Someone should tell "Larry" Holmes not to talk about something he knows nothing about. This guy admits he doesn't watch NBA basketball but now he becomes an expert on the subject. Shut the f uck up or take the day off. Let someone else come in that at the very least know the game of basketball.

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Experience is like drawing without an eraser

I vote for Nas to co-host. Dynasty you don't know shit.

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We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

I love how Holmes was criticizing the fans for tolerating mediocrity. Hey Larry, if they didn't, nobody would listen to your station!

Besides, there is a difference between being mediocre and being young. When Pax gets down to business this offseason, the Bulls won't be anybody's bitch anymore.

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"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

I would vote for Nas too

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Experience is like drawing without an eraser

I think Larry was taking that position just to generate calls and confrontations. I heard a caller say that making the playoffs two years in a row would make the Bull more desirable to big-time free agents. Larry of course disagreed. I happen to think they will come, as long as the money is close. I like this team and it shows promise. Pax impresses me more and more. Skiles is safe and Pax won't bring anyone in that will not buy in.

Need some draft predictions Prez, give some analysis. Pax has only had basically two drafts right? We did not have a first rounder in one of his years. He has done a good job drafting so far, IMO.

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We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

To me, the first pick is a no brainer: Aldridge. He's got good footwork down low, his hands are quick & soft, he can step out and hit from 12-15 feet, he rebounds, he blocks shots, he runs the floor well. The only way for this to go wrong is the ping pong balls fucking over the Bulls. With NY finishing 2nd from the bottom, the worst case scenario is the Bulls getting the 5th pick. Aldridge won't be on the board at that point. Fortunately, the lottery is conducted about a month before the actual draft, so Pax will have time to come up with a plan B if the shit hits the fan. Perhaps that would mean giving up their other pick, which would be in the mid teens, to ensure they land LaMarcus.

I'm not sold on the other big men. Tyrus Thomas is a good looking prospect, but I don't see him as being the answer for the Bulls. In my opinion, he is Nocioni with a vertical and better wheels. A scrappy, ballsy, player that can block shots, rebound, and get out & run in transition. But I don't see him becoming a great scorer. I've heard people compare him to Marion. I think that's insane. Marion is a superbly well-rounded player. Tyrus Thomas has half of Marion's game. He does not compare when it comes to outside shooting, ballhandling, and guarding on the perimeter. I also think that all of this Joakim Noah hype is nonsense. Again, he is a decent prospect, but given the choice between Noah & Aldridge, you'd have to slip me a mickey before I even considered taking that French twig. He's a different player, but he has the same body type as Chandler. Basically, he is a more complete Chandler. Nowhere near as tough defensively, but much more competent with the ball in his hands. In any case, that's a "no thanks" in my opinion. Finally, the Italian job. Andrea Bargnani. The next Dirk, right? Well, eventually there will be another Dirk, but it's so hard to tell when these European kids are dominating against mediocre competition. He looks awfully good on film, but I might look good too if I were playing against Jerry's Kids. Again, I'll pass.

Moving on to the Bulls 2nd pick. It appears they may have played their way out of getting one of the top perimeter guys. Obviously, Adam Morrison & Rudy Gay will be long gone. But, with the Bulls now looking at the 15-17 pick, there's a good chance that Brandon Roy (Washington), Rodney Carney (Memphis), and Ronnie Brewer (Arkansas) will also be off the board. This concerns me a bit. I wish I could tell you there were other players that excited me outside of the top-15, but there really aren't (actually, there are a few decent point guards, but that doesn't do us much good). I wouldn't be disappointed if Pax tapped into the Duke well one more time. Sheldon Williams should have a nice 10 year career as a quality backup power forward and JJ Redick will likely be a poor man's Ben Gordon coming off somebody's bench, but I can't say that either of them really help the Bulls much. If Pax lands Aldridge, I wouldn't want to see him get another young big. JJ would obviously make the roster over Pargo, but the last thing this team needs to worry about is adding another guard that is under 6'4".

I'd guard next year's Knicks pick (the Bulls have the option to swap, thanks Isiah) like my sister's cherry. That's off limits. However, there might be a scenario in which the Bulls could trade a future number 1, perhaps the 2008 or 2009 draft, in order to move up from the late teens to around 10. That should be high enough to guarantee them one of the three above mentioned guys (Roy, Carney, Brewer). I don't believe any of them will be hall of famers by any stretch, but they will cover the ground that Gordon can't, the yin to his yang if you will. Not that they have major offensive deficiencies, they don't, but they will pick up the slack defensively. I expect Gordon to improve over time, but he will never be able to guard against most of the stronger 2-guards in the league. Currently, the Bulls will put Kirk on these guys a lot of the time. He can't keep up either. They need a legitimate 2-guard that is 6'6" with defensive intensity and a wingspan to match. This guy then becomes your 6th man.

Even if they can't land a major free agent, if Pax can somehow come away from the draft with Aldridge and a strong perimeter player like Roy, Carney, or Brewer, watch-the-fuck-out. The Bulls will be for real.

One final note, for those of you thinking the 2007 free agent class will be even better, don't get your hopes up. For one thing, most of those guys will never see the open market. More importantly, the Bulls cap space goes bye-bye when Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng get their paper. Plus, Nocioni's contract expires that offseason as well, and we all know how we feel about him:

No-see-o-ni!

No-see-o-ni!

Going to game 3 at the UC. I'll be the asshole in the upper deck bitching about the smoking ban. And I don't give a shit what Larry Holmes says, I appreciate the way these kids play and am fucking stoked for the series. Go Bulls.

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"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

Thanks Prez, good stuff. I agree with your opinion on Noah. I didn't like his old man either. Haven't seen Aldridge but he sounds like what we need. Keep us posted as things develop. I hope Pax can work some magic. The last time I went to the UC, playoffs against the Hawks in 1997, you could still smoke. Fucking bastards, freedom my ass.

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We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

Got carried away with the 2006 draft talk and forgot about your other question. Yes, Pax has been rock solid in all 3 offseasons.

I wanted Wade in '03 (who didn't?), but given the circumstances, Hinrich was the right pick. I remember some of the local media pushing for Michael Pietrus. As it turns out, he's had 3 subpar seasons in Golden State and doesn't appear to be headed anywhere anytime soon. Plus, losing Jay Williams in that freak accident was a major setback. I guess we'll never know if Pax had that trade with the Nuggets lined up (Jay Williams & the 7 pick for Denver's #3 pick. Would they have taken Melo? Wade? Bosh? Who knows...)

2004 couldn't have worked out any better if you jumped into a time machine and did it over with what we know today. Gordon & Deng in the top ten, Duhon a great value pick in the 2nd round, signing Nocioni fresh off Argentina's run in the Olympics. As Harry would say, "thanks, Pax, terrific." A side note on the '04 draft, I can't believe Atlanta took Josh afro Childress with both Luol Deng & Andre Iguodala on the board. Then again, I guess that's what makes them the Hawks.

No draft pick in the '05 class. The pick was traded to Phoenix in '04, that's how they got Deng. Pretty sweet considering they mortgaged what turned out to be the 21st pick of the '05 draft for the 7th pick of the '04 draft. What's even funnier is that even if the Bulls sucked last year, the pick would have been top-3 protected. So, basically, Bryan Colangelo traded the pick for the possibility of getting the 4, 5, or 6 pick the following year. That's not much of a window for improvement. The AP sportswriters gave the prick the Executive of the Year Award anyway.

The '05 offseason also brought us the departure of Eddy Curry for what will likely be a top three pick in '06 plus a potential lottery pick in '07. Don't discount the Tim Thomas acquisition, either. I don't mean as a player, but as a contract. That was a valuable asset. It turned out that Pax never found a deal he liked, but he put himself in a position to make a major splash, and that's all you can ask. In the end, I'm glad he didn't force the issue.

He also signed Malik Allen & Darius Songaila this past offseason. Not exactly blockbuster moves, but I think both players will be important contributors off the bench for this team in the coming years.

Bit by bit, things are really starting to come together. Pax should win a GM of the Year award one of these days. He deserves it.

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"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

Thanks again Prez. I get more in two posts from you than I get from either of our wonderful sportsradio stations in a month.

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We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

Tell me about it. This off-season is shaping up like the one 2000 when Hill, McGrady and others were available. The same two teams have the most money to spend. The Bulls and Magic are both about $20mil under the cap. The Bulls are in better position to land a top of the line player. I would invest my money in Al Harrington as long as there isn't a sign and trade deal. I really wouldn't be interested in over paying for any of the big guys on the market today. How many good years are left in KG? Will O'neal stay healthy? I would trade for a big guy if they could get a young guy like Chris Bosh. Other than that I would talk to the Celtics about Pierce.

By the way I will also be at game 3 Mr. President.

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Experience is like drawing without an eraser

Good stuff Prez. Aldridge is my lock for that spot as well.

Wasn't the 03 draft Krause's?

Prez

Are you doing Score draft coverage this year?

Nice analysis.

No, that was the first thing Pax did. The next thing, unfortunately, was giving Pippen a contract , but I forgive him for that. He's been pretty smooth since then...

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"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

It never stops being funny. Ever.

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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.

http://www.TheCommittedIndian.com/

Disagree - this off-season, the biggest prize is Al Harrington or Jason Terry...We don't need Terry, and while Harrington isn't a bad player, he's nowhere near a McGrady level.

That wasn't the point I was making. I probably should have been a little clearer. I was saying that both the Magic and the Bulls are in the same position again. They both have a ton of money to play with. Unlike 2000 the trade market will be bigger than the free agent market. And the Bulls are not coming off a 13 win season.

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Experience is like drawing without an eraser

I don’t think he was comparing Harrington to McGrady. I think he was just dropping a few names as a frame of reference for the class of ’00 (Don’t forget Timmy Duncan, too. He ended up resigning w/ the Spurs, but for a stretch it appeared possible that Orlando might land him that offseason as well. Then again, he may have just been using Orlando’s interest to pressure San Antonio in the negotiations). Also, completely agree Nas, no way in hell I’d send Atlanta anything beyond a thank-you note for Harrington. If they expect compensation, whether it be a draft pick or one of our young guys, I’d say good day sir. But, just for the sake of healthy debate, what if they were to ask for Duhon? Like I said, no way they’re getting any of the main core (kirk, ben, luol, or the lottery pick), but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit if they wanted Du. Atlanta’s point guard situation is a joke. Tyrone Lue & Royal Ivy? Terrible. They could have solved this dilemna by drafting Chris Paul instead of Marvin Williams, but that’s their problem not ours. So, the question is: given the choice between - keeping Duhon and signing someone like Nazr Mohammed or Nene Hilario, or giving up Duhon in order to land Harrington. What’s the call? I’d probably lean towards keeping Du, not because he’s an all-star in the making, but because the second you trade him, you immediately have to start looking for a solid backup point guard. I’ve contended all along that the Bulls are in a terrific position to add. They have picks & cap room, no need to subtract.

Quick side note, expect Denver to get cute with their dangling of Nene this offseason. I’ve heard rumblings that they’ll be looking for a sign & trade as well. The fact is, they’re committed financially to K-Mart and Camby through the 2010 season. They have no intention to make Nene a big money offer and have him ride the pine. I’d call their bluff.

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"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

Damn Prez, that's some in-depth shit. I'd like to hear you and Goff talk hoops.

It just kills me that the filter spits out Rudy Burrito! No Crow, it doesn't get old.

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I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out. - Bill Hicks

Let's do it for Johnny!

Maybe we can talk about Marvin Gay in the music thread.

Or old time golfer Gay Brewer.

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We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

Burritolord Perry?

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I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out. - Bill Hicks

Let's do it for Johnny!

I forgot about that while I was typing. Quick poll: what do you think would cause more harassment on the playground - being named Gaye or Burrito?

And I do actually mean burrito, not the bigfan substitute for alternative lifestyles.

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"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

How about- The Enola Gay.

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We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

Yeah Prez has a ton of sports knowledge. I would say more than a lot of people we hear on the radio.

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Experience is like drawing without an eraser

In all honesty, being into sports and the knowledge that comes with it is the easy part. I'm not certain I could sit in front of a microphone for several hours a day, 5 days a week, and deliver fresh & interesting material on a consistent basis. It's a lot tougher than we make it out to be sometimes. Christ, have any of you ever given a 20-30 minute presentation either in business or college? It's a lot of time to fill. I remember I gave an hour long presentation in college once and afterwards I needed a drink, a bong hit, and a nap. We give these guys a lot of crap (often it's deserved), but I don't know if any of us could step in and do much better. Granted, if I went through 4 years of college prepping me specifically for such a role, then worked as an intern/producer for another stretch of time, it might be a possibility. But Johnny sports fan off the street could not walk into the studio and do a 4-hour show. That is why I often will preface certain posts by admitting I am too harsh at times. It's easy to be a jag on a message board. It's a lot harder to host a show or write a column under deadline.

By the way, I appreciate the positive feedback, but if I were writing similar posts about the Bears, Cubs, or Sox, most of you would jump right in, and many of you with dissenting opinions. I'm just part of that rare breed that digs basketball as much if not more than football/baseball. Most fans watch basketball the same way they watch the olympics, very little.

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"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."

I doubt it. There is only a handful of guys that will talk sports and there are even fewer who will talk all sports. And if Mike North can come off the streets and have a successful (overall) sports radio career then I would put my money on anyone else on the board to duplicate that.

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Experience is like drawing without an eraser

BTW Prez, Sam Smith has the Bulls losing to the Pistons in the finals.

I agree with Prez to a certain extent. I know its tough to make 4 hours entertaining. But at the very least I expect these guys to have the smarts on all sports. Alot of guys who do sports talk in this town don't. I think I do. I know Nas, Prez, Hummer, EG, and others on this board do. The other thing that a radio guy must have is the ability to express their thoughts. I'll admit I sometimes don't have the ability to do this well. I like giving opinions on this board because I have the ability to think before I write and even after that sometimes I fail to get my point across.

Does anyone know what Beardown is talking about?