Brian Scalabrine is currently playing in Italy during the lockout and doing quite well. Â He sent down for an interview with Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype.com. Â He was asked a variety of questions but one answer in particular was quite interesting. Â Sierra asked if the Bulls were close to the level of last seasons Celtics and Heat teams. Â He also threw a subtle shot at Lebron James. Â Check his answer after the jump.
How close were last season’s Bulls to those teams (Celtics, Heat)?
BS: Not really close. You lack experience at playoff level. Derrick Rose needs to go through the bumps and bruises of the playoffs to get over the hump. If you watched the games against Miami, the Heat knew hot to get over the hump. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James both have been in the Finals and Dwyane has performed in the Finals. So you have to get that – being there and making it. I can only assume Derrick Rose has been working his tail off this summer thinking about Miami and what he’s going to do down the stretch playing against LeBron. You have to go through that. Michael Jordan had to get through the Pistons, and the Pistons had to get through the Celtics. It’s like once you go through that, then that’s when you become a better team.
I agree the Bulls weren’t ready for the NBA finals last season and were definitely missing some key pieces. Â The shot at Lebron though may be nothing but he said Wade and James have both been in the Finals and Wade performed, no mention of Lebron. Â We all know how much heat Bron gets for “disappearing” when it matters.
