SB Nation User Blog: Knowledge32

Has Ben Gordon been Exposed?

Knowledge32 — Mon, 21 May 2007 15:37:35 -0000

While reviewing some of the possible trades that might be taking place this summer with the Bulls, I have changed my view on Ben Gordon. Where I once considered him the best player on the Bulls, I now view him as an undersized shooting guard that cannot play defense.
I think Ben has been exposed.

Game 6 was an exclamation point on this principle. No matter who Ben was on, that's where the Pistons lead their attack. Now I know the Pistons are a "big/tall" team. However, this strategy can work for a lot of teams in the East. Not to mention the Pistons will be around for awhile. I was also watching the Spurs game yesterday and while looking at the Spurs I did not see one person Gordon could guard. Think about it! With the immergence of Deng and the Pistons exposing Ben on d, I wouldn't mind seeing him gone. I think he is great and can shoot the lights out. He just will never be an Allstar because his game becomes limited to strictly jumpshots.

With that being said, send BG along with anyone else besides Hinrich, Deng, Rooks, and Wallace. We can get something good with BG, it's just the Pistons has shown everyone where the weak link is. Now everyone knows how to beat us: Solution-get rid of the problem.

Is Stern Outdated?

Knowledge32 — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:05:28 -0000

While listening to David Stern's interviews yesterday on ESPN and the Dan Patrick show, I kept getting a sense of opportunity. I now have a better understanding of why Amare and Diaw were suspended. He is the leader of a league (business) that has received criticism in the categories of class and professionalism. However, I found him to be rather close minded as well as smug with his interviews on the San Antonio/Phoenix debate.

Wasn't this an opportunity Mr. Stern? I understand why you suspended them, I get it. Ran off the bench and they are supposed to remain seated when their star point guard is checked into a wall. But wasn't this a chance to step back and reevaluate a possibly outdated rule? I am under the impression this came about in 97' with the New York Knicks? If this is incorrect please help me out. But with this happening and with how great of a series this is, was this an opportunity to better the league and its rules?

I can hear it now, "Knowledge32" how do you better the league? Change this rule. It is too inconsistent for me. After seeing Duncan (while on the bench) walk out past the three point line only to have Bruce Bowen pull him back (thank you Jalen Rose for bringing this to everyone's attention), why was their no suspension here? How about looking at each incident on a case by case basis? Lets factor in intent, situation, and previous violations for that specific player. I would have liked to see a fine for Horry and NO SUSPENSIONS. Let them battle it out on the court.

And how about us? Loyal fans to a league that has had it's heart and talent questioned for the past 8 years. I have been foaming at the mouth for a playoff year like the one we are having. Upsets, battle scars, and HEART! Why punish us too? Now, should Phoenix go down against San Antonio, will anyone give the Spurs credit? What if the Spurs win the title? This incident has tarnished what was turning into the best playoffs we have had in a long time. Thank you Commissioner...and sorry guys, but somebody had to talk about it!

And go Bulls!

Ty Thomas/ Amare Stoudemire?

Knowledge32 — Wed, 16 May 2007 15:35:34 -0000

(Matt if you need to move this, I apologize ahead of time)

Does anyone else see a strong resemblance between Ty Thomas and Amare Stoudemire? Obviously not as polished yet, but he looked great last night...again. And as I watched the game last night, I kept thinking to myself, 'Where have I seen this before?'

Keys to Game 5

Knowledge32 — Tue, 15 May 2007 15:29:08 -0000

Ladies and Gentlemen, GAME 5 is upon us! What is it going to take to win tonight at the palace (lower case obv.)? We have been blown out twice, the crowd is going to be crazy, and we are facing elimination.

I think it will take a couple of things:

Intensity, Intensity, Intensity. Match the Pistons right out of the gate. I would not mind seeing full court man to man press on Billups right away.
Attack the Basket. We crushed them on free throws and if we get to line it will slow down their momentum. Stay aggressive.
"Unknown Soldier"- Who is going to step up for us and have a huge game? Ben Gordon or Noc, I am looking in your direction. It has to happen tonight.
Get back to Bulls Basketball. Playing hard, getting lose balls, and having some pride on defense.
Leave it all out on the floor, because as it goes without saying, there is no tomorrow!

Last Night

Knowledge32 — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:14:24 -0000

Proved a couple of things for me. First, post presence, post presence, post presence. We have to have it on offense. Pax do whatever it is you need to do, but get a big man that is an offensive threat here immediately (I would not get rid of Deng, Thomas, or BG though). Anybody Else is fair game.

Second, we have no closer. Every team has one...except us. I wanted Ben or Deng to be that person- the guy that demands the ball at the end of the game...(ie Baron Davis). If there was ever the opportunity for someone to step up, the third quarter was it! Nobody wanted to. And zone?? Give me a break! They have played against zones their whole life...then they see a "match up zone" in the playoffs and act like they don't know what to do. Nobody attacked, nobody went to the basket...nobody wanted to. For as tough of a team as we claim to be, we certainly had our tail between our legs in the third.

Finally, I would like to comment on a screen shot about 3 minutes before tip off that I saw. Big Ben and Billups at center court, laughing and smiling. Did this bother anybody? A must win game, people are riding you for not playing as hard as you could against your "boys" and you are at half court laughing and smiling? THIS IS A MUST WIN GAME!! Where is your focus? How about getting the team ready for battle? This is our captain too? Some people might not think it's a big deal, and if it happened during shoot around 20 min. prior to tip off fine. This is right before gametime. If I am out of line and over reacting, my apologies ahead of time.

In closing, it is a privledge to watch Billups run a team. A true point guard and general out there. Everybody listens and follows his lead, nothing is stronger than a great leader with the ball in his hands. All Championship teams have them and the Pistons are a championship team.

Game 3 Bulls Vs. Pistons

Knowledge32 — Thu, 10 May 2007 13:13:40 -0000

Just throwing this out there, but what are the keys to this game and how do the Bulls win this?

Personally, I feel like Billups is the heart and soul of Detroit. He is one of the biggest and most physical point guards in the league. I just do not know how to stop him? Gordon cannot remain on him though, I know that much! Thabo again? Marion on Parker seemed to work out great for the Suns...who can we put on this guy without creating other mismatches? Line ups...anyone? ...Anyone at all?

Our Line-Up

Knowledge32 — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:03:11 -0000

Now if it is one thing Skiles has taught me this year, it is simply do not question his decision making. I feel every time I do, he proves me wrong. I love having PJ in the game for his experience. However, I feel Thomas's time is now. Let him start and mix it up. Thomas has a demeanor and swagger about him that I don't think too many other Bulls players give off right now. Throw that in with recently being named to the all rookie team and a great performance in game two. The first game, yes it was a rough one. All rookies have them. We are down right now and lets be honest, the Pistons look fantastic. We need an answer and it has to be a loud one. Lets get some attitude and toughness out there! ASAP! And is where is Noc?