delonte West (Toronto Raptors), Glen Davis (Free Agent)
Key Acquisitions: Andre Miller (Free Agent), DaShonte Riley (Draft), Daniel Orton (Draft)
Projected Starters: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace
Key Reserves: Andre Miller (PG), Avery Bradley (SG), Daniel Orton (PF/C)R



Head Coach: Simon Lucas
2010-11 Record: 35-47, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Sean Williams (Chicago Bulls)
Key Acquisitions: Evan Turner (Trade), Carl Landry (Free Agent), JayMychal Green (Draft)
Projected Starters: Devin Harris, Evan Turner, Al-Farouq Aminu, Carl Landry, Brook Lopez
Key Reserves: Willie Warren (PG), Chris Douglas-Roberts (SG/SF), Courtney Lee (SG/SF), Terrence Williams (SF)



Head Coach: Mike D'Antoni
2010-11 Record: 34-48, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Tracy McGrady (Denver Nuggets), Wilson Chandler (Charlotte Bobcats)
Key Acquisitions: Raymond Felton (Trade), Channing Frye (Free Agent), Jamal Crawford (Free Agent), DeJuan Blair (Free Agent), William Buford (Draft)
Projected Starters: Raymond Felton, Jamal Crawford, Danilo Gallinari, Ed Davis, Channing Frye
Key Reserves: Chris Duhon (PG), Dejuan Blair (PF), William Buford (SG)R



Head Coach: Eddie Jordan
2010-11 Record: 47-35, Eliminated by Orlando Magic in Eastern Conference Semifinals
Key Losses: Samuel Dalembert (Memphis Grizzlies)
Key Acquisitions: Ronny Turiaf (Free Agent), Kurt Thomas (Free Agent), A.J. Ogilvy (Draft)
Projected Starters: Jrue Holiday, Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Marreese Speights
Key Reserves: Louis Williams (PG), Thaddeus Young (PF/SF)



Head Coach: Jay Triano
2010-11 Record: 27-55, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Delonte West (Free Agent), Jonas Valanciunas (Draft), Elliot Williams (Draft)
Projected Starters: Delonte West, Marco Belinelli, Hedo Turkoglu, Jonas Valanciunas (R), Andrea Bargnani
Key Reserves: Demar DeRozan (SF), Jose Calderon (PG), Jarret Jack (PG), Roger Mason (SG)



Central Division


Head Coach: Byron Scott
2010-11 Record: 55-27, Eliminated by Boston Celtics in Eastern Conference Semifinals
Key Losses: Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), Josh Smith (Miami Heat), Evan Turner (New Jersey Nets)
Key Acquisitions: Carlos Boozer (Trade), Kirk Hinrich (Trade), Shaquille O'Neal (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah
Key Reserves: Kyle Korver (SF/SG), Anthony Morrow (SG/SF), Shaquille O'Neal (C), Taj Gibson (PF)



Head Coach: Mike Brown
2010-11 Record: 21-61, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Mo Williams (Sacramento Kings), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Sacramento Kings), Jarvis Hayes (Dallas Mavericks)
Key Acquisitions: Omri Casspi (Trade), Francisco Garcia (Trade), Jordan Hill (Free Agent), Greg Smith (Draft)
Projected Starters: Nate Robinson, James Anderson, Omri Casspi, Jordan Hill, Anderson Varejao
Key Reserves: Kyle Lowry (PG), Greg Smith (C)R, Francisco Garcia (SG/SF)



Head Coach: Michael Curry
2010-11 Record: 35-47, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Rodney Stuckey (Denver Nuggets)
Key Acquisitions: Chauncey Billups (Trade), Troy Murphy (Free Agent), Julian Wright (Free Agent), Kyrie Irving (Draft)
Projected Starters: Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Charlie Villanueva, Troy Murphy
Key Reserves:Jason Maxiell (PF), Kyrie Irving (PG)R, Will Bynum (PG), Ben Wallace (C)



Head Coach: Jim O'Brien
2010-11 Record: 32-50, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Aaron Brooks (Free Agent), Perry Jones (Draft), Marcus Thornton (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: Aaron Brooks, Marcus Thornton, Danny Granger, Perry Jones (R), Roy Hibbert
Key Reserves: TJ Ford (PG), Dominique Jones (SG), Tyler Hansbrough (PF)



Head Coach: Kurt Rambis
2010-11 Record: 23-59, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Carmelo Anthony (Free Agent), Harrison Barnes (Draft)
Projected Starters: Brandon Jennings, Michael Redd, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Favors, Andrew Bogut
Key Reserves: Harrison Barnes (SF/SG)R, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (SF)



Southeast Division



Head Coach: Mike Woodson
2010-11 Record: 42-40, Eliminated by Orlando Magic in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls)
Key Acquisitions: John Salmons (Trade), Thierry Tirieux (Draft)
Projected Starters: Mike Bibby, John Salmons, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Al Horford
Key Reserves: Jeff Teague (PG), Ekpe Udoh (PF), Zaza Pachulia (C),



Head Coach: Gabe Carter
2010-11 Record: 45-37, Eliminated by Boston Celtics in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: Raymond Felton (New York Knicks)
Key Acquisitions: Wilson Chandler (Trade), Brandon Knight (Draft), Corey Stokes (Draft)
Projected Starters: DJ Augustin, Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, Yi Jianlian, Tyson Chandler
Key Reserves: Wilson Chandler (SF), Boris Diaw (PF), Brandon Haywood (C), Gerald Henderson (SG/SF)



Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra
2010-11 Record: 42-40, Eliminated by Phildelphia 76ers in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: Carlos Boozer (Chicago Bulls), John Salmons (Atlanta Hawks), Mario Chalmers (Memphis Grizzlies)
Key Acquisitions: Dwyane Wade (Trade), Josh Smith (Trade), Michael Conley (Free Agent), Liam Washburn (Draft)
Projected Starters: Liam Washburn (R), Dwyane Wade, Michael Beasley, Josh Smith, Jermaine O'Neal
Key Reserves: Michael Conley (PG), Elliot Williams (SG), Udonis Haslem (PF)



Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy
2010-11 Record: 54-28, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals
Key Losses: Matt Barnes (LA Lakers)
Key Acquisitions: Manny Harris (Draft)
Projected Starters: Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus, Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard
Key Reserves: Randy Foye (SG/PG), Brandon Bass (PF), Marcin Gortat (C)



Head Coach: Flip Saunders
2010-11 Record: 42-40, Eliminated by Chicago Bulls in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: Andray Blatche (Golden State Warriors),
Key Acquisitions: Andrei Kirilenko (Free Agent), Dexter Pittman (Draft)
Projected Starters: Gilbert Arenas, Mike Miller, Andrei Kirilenko, Tyrus Thomas, Chris Bosh
Key Reserves: Shannon Brown (SG/PG), Josh Howard (SF), Javale McGee (C)



Western Conference
Southwest Division


Head Coach: Rick Carlisle
2010-11 Record: 46-36, Eliminated by Oklahoma City Thunder in Western Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: Troy Murphy (Detroit Pistons), Joel Przybilla (Cleveland Cavaliers), JJ Barea (New Orleans Hornets)
Key Acquisitions: Marc Gasol (Free Agent), Jarvis Hayes (Trade), Alex Oriakhi (Draft)
Projected Starters: Jason Kidd, Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, Marc Gasol
Key Reserves: Jason Terry (SG/PG), Rodrigue Beaubois (PG), Larry Sanders (PF)



Head Coach: Rick Adelman
2010-11 Record: 49-33, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference Semifinals
Key Losses: Aaron Brooks (Indiana Pacers), Luis Scola (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Key Acquisitions: Jonny Flynn (Trade), Hassan Whiteside (Trade), Martti Must (Draft)
Projected Starters: Jonny Flynn, Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza, Antawn Jamison, Yao Ming
Key Reserves: Shane Battier (SF/SG), Rafer Alston (PG), Martti Must (PF)R, Hassan Whiteside (C)



Head Coach: Lionel Hollins
2010-11 Record: 37-45, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Jerome Dyson (Miami Heat)
Key Acquisitions: Mario Chalmers (Trade), Samuel Dalembert (Free Agent), Chase Budinger (Free Agent), Jonas Jerebko (Free Agent), Kendrick Perkins (Free Agent), Tiny Gallon (Draft)
Projected Starters: Ricky Rubio, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Tiny Gallon (R), Kendrick Perkins
Key Reserves: Wesley Johnson (SG/SF), Mario Chalmers (PG), Chase Budinger (SF), Samuel Dalembert (C)



Head Coach: Grant McCloud
2010-11 Record: 47-35, Eliminated by Phoenix Suns in Western Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Sasha Vujacic (Free Agent), JJ Barea (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: Chris Paul, Ben Gordon, Al Harrington, David West, Emeka Okafor
Key Reserves: Darren Collison (PG), Sasha Vujacic (SG), Drew Gooden (C/PF), Peja Stojakovic (SF)



Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
b]2010-11 Record:[/b] 37-45, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: JR Smith (Free Agent), Greg Oden (Free Agent), Octavius Ocho (Draft)
Projected Starters: Tony Parker, JR Smith, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan, Greg Oden
Key Reserves: Octavius Ocho (C) R, George Hill (SG/PG)



Northwest Division


Head Coach: George Karl
2010-11 Record: 49-33, Eliminated by Houston Rockets in Western Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: Carmelo Anthony (Milwaukee Bucks), Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons), Kenyon Martin (Phoenix Suns)
Key Acquisitions: Tracy McGrady (Free Agent), Zach Randolph (Free Agent), Jared Dudley (Free Agent), Corey Brewer (Free Agent), Rodney Stuckey (Trade)
Projected Starters: Ty Lawson, Tracy McGrady, Jared Dudley, Zach Randolph, Nene
Key Reserves: Rodney Stuckey (PG), Demarcus Cousins (PF/C), Corey Brewer (SG/SF), Chris Andersen (C/PF)



Head Coach: Brendan Cameron
2010-11 Record: 31-51, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Johnny Flynn (Houston Rockets), Hassan Whiteside (Houston Rockets)
Key Acquisitions: Luis Scola (Trade), Rodney Williams (Draft)
Projected Starters: John Wall, Ronnie Brewer, Joey Graham, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson
Key Reserves: Ramon Sessions (PG), Rodney Williams (SG)R, Luis Scola (PF), Chuck Hayes (C/PF)



Head Coach: Nate McMillan
2010-11 Record: 39-43, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Andre Miller (Boston Celtics)
Key Acquisitions: Will Sit (Draft), Luke Walton (Trade), Brandan Wright (Free Agent)
Projected Starters: Will Sit (R), Brandon Roy, Martell Webster, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marcus Camby
Key Reserves: Rudy Fernandez (SG/SF), Jerryd Bayless (PG), Brandan Wright (PF)



Head Coach: Scott Brooks
2010-11 Record: 53-29, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference Finals
Key Losses: N/A
Key Acquisitions: Daequan Cook (Free Agent), Eric Bledsoe (Draft)
Projected Starters: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, David Lee
Key Reserves: Cole Aldrich (C), Daequan Cook (SG), Sam Young (SF), Eric Maynor (PG)



Head Coach: Lawrence Frank
2010-11 Record: 37-45, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Raja Bell (Los Angeles Lakers), Andrei Kirilenko (Washington Wizards), Steve Blake (Los Angeles Lakers)
Key Acquisitions: Jordan Farmar (Trade), Al Thornton (Free Agent), Robbie Hummel (Draft)
Projected Starters: Deron Williams, Xavier Henry, Al Thornton, Paul Milsap, Mehmet Okur
Key Reserves: Jordan Farmar (PG), Thabo Sefolosha (SG/SF), Robbie Hummel (SF)R



Pacific Division


Head Coach: Don Nelson
2010-11 Record: 33-49, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Luke Walton (Portland Trailblazers), Kelenna Azubuike (Portland Trailblazers)
Key Acquisitions: Andray Blatche (Trade), Jason Richardson (Free Agent),
Projected Starters: Stephen Curry, Jason Richardson, Corey Maggette, Anthony Randolph, Andris Biedrins
Key Reserves: Andray Blatche (C/PF), Monte Ellis (SG/PG), Damion James (SF)



Head Coach: Simon Griffith
2010-11 Record: 36-46, Missed Playoffs
Key Losses: Al Thornton (Utah Jazz)
Key Acquisitions: Spencer Hawes (Free Agent), Scotty Hopson (Draft)
Projected Starters: Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Travis Outlaw, Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman
Key Reserves: Donatas Motiejunas (PF/C), Larry Hughes (SG), Spencer Hawes (C)



Head Coach: Phil Jackson
2010-11 Record: 60-22, Won Title
Key Losses: Derek Fisher (Retirement), Jordan Farmar (Utah Jazz), Shaquille O'Neal (Chicago Bulls), Sasha Vujacic (New Orleans Hornets)
Key Acquisitions: Raja Bell (Trade), Steve Blake (Trade), Matt Barnes (Free Agent), Kevin Palmer (Draft)
Projected Starters: Steve Blake, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum
Key Reserves: Lamar Odom (PF/SF), Matt Barnes (SF), Raja Bell (SG), Malcolm Lee (SG/PG)



Head Coach: Alvin Gentry
2010-11 Record: 51-31, Eliminated by Oklahoma City Thunder in Western Conference Semifinals
Key Losses: Jason Richardson (Golden State Warriors), Channing Frye (New York Knicks)
Key Acquisitions: Kenyon Martin (Free Agent), Jeffery Taylor (Draft)
Projected Starters: Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, Grant Hill, Kenyon Martin, Amare Stoudemire
Key Reserves: Goran Dragic (PG), Earl Clark (SF), Robin Lopez (C), Greg Monroe (PF)



Head Coach: Paul Westphal
2010-11 Record: 46-36, Eliminated by Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference Quarterfinals
Key Losses: Omri Casspi (Cleveland Cavaliers), Francisco Garcia (Cleveland Cavaliers), Beno Udrih (Cleveland Cavaliers), Spencer Hawes (Los Angeles Clippers)
Key Acquisitions: Mo Williams (Trade), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Trade), Jared Sullinger (Draft)
Projected Starters: Tyreke Evans, Manu Ginobili, LeBron James, Jason Thompson, Solomon Alabi
Key Reserves: Mo Williams (PG/SG), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (C), Nick Young (SG/SF), Andres Nocioni (SF/PF)

[Valor]

+1 - 3PT shooting, Blocking.
+2 - Defensive awareness.

I'll go like this then.

Done

I'm gonna wait for All-Star weekend.

Sure thing, you wanna explode after ASW huh

[megarover]

It looks like the Bucks can make a LOT of noise.

[Martti.]

The Bucks should start Barnes at SG, have Redd come off the bench. He, Melo and BJ gonna tear it up in the central division.

[Axel The Great]

I think the Rockets would be a much better team if they dumped brick shooting Ariza.

[Valor]

It looks like the Bucks can make a LOT of noise.

Certainly, the Bucks, on paper at least should have the biggest turnaround from last season

The Bucks should start Barnes at SG, have Redd come off the bench. He, Melo and BJ gonna tear it up in the central division.

Redd's overall is still ahead of Barnes and Barnes is more versatile anyways

and no, the Bucks are not taking Central from me (without a fight at least), stop dreaming D-Rose >>>>>>>>>>>> Jennings, both in virtual world and real life

I think the Rockets would be a much better team if they dumped brick shooting Ariza.

He's like the 4th option so no, he's not the brick-shooting Ariza of Rockets last season...and hey, stop hating on him man, the kid can play awesome defense and is great as a role player, you guys put him in a position that he just cannot adapt to Ariza is a type of player that is at their best supporting a star player/core, but he's never going to thrive as one himself

[Valor]

2011-12 Season Preview: Chicago Bulls
October 26th, 2011


This season, Derrick Rose and the Bulls will look to prove that they can succeed without Dwyane Wade


Head Coach: Byron Scott
2010-11 Record: 55-27, Eliminated by Boston Celtics in Eastern Conference Semifinals

Player Acquisitions
Marcus Jordan (Draft)
Carlos Boozer (Trade)
Kirk Hinrich (Trade)
Sean Williams (Trade)
Jeremy Lin (Free Agent)
Shaquille O'Neal (Free Agent)

Players Retained
Derrick Rose (Team Option)
Taj Gibson (Team Option)
Kyle Korver (Resign)
Anthony Morrow (Resign)
Jason Williams (Resign)
Brad Miller (Resign)

Players Lost
Dwyane Wade (Trade)
Josh Smith (Trade)
Evan Turner (Trade)
Kwame Brown (Free Agent)
Sun Yue (Free Agent)
Sean May (Free Agent)

Probable Starters
PG. Derrick Rose
SG. Kirk Hinrich
SF. Luol Deng
PF. Carlos Boozer
C. Joakim Noah

Backcourt: Due to chemistry issues, a trade request and a section of a contract that's called a No Trade Clause, the Bulls were forced to give up Dwyane Wade, Josh Smith, and Evan Turner for nothing close to equal value. Kirk Hinrich has been declining over the past few years and although had a solid campaign for the Atlanta Hawks last season, is no where close to the Kirk Hinrich of the old Bulls days when he and Ben Gordon carried the team to the second round of the playoffs. He is still a solid perimeter defender (and is probably the Bulls' best) and a decent shooter, so look for him to slow down opposing scoring threats while knocking down the occasional shot.

Derrick Rose played in his 2nd straight all-star game last season and will continue to blossom into one of the best players in the league today, he got snubbed for All-NBA team honors last season but look for him to be selected to his 3rd straight all-star game (2nd straight as a starter) and make the All-NBA and All-Defensive squads this season, maybe even spark up several considerations for the Most Valuable Player award as he is now officially and undoubtedly "The Man" in Chicago, whether he likes it or not.

As for the bench, the Bulls were able to retain veteran Jason Williams as well as sharp shooters Kyle Korver and Anthony Morrow. They also added two rookies - Marcus Jordan with the 59th overall pick and Jeremy Lin of Harvard via Free Agency. It is unlikely that the rookies will get much playing time early on but as the season goes on that could change. Look for Williams, as well as other veterans on the team to serve as mentors to the rookie guards and we could be in for a surprise. Marcus Jordan is the son of hall of famer Michael Jordan while Jeremy Lin is the intriguing Asian-American point guard prospect out of Harvard. Both are very athletic and has plenty of potential for future development.


Frontcourt: From a defensive standpoint, this summer was a disaster for the Chicago Bulls front court, as they lost former defensive player of the year Josh Smith in the Wade trade. However, from an offensive standpoint, the acquisition of Carlos Boozer gives the Bulls, for the first time, a true post presence. Boozer will be able to give the Bulls 18 to 20 points a night consistently and should free up space for shooters on the outside. He will take away the pressure in the backcourt on Derrick Rose by commanding double teams and should help everyone out. Furthermore, the development of Joakim Noah, who reportedly had been hitting the gym a lot in the offseason and gained 11 pounds of muscles, will be of huge benefits to the Bulls interior play.

The pair's backup, aside from the return of Brad Miller, comes in the gigantic form of the "Air Shaqness", the 7 foot 1, 325 pound 5 time NBA Champion Shaquille O'Neal. While he is at an ancient age of 39, Shaq's mere size is alone to strongly impact the game. He is still a capable post scorer and a huge presence on the boards with the raw power and length he possesses, to top it off, like Noah and Miller, Shaq is a great passing big man and should keep the offense going. Look for the Bulls to switch between playing him and Brad Miller, depending on matchups and also on back to back nights as both give a different dimension and amount of impact on games. Additionally, don't overlook the highly athletic Sean Williams, who can rack up blocks in a hurry if he gets any court time.

Season Forecast: They won 55 games last season but had to re-tool, however they still should have enough talent to win another 50 games and although they probably wouldn't be able to repeat as the number one seed in the East, they should still win the central division (even with Milwaukee getting Carmelo Anthony and number one pick Harrison Barnes) and take one of the top 4 spots going into the playoffs. This will be the first full season that Byron Scott will be taking the team, and Chicago is waiting to see everything the man can bring to the table.


Offense: B+
Rose will have to score more now that Wade's gone, but he's got help in the form of Carlos Boozer. The long ball should also drop more often and more efficiently than the 30th place that they ranked in last season.

Defense: B
Losing Josh Smith is huge, but they should still be one of the top defensive teams in the league.

Experience: A
They've tasted a playoff run to the second round and yet another grueling series with a veteran team, the addition of a five time champion in Shaq should also make the club better as a whole. Bryon Scott is experienced in winning and should make a world of difference now that he's with the team since training camp.

Health: B-
Boozer and Deng are easily injured and Shaq is 39, but for now things should be fine.

[Lamrock]

Liked what you did with the roster. Very similar to the current one. Team's a bit less talented, but it it certainly more well-rounded. Good luck this season.