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It’s no secret that Taj Gibson is a vital part of the Bulls’ future, and he’s already won over the legions of Bulls fans who have seen him play. That coupled with the utter failure of Carlos Boozer to produce consistently makes for a killer battle at power forward during camp.

The money factor is the reason the Bulls haven’t cut Boozer loose yet, and it could be a weak excuse for them to start Boozer this year. After 2013, the Bulls will likely amnesty Boozer, meaning this season is a make or break one for the bald screaming machine. It’s because of this that Boozer will likely get more minutes over Gibson, but if Boozer keeps up his recent style of play that could violently shift.

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That’s what is taking place with the Lakers, as Shaquille O’Neal spoke his mind about Dwight Howard again — and Howard again defended himself.

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When Howard was traded to the Lakers in August, O’Neal analyzed the situation this way: “You have to care to have a reaction. I’ve got businesses to run. I always tell people that in order to step in my shoes, you have big shoes to fill. For him, he’s going to have to at least win three to get people’s respect.”jkhg454545

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That seemed to be the concern among most fans, and they can stop worrying. His conditioning is no longer an issue.ghjdhgf

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It won’t happen. This year more than ever, as good as Taj is, what he brings to the offensive simply doesn’t stack up to what Boozer brings. So with that taken into consideration and Derrick Rose out for at least 1/2+ of the season, the Bulls are going to need offensive more than ever.

That’s aside from the fact that Boozer considers himself a starter and bringing him from the bench will most likely have negative impact on his game/and the team.

From what I’ve read anyways, I expect Boozer to have more pick and rolls played through him, as well as the usual pick and pops. Tibs has always said Bulls play inside/out and one of the reasons they can is because they have players like Boozer who can hit the 15ft jumper, go under or pass if someone’s open. Sadly until Taj improves that jumper off his, he’ll be that sixth man we need either way. I personally feel his defensive presence and energy is better suited coming off the bench anyways.

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It’s too early to tell how good Waiters will be right away, but here’s what we think we know: He’s a streaky shooter from the perimeter, he can get to the basket practically at will, and as coach Byron Scott said, “he can go over the top” of defenders once there. Overall, he’s looking pretty good.gsgfs4534

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At one point during shooting drills with Kyrie Irving and a few others, the Cavs’ free-agent acquisition buried 12 consecutive 3-pointers, each from different spots. Yes, it’s just practice, and no one was defending Miles. But it’s still a good sign that when open, he can knock it down.fsa3w2

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That’s important because with Antawn Jamison (Lakers) and Anthony Parker (retirement) gone, the Cavs needed to find perimeter threats — particularly once Waiters and Irving get in the lane, draw double-teams and kick it to spotted-up teammates.hsdgdfafda

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Again, it’s early, but that is the way it’s looking. Samuels and Leuer are both expected to back up second-year man Tristan Thompson at power forward. Samuels is more of an inside threat, Leuer is a big man who’s effective from the perimeter. So it’s a safe bet Scott will play each according to matchups.bsg4434334vas

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“I’m trying to change my game around to not focus on offense as much and be a presence on defense,” Samuels said.dgds4334

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“I’m trying to change my game around to not focus on offense as much and be a presence on defense,” Samuels said.fdsg43234

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Scott has offered nothing but praise for the backup point guard, acquired in an offseason trade (with a second-round pick, for D.J. Kennedy).fg4

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Scott has offered nothing but praise for the backup point guard, acquired in an offseason trade (with a second-round pick, for D.J. Kennedy).kgfjhhgdgh

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Scott has offered nothing but praise for the backup point guard, acquired in an offseason trade (with a second-round pick, for D.J. Kennedy).mhgfdgh

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Pargo is a bit of a good-natured prankster and just generally fun to be around. But his coach is a fan because of the way Pargo pushes the ball in practice.fsgf43nggffa

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Pargo is a bit of a good-natured prankster and just generally fun to be around. But his coach is a fan because of the way Pargo pushes the ball in practice.vcbdfgsf

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Then again, Scott has already said it’s possible the Cavs keep both Pargo and Sloan, and Harangody just accepted the team’s qualifying offer over the summer. So keep in mind, all the names mentioned are pure speculation. And a few of them will make it.bsgfvsdf

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The new Big-3 era was really only supposed to last three years. The Celtics were supposed to have a very short championship window and, when the three years were over, they would have to start anew around Rajon Rondo and whatever other draft picks may have matured into contributors along the way. Instead, they have now nearly doubled their life expectancy, entering this season as one of a handful of teams who should not be making any plans for June golf outings. Meanwhile, the success of the original Big-3 has spawned copycats around the league who saw Boston’s immediate, dramatic turnaround and want to experience it themselves.fasdfae233232

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“What I don’t like about him is the man that he is. His personality. How he treats people. I don’t like that side of Kobe Bryant.”

[PAIDUDUParticipant]

They might only be words, but that seems like a decent description of how a winning team is born. It’s not as if its as easy as Kirilenko says it, Timberwolves do it, but that attitude already seems to be sticking. There have been the first hints of success, but these players know that it goes beyond statistics or point totals, and they know that it can get better.

[Author]

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