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subscribeRetraction: Actually, I am glad that the Bulls made the playoffs.
posted: 05.03.09 at 11:00 PM
filed under: sports
I am seldom wrong about anything; when I am, it is notable.
Five weeks ago, I wrote that I had hoped the Chicago Bulls would miss the playoffs. I felt that a postseason appearance would give Bulls brass the false impression that the team was headed in the right direction, and that a potential playoff beat down would not be a valuable experience for the young team.
I was wrong, and I would like to retract my post from March 28.
The Bulls-Celtics series was easily the most entertaing first round matchup in NBA Playoff history. Some will argue that it was the most exciting playoff series ever, in any sport.
The series offered unparalleled drama: four games that went into overtime, five games were decided by three points or fewer, and there were 106 lead changes. The series became an instant classic and was full of surprises.
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Who knew the Bulls could compete with the Celtics, even without Kevin Garnett? The Bulls proved that they are far more talented than anyone had expected.
Who knew that Rajon Rondo would emerge as a bona fide star? Rondo’s performance was incredible – he nearly averaged a triple-double for the series. He has earned his place as one of the top five point guards in the league. At the age of 23, he is far from his peak. Rondo could conceivably develop into a Hall of Fame player, which is something I would have never thought before the playoffs began.
Who knew that Derrick Rose would rise to the occasion? Five weeks ago, I criticized coach Vinny Del Negro for not developing the young star. I felt that Rose, while extremely talented, had not shown significant improvement over the course of the season. During the final weeks of the regular season, Rose distanced himself from the rest of the pack to become the runaway winner of the Rookie of the Year award. He got even better in the playoffs, setting the stage for a rivalry with Rondo that will be entertaining for years to come.
Who knew that Del Negro’s ineptitude would shine so brightly on the national stage? I have always been critical of Del Negro’s puzzling decisions, but his gaffes during the playoff series were utterly inexcusable. He squandered timeouts leaving the team with no way to stop the clock in the closing seconds of tight games – twice. Del Negro’s poor decision making was also evident when he drew up a play for ham-fisted Brad Miller to take a potential game-tying shot in Game 5.
Who knew that Del Negro has no leadership skills whatsoever? The team’s inconsistency and lack of effort during the regular season were indicative of poor leadership. However, Game 7 proved that either the team isn’t listening to Del Negro, or that he really isn’t saying much. John Salmons and Ben Gordon combined to miss 25 shots in the series’ final game, yet both played more than 40 minutes. If Del Negro is unable to command his players to stop shooting when they are ice cold, the players should be benched. A coach that is unwilling or unable to do either should be sent to the unemployment line.
Who knew that Del Negro would show promising, albeit brief, flashes of competence? The decisions an NBA coach makes can have an enormous effect on a game and, by extension, a playoff series. Del Negro wisely moved John Salmons to the power forward position at critical junctures of the series. With a smaller lineup, the team was able to excel at the only thing it does well: scoring. Celtics coach Doc Rivers struggled with adjustments to defend the Bulls’ small and speedy lineup. I am certain that if Del Negro had not made the lineup change, the series would have been far less competitive. Also, I am convinced that Del Negro is an idiot savant.
Who knew that Kirk Hinrich could still play defense? During the past two seasons, it appeared that Hinrich, once regarded as a premier defensive guard, had become a foul machine. His aggressive defense during the series brought back memories of the Kirk Hinrich of yesteryear. He was even effective guarding reigning Finals MVP Paul Pierce.
Who knew that Paul Pierce could be so inconsistent? At times Pierce was absolutely brilliant. He would also disappear for stretches, becoming a complete non-factor. Whether Father Time is catching up with Pierce, or the wear and tear of last year’s playoff run is diminishing his skills, one thing is clear: the 2009 version of Paul Pierce is nothing like the player that dismantled Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in the 2008 Finals.
Who knew that Joakim Noah was a monster? For two years, I have derided Noah as an ass-clown with no heart. Noah proved me wrong and won me over with his performance during the playoffs. His averages of just over 13 rebounds and two blocks prove that he knows what his role is on the team. His ability to come up with big plays at key moments of the game is the icing on the cake: I am officially a fan of Joakim Noah.
Who knew that Brad Miller moves slower than a glacier? Never mind, I already knew that.
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Under normal circumstances, I am terribly disappointed when the Bulls lose a playoff series. This year is quite different. While I am disappointed with the team’s loss last night, I enjoyed the most exciting basketball playoff series that I’ve ever seen – including the Jordan years. The team performed far beyond my expectations, and the players gained valuable playoff experience.
I have said before: there is no valor in losing. However, the classic Celts-Bulls series has convinced me that the proverbial arrow may be pointing up for the team. The team may very well be a few moves away from becoming a true contender.
First move: Fire Vinny Del Negro.
