SB Nation User Blog: Ozzie Montana

Game Preview #7: Bulls vs. Denver Nuggets

Ozzie Montana — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:38:01 -0000

[Thanks to Ozzie Montana for today's game preview. I'll be live-tweeting from the UC 300 level -ed.]

So the Bulls go 3-1 last week after getting embarrassed by the Celtics. That must mean everything is rounding into form, and things are going to be smooth sailing right? Oh wait, Tyrus Thomas is out for 4-6 weeks, Derrick Rose still looks hobbled (maybe mentally and physically), and the Bulls are now starting their 26th pick at PF. The offense continues to look disjointed, but after 6 games against some methodical, plodding teams, they now get a chance to get out and run a little at home against the Nuggets.

Denver started the season on fire before having very forgettable back-to-back losses to Miami and Atlanta. Injuries forced George Karl to shuffle his lineup against the Hawks, starting Joey Graham and Renaldo Balkman in place of Kenyon Martin and Anthony Carter. Not sure if K-Mart is still hurt, but his absence would be huge considering Gibson had more than his share of trouble with Boris Diaw. Carmelo Anthony continues to show why he's an elite talent. Averaging 31 points and 6 rebounds with a PER of 29.6, Luol Deng is going to have his hands full yet again guarding one of the game's best. Everyone already knows about Chauncey Billups, but Ty Lawson could be the steal of the draft. He's posting a 21.4 PER, averaging 18 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals per 36 minutes. Again, another potential matchup nightmare for Derrick and his ankle. In the frontcourt, Nene continues to beast in the paint (18 PER, 60 eFG%), and Birdman Anderson continues to be a very ugly energy player. He's always reminded me of Tyrus Thomas with less offensive skill and more tattoos.

For our Bulls, the key to this game is all about the offense. The Nuggets have been pretty poor on defense thus far (22nd in D. Eff), but they're 6th in pace and have the 2nd best offense in the league. Taj had a terrible rebounding game on Saturday, it's huge for him to help Noah and Brad out on the boards and key some fast breaks. Deng's been playing fantastic defense, but if Melo comes out on fire it could mean foul trouble. A win isn't as important as just getting Rose back on track, because the season ultimately means little without a healthy and confident Derrick Rose.

Nuggets vs Bulls coverage

Denver Stiffs

Allen Iverson leaves the Grizzlies, unsure when he will return.

Ozzie Montana — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:04:11 -0000

Allen Iverson leaves the Grizzlies, unsure when he will return.

Gee, I bet no one saw this coming.

I don't know how this happened, but it's freaking sweet.

Ozzie Montana — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:46 -0000

I don't know how this happened, but it's freaking sweet.

Game Preview #4: Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks

Ozzie Montana — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:06:18 -0000

[UPDATE by your friendly BullsBlogger, 11/03/09 12:43 PM CST : Tyrus missed shootaround with the flu, Taj Gibson will start tonight whether or not Tyrus is available.

Thanks to Ozzie Montana for today's game preview. Sign up if you want to do one in the future. I figure the Bulls have an easy blowout, and we all laugh at how it made sense the Bulls offense to start out cruddy against three good defensive teams. But we'll also likely be wrong then thinking the offensive efficiency problem will go away. But if they lose...real fun begins here. -ed]

You have to hand it to this team. They really know how to crush even the most mild of expectations. Fortunately, the Bulls have a chance to right the ship against an even more unimpressive franchise (For one night, at least).

The Bucks, as we all know, lost a ton of talent in the offseason letting go of Vilanueva, Sessions, and Jefferson. Also, it looks like they're already giving up on last year's lottery choice. Joe Alexander is going to the highest draft pick to be refused the rookie option, making him an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. I'm sure they would love a re-do considering Brook Lopez and Anthony Randolph were still on the board. However, it looks like they made a great addition this year with Brandon Jennings, who dominated against Detroit (24 pts, 9/15 shooting), including a perfect 3rd quarter. Too bad the rest of the team is a collection of overrated and overpaid players. Michael Redd is injured yet again (17 million dollar salary FYI), and will likely start Carlos Delfino, Kurt Thomas, and Charlie Bell to go along with Jennings and Bogut. But, since Skiles is the coach, they will somehow remain competitive in a lot of games and play inspired defense.

As for our Bulls, what else is there to say at this point? The "Derrick Rose doesn't have the dog" topic has been beaten to death in one weekend. Tyrus Thomas is already being pointlessly benched in favor of Malik Allen re-incarnate Taj Gibson. Instead, let's talk about the crapulent 3 point shooting! When you have a guy like Ben Gordon on the team for 5 seasons, you really take elite outside shooting for granted. John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich were fantastic last year from the arc, but in 3 games they are a combined 5 for 32. What's even more disheartening is a lot of these looks are the result of great ball movement, and they're still not going in. Another reason for the poor offense may be due to the fact they are playing a bunch of teams that love to slow the pace down, and the guys aren't getting into any kind of a rhythm when forced into so many half-court sets.

Expecting anything from the Bulls is an exercise in disappointment, so hopefully Derrick is feeling better today and can go toe-to-toe with the "next greatest franchise PG that hasn't accomplished anything but is still better than Rose."

Bucks vs Bulls coverage

Brew Hoop

LaMarcus Aldridge agrees to 5 year, $65 million extension

Ozzie Montana — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:30:41 -0000

LaMarcus Aldridge agrees to 5 year, $65 million extension

Rich man's Joe Smith gets 65 million in a recession, while the Bulls will likely lose lottery picks in back-to-back summers.

True Hoop vs Kevin Durant

Ozzie Montana — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:16:55 -0000

True Hoop vs Kevin Durant

This photo is better than all 5 billion worthless images everyone else puts up combined.

Ozzie Montana — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:40:55 -0000

This photo is better than all 5 billion worthless images everyone else puts up combined.

ESPN Counts Down MJ's Top 23 Moments

Ozzie Montana — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:29:07 -0000

ESPN Counts Down MJ's Top 23 Moments

Ben Gordon on Boers and Bernstein

Ozzie Montana — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:52:57 -0000

Ben Gordon on Boers and Bernstein

Memphis Grizzlies Cut Entire Scouting Staff

Ozzie Montana — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:31:07 -0000

Memphis Grizzlies Cut Entire Scouting Staff

"How do you resist the conclusion that Heisley has settled on a strategy that values dollars over wins? He can't sell the franchise so he'll run it as cheaply as possible. He'll use the Grizzlies' cap space to facilitate trades for other teams. The Grizzlies will be rewarded with "cash considerations." They'll be the Memphis Grizzlies & Money Launderers.[...]