Building up that Bulls-Knicks matchup
The New York Knicks visit the United Center on Tuesday, so this is an ideal time to manufacture some bad blood between the teams. Just check out the story lines:
• As of Sunday afternoon, after New York knocked off Detroit, the Bulls and Knicks (both 9-11) were tied for the eighth playoff spot in the East with just 62 games remaining. So expect a playoff atmosphere.
• This is the first meeting of the Bulls and Knicks since former Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni was offered jobs by both organizations and chose New York. He swore it was just a coincidence that his decision came shortly after a three-hour meeting with Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
• The Bulls have a future star in Derrick Rose, while the Knicks have a virtual future star in LeBron James. The way some Gotham media outlets have played the story, it's a mere formality that James moves from Cleveland to New York as a free agent in 2010. now that the Knicks cleared the necessary cap room.
It is interesting, though, to think back on Cablevision's vehement opposition to a proposed New York Jets stadium on the West side of Manhattan. The Jets even sued the owner of the Knicks and Madison Square Garden for spending millions on a "false and misleading disinformation campaign" critical of the project, according to The New York Times.
If Jim Dolan's company spent millions to keep the Jets out of Manhattan, what's in the budget to prevent Nets co-owner Jay-Z, a close personal friend of James, from breaking ground on that Brooklyn arena before July 1, 2010?
• The biggest story line is the triumphant return of Chris Duhon to Chicago. Barely noticed when he switched sides as a free agent last summer, the fifth-year point guard has become a major contender for the most improved player award.
Duhon broke the Knicks' franchise record with 22 assists on Nov. 29. In Sunday's win over Detroit, he played all 48 minutes, finishing with 25 points and 9 assists. For the season, he's averaging 11.4 points and 8.2 assists, tied for sixth-best in the league with Steve Nash.
One question worth asking is whether Duhon has actually improved or if production is a function of increased playing time. After all, his shooting percentage of .404 is in line with his Chicago years.
During the 2005-06 season, his second with the Bulls, Duhon's averages per 48 minutes were 14.4 points and 8.3 assists. This year in D'Antoni's up-tempo system, Duhon is at 13.7 points and 9.9 assists per 48 minutes.
He's gotten better in the last 10 games, averaging 14.2 points and 9.4 assists, while playing more than 42 minutes.
D'Antoni has brought his reputation of riding his starters to New York. Only seven players saw action Sunday against Detroit.
Dreaming big: Some people do believe the Bulls, with rookie guard Derrick Rose playing so well, could become a dangerous team by playoff time if they can add an experienced, competent big man.
Considering Washington came to town Saturday with a 3-15 record, what about Antawn Jamison? That would certainly be a dream short-term scenario for the Bulls, since Jamison, 32, is averaging 20.7 points and 9.6 rebounds.
Rebuilding could make sense for the Wizards, but they figure to be reluctant to move Jamison, who is seen as the glue that's held the team together.
At the same time, he's owed $40 million over the next three years, including $15 million in 2011-12, when he'll be 35. The Bulls would almost certainly want to send back one of their long-term contracts, which may not appeal to the Wizards.
NBA strange but true: As of Sunday afternoon, Boston was 19-2, the Lakers 16-2. Both have lost to 7-12 Indiana. - Of the top 10 scorers at the end of last season, only four are still on the list (LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Bosh and Dirk Nowitzki). The newcomers are Dwyane Wade, Devin Harris, Danny Granger, Joe Johnson, Vince Carter and Tony Parker. -
Bulls guard Larry Hughes has hit 12 of 17 shots from 3-point range in the last four games. - The Bulls' sellout streak ended at 97 when they fell about 1,000 tickets shy of a full house Tuesday against Philadelphia. They still rank second in the NBA in attendance behind Detroit.