Floyd learned his lesson?

Did anyone else think it was odd that Tim Floyd, who chastised Toni Kukoc last year for predicting only a 25-30 win season, was downplaying the playoff hopes of some people for a team that was improved from last year?

According to the Chicago Sun Times, Floyd is now more realistic in his expectation and warned that 'the history is against' those who thinks this team can make playoffs even in the weakened east. Sure puts a damper on some of us over optimistic fans who had high hopes for the young bulls, isn't it?

The lesson here is that this team is not in fact better than last years, at least not yet. In fact if I had to win one game and had the option of this year's opening night roster or last's I would probably take last years team

There may be player on this roster that end up being very productive down the road but really this still isn't a very good team.

You are probably right that last year's opening day roster would have a slightly higher chance of winning their first game (disregarding opponents). But I seriously remember no more than 5 games total where all of their key players were healthy. The Bulls won their first game in Hoiberg's first game back, and they played near .500 when Kukoc came back for a little. If the Bulls of 2000-2001 were to match the talent of last years team at full strength, they will clearly challenge for a playoff spot.

But you have to admit that El-Amin looks like a decent upgrade over Brown, and Fizer brings more to the team as a sf then Artest, who still plays like a confused kid lost at Wall Mart.

This team isn't going to challenge for a playoff spot healthy or not. And lack of talent or not they are three games into this season and they don't look like they care.

None of which adds up to a good team though.

I hate to say this but I agree with you. I was hoping this team can win 30+ games this year. But, after three games I have seen enough. This team will be lucky to win 20 games.

The expected improvement over last year's team is not there because of all the rookie mistakes and turnovers. Also by trying to force the system to this new players (at least for some portion of the game), they look confused as a group. Last year's team got off to a 2-26 start and if they insist on keeping the triangle, look for a similar start again. By the time they start playing as a cohesive unit, the season will be half over and then the rookies are expected to hit the wall because of the length of the NBA season

Defensively also they look worse than last year. Opposing guards are driving thru the middle with no fear. There is no inside presence at all. May be Bagaric will come in and solidify the middle. I can always hope, right?

I was going to criticize Floyd for playing Brand, who is his only good player, out of position at centre. But, he seems to have corrected that mistake now by starting Miller in the middle against Indiana. Miller even showed some post moves offensively, which is something you can't say about Ruffin.

Mercer doesn't look like an improvement over Kukoc. He is not the ball handler or passer that Kukoc is. Even his defense is not much of an improvement.