Optimism instead of excitement for Bulls fans

i quite frankly don't know much about thomas or any college players, and i'm not afraid to admit it. but cmon now paxson, how many 6'9" players does one team??? or second pick was another player of the same type. maybe paxson only likes ppl his own height, and that is why he is doing this, but we have like 5 small forwards, great....awesome...outstanding....weren't we supposed to get a center??? wasn't that our number one concern?? maybe nazi muhammad will still be on the free agent market, the answer to my prayers....or we can over pay for ben wallace (another 6'9" guy i might add) and steal him away from detriot....(eyes roll) great......

I love Thomas I think he is going to be an explosive presence and has unlimted potential. And the bulls have plenty of money to spend on a free agent who can consistently score.

Nice draft, but still looking for a center with some offensive ability. I'm sure the Bulls will be active in free agency, or are we stockpiling 6'9"ers for a possible trade? At any rate, these are interesting players, I would think we'll be one of the quicker teams in the league.

Pax was a 6-10 split on drafting Thomas versus Aldridge. I think both will have solid careers. Thomas has the the motor and the athleticism to take over games now with his defense. He has drive. If he is as hard a worker as Luol Deng or Hinrich or Noce, he's in the right place to develop an offensive game too. He has a short jumper and can spot up from 12-15 feet. He rocked Aldridge and Texas' world in that NCAA game--where he and Big Baby were the most exciting team in the tourney.

I dunno from this Thabo, from Suiza?. The only Thabo I know is Mbeki from S.A., and that cat ain't right in the head. I read comps with Diaw and Ginobili...he has handles and ups. He's got what you can't teach (height, hops). Could be interesting.

Carney would've been fun to pair with Thomas--easily the most athletic forwards in the draft. If by chance Oden comes our way, Thomas is the right pick for sure. Thabo's spot is his to lose. Skiles will make him earn it. Go Bulls.

Thomas is to0 small for a power fwd,and doesnt have a shot so he cant play 2 guard.I guess he can give
slamm dunk exibitons at half time.There is no big man in sight who can even carry Eddy Curries jock!Another 500 or less season coming up.Those other guys on the bulls draft list willl never make a differance.What can we do?
frank dollinger

We were expecting immediate help for our under sized frontline. We didn't get it. Tyrus Thomas may, in a couple of years, develop into a top pro, but he is not the center or power forward we desperately need. I would rather have kept Rodney Carney than trading him for another skinny 6'9" small forward. The Bulls essentially traded a future second round pick for a Russian who couldn't cut it with two other NBA teams. Bottom line? Improved athleticly and defensively, at the sacrifice of scoring ability. Unless we get considerable help at center and power forward from free agency, the Bulls will be hard pressed to advance farther in next year's playoffs.

As someone who watched Thomas expode on the SEC seen this year, I think Bull's fans will be pleased with his raw athletism. He is raw, but dont' think of him as 6'9", as he plays well beyond rim.

I think Paxson made smart moves. Big men from the draft usually take a while to develop. We're still waiting on Tyson Chandler, right? And look at how long it took Jermaine O'Neal to get off Portland's bench and into Indiana's rotation. The answer is simply that you can't find NBA-ready centers coming out of the draft anymore (not until next year's Oden at least). So, Pax is doing the right thing by getting rookies for the other positions (1 to 4) and then addressing low post size and proficiency by free agency. Having said that, this is still a pretty slim year for free agents. Give Pax some credit and have a little faith...

Thomas can make huge difference inside and has the greatest upside in the draft as far as the Bulls needs go. I like this pick.

John Paxson proved his genius once again. First, he forced Toronto to stand pat by bluffing interest in Bargani, then he duped Portland into giving up a player to swap picks with the Bulls (instead of Toronto) to draft the highly over-rated LaMarcus Aldridge (who definitely would have been available had the Blazers stayed at 4). Pax wound up with the player he wanted all along in Tyrus Thomas, while picking up about a million in cap room by moving down two spots and fleecing Portland out of a pretty good prospect in Viktor Khryapa (24th pick in the 2004 draft).

But Pax wasn't done. Johnny then went on to pants Utah, moving ahead of them in a trade with the 76ers and picking up the big defensive guard both teams wanted. He did this by giving up a worthless 2007 2nd round pick and some cash. Utah wound up stuck with a 2 guard who is physically unable to shoot the ball due to a permenant injury (Brewer) and the Bulls got the best defensive guard in the draft, Switzerland's Thabo Sefolosha. Pax was clearly a genius at work and has laid some of the final pieces for the Bulls 2008 championship and the ensuing dynasty.

While most experts were raving about the Bulls draft, I found one so-called expert who obivously has no business commenting about the NBA. The clueless Tony Mejia of CBS's Sportsline rips the Bulls Draft. Tony gives the Bulls a grade of C- for duping the Blazers and drafting Thomas and, believe it or not, an F for drafting Sefolosha. Mejia's rational: Aldridge is more defined in the post than Thomas and he has never seen Sefolosha play, so he doesn't really know anything about him.

I'll start with Mejia's critique on Sefolosha, because it is the more absurd of the two. "I don't know Mr. Sefolosha from the stranger next door," says Mejia. He then goes on to compare Sefolosha with Peja Stojakovic, saying that he laughed when Peja was drafted. Look Tony, Peja turned out to be a darn good basketball player. You would have realized this back when he was drafted, if, oh I don't know, you would have taken the time to do some research on potential foreign draft picks.

Sefolosha is exactly the type of player the Bulls were lacking. A tall, defensively oriented 2 guard, who can get up in the faces of DeWayne Wade and Lebron James without having to wear stilts. He is utterly essential for Chicago to make it thru what will undoubtly be a very deep Eastern Conference for the remainder of this decade. Mejia on the other hand would have preferred Ronnie Brewer, saying if Ronnie could improve his jump shot he will undoubtably be a future All-Star. Tony was aparently unaware that Ronnie had a serious childhood injury and is unable to fully extend his arm. Brewer will never have a good jump shot due to this injury.

Now onto Mejia's assessment of Aldridge and Thomas. First off, someone should tie Mejia to a chair and make him watch tape of the Texas/LSU Tournement match-up. Thomas was dominant in that game and Aldridge was absolutely horrible. Aldridge was clearly intimated by Thomas and Glen "Baby Shaq" Davis, scoring a whopping 4 points. What's going to happen when Aldridge runs into the real Shaq during a playoff game. My guess is he would wind up hiding under the scorers table.

Thomas on the other hand is an athletic "freak" and won't be expected to guard a teams best post player. The three headed monster of Tyson Chandler, Michael Sweetney and whatever free agent center the Bulls pick up will be taking that responsibility, leaving Thomas free to room around and do what he’s absolutely terrific at: blocking shots. With Chandler (23 y.o.), Deng (21 y.o.) and now Thomas (19 y.o.), the Bulls will have a premier defensive front court for years to come. Sure they lack an inside scoring presence in the front court, but so have 2 of the last 3 NBA champions: Detroit and Miami. Ben Wallace is one of the worst offensive players in the game and Shaq has clearly lost his offensive edge.

Despite what Tony Mejia thinks, the Bulls have laid some of the final pieces necessary to repeat their dynasty of the 1990's. Great job Johnny Pax. It's an awesome day to be Bulls fan.

Loved it. He seems to have a mean streak about him and plays with passion. Similar to TC, However he seems to have some skills. I have heard that he is a hard worker and will work on his shortcomings where as TC does not appear to do so. The second pick was great as well. In three years the Bulls will have a chance to either win their first in a succession of many or be on their second championship push.

Why are people stuck on the height of "6'9?" The kid can defend, has the athlethicism, and the windspan of that of a 7'0 fter. Meaning this KID is going to be amazing, unlike Chandler. The only numbers, to be concern with is the "215 lbs." This kid has a better shot then most will give credit for, and MOST important, this kid is going to bring an ere of excitement, every time he touches the court. This is a GREAT draft, and Paxson hasn't had a bad draft yet as a GM, and he won't have one here, either.

Doesn't make sense. Aldridge would have been a better fit given his ability to play the four and the five. He will end up being the much better pro. As Roger mentioned, we have too many small forwards on the team already.

I really don't think that Tyrus is too small to play considerable minutes at the power forward position next year. He has the height and is no skinnier than Tyson (who can play center). Plus Skiles loves to mix things up in his line-ups.

I think its a great draft Tyrus Thomas has the chance to be Amare' like, and finally give the Bulls an Athletic game changer! If Tyson will work on his game this summer and we can pick up a NeNe' or Nazr we will be tough to deal with! Plus Thabo is the sleeper in the draft! Good job Pax!

Why trade a taller more polished player for Thomas. He dominated college because he is extremly athletic, but just being athletic won't cut it in the NBA. I am afraid the Bull's have drafted yet another project player.

Lets face it, the NBA game is different... don't necessarily need a pound the ball in post up center to win. How many of those kinds of centers are left? Shaq(didn't have much impact in finals, all wade), duncan... NBA is more guard oriented, slashing type players. I'll be happy with Przybilla (wallace wants too much) as temp center. Knicks will suck next year, so will get our center of the future, Oden or Noah!

The Bulls lacked intensity and desire at key moments last season--game 6 against Miami. Tyrus will bring much needed energy to spark us. We did a decent job on WAde, imagine if this guy Thabo is the real deal we can give Wade the business on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. All in all I think for the short-term Tyrus will brong much needed enthusiasm and help us get that killer-instinct that we need to make it to the next level. GO BULLS!!!

Hey Rog, which center would you have liked paxson do have gotten? Aldridge is soft in the post(See game vs. LSU in NCAA Tourney)... besides that there wasn't anyone else in the draft. Paxs got the guys with the biggest up side, and if anyone has seen Thomas play, he is not another tyson chandler... he actually has offensive moves! I trust Paxs, he will address the frontline in free agency... Besides, we're getting Oden or Noah in 2007 baby! Thank you Isiah!

I like the way Paxson thinks and drafts. For all who can't understand, can you say "point forward" ? A skinny guy from Arkansas was in kind of the same situation as Tyrus Thomas a few years ago and he only became one of the top 50 NBA players ever !

Have some patience, Bulls fans, and see what exciting things await you in the next couple of years. Pax says he'll get a big man and I beieve him. Might be a lot of thrills ahead !

I only have one description for Tyrus Thomas: Little Amare! This guy is an atheletic freak just like Amare. I love the fact that they got a big guard to at least slow some of these other guys down also. I still see a trade in the near future though as they now have too many 6'3 guards on the roster. I just hope it is not Thomas. Heinrich and Thomas have a chance to be Nash and Amare East with Gordon as Barbosa. Difference is, they'll be a whole lot better defensively.

I think the Aldridge would have been a better fit for the Bulls. The Bulls needed someone who can play with their back to the basket on their roster. He also has the potential to play the 4 or 5. I agree he needs to get stronger, but so does Thomas. Thomas is too similar to Tyson Chandler for me. He is more athletic and has a little more offense, but unless the Bulls are going to turn into the Phoenix Suns with all the small forwards they are collecting there won't be enough playing time at one position. Plus they would have to get a new coach as that's not Scott Skiles coaching philosophy. A couple of guys are going to be sitting on the bench a lot. Atlanta has a lot of young athletic guys about the same size that play the same position and it hasn't done much for them. I think you have to balance need with talent and the Bulls didn't do that with the Thomas pick and trade. He's really a little over 6'7" and will get pushed around quite a bit in the NBA. Most of his blocks come as a help defender and not on his man. Paxton did a good job of saving money and getting an extra player, but chemisty also play a part in winning teams. With an inside player it would open things up a bit for all the perimiter players on the roster. The bulls still are in seach of a center and power forward. I guess Chandler and Sweeetney are still what we are looking at next year. The free agent market doesn't have a lot to offer either. I do like the Sefolosha pick. A big guard who can defend was a real need for this team and they got him about where he should have gone in the draft. I give the Bulls a B in this draft.

Great moves by Chi-Town. It gives them more pieces for the future and options with the current roster. If they sign someone like Nene, they can then look to trade Chandler, wether it be now or before the trade deadline, and get his huge salary off the books. He seems like a more western conference guy anyway. This gives them even more room to re-sign guys like Gordon, Deng, Hinrich, etc. They'll also have money to spend next year to go after guys like Lebron, Melo, Billups, and next year's draft is supposed to have a ton of big men. With Isiah in NY, it's almost a given they'll have another top pick next year. This was an A draft. There goal is to get better, but position themselves to be the team to beat 2-3 years from now for a long period of time.

Good draft.

Aldridge is talented, but smacks a little too much of Eddy Curry - big and soft. He may become Elden Campbell, but TT has the potential to be somewhere in between Amare and Shawn Marion. Worth the wait with a 5 coming in FA.

Thabo - Doug Christie without the crazy wife and a better upside.

Good job by Paxson overall. I initially thought our pick should have been Brandon Roy (and I still believe he's going to be the guy that's going to contribute immediately next season), but if Sefolosha becomes a decent 2-guard, this whole draft makes a lot of sense. With Thomas in the fold, the Bulls could be to defense what the Suns are to offense - a deep and athletic team that plays an up-tempo style. My expanded thoughts on the Bulls draft are here:

The problem a lot of people have with this draft for the Bullies is that they wanted an immediate star or big man help. There were no immediate stars. Period. Though there was big man help (Aldridge), he has flop written all over him. He's not the next Chris Bosh...he's more like the next Fizer or Olowokandi. Thomas could be like Amare, or for us Bulls fans, Pippen-like. At the very least, this draft fills our cupboard with talent. It's absolutely necessary that Pax makes a trade with some of these young pieces, but that could be next year. After all, a player that looks good on the court is much more valuable than a draft pick. A list of tradeable assets that WILL land us a superstar next year: Hinrich, Gordon, Sefolosha, Duhon, Tyson, Deng, Nocioni, Thomas, the pick (NY) for next year. If that guy Kraphola is decend then that would give us 10 tradeable assets. Some teams dont have 2. Obviously we wont be able to re-sign all those guys, but with a year of playing and contributing, we should be able to thin out our roster nicely and add that star we always wanted. Remember that great free agent class thats coming up next year, 1 year too late for the Bulls cap room? Well the thing that is overlooked is that many free agents that go to other teams do so via sign-and-trades, since they can get more money that way and their previous team can also get something in return. Book it, 07-08 Bullies in the conference finals, 08-09 world champs.

Okay, I have seen Thomas referred to as a "point forward", "Little Amare", and a couple other complimentary terms. To all of my optimistic colleagues I have only one comment - I hope you are right. I will reserve judgement on this draft because except for the Ben Gordon pick, I thought Johnny Jumpshot was out of his mind in regards to all of his other drafts and he has actually done a pretty good job.

At the time I thought the Hinrich pick at no. 7 was a major mistake - I was wrong because although he has a disturbing tendency to throw the ball away at crucial junctures, the kid can play. I also thought the Deng pick was absolutely nuts given his age, short college tenure, and apparent lack of talent. Again, this kid has major upside as a player and should have a breakout season this year.

So now we have Tyrus Thomas, who could also be called T-squared (you heard it here first), and I am thinking - too young, one good post-season does not a star make (eg. Antonio McDyess - good player not a superstar), but I have to give Paxson a little slack based on his track record. However, I am slightly concerned when considering we have Deng, my man Nocioni - great pick by the way, and Thomas, all 3's who can play so.... Who is really going to play the 3? Might we see Deng move to the 2? That would be interesting - but Pax is on record stating that Gordon is his starter.

At the end of the day, we still need a consistent low-post threat and it seemed that Aldridge 'could' have been that guy. Dallas lost the Finals because of 1. Dwayne Wade and, 1b. They had no low post presence so when their jumpers began clanking off the rim they were lost. By the way I disagree with one reader's comment suggesting that Miami did not have a low post presence - Shaq did not score 25 a game but Dallas knew he was in the game and he certainly had a major impact.

I guess that what I am trying to say is, given the absence of a proven low post player, my pick would have been Brandon Roy at no. 2, to play the 2 and bring Gordon off the bench. I thought Roy was the most NBA ready player in the draft. I am tired of hearing about potential - what can you do for me TODAY? Remember folks, we are in it to win it, not just go to the dance. It seems that Paxson is hoping to keep the nucleas of this team together until they mature and that is a risky propostion given all of the variables that go into maintaining a consistent base. But I agree with you on this one Roman, given Paxson's draft history the guy certainly deserves the benefit of the doubt. So I am hoping for the best but not expecting it. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. GO BULLS!!

The Bulls, like the Bears and Sox, have a clear vision and strategy for how to win, and it's working.

Nothing like having an GM and Head Coach on the same page.

You guys are forgetting something: big guys that get drafted rarely help their teams immediately anyway. If we need help up front, it has to come via free-agency or via a trade. Pax was not looking for someone in the draft that is going to be able to help right away because frankly, other than Brandon Roy whose position we have a surplus of resources for already, he wasn't in this draft. Besides, all we really needed in the backcourt was an athletic defender and we got that in Thabo. Big guys that make a difference are big guys with pro level experience, not rookies (unless you're Dwight Howard). Tyrus was the right choice for other reasons and the Bulls will make more noise the coming season. Go Pax and right on BULLS!

Outstanding work Pax!

Enjoy the golden glow of a job well done.

The Bulls need a BIG BODY....Athleticsm is great, but they should have picked a pure PF/C. Tyson Chandler is very athletic, but is often banged up due to his overall lack of size.

Like the Thomas pick, and hearing talk that we are trying hard to get a team to seriously contend in 08, and everyone is right we still need some help at center...and I know he's another 6-9 guy, but any talk of getting the college teammates back together and trying to get LSU's Big Baby Davis next year? I love watching the guy.

I loved the draft. Pax got not only the best athlete in the draft, but the guy with the most upside as well. This kid has enormous potential to be a star for years to come.

Pax wanted to address athleticism, height, and defense in this draft and he did so. We got 3 very athletic players who all have high upsides.

The draft wasn't spectacular overall, so I think Pax did a great job with getting the best players out there that would help the Bulls. Forget about height or what positions people play, the NBA is turning into a league of athletic, hybrid-type players who can do multiple things and play more than one position. Both of the guys they picked up in the draft are like that. It would be great to have a center who can score, but really, how many of them are out there?

This team is obviously another year or two away, but at the same time, they aren't in rebuilding mode any longer. The Bulls are a playoff contender now year in and year out, so the next step is to find what they need to get to the next level. If I'm not mistaken, the Bulls were in the playoffs every year that Jordan played, but remember even with him it took several years to get a team together that was finals-worthy. Sure, there are some questions that will have to be answered about some of the young players, and at times their inconsistency will be maddening, but knowing that it's all a step in the right direction is better than retooling the roster every year and still only winning 20 games.

Tyrus is going to be great because he has no problem with working harder and harder to achieve what ever needs to be achieved. I am a supporter of Tyrus Thomas. I know he is great and will get greater.

Pax has had nothing short of a B+ in his drafts, but this was an A. For a guy to be great in the league -the goal in picking a top 3 player- he must have an intense competitive spirit: Tyrus Thomas fits the bill. Thomas is 6'9", probably the average height for a 4 in the league, but considering his reach and athleticism, he'll play like a 7 footer. People shouldn't get caught in the positions. Other than Detroit and Miami, NBA teams consist of only guards and forwards. And this forward, Tyrus Thomas, defensively may be able to give the team what Ben Wallace gives Detroit toward the second half of his rookie season if given the minutes. In addition, he has the touch and agility (see him cross Redick off the dribble, then finish for the dunk to seal the game knocking off Duke) to be a great offensive player in a few years. Without doubt, he'll go down as one of the 50 greatest (if the gym rat part of him is true)...Best Bull's pick since Scottie (expecting him to be better than Brand defensively within the year and equal or better offensively in 3-4 years)! Sefolosha is more a mystery since he didn't get TV time here in the States, but judging from the few clips they showed, he's a great pick for need. He's athletic, intense, and defense-first while still having good form to provide room for growth offensively. If the Bruce Bowen/Doug Christie's of the NBA can cause the Kobe-caliber guards to shoot 10-30 to get their points, Sefolosha can because he's more athletic and just as long, intense, and willing to play defense.
Now, if Kirk can cut down on end of game turnovers and work on finishing a layup in traffic and Ben can work on his defense and decision making this summer, we're going to be a great team.
Five of the future (most minutes): Kirk, Ben, Deng*, Thomas, and Chandler.

Six man is Noce (*gets start if he continues to produce as he did against Miami). In fourth quarter against LeBron, Kobe, and Wade, Sefolosha displaces Hinrich for defense since we need Ben to score points when the pressure's on. (the offensive differential between Gordan and Hinrich supercedes the defensive differential in the fourth, particularly since it takes team defense and you have Thomas and Chandler).

Hey all you haters, just stop hating for a minute! The NBA game is changing. Even if Shaq were at vintage 2001 capacity, his game is not the future of the NBA. Motion offenses and versatile wings who can pass, shoot, slash and defend are going to be at a premium--and guess who we got in spades. Thomas has guts and heart, and he has certain skills that will change the outcome of games. The Suns played Diaw at CENTER last year. Amare is only 6'9, 245--and doesn't even rebound as well as 6'7" Shawn Marion. Motion offense, tenacious D...if thees Bullies aren't champs at least they'll be feared, respected and fun to watch. Pax and Skiles (and, ahem, team) brought us back from the abyss of playoff drought. Have a little faith, and barring that, a little respect.Ain't ya got any manners?

great job john pax, now we go get either gooden or nene, trade tyson to G-state for troy murphy, sign pryzbilla or nazr.

john pax shud try out kevin pittsnoggle in his summer squad, the guy can shot. g-mac as well. maybe include t-dean or sean dockery.

To my bulls fans. Understand how teams win. You pick a style of play and you pick players that play that style. Tyrus next year will have good D and help with the rebounding. And with the wingspan he will block shot. I can't wait until the season bulls will

I think Thomas will be an excellent NBA player. He can make an immediate impact for the Bulls. He is very athletic and plays the type of defense that fits our team. If you think he is undersized, just think of 6'9 Ben Wallace. I don't hear to many complaints about his size.

John Paxson is my hero. With Ty and Ty in the frontcourt, it'll be impossible to hit a lay-up. Throw in the sweet perimeter D of Thabo and Captain Kirk, that forces people to shoot very difficult jump shots. Another thing the Bulls were very good at last year was the secondary break, and Tyrus seems like the perfect secondary break runner ever; he can shoot the midrange j, drive, dunk, and run down the court and warp speed. Sign the Naz in the off season and there's your anchor down low. The Bulls will be NBA champs this year, the next, and the one after that. Then Ben Gordon will play baseball, realize it's not his thing, come back, and we'll win another 3. Go Bulls!

What are you people talking about? First of all, Thabo(our second pick is 6'5- not 6'9. He'll be moved to shooting guard so we can have a 3 gaurd lineup of 6'1 hinrich, 6'2 gordon, and 6'5 Thabo.

Thomas could pay off when Thabo becomes a failure, and he becomes the next Shawn Marion. He isnt a pf unless he grows 1 or two or 3 more inches. Next year, I will go out on a limb and say hat New York will be one of the worst 3 teams. Shocking, isn't it? *sarcasm*
The Bulls can draft either:
option A: Greg Oden- I have seen him play and he is amazing- but i heard he was pushed around in his state title game

option B: Noah (Mr. Florida) I dont see why he cant win a second national title

option c: Josh McRoberts from Duke

option D: Spenser Hawes from Washington- Watch out

These guys are all centers.

Why didn't we draft (and keep) aldridge, and carney, move Deng to sg(a 6'8 sg!) and next years draft one of these guys.

I like the Bulls draft picks. We waited this long, a few more years won't hurt. It will fun to see them develope into a champship team, the struggles of the ups and downs, a taste of big games winning and finnally winning it all. John P. I like the road you are taking and I love what I see and what is coming.

Drafting TT & Seph gives the Bullies a chance to thwart LeBron or D-Wade from having a stranglehold on the East. Now just sign Ben Wallace and draft Oden next year and we in !!!

I think Pax did a great job. There was no low post help in this draft. So he drafted the best athlete and best perimeter defender. If he is able to get frontcourt help in free agency, then the team will be much better.

I think that Pax did a good job drafting Thomas and Seph. While Aldridge was a pure post up player, he had a bigger tendency to take a 12-15 ft. jumper rather than bang underneath. Thus, drafting him could have been the second coming of Eddy Curry. Lets not forget how Thomas schooled him in the NCAA tourney. As for Thomas, he is the most athletically gifted player in this draft...even more so that Luol Deng. He plays with an intensity that the Bulls need. People constantly freak out that he is only 6'9. Lets not forget that he is only 19 and will still grow. If he was listed at 6'11 people wouldn't be arguing this pick. Lets not forget that in today's NBA most teams lack the big post up, banging, jump hook center. Shaq is the last center to do it and his days are dwindling. The Pistons, Cavs, Mavericks, among other top teams are without a true "big man" and are still making it big. I love this draft that Pax made considering there wasn't a power center in the draft. Let us also not forget that we have the right to swap picks with the Knicks next year...a year when we may see Tyler Hansburough and Greg Oden in the draft next year...good moves Pax!

Now Ben Wallace adds a whole nother dimenstion to this team. I actually think they will keep Chandler. Can you imagine Wallace, Chandler, and Thomas in at once? The combined shot blocking ability may be greater than the rest of the league combined.

I hope they don't keep Chandler. This team cannot afford to have 25 mil tied up in players who cannot score. If the trade for PJ Brown comes through, I will be happy.

Way to go Pax!!!

And to Isaiah Thomas: Keep up the good work.

Tyrus was an excellent example of chosing the best available. He's not the proto-type but at least he may catch the ball when he's close to the basket, unlike Chandler. Yes the bulls will be small this year with the exception of P.J. Brown, but next summer expect the Bulls to show the door to Gordon and turn him plus another assest, like the 2007 1st rounder, into the big man of the future. They don't need a 6'3" guard who can't handle the point and they will have the cap room to take on a legit PF with All-Star potential.

The Bulls got Wallace because it's like money in the bank...Someone is always looking for a big man...Isaiah Thomas will take him off the Bulls hands soon enough...FOR MORE NUMBER ONE DRAFT PICKS...Thanks Knicks (For me to poop on)

Paxson is the best GM in the league. We've added Ben Wallace and the number 1 talent in the draft to a playoff team and still will get a top 5 pick next year and be a player in the free agent market next season. Now, if we can turn JR Smith into a first round draft pick next season for one of the deepest drafts of decade (more superstars in 2003, but 2007 will have more all-stars)), we may be set for the next decade, or even better yet, set for a dynasty after getting KG.

This is easily the most exciting development since you know who left. The best part - Tyson is gone, the daycare center is closed, and no more Crumbs are in the building.
We have real men, real pros, instead of babies. I still, however, am curious where the offense down low is going to come from...

I like the wallace move for defense, but you still need a low post scorer. The bulls spent all of their salary cap money on another defensive player who can't score. Everyone has the bulls in the finals next season,but how quickly we forget that wallace was surrounded by better talent last year in rasheed, rip hamilton, billups, and they still came up short. The bulls are not as talented or offensively as talented as that team and the pistons still lost to miami. So until pax gets a proven low post scorer, I would not talk finals until that happens.

Response to Bulls comments. First off Chandler doesn't have a work ethic, Thomas does. He will get stronger quickly a la Horace Grant & PIP. Second, Tyrus is very skilled and now our most athletic player since the Jordan era. He is also very skilled. He is our future at small forward. Luol Deng is skilled at certain things, but he can't dribble the basketball to save his life. He also is at the bottom tier as far as athletic small forwards in the NBA go. Also, Deng will become very expendable with a top pick coming in next years draft. Thank you New York. Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, Joakim Noah, Hortford, etc. 2007 is very deep across the board, especially in power forwards. And obviously we now have our center - BEN WALLACE!