Chicago Bulls News

Noah's healing process shows potential
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February 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The only surefire remedy for the severe case of plantar fasciitis that has sidelined Bulls center Joakim Noah is extended rest. But the Bulls are trying to speed up the healing process. To take pressure off the foot, Noah is walking in a protective boot. He's also undergoing massage and electric stimulation. Noah revealed Saturday that he had a procedure in which blood was taken from his arm and injected into the foot. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy -- used in plastic surgery since the 1990s -- has gotten more popular among athletes, getting a push when Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward credited the treatment with getting him on the field in time for last year's Super Bowl, ..."
Thomas' Bulls time likely about finished
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February 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Forget his profanity-laced tirade at Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro after the game on Friday in Atlanta for a moment. The biggest sign that Tyrus Thomas is utterly clueless was that he chose that game -- one of his worst with the team -- to explode and whine about playing time. That he expected more minutes despite his selfish and undisciplined play in the 91-81 loss to the Hawks speaks volumes about Thomas' mentality. He's delusional about his value as a player and his importance to the team. Whether he's dealt before the Feb. 18 trade deadline or let go this summer when he becomes a restricted free agent, Thomas' days with the Bulls are numbered. Too many in the organization have grown ..."
Charles Barkley backs Del Negro
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February 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Charles Barkley has had his reservations about Vinny Del Negro. But "The Round Mound of Rebound" sounds as if he is in the corner of the Bulls coach, at least for now. "If he gets the Bulls back to the playoffs, Vinny Del Negro should be NBA Coach of the Year," Barkley said Monday on " Chicago Tribune Live." " Derrick Rose was hurt. Tyrus Thomas was hurt a lot and crazy a lot. If he gets that team back to the playoffs after losing Ben Gordon, I think that's a hell of a year." Barkley also had a suggestion for handling Thomas following his latest obscenity-laced tirade toward Del Negro. "What I would say to him? Uh, listen, say it just didn't work out here. 'You've been traded to, uh … ..."
Bulls' Thomas silent upon return, but Del Negro has plenty to say
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February 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Tyrus Thomas declined to speak to reporters after returning to the practice floor Monday from his one-game suspension for berating coach Vinny Del Negro. While urging the need to move forward, Del Negro spoke volumes for the fourth-year forward. He didn't even guarantee Thomas will be ahead of Development League signee Chris Richard in Tuesday's rotation against the Pacers. "It depends on matchups and what we need out there," Del Negro said. "Chris gave us a nice boost (Saturday). He's physical inside. He's a big, strong body. He's pretty familiar with our stuff. He got us some offensive rebounds and we converted on them, which was nice." Only Del Negro, who insisted Thomas' slate is ..."
Noah could be sidelined for several weeks
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February 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 (scroll down)
"The Bulls were without forward Tyrus Thomas, who was suspended by the team for one game for unspecified ''conduct detrimental to the team,'' and Noah, who's shut down with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Noah was in the locker room after Saturday's game and said he had blood from his arm injected into his ailing foot Friday morning -- a procedure which could sideline the Bulls' leading rebounder for several weeks. He was wearing a boot and limping but said he still hopes to return soon after the All-Star break."
Hard-working Bulls rest, then get back to work
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February 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"After a day off Sunday, the Bulls return to practice today to prepare for their game Tuesday against the Pacers in Indianapolis. ''We were a little short-handed, and some guys have had to play extra minutes,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said of the last two games, a loss at Atlanta on Friday and a victory over the Miami Heat at the United Center on Saturday. Del Negro specifically cited Brad Miller, who logged 40 minutes, 13 seconds against the Hawks and 36:26 against the Heat while filling in for injured starter Joakim Noah. ''[Miller] will be in the ice tub,'' Del Negro said. ''Everyone played hard [Saturday] and made plays when they had to in the fourth quarter.'' The Bulls were ..."
Bulls' Richard becomes quick fan favorite
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February 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"He got cheered by fans, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked two shots in 20 minutes and exited with blood on his shirt. What wasn't to like about Chris Richard's Bulls debut Saturday night in a 95-91 victory over the Miami Heat at the United Center? "He gave us some really good minutes," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He was physical. I give him a lot of credit." Richard, who filled in for Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) and Tyrus Thomas (one-game suspension), said he's just trying to bring consistent effort."
Bulls will say ta-ta after another Thomas tirade
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February 8
Chicago Tribune
 
""You don't lose your starting job to injury" is one of the older clichés in sports, which, sadly, "a Tyrus Thomas team-imposed suspension" is becoming too. Following Thomas' verbal tirade at coach Vinny Del Negro on Friday in Atlanta, that's three disciplinary actions taken by management in four seasons for Thomas, the soon-to-be former Bull. Whether the Bulls find a taker for the forward by the Feb. 18 trade deadline or simply renounce his rights this summer, Thomas either will or won't reach his tantalizing potential elsewhere. The Bulls will say the steady play of rookie Taj Gibson is why Thomas is no longer the starting power forward after missing seven weeks with a fractured radius in ..."
Bulls hit Thomas with suspension
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February 7
Denver Post
 
"The Bulls suspended forward Tyrus Thomas for their game against the Miami Heat because of conduct detrimental to the team. Thomas' suspension is another blow to a team that had lost three straight and was already short- handed up front for Saturday's game, with Joakim Noah sidelined by plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The injury is expected to keep him out until after the all-star break. Thomas, who missed seven weeks earlier this season with a broken left forearm, is averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds over 25 games in his fourth season."
Dwyane Wade eager to play with Bulls' Rose in All-Star Game
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February 7
Miami Herald
 
"Impending free agent and Windy City native Dwyane Wade is intrigued by the chance to play alongside Bulls point guard and fellow Chicagoan Derrick Rose. That's the case at least for next week's All-Star Game. ``He's phenomenal,'' Wade said of Rose before Saturday's game at United Center. ``I saw it last year when he was a rookie. He's really having a great year. You can tell he's going to be one of the great point guards. I'm proud of Derrick. To see another Chicago guy in the All-Star Game is big. It'll be a good time.'' Rose, the No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft, was named an All-Star reserve by NBA coaches last week. He has emerged as an elite point guard in his second season and is ..."
'Detrimental conduct' has Thomas out
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February 7
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Forward Tyrus Thomas, who's averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds, was suspended a game for ''conduct detrimental to the team'' when the Bulls hosted the Miami Heat on Saturday night. ''It's unfortunate, but an internal matter,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''No one is bigger than the team. ''It is unfortunate that Joakim [Noah] is out at the same time. Part of this job is managing people, and you have to deal with a lot of young kids. We need to get Tyrus back in practice Monday and ready for our game Tuesday."
Bulls play strong to the finish
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February 7
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The losing streak ended as the Bulls found a way to win the fourth quarter despite being outshot and outrebounded. Luol Deng scored 25 points, Derrick Rose scored 24, and the Bulls found a groove in the fourth quarter in a 95-91 victory over the Miami Heat before a sellout 22,352 on Saturday night at the United Center. A night earlier, the Bulls were outscored 27-11 in the fourth quarter in a 10-point loss in Atlanta. This time, the Bulls (24-25) broke a tie at 69 with a 7-2 spurt to open the fourth and never looked back. Brad Miller (13 points, eight rebounds) started the run, and Deng and Rose each had a basket. ''Overall, this was a good performance,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. ..."
Rose helps put skid to sleep
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February 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Derrick Rose has talked about wanting to increase his marketability as his career progresses. His All-Star berth should help. His finish Saturday night in the Bulls' badly needed 95-91 victory over the Heat can't hurt either. And with the Bulls concluding a four-games-in-five-nights swing and a stretch of 9 of 11 road games, his shameless plug for an antihistamine went over the top. "Honestly, I have to say it's Benadryl," Rose said with a laugh. "You find yourself sleeping on the plane, get off and you try to go to sleep but you can't and you're up all night. Now, right when I get home, I take a Benadryl, wake up around noon and I'm good.""
Bulls suspend Tyrus Thomas for one game
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February 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Tyrus Thomas didn't attend the Bulls' 95-91 victory over the Heat on Saturday night at the United Center after drawing a one-game suspension and undisclosed fine for conduct detrimental to the team. Team sources said Thomas directed a profanity-laced tirade at coach Vinny Del Negro in his office with players and coaches within earshot after Friday night's loss in Atlanta, the third straight game Thomas had played less than 16 minutes. One witness said it made Joakim Noah's vocal assault on then-assistant coach Ron Adams in 2008 look like "nothing." The suspension came at an inopportune time given the Bulls were playing their fourth game in five nights with a depleted frontcourt. Joakim ..."
Smith's triple-double leads Hawks over Bulls
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February 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"Josh Smith won't be an All-Star this season, but he gave more evidence Friday night that his time is coming. As has become increasingly common this season, Smith did a little bit of everything for the Hawks, racking up his second career triple-double in the Hawks' 91-81 win over Chicago at Philips Arena. "Phenomenal," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "Josh Smith has probably been our MVP. I just wish he would've made that All-Star team because he has played like an All-Star this year for us." Smith tallied 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, getting his 10th assist with 2:10 left in the fourth quarter on guard Mike Bibby's 3-pointer. "It was big," Smith said. "It feels better getting a ..."
Bulls have that run-down feeling
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February 6
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Despite being short-handed, the Bulls put themselves in position to steal a game on the road against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. But in the end, the void created by the absence of center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) was a major factor in the Bulls' fourth-quarter stumble in a 91-81 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night at Philips Arena. ''We played pretty well for three quarters,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''We hung in there. We didn't start the game well. We kept digging and grinding, but in the fourth quarter they showed why they're one of the better teams. ''They [made offensive rebounds], they made the plays when they had to, and we weren't able ..."
Thomas vanishing act continues
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February 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"Asked twice pregame about Tyrus Thomas' minutes possibly increasing in light of Joakim Noah's injury, coach Vinny Del Negro basically talked around it. Here's why: Thomas didn't play more. Del Negro sat Thomas the entire second quarter after a first quarter in which he goaltended two shots, had a crosscourt pass intercepted for a Maurice Evans fast-break dunk and attempted a running left-handed hook shot. Thomas had four points and four rebounds in only 15 minutes and 44 seconds against a Hawks team with which he matches up well on paper. Familiar face: After the Bulls cut him late in training camp, Chris Richard worked out for the Grizzlies and Trail Blazers, played a week in China and ..."
Hawks trip Bulls 91-81
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February 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"There's a spirit and a swagger that Joakim Noah brings to the Bulls that, unlike his averages of 11.2 points and 12 points, can't be quantified. With Noah back in Chicago resting the plantar fasciitis in his left foot, certainly players must be worried about the locker room decibel level lowering. "Nah," Taj Gibson said. "We got Lindsey (Hunter). He never shuts up." Yet even the veteran guard sat stoically in a quiet locker room Friday night at Philips Arena after the Hawks sent the Bulls to their third straight defeat with a 91-81 decision. The stunned Bulls knew they let a winnable game slip away with a brutal fourth quarter. Leading 70-64 after three quarters, the Bulls missed eight of ..."
Richard gets a shot at Bulls roster spot
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February 6
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"One man's adversity often is another man's opportunity. Chris Richard, whom the Bulls signed to a 10-day contract Friday, is hoping that Joakim Noah's injury provides him the chance to finally find a home in the NBA. If he plays well, Richard believes he has the chance to stick with the Bulls for the rest of the season, regardless of Noah's health. ''Of course I do, because if I didn't I would be here for nothing,'' Richard said before the Bulls played the Hawks at Philips Arena. ''I'd be here just to be here. I feel like if I do whatever I can and play hard, it's a chance. That's all I can ask for.'' Richard, a 6-9 power forward, has bounced around since leaving Florida in 2007. He was ..."
Joe Johnson downplays free agent talk
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February 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Bulls' dream scenario is to clear enough salary-cap space to sign two high-level free agents this summer or, at the very least, sign one and orchestrate a sign-and-trade for another. Hawks All-Star guard Joe Johnson, one of said top-tier free agents, claimed such bold planning won't affect his decision-making process. "It's possible for a team to do that, but that's nothing I think about when I think about my decision," Johnson said. In fact, with the Hawks' success, Johnson said he thinks more about June (read: NBA Finals) than July (read: free agency) anyway. "I'm trying to do what's right and keep the focus on the team," Johnson said. "When July comes, I'll worry more about free ..."
Prescription for Noah: Take a break
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February 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"During the tip-off to begin the game Wednesday night in Philadelphia, Bulls center Joakim Noah never jumped. Maybe he was caught off guard by the referee's toss, or maybe the thought of the pain he would experience by jumping distracted him for a split second and he reacted too slowly. Only Noah knows if either theory is accurate, but the pain he's experiencing from the plantar fasciitis of his left foot that first flared up two weeks ago was obvious to anyone watching the game against the 76ers. Normally one of the best big men in the NBA running the court, Noah labored up and down throughout the game. He managed six points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes but clearly wasn't moving well ..."
Opportunity beckons for Thomas
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February 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Tyrus Thomas lost his starting power forward job to injury and Taj Gibson's emergence. Now, Joakim Noah's injury should create an opportunity for Thomas. Coach Vinny Del Negro said Brad Miller's defense on Elton Brand, shooting ability in screen-and-roll sets and the fact the 76ers went small down the stretch — allowing the Bulls to play Luol Deng at power forward — is why Thomas played only 15 minutes in Wednesday night's overtime loss to the 76ers. Thomas had 12 points and six rebounds but didn't play the final 15:23. "Tyrus gave us good minutes," Del Negro said. No matter what Del Negro says publicly, Thomas' recent lack of playing time suggests the coach has lost confidence in the ..."
Noah out until at least All-Star break
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February 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"There must be something about the Georgia Tech campus and bad news for Joakim Noah. After a January 2008 practice here, teammates voted in stunning fashion to extend a one-game suspension Noah received for vocally abusing then-assistant coach Ron Adams. And after Thursday's light workout here, the Bulls chose to send Noah back to Chicago for treatment on the plantar fasciitis in his left foot that clearly has hobbled the energetic and emotional leader the last two games. General manager Gar Forman said Noah would be re-evaluated when the All-Star break concludes Feb. 14, meaning the league's third-leading rebounder will miss at least the four games before the break begins. "This sucks but ..."
Big trade is unlikely for Lakers
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February 4
Los Angeles Times
 
"The trade deadline is two weeks from today, meaning 14 more days of rumors and whispers, but the Lakers are not expected to be big players in the market. They have the NBA's second-best record, the league's highest payroll and do not plan on moving any of their starters or sixth man Lamar Odom. "There is no compelling reason to dramatically change this team, in particular its core," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We won a championship last year and we feel like we can be as strong this year with the one change we made -- the Ron Artest change. "If this is the team we go into the playoffs with, we'll be happy with our roster, provided we stay healthy. The caveat, as always, is ..."
Sixers Notes: Iverson misses game because of child's illness
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February 4
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"76ers guard Allen Iverson was excused from last night's home game against the Chicago Bulls because one of his children is sick, the team said.Iverson, who also missed Tuesday's practice for the same reason, is expected to return for tomorrow's game in New Orleans against the Hornets. In 22 games with the Sixers, Iverson has started every game and is averaging 14.7 points on 43.5 percent shooting. In place of Iverson, Sixers coach Eddie Jordan elected to start a backcourt of rookie Jrue Holiday and Willie Green, choosing Green over combination guard Lou Williams, who has started 27 games this season. Why Green instead of Williams? "Recommendation from the coaching staff," Jordan said. ..."
Sixers fight past Bulls in overtime
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February 4
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"In a season in which the 76ers have seemed to find ways to lose, tonight they found a way to win.It took a seemingly unnecessary overtime session - the Sixers had two very good chances to win in regulation - but when it was over, they had defeated the Chicago Bulls, 106-103, at the Wachovia Center.The backbreaker came with about 1 minute, 19 seconds left in overtime when Sixers swingman Andre Iguodala made a three-pointer to give his team a 101-98 lead. A few seconds later, Willie Green's baseline jumper pushed the lead to 103-98 and forced Chicago to call a time-out.Iguodala's driving, lefthanded lay-in with 27.9 seconds remaining all but sealed it at 105-100.Iguodala finished with 25 ..."
Brand powers Sixers to victory over Bulls
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February 4
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"THIS TIME, 76ers fans were happy to watch their team play more than the usually allotted time.The Sixers turned in a fine all-around performance on the offensive end and won their second consecutive game with a 106-103 overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls at the Wachovia Center last night.Elton Brand paced the Sixers with 26 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in 39 tough minutes, and Andre Iguodala sliced and diced his way to 25 points, while still managing to grab eight rebounds and deal eight assists.The duo offset a magnificent performance by Bulls second-year guard Derrick Rose, who finished with 30 points and nine assists.For Brand, it was another performance reminiscent of ..."
Rumor mill: Hinrich for Celtics' Allen
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February 4
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"With the Feb. 18 NBA trading deadline fast approaching, expect to hear quite a few rumors involving the Bulls over the next two weeks. A viable rumor making the rounds Wednesday had the Bulls and Celtics possibly making a deal with Kirk Hinrich and Ray Allen as the principals. The Celtics would move Allen -- who is making $19.8 million in the final year of his contract -- if they can acquire a player who can crack their rotation this season and someone they'd be interested in keeping around for the next couple of years. Hinrich would appear to meet those requirements, but the Bulls might have to sweeten the deal by adding forward Tyrus Thomas, who despite his obvious issues would help ..."
Noah quick recovery
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February 4
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Wachovia Center, Derrick Rose said he was happy the Bulls were playing so quickly after squandering their recent momentum with a flat home performance. ''I'm glad we have a back-to-back, so we can get right back out there,'' Rose said. Of course, the bounce-back factor only works if you actually play better. The Bulls didn't, losing even more steam with a 106-103 overtime loss to another team with a record well below the .500 mark. After winning five straight against teams with winning records in the tough Western Conference, the Bulls (23-24) now have dropped consecutive games against teams with losing records. ''We ..."
Brown ineffective still in rotation
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February 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"For the second straight game, Devin Brown took James Johnson's minutes in the rotation. "Devin knows how to play," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "There's not a lot of practice time, so it's going to take a little while to get comfortable out there. But he can knock shots down and is a tough kid with experience." Brown has gone from starting and playing extensive minutes for the Hornets to being the fourth guard with the Bulls. But the seven-year veteran said he's fine fitting into any role. "I'm going to do what I do — defend, make some shots — and hopefully the coaching staff will trust me in important situations," Brown said. "There isn't much I haven't experienced in the league." Brown ..."
Bulls fall 106-103 in OT
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February 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"As the final seconds ticked down in the Bulls' 106-103 overtime loss to the 76ers Wednesday night, Joakim Noah sat on the bench staring skyward, shaking his head. Noah's frustrations moved past the Bulls dropping back-to-back winnable games after their five-game winning streak. Anyone who has watched the Bulls' energetic and emotional leader move — or, more accurately, not move — the last two games knows the obvious: Plantar fasciitis has robbed Noah of his sprinting and his spirit. That's why the Bulls might consider shutting Noah down for the final four games before the All-Star break. "I haven't spoken to anybody about that, but it's very frustrating," Noah said. "That's not me. I'm not ..."
Rose granted OK to sit out 'Challenge'
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February 3
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Derrick Rose's NBA All-Star Weekend schedule got a little lighter Tuesday when the league announced the Bulls point guard has been excused from participating in the Rookie Challenge on Feb. 12. Guard Anthony Morrow of the Golden State Warriors will take Rose's place on the sophomore team. The rosters for the Rookie Challenge were announced before the reserves for the All-Star Game were chosen last week. Once Rose was chosen for the big-boy game Feb. 14, it became apparent he wouldn't play in the Rookie Challenge. Still, he officially had to be excused by the league."
Sunny-side downer
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February 3
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"On second thought, maybe the Bulls' road trip wasn't long enough. After building momentum and confidence by winning the final five games of a tough seven-game road trip (all against above-.500 teams), the Bulls laid an egg in their homecoming Tuesday by dropping a 90-82 decision to the Los Angeles Clippers at the United Center. Just about everything the Bulls did well on the trip, they couldn't replicate at home. The performance was a reality check for anyone who thought the road streak was a sign the young Bulls had turned a corner and would be consistent for the rest of the season. ''We were sluggish from the get-go,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''We got back into too much holding ..."
Rose eager to defend Skills title
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February 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"Last February, Derrick Rose punctuated his dominant victory in the Skills Challenge at All-Star weekend with a nifty double-pump reverse dunk. Look for any possible encores to be fundamental, not fabulous. "I'm worn out now," Rose said, laughing. "I'm just going to get layups." Rose was joking, but he was seriously happy the NBA took his Rookie Challenge appearance off his plate Tuesday. The Tribune reported Rose wouldn't play in the game last week. "If I would've had to do that, it would've been a lot on me," the second-year guard admitted. Rose spoke favorably of his experience in the Rookie Challenge last year. But with Rose earning reserve status in the Feb. 14 All-Star Game and also ..."
Bulls flat in return home
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February 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"Maybe the Bulls should stay on the road. Either that, or petition the NBA league office not to play the Clippers. Many consider Los Angeles' other franchise a punch line to countless NBA jokes. But there was nothing funny about what happened Tuesday night at the United Center, where the Bulls wasted most — if not all — the good vibes created by their historic seven-game trip in a desultory 90-82 loss to the Clippers. The Bulls hadn't lost since visiting the Clippers on Jan. 20, becoming the first team in NBA history to beat five straight teams with winning records on the same trip. But the team that authored that feat didn't show up, instead clanking shots to finish at 38 percent and ..."
More points = more wins for Bulls
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February 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"If you search long enough, chances are you can find a statistic to support almost any position on any subject. Still, there's no disputing this simple statistical fact: The Bulls are winning more games because they are scoring more points. Before Dec. 26, the Bulls played 28 games and scored at least 100 points only three times. They were near the bottom of the NBA in most offensive categories and had a 10-17 record. Since then, they are averaging a robust 103.3 points -- which would be seventh-best in the league over the course of the season -- and have scored at least 100 nine times. The Bulls are 13-5 in that stretch. It's almost as if coach Vinny Del Negro received a Christmas gift of ..."
'Glue guy' Hinrich helps Bulls stick it to opponents
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February 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"He has been called overpaid and overrated. He has been — and currently is being — bandied about in trade rumors. As far as fan opinion, he's easily one of the most polarizing players on the Bulls. But to paraphrase Rasheed Wallace's classic claim of "ball don't lie," when it comes to Kirk Hinrich, numbers don't lie. The Bulls are 50-39 over the last two seasons when Hinrich plays. Since Vinny Del Negro inserted the seventh-year guard into the starting lineup on Dec. 26, the Bulls are 13-4 in games Hinrich has played. "That doesn't surprise me at all," Derrick Rose said. "Kirk's a glue guy." Of course, this isn't to suggest Hinrich is the sole reason for that record. But beyond his modest ..."
Able bodies bring more wins for Bulls
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February 1
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"With the Bulls riding a five-game winning streak back home from their longest road trip of the season, the practice Sunday at the Berto Center was a prime opportunity for coach Vinny Del Negro to issue an emphatic ''I told you so'' to everyone calling for his ouster a little more than a month ago. Del Negro, though, took the high road. He took no shots at critics who blamed him for the team's December woes and took no credit for the dramatic turnaround that has seen the Bulls (23-22) go 13-5 since Dec. 26. ''You win with players; I don't care how many years you've coached or whatever,'' he said. ''You can't use injuries as excuses, but players win games. ''When you lose one or two players ..."
Road trip success makes Deng and Co. Bull-ievers
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January 31
Daily Southtown
 
"After 13 days, eight flights, seven games in three time zones and a host of bus rides, the Bulls finally arrived home early Saturday. Forward Luol Deng no doubt summed up the feelings of everyone in the team's traveling party. "I haven't missed home as much as I have this trip," he said. "I don't know why, but I'm just looking forward to going home." Since the United Center opened in 1994, the Bulls have been subjected to two long road trips per season - one to make way for the circus and the other for an ice show - but few of those trips have been as grueling as the just-completed trek. But after dropping the first two games against teams with losing records, the Bulls bounced back ..."
Streaking Bulls find right formula
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January 31
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist John Jackson
"After 13 days, eight flights, seven games, three time zones and a host of bus rides, the Bulls finally arrived home early Saturday. Forward Luol Deng no doubt summed up the feelings of everyone in the team's traveling party. ''I haven't missed home as much as I have this trip,'' Deng said. ''I don't know why, but I'm just looking forward to going home.'' Since the United Center opened in 1994, the Bulls have been subjected to two long road trips per season -- one for the circus and the other for an ice show -- but few of those trips have been as grueling as the just-completed trek. But after dropping the first two games against teams with losing records, the Bulls bounced back with five ..."
Gar Forman with Chicago Bulls for long term
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January 31
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"In the middle of detailing an itinerary that would sound good only to a travel agent, Bulls general manager Gar Forman reached for his cell phone that was ringing for the third time in five minutes. He glanced at the number and chuckled as he pressed a button to ignore the call and continue the conversation in his Berto Center office. "Guess I should put that on vibrate … that's another GM — might be a trade possibility,'' Forman said with a sly grin. Which possibility? Kirk Hinrich to the Lakers? Brad Miller to the Blazers? A package involving Tyrus Thomas to the Suns for Amare Stoudemire? Any takers for John Salmons and his salary-cap-killing, $6.7 million player option next season that ..."
Season-high fifth straight win for Bulls
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January 30
Daily Southtown
 
"Apparently seven full games on the road weren't enough. The Bulls had to play overtime Friday night - just what you want after a nearly two-week trip - and rallied for a 108-106 victory over the New Orleans Hornets to extend their winning streak to a season-high five games. After dropping the first two games on the trip, the Bulls (23-22) beat five teams with winning records in the tough Western Conference. The streak is improbable enough, but no victory was more improbable than this one. The Bulls blew a 15-point lead and seemingly were finished in regulation, then forced overtime with a wild play in the final seconds. ''When you're winning, everything is positive,'' said Luol Deng, ..."
N.O. loses late lead, falls in OT to Chicago
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January 30
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson thought his path in the lane was clear like it had been throughout the opening three quarters. However, from nowhere Hornets point guard Chris Paul came up quickly from behind to swipe the ball away before hitting a 3-pointer. It was plays like that that enabled the Hornets to rally from a 15-point third-quarter deficit and send the game into overtime. Yet, despite the effort, the Hornets still could not avoid losing 108-106 to the Bulls in front of 16,578 at the New Orleans Arena on Friday night. In overtime, the Hornets missed four consecutive shots after forward David West made a layup for a 104-102 lead. But the game was not decided until the final ..."
New Orleans Hornets face familiar foe on Chicago Bulls' team
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January 30
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Devin Brown saw the writing on the wall. It was scribbled there a month ago when the New Orleans Hornets asked him to take a pay cut to accommodate a trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brown politely declined for two reasons: he didn't want to sacrifice the cash, and he wanted to be part of New Orleans' turnaround, which has the Hornets in fierce contention for a Western Conference playoff spot after a dismally slow start. When the Hornets shipped him to the Chicago Bulls on Monday in exchange for backup center Aaron Gray, he understood the business and packed his bags for the Windy City. "Ever since the deal that I almost went to Minnesota, something was going on, " Brown said Friday ..."
New Orleans Hornets lose heartbreaker to Chicago Bulls in overtime 108-106
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January 30
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The New Orleans Hornets rallied from a 15-point deficit in regulation, but they could not prevent mistakes in overtime that resulted in a 108-106 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday night at the New Orleans Arena. In overtime, the Hornets missed four consecutive shots after David West made a layup for a 104-102 lead. The game was not decided until the final possession after Peja Stojakovic came up with a steal against Derrick Rose. But Darren Collison dribbled out the Hornets' final possession, unable to get a pass or shot off before time expired. Fourth Quarter David West's layup with 30 seconds remaining gave the Hornets a two-point lead. But with seven seconds remaining, West's errant ..."
Gray: They never gave me a chance
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January 30
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Four days after the Bulls traded center Aaron Gray to the Hornets in a straight-up deal for veteran Devin Brown, the teams met at New Orleans Arena, but neither player got back at his former team. Neither man even got off the bench. Gray, though, believes he'll be better off in the long run playing with the Hornets. ''Definitely better,'' he said. ''I definitely feel like I'm gonna have an opportunity. I'm gonna have to work and earn those minutes, but I feel like I'm fighting for something here. ''Over there [with the Bulls], there was just no opportunity no matter what. They showed me that in the Houston game.'' Gray began the season on the inactive list after suffering a stress ..."
Bulls win fifth straight in rally over Hornets in OT
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January 30
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Apparently seven full games on the road weren't enough. The Bulls had to play overtime Friday night -- just what you want after a nearly two-week trip -- but rallied for a 108-106 victory over the New Orleans Hornets to extend their winning streak to a season-high five games. After dropping the first two games, the Bulls (23-22) beat five teams with winning records in the tough Western Conference. The streak is improbable enough, but no victory was more improbable than this last one. The Bulls blew a 15-point lead and seemingly were finished in regulation, then forced overtime with a wild play in the final seconds. ''When you're winning, everything is positive,'' said Luol Deng, who had a ..."
Noah isn't upset he's not All-Star
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January 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"If not making the All-Star team bothered Joakim Noah in the least bit, he didn't voice his frustration publicly. "I think the guys who made it are all very deserving,'' Noah said while flashing a smile. "D-Rose … it's good for the team. I'm happy we have somebody representing us.'' Noah, arguably the team's most consistent player throughout the season, was not picked to join Derrick Rose in Dallas despite entering Friday night's game against the Hornets second in the league in rebounds with 12.1 rpg to go with 11.3 ppg. "If he continues to improve, he'll get in there,'' said David West, the Hornets' two-time All-Star. "Whatever he's doing really has helped his team win. I think that's the ..."
Chicago Bulls win 108-106 in OT
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January 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Luol Deng exhaled emphatically as he slowly pulled on his socks while sitting at his locker. "I'm done,'' Deng said. "I'm ready to go home.'' His Bulls teammates longed for the same following Friday night's exhausting effort against the Hornets. This final game of a grueling, seven-game trip could have been a recipe for disaster. Instead, the Bulls dug deep to extend their winning streak to five with a 108-106 overtime victory. "Like I told the guys, you have to play the whole game out,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Anything can happen in these games. I don't care how much you're up, how much you're down. You have to play every second, every minute.'' Del Negro's words proved to be ..."
Rose living star dream
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January 29
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Although the reserves for next month's 59th NBA All-Star Game weren't announced until just after 6 p.m. Thursday, Derrick Rose was relaxing in his New Orleans hotel room that morning when he got a call informing him he was among the seven players added to the Eastern Conference team. ''I got a couple of calls, but it really didn't hit me until everybody, like 20 people, called me,'' Rose said after the official announcement was made. Playing in an NBA All-Star Game has been a dream since he was a high school player at Simeon. It may have taken a moment to sink in, but the significance of the All-Star berth -- for him and the Bulls organization -- wasn't lost on Rose. ''I was in awe just ..."