Bulls basketball turns downright sickly
The flu bug is hitting the Chicago Bulls hard, but even the sickest players probably don't feel as sick to their stomachs as fans that have had to watch the team play basketball its last two times out.
Last night, the Bulls allowed Los Angeles Clippers post Marcus Camby to grab 25 rebounds (if only that was a typo) in a 104-97 loss. That wasn't even a career high for Camby, who had 27 boards in a Dec. 17, 2008 game ... against the Bulls. Though the 19-22 Clippers have a very similar record to the Bulls' 18-22, they play in the deeper Western Conference and are 4.5 games out of a playoff spot. In other words, they're the type of team the Bulls need to be beating if they hope to make the playoffs themselves.
Two days prior, the Bulls suffered an embarassing 114-97 loss at Golden State to begin their 7-game road trip. Not only do the Warriors have the second-worst record in the Western Conference at 12-28, they dressed only eight players for the game, and five of them were recent callups from the NBA Developmental League.
In fairness, the flu spreading throughout the team has contributed to the losses. Regulars John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich missed the Clippers and Warriors games, respectively, though you could argue that the Bulls were better off without Salmons, given the season he has had. But illness, like injuries, is a part of the game, and no excuse for the Bulls to play as poorly as they have.
Before returning home in early February, the Bulls have to visit Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and New Orleans. None of those games will be easy, and Chicago Tribune Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson is among those speculating that it could be an 0-7 trip. If it is, it could mean the team begins to trade away veterans to try to set itself up for a major score in free agency this summer. It could also mean the end of Vinny Del Negro's tenure as coach. Stay tuned.
