Back To Business

After using this blog for the last year to drown out my sorrows of my personal life, it is time to get back to Bulls news. This weekend proved to be a good one for the Chicago Bulls, as they improved to 3-2 heading into the Circus trip. Luol Deng looks like he is rounding back into form, and has really excited me about the future. Ben Gordon has looked more like Ben Gordon also. Once again, I would like to give kudos to GM John Paxson. After doubting his move yet again, I am inlclined to say that he made the right move in the Curry deal. Sweetney looks like a keeper, and as bad as the Knicks appear to be, the draft pick could be sweet. Tonight, the Bulls look to keep the momentum going against the Warriors. Golden State is a young team that somewhat mirrors the Bulls. As was the case the other night, the Bulls look to steal one from the California Kids. In order for the Bulls to pull this one out, they cannot afford to turn the ball over carelessly on the road. The Warriors will be out for revenge, and we need a quick start from the backcourt of Hinrich and Duhon to get us going. I also wouldn;t mind seeing Luol Deng put into the starting lineup. Nocioni has looked flat all season at the beginning of games. Against the Jazz, he came to life in the second half a bit, but I would prefer his energy off the bench. Luol gives us another scorer to start the game, with Ben and Sweetney being our bench scoring sparks. All in all, I look for the Bulls to start the raod trip off right with a 98-91 victory at Golden State. And you heard it here first, the Bulls will have a winning record on the Circus trip........ Back to Business...

DiFaz

Chris DiFazio-Shenk receives the Annual Business of the Year award from the Military Affairs Council and the Chamber of Commerce 

Piatkowski reports immediately

It didn't take long for the Chicago Bulls to find out what type of player they traded for in Eric Piatkowski. Pike showed up the very next day at the Berto Center to meet with teammates and coaches. Throughout his career, he has been known as a consummate professional and team player. Now, he is member of the Chicago Bulls. Along with veteran Antonio Davis, Pike should provide that type of example to the younger guys in the locker room. DiFaz is really excited about this years squad. After the Crawford trade, DiFaz was having his doubts, but now he sees the vision of Paxson and Skiles. The additions of Nocioni, Deng, and Gordon will help the Bulls both offensively and defensively with toughness and savvy. A full training camp with Coach Skiles for a healthy squad will turn this years Bulls team into an immediate winner. Watch out for Tyson Chandler this year. DiFaz expects him to be near the top of the league in offensive rebounds and free throw attempts. What a difference a year will make. DiFaz projects the starting group to be Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni, Chandler and Curry. Big minutes for Deng, Davis, and Pike off the bench. DiFaz also expects the following moves: Trybanski, Pippen, Jeffries waived. Duhon playing in some other league. Frank Williams traded. Adrian Griffin and Mike Wilks on the roster, but at the bottom of the depth chart. Expect Tommy Smith to be on the roster. For those who watched him in the summer league, this kid has some springs in his legs. He looks like a player that has matured over the last year and could provide energy and shot blocking off the bench. DiFaz has seen some posts on various message boards dissing Tommy Smith. Those folks get their coverage in box scores rather than investing in NBA TV. Also, don't be surprised when the Bulls sign Popeye Jones as a backup big man. So it is written and so it shall come to pass. Quote DiFaz, nevermore.