Bulls Update: Welcome to Chicago, Ben
Tonight, Ben Wallace became a Bull. The first few times I saw him play this year, he didn't really seem to fit in nor make much impact on the game. He was kind of just going through the motions, and it just seemed odd watching the former star of the Pistons wearing Bulls colors. I wasn't thinking "bust" or anything, I just was wondering how long it would take for me to start rooting for him as one of our own. The answer? Six games.
Big Ben was all over the court tonight, snagging 18 boards, 10 of which on offense, making a beautiful steal, and just generally causing havoc on the defensive end. It was kind of like watching those first few games with Rodman back in the day. Though in the Worm's case I didn't know if I'd ever come to like him, and it ended up taking all of a week to fall in love with his style of play.
Another guy that looked great tonight, and a guy that I feel is unappreciated in this town, is Luol Deng. The guy's just got those long arms, flies all over the place, and has a real sweet touch. His freakish athletic ability kind of reminds me of a very young Shawn Kemp, though he's not nearly as electric of a dunker.
Then there's the enigma. What's up with Ben Gordon? He alternates 37-point outbursts with 1-for-8 showings. I simply don't get it. The guy has proven time and again that he can absolutely own the fourth quarter of a game like nobody since you-know-who. He just can't put four quarters in one game. He can't put three games in a row. I don't get it. I just know that if the Bulls are serious this year, Gordon needs to step forward. If he can't get consistent by end of this season, the Bulls should trade him.
And that's that. Bull down!!