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Bull deserves to have his number hang in the rafters...

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Band Geek Mobster, Feb 2, 2002.

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  1. Band Geek Mobster

    Band Geek Mobster Member

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    I realize that Bull might not have done as much on the court as maybe Charles Barkley or Elvin Hayes, but Bull is easily one of the most lovable Rockets in franchise history.

    The man simply did whatever the coaches asked of him, never complained, and even stepped up as a leader in some instances.

    I went to the Rockets-Hornets game and gave my loudest cheers for Bull when he entered. Then later in the game, after moving down to the lower bowl, I could really get a good look at Bull in those horrible Hornet warmup suits, and you could tell his heart was not in it.

    He'd clap during timeouts and try to pump up his teammates, but it was clear that he had a horrible time facing the Houston Rockets. The guy clearly left his heart back in Houston, which probably explains why his numbers are down compared to last year.

    The man was a warrior for the Rockets, and I can only hope that the new Rockets would someday develop a history and legend with the city of Houston like the Bull...

    Many national writers might think that the Rockets biggest loss was Hakeem Olajuwon, but with the way that situation developed and ended, I can easily say that our biggest loss was that of the 6'10 Small Forward out of the University of Iowa.

    I look forward to the day Matt returns to Houston as a commentator for the games. Until then, I will only be left with past memories of his greatness...

    Come back home Matt, we miss you...
     
    #1 Band Geek Mobster, Feb 2, 2002
  2. Puedlfor

    Puedlfor Member

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    I fully agree.

    Some players provide an impact far beyond that of the court. Matt Bullard has been a stalwart precense in the lockerroom and a leader.

    Hang that number up there.
     
    #2 Puedlfor, Feb 2, 2002
  3. kidrock8

    kidrock8 Member

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    Agreed 100%.

    Bull was the ultimate role player. Hit his 3s, when on the floor. And provided leadership to a young team.

    Contrary to what people think, Olajuwon was never a vocal leader nor was he ever a "good" influence. In the sense that he is as egotistical as your average star player.

    Like you said, Bull never complained, knew his role, and played with an enthusiasm that seems lost now.

    I hope he comes back into the organization as a coach, or as a commentator.
     
    #3 kidrock8, Feb 2, 2002
  4. getsmartnow

    getsmartnow Member

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    The NBA needs more players with an attitude towards the game like Bull's. Hang his #50 high!!
     
    #4 getsmartnow, Feb 2, 2002
  5. fba34

    fba34 Member

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    what did he do?
     
    #5 fba34, Feb 2, 2002
  6. ROXRAN

    ROXRAN Member

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    I kinda agree, but.... no. Let's not reward whether a player is a good clubhouse presence (which he was.) nor the fact he sort of led by example (which he did.),...let's give these factors a considerable weight in the "retirement jersey number process", but there is also part 2 to the determination process, and that is the production. In terms of numbers, Bull was not a stand out. pure and simple. You know his intangibles were awe-inspiring. I know, as well as most posters and fans here,....but to have your number retired, tangibles must be a prerequisite.
     
    #6 ROXRAN, Feb 2, 2002
  7. 4chuckie

    4chuckie Member

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    Bull was a grerat lockerroom guy, but he does not deserve to have his jersey hung on the rafters.
    It's fine to name a road after him or a section in the new arena, but I don't think his attitude or presence is justification for his jersey being in the rafters.
     
    #7 4chuckie, Feb 2, 2002
  8. 3Rings

    3Rings Member

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    After Bullard jersey, maybe we can hang a jersey for Clutch the bear.
    :rolleyes:
     
    #8 3Rings, Feb 2, 2002
  9. DaDakota

    DaDakota Balance wins
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    Bull's number retired....

    ROFLMAO !!!

    Solid role players do not get their number retired.

    DaDakota


    PS. I grew up with Matt, he and I were childhood friends in Des Moines Iowa.
     
    #9 DaDakota, Feb 2, 2002
  10. Lil Francis

    Lil Francis Member

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    The dude should get his number retired because he did what the coach told him??? If thats the case you should retire Chucky Brown, Otis Thorpe and Scott Brooks number. I understand you like the guy but to get your number retired you have to be a great player.
     
    #10 Lil Francis, Feb 2, 2002
  11. Rocket Fan

    Rocket Fan Member

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    miss bull.. sad thing is in a way the rockets were a little unfair to him..

    the way i understood it. he waited for months because the rockets were gonna sign him after dream and the rest were taken care of. then near the end of the offseason they decided to go and get rice and kinda forget about bull.. but at least they helped him get a job with the hornets..

    bad thing is he turned down a chance for a ring and a chance to be a laker because he loved houston enough that he was waiting for dream etc to get signed.. so he could be..
     
    #11 Rocket Fan, Feb 2, 2002
  12. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    LOL! :D
     
    #12 Dr of Dunk, Feb 2, 2002
  13. Band Geek Mobster

    Band Geek Mobster Member

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    I think we should also name the new arena after him.

    The Bull Center

    Oh yeah, and Lil Francis, if you don't know the difference between Bull and Chucky Brown, Scott Brooks, and Otis Thorpe, then you're a moron.
     
    #13 Band Geek Mobster, Feb 2, 2002
  14. Lil Francis

    Lil Francis Member

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    Im a moron??? No you the damn moron if you think a guy should get his jersey retired just because he made a couple of three pointers and told some lame ass jokes on camera.
     
    #14 Lil Francis, Feb 2, 2002
  15. Band Geek Mobster

    Band Geek Mobster Member

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    Dude, I didn't call you a moron. If you read more closely you'll see that I said if you didn't know the difference you were a moron, but now that you clearly don't know how to read, I'm calling you a moron.
     
    #15 Band Geek Mobster, Feb 2, 2002
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2002
  16. DEANBCURTIS

    DEANBCURTIS Member

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    Comparatively what Bullard has done and what usually requires a banner are separate situations. Generally the greatest athletes with the most outstanding numbers in franchise history have their digits raised, regardless of their social life. Now, where Matt has come short in statistics he has far surpassed with his actions. A benchmark in the community and team, he gave everything to this organization, and that speaks volumes. So whether or not he should have #50 hung from the rafters is suspect, but whether are not Air Bull deserves his number to be retired, is a simple yes.
     
    #16 DEANBCURTIS, Feb 2, 2002
  17. haven

    haven Member

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    Yeah, perhaps if he'd been a Robert Horry type contributor, but had played his entire career in Houston... well, I could see the argument.

    Bullard? No. He's a journeyman that happened to stay in one place.
     
    #17 haven, Feb 2, 2002
  18. outlaw

    outlaw Member

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    what do you guys think of Bullard replacing Calvin Murphy? He does a pretty good job as a commentator for Comet games and I think he would work well with Bill Worrell.
     
    #18 outlaw, Feb 2, 2002
  19. SirCharlesFan

    SirCharlesFan Member

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    I agree. We should retire Bull's number and hang it in the rafters!

    GO BULL!!!
     
    #19 SirCharlesFan, Feb 2, 2002
  20. Timing

    Timing Member

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    Bull may be a great guy but he's a journeyman bench player. Otis Thorpe was a solid starter on a championship team and I think he was even an all-star one year. If anyone gets that honor I'd like to see OT get it.
     
    #20 Timing, Feb 2, 2002
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