NP: Steve Earle, The Revolution Starts Now

I know it sort of defies logic, but I'm not giving up hope on this 2004-2005 Bulls squad. I'd even go so far to say that they look as good or better than any of the post-Jordan teams. Yet, they haven't won a game. What gives?

First, they've been pretty damn close fairly often. Last night against the Lakers, they were still very much in the game until the last minute when Kirk Hinrich penetrated and dished off to a stone-handed Eddy Curry, who turned it over, leading to a Kobe Bryant three-pointer at the other end. If that sequence had gone the Bulls' way, they would have been down only five with a minute left.

Second, there's Curry. I haven't watched a game that closely since last Tuesday, but in that particular effort, I must have seen ten passes to Curry in the post. I'd estimate that nine times, he went to the basket, forced a bad shot, and missed. The tenth time, he actually dished the ball back outside, and the Bulls were able to work it around for a three-pointer on the weak side of the floor.

Eddy Curry just isn't very good. I'd trade him for a ham sandwich at this point, and the team would improve, especially if it was a tasty ham sandwich.

Third, as I think I've said before, they're young, and still figuring out how to play together. That's a rookie thing, and it's going to take some time. The fact that they're this close to getting it should be encouraging.

Fourth, Luol Deng. This kid is fun to watch.

Finally, given how the third quarter tends to go for this squad, they just have to stop drinking at halftime. Shut down that open bar in the locker room, guys, it's killing you.