Comments on: Some thoughts on Bulls-Clippers

By: Matt McHale

Matt McHale — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:27:04 +0000

Andy — Well, Tyrus obviously has the greater potential. Similar to Tyson Chandler, who’s getting his groove on (when healthy) in New Orleans. Obviously, Chris Paul helps that. I keep hoping to see Derrick and Ty hook up on some sweet, ESP-like alley-oops, just like CP3 and Tyson…but nothing so far.

I mean, it’s easy — sometimes too easy — to label Tyrus a bust because of his wildly up-and-down performances. But he’s one of those straight-from-high-school guys with a lot of room to grow and improve. Meanhwile Noah pretty much is what he is, I think.

So two or four years from now, I’d probably say I want Tyrus on the team. If I have to pick between the two.

By: Andy

Andy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:43:50 +0000

Very good points, I dig it and am now swayed to your perspective. Also, I loved the trade scenarios for Larry Hughes and look forward to Apache Chief becoming the man in the middle.

My follow up question is this: (maybe it’s more suited for a post – I’m not sure) if you had to pick only one, between Noah and Tyrus, who would you rather have on the Bulls in 2 years? Would that answer change if it was 4 years?

By: Matt McHale

Matt McHale — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:45:36 +0000

Andy — I think that, physically speaking, Tyrus is better-suited for an up-tempo style. And maybe he’d prosper in a small lineup. But defensively, he’s a paratrooper who loves blocking shots but hates physical contact. If the Bulls were to go small, I’d want a couple guys willing to bang in the frontcourt. And Ty, he’s no banger. I’m not saying Noah can’t be pushed around — Big Al certainly had his way against Noah the other day — but Tyrus so often seems confused and apt to bad decision-making. To wit: The guy takes WAY too many jumpers. He’s 52-for-151 (35 percent) from outside compared to 72-for-142 (50 percent) at the basket. STOP SHOOTING, TYRUS.

Sorry. By comparison, Noah has attempted 152 shots at the basket (and hit 52 percent of them)…but has only attempted SEVEN jumpers (hitting two), none of which were beyond 12 feet. Noah understands his limitations. Plus he’s a better rebounder and virtually as good at blocking shots (on a per-minute basis).

I just trust Noah more than Thomas. He’s not as gifted an athlete, but I like him better as a basketball player.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:36:53 +0000

Gotta ask, do you really think Noah is better in a small lineup than T-Time? I understand Noah has some height on him, but isn’t the swarming, run-and-gun style the type of play that would keep Tyrus involved?