Duhon in trouble with Bulls

[FerryFor50]

that's not screwing someone over, thats how it works in the pros. lot's of people are involved in trade rumors/talks all the time. jon paxson is a professional guy and I'm sure he treated chris like a professional.





That's not a good analogy at all. First of all, getting traded is not like getting fired. It would be more akin to getting moved to a different business unit. And they won't be "firing" him in at the end of season. They have a contract that lasts 3 years, its the end of the contract. Its not like they are even passing on an option.



Absolutely no one (as I'm sure you know). Ben Wallace was their only one pre-trade, I think.

They basically told him he wasn't playing the rest of the year, flat out. They are going in a different direction.

Then they want to use the "we're in a playoff race" excuse. Who's in a playoff race? The Bulls. The Bulls no longer consider Duhon a part of the team. Therefore, he's not a part of the playoff run. That's pretty unprofessional to me. I know it's how it works in the pros regarding the trading scenarios, but this case is difference. They have already, in a sense, fired him. They just want him on the bench for garbage time and to "earn" the rest of the contract.

[FerryFor50]

I believe the numbers, but why? This doesn't tell me why-- he was supposed to be one of the most gifted shooters ever, coming out of HS...

Maybe, like some have suggested, he hasn't put the work in to keep his game sharp. If he's more interested in the lifestyle than the game, then that might be a reason. He didn't seem like the type to coast by on his talent, but maybe he is. They say if you don't use it, you lose it...

Plus, the NBA is full of defenders way more athletic than Duhon.

[dukemsu]

Living in Chicagoland as I do, this has been brewing for awhile with Chris, as DukeDevilDeb mentioned.

He has been noticed out drinking in public places to the point where it's become a local media joke (on one radio station, Pulling a Du has become a catchphrase). He has not handled things all that well here, being late to shootarounds and such. I was a bit worried when I saw that he was at the game last night-wasn't sure how he got permission for that. Looks like he didn't.

Strange as this is, he has had moments of really good play, such as the Bulls' run to the playoffs last year. He is a true point guard who looked to set up his teammates first and played decent D considering he is somewhat undersized.

And that's where the big problem is. 6'1" guards simply are not a growth enterprise in today's NBA unless you are Iverson quick or are deadeye from the perimeter (neither in Chris' case). Sad to say but if Chris were 6'6" or shooting 55%, I don't think the off-the-court issues would be mentioned so much.

Hopefully his upcoming change of scenery will help and he can get himself together. To be fair, I haven't heard nearly as much about his being out late this year as I did last year, when it seemed to be an epidemic. Maybe he's already made strides there.

[heyman25]

He should give DeMarcus pointers on how to finish dribble drives. Chris had a great deal more success than DeMarcus has had with that shot.DeMarcus needs to shoot more teardrop shots than forcing the shot that is contested.

[dukie8]

I believe the numbers, but why? This doesn't tell me why-- he was supposed to be one of the most gifted shooters ever, coming out of HS...

why do you think he is some great shooter because he won a controlled competition in high school with no defense and very limited other entrants? i'm sure there were 100 other guys in high school who would have beaten him that year in a 3-point shooting contest but who couldn't do half the other things duhon could do on the court and couldn't hit a single shot with live defense.

for the record, his career numbers at duke were 42% fg and 32% for 3pts. his junior year he was 39% and 27%. i loved his game but outside shooting wasn't one of his fortes.

[mph]

"What does he care?" It's called acting like a professional.

Well said.

I have nothing but respect for the way Duhon conducted himself at Duke, but he's not been a model teammate during his time with the Bulls. Duhon signed a contract and agreed to fulfill certain responsibilities. The fact that Chicago plans to let him go next season in no way justifies missing team functions without permission. Part of being a good teammate is realizing that your behavior impacts the entire team, not just the coach or owner.

If professional responsibility isn't a sufficient motivator, the fact that he might be hurting his value as a free agent should cause him to walk the line.

[DukeDevilDeb]

Who would those All-Stars be?




He does need to grow up, but he'll definitely be in the league next year. There are a lot of bad point guards in the NBA, and Chris shouldn't have trouble finding a job.

I agree that there are several places where Chris could do well. I hope THEY realize it too1

[DukeDevilDeb]

Well said.

I have nothing but respect for the way Duhon conducted himself at Duke, but he's not been a model teammate during his time with the Bulls. Duhon signed a contract and agreed to fulfill certain responsibilities. The fact that Chicago plans to let him go next season in no way justifies missing team functions without permission. Part of being a good teammate is realizing that your behavior impacts the entire team, not just the coach or owner.

If professional responsibility isn't a sufficient motivator, the fact that he might be hurting his value as a free agent should cause him to walk the line.

... but Chris' behavior at Duke (off the court) was a precursor to his recent behavior. No one spent more time at George's with a drink in his hand... and I've heard that, but for the managers, he would have been late to practice more than once.

You just don't behave like this out of nowhere. Sadly, it is an established pattern. One thing I do believe, though... Chris could, if he so choose, suck it up and put it back together. I just hope he does! Come on, Chris!

[DukeDevilDeb]

I know Chris well and loved him while he was here, but the way the Bulls are treating him now is a reflection of his rather cavalier attitude about things like team meetings, Sunday practices, drinking too much in public places, etc. He has been flat-out wrong many times with them, and they had his back. But now, they feel they cannot support a player who isn't 100% focused on winning and on the game. And sadly, I don't blame them.

Chris was told some weeks ago that he would not be played any more... they were building toward next year, and he was not a part of their plans. He is hurt and angry... and I don't blame him a bit for that. But he is not without complicity in this.

He also should not have been too surprised. The Bulls are very deep at guard, with guys who are making the All-Star team repeatedly. Chris has been through multiple shooting slumps, and they've continued to work with him because of his on-the-court leadership and defense.

But you can only have a player behave inappropriately so many times before you say adios!

I wish Chris could manage some of his decisions better. While he appears to be extraordinarly mature (see all his focus on helping Louisiana and particularly Slidell in the face of Katrina), my take is that he is really not as grown up as he should be at this point.

We'll see if he gets another chance in the league... but I sort of doubt it. He may be playing in Europe or elsewhere next year too!

I should have put a after my comment about Bulls' players making the All-Star team repeatedly.

My bad.

[yancem]

why do you think he is some great shooter because he won a controlled competition in high school with no defense and very limited other entrants? i'm sure there were 100 other guys in high school who would have beaten him that year in a 3-point shooting contest but who couldn't do half the other things duhon could do on the court and couldn't hit a single shot with live defense.

for the record, his career numbers at duke were 42% fg and 32% for 3pts. his junior year he was 39% and 27%. i loved his game but outside shooting wasn't one of his fortes.

Actually, coming out of high school he was considered a great pure shooter. When he got to Duke his freshman year there were several comments about him being the best shooter on the team. Unfortunately, something happened to his touch somewhere along the way. He never demonstrated the same shooting ability in college as he did in high school. I can only guess that is a confidence/mental block issue because his form is pretty much picture perfect. He has had his moments though, like couple of weeks ago when he went 11-16, 4-6 3 pt., 8-9 ft for 34 pts. Unfortunately he can't seem to shoot like that consistently.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I think it's interesting that even after it looked like he would be riding the pine the remainder of the year, he played 26 minutes Friday night and scored 11 points. That's more minutes than Hinrich got, and he started. But if I had the chance to see Duke-UNC in Cameron, I'd be tempted too.

[SilkyJ]

They basically told him he wasn't playing the rest of the year, flat out. They are going in a different direction.

Then they want to use the "we're in a playoff race" excuse. Who's in a playoff race? The Bulls. The Bulls no longer consider Duhon a part of the team. Therefore, he's not a part of the playoff run. That's pretty unprofessional to me.

I know you feel this way. you already said so. I don't see how your rebutting anything I said.

Just so you know: every team in the league has guys on their bench, many of them with contracts larger than Duhon's, who don't play much if at all and certainly will not play at all come playoff time. Guys move up and down in the rotation all the time. This happens in every pro sport. Guys move up and down the depth chart and sometimes, like in baseball and more and more so in basketball, guys move to the minors. They made an acquisition that moved him down the depth chart. He's not really that good ya know. He's solid and steady but gordon, hinrich, and hughes are all significantly better.

Bulls no longer consider Duhon a part of the team

I have to take particular exception to this statement. Is he not suiting up for games and coming ready to play every night?

I know it's how it works in the pros regarding the trading scenarios, but this case is difference. They have already, in a sense, fired him. They just want him on the bench for garbage time and to "earn" the rest of the contract.

Again, I know you feel this way, but I don't see how making someone finish out a contract is firing someone. In the business world it would be unprofessional to not finish a contract, so I maintain I don't think its a good analogy. He's getting paid right now and for the next couple months. People who get fired don't get by their supposed employers. If he's been told they don't want to negotiate with him next year then he's a free agent (which some guys want!)

Not to mention you keep good players on the bench for a couple of reasons like keeping practice competitive and for depth in case of injury. Someone goes down for a stretch and you need to win some games whether its getting to the playoffs or winning playoff games having someone who has started and won lot of games and played in playoff games is a nice crutch to have...

[Pernell]

Thanks for the background on Chris in the Chicago area. Somewhat startling to hear...

It was bad enough to see Chris laughing as I watched the game yesterday. But then to hear the commentators make mention of it was even worse, particularly since he's from the Duke family. For a minute I felt like he was Rashad McCants...

Hopefully someone in his inner crew can help redirect him so he can learn from this experience. Nothing is guaranteed...

And regarding his future, Brevin Knight--a good friend from h.s.-- has played several years in the league without a jumper and he's definitely undersized. Obviously he's quicker that Chris but still there is a need for solid point guards to efficiently run the offense. So I think if Chris is matures from this situation and works hard he should be able to find some suitors...

[ClosetHurleyFan]

I'd probably be reaming him because he's a Tar Heel and an azz.

But any other NBA player from any other college, I'd be saying the same thing. It's not right that teams can jerk around players and then fine them because they don't put in 100%.

Maybe you ought to update your info. Funny, the trainer who worked McCant's rehab from knee surgery over teh last year said he never had a guy work so hard to come back. Volatile yes, ^$%^$%^$%, that might be a bit strong. Sometimes people grow up as they age you know?

And you know, sometimes I hope people dont change too much. As much as Laettner irritates me, I loved the fact that he blew kisses to the crowd at ACC tournament last year....just to piss everyone off and get the predictable response...

[johnb]

Is it professional to have an unexcused absence while under contract? My first reaction is, "of course not." Upon reflection, it depends upon your definition of professional. As a physician, I have a whole set of ethical precepts that I accept as part of the privileges of being a doctor. These might include not manipulating patients to have procedures that are not in their best interest or not engaging patients in either business or sex. To do so would not necessarily send me to jail but would likely lead to expulsion from my profession. Similarly, if I am treated badly at the medical school at which I work, I can't just not show up to see patients. On the other hand, most meetings tend to be skimpily attended and generally start late.

A second definition relates to being conscientious in a more general sense, and in my field, conscientiousness is important, but not in regards to most meetings.

A third definition is more ambiguous and refers to such activities as being professional at war, basketball, or real estate. In each, there are activities that would not be considered ethical within medicine. For example, soldiers kill people (so do we, but it's avoided) while real estate brokers are not necessarily looking to help their clients make the right decision (real estate has restrictions, but beneficence is not mandatory). In professional sports (and in the military), one of the fundamental ethical principles is showing up on time. These multi-millionaires get fined for being late for team meetings, for practice, etc., and it doesn't happen very often. It's actually pretty striking that missing a team meeting gets reported in the newspaper; can you imagine what would happen if the newspaper reported every time anyone was late for a routine meeting? To my mind, then, a core ethic of professional basketball is showing up. If Chris didn't get permission for going to the game, then I believe pretty strongly that he has no leg to stand on when it comes to complaints about his professional behavior.

[UrinalCake]

Man, I would love for someone to pay me to sit around and do nothing. If I could do on a front-row seat at an NBA game every night, that would be even better. How do I convince my boss?

[FerryFor50]

Maybe you ought to update your info. Funny, the trainer who worked McCant's rehab from knee surgery over teh last year said he never had a guy work so hard to come back. Volatile yes, ^$%^$%^$%, that might be a bit strong. Sometimes people grow up as they age you know?

And you know, sometimes I hope people dont change too much. As much as Laettner irritates me, I loved the fact that he blew kisses to the crowd at ACC tournament last year....just to piss everyone off and get the predictable response...

Rasheed Wallace never grew up. Neither did Jerry Stackhouse or Joe Forte.

I don't expect McCants to grow up either, but who knows?

I'd spend more time defending the classy UNC players if I were you, like Antawn Jamison.

[FerryFor50]

Is it professional to have an unexcused absence while under contract? My first reaction is, "of course not." Upon reflection, it depends upon your definition of professional. As a physician, I have a whole set of ethical precepts that I accept as part of the privileges of being a doctor. These might include not manipulating patients to have procedures that are not in their best interest or not engaging patients in either business or sex. To do so would not necessarily send me to jail but would likely lead to expulsion from my profession. Similarly, if I am treated badly at the medical school at which I work, I can't just not show up to see patients. On the other hand, most meetings tend to be skimpily attended and generally start late.

A second definition relates to being conscientious in a more general sense, and in my field, conscientiousness is important, but not in regards to most meetings.

A third definition is more ambiguous and refers to such activities as being professional at war, basketball, or real estate. In each, there are activities that would not be considered ethical within medicine. For example, soldiers kill people (so do we, but it's avoided) while real estate brokers are not necessarily looking to help their clients make the right decision (real estate has restrictions, but beneficence is not mandatory). In professional sports (and in the military), one of the fundamental ethical principles is showing up on time. These multi-millionaires get fined for being late for team meetings, for practice, etc., and it doesn't happen very often. It's actually pretty striking that missing a team meeting gets reported in the newspaper; can you imagine what would happen if the newspaper reported every time anyone was late for a routine meeting? To my mind, then, a core ethic of professional basketball is showing up. If Chris didn't get permission for going to the game, then I believe pretty strongly that he has no leg to stand on when it comes to complaints about his professional behavior.

Yea, I can see your point on this. But other professions gets a set number of vacation days where you can request time off, even if it's to go to a basketball game.

[EarlJam]

I noticed that as well. Blinded.

Why did Duhon have ice in his ear? An injury?

-EarlJam

P.S. EarlJam is only joking. He understands that "ice" is a subcategory of "Bling."

P.S.S. And sorry if this does not add substance to the conversation. I will do so now just by saying, "Two wrongs do not make a right." If they (The Bulls) are wronging Duhon, he still shouldn't break the rules as long as he is employeed by them. That is not cool.

P.S.S. That said, EarlJam agrees with what Duhon did.

[ClosetHurleyFan]

What did Stackhouse ever do?

Wouldnt be able to comment on Forte...have no idea if he grew up

And since we are on the subject of performance as a professional, seems to me that Rasheed Wallace was the most important off-season change the pistons made the year before their title. Can Duhon make such a claim? Do you know Rasheed personally? My best friend roomed with him in college and would actually contradict most of what is said about him on this and other boards...