Dirk Nowitzki. Tracy McGrady. Amare Stoudamire. Those are some of the high-profile players taken at No. 9 recently. There's probably another one out there this year, and it's up to John Paxson to find him. Any suggestions? Julian Wright?
The NBA can't be happy its top two freshmen talents are headed to the Pacific Northwest, where games start at 10 p.m. Eastern.
Did you catch the expressions on the faces of Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers?
oh--and Portland was abuzz tonight. BLAZERS GET THE #1 PICK!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Roman responds: The Blazers have a buzz almost every night.
First of all I'd like to get a big monkey off my chest. STACEY KING. I cursed the Bulls (and anyone else who was within 90 decibel range) for two hours after they drafted this "softy" and I watched this kid develop into the biggest "wimp" this side of Brad Sellers. I spent this whole season in refraining from doing a Howard Cosell to my T.V. listening to this guy color play and analyze the Bulls. How does a character who was consistently beat off the ball, had only two offensive moves, and was benched several times by Jackson for being out of position on "D" all of the sudden become an expert on the Bulls rights and wrongs. Get real Stacey cause you're still a fake. Whew! I needed that.
Now to the REAL DEAL. Do not, I repeat, do not draft Julian Wright. A hustler, but has limited shooting range (and I mean LIMITED) and plays average facing or back to the bucket. Not the answer. Actually, as much as I hate the idea, Rasheed Wallace would be my ideal prototype. Hibbert scares me, gut feeling. Al Horford is closest but won't be there. Noah has my nod but may not be there either. I wish I'd seen some of this Yi Jianlian kid. Spencer Hawes is not a bad option at all. This kid still has room to grow, but is that what want? My sleeper is Brandon Rush. This man is gonna be the next Gilbert Arenas. My super sleeper is Wilson Chandler. Nobody stopped this guy in college, and he, not Mejia, carried DePaul this year. N.B.A. tools, and no fear. He's gonna surprise.
In all honesty, Pau Gasol and Kevin Garnett are not what the Bulls need. I'll take a more physical 255# body to scrape the boards and create a presence in the middle. Marc Gasol anyone?
This is good news for us because now Portland will dump Zack Randoph. Bulls need to hurry up and put together a deal. Randolph has some issues, but he is exactly what we need. Bulls have loads of options because believe or not, we will get a quality player with the 9th pick and two additional quality free agents. This is the year for the Bulls! They could even put together a package to move up in the draft.
Roman responds: Randolph and Skiles? That would be interesting.
Roman you are right as rain. If Zack Randolph comes here, someone will have to coach him and earn some of these acholades that have been so generously given to him. We know what Mr. Skiles can do with a bad team and drafted players, now what can you do with a GOOD team, with good NBA players. We will need someone like Randolph and at least two other veterans to overcome the Pistons.
Roman responds: I think the Bulls have good NBA players, and I think Skiles got them to play to their potential. I don't think Skiles and Randolph would be a good fit.
The best was the reactions of the Celtics fans at some bar.
The best news was that the Bulls only have to face these 2 guys 2x per year. Unfortunately, an Eddy Curry tip-in in the last game prevented the Bulls from getting Portland's pick.
They need to trade out of this. Unless you can get Horford at #3 or #4, this draft won't help them. Trade Gordon and this pick to get a big guy, and then work to get another big guard in this draft or FA. They cannot go another year with the mini-me guard rotation of Hinrich and Gordon.
Roman responds: I would sooner trade Hinrich than Gordon. I agree that backcourt is not the answer.
Mr. Navarro I have always enjoyed reading your posts and on most points have agreed with you. Now don't get me wrong I was never a Stacey King fan during the time he played but unlike you and I he DID play at the professional level and although he wasn't a very good talent he was good enough to get there and his analysis is competent. I would much rather listen to Stacey than that idiot Bill Walton who was a great player but says the stupidest things I have ever heard come out of a broadcasters mouth and yet he has no idea just how stupid he sounds.
Now as far as the draft is concerned it's always a crap shoot. How many first round picks have fallen into oblivion? How many second rounders have proven to be solid players even if just solid role players? With the exception of the first 2 picks anything else is speculation and who might still be available at #9 is yet to be seen and trading up could happen but I don't think trading the #9 pick and other players for Garnett or Gasol is the Bulls answer.
Mr. Navarro one more thing.....I disagree that Rasheed wallace is a prototype, he tends to fall in love with the 3 point shot at times and his mouth has very often cost his team games. Horace Grant would be a much better choice to pattern after at the position.
The last thing the Bulls need is another younger player that they would need to develop. Trade the pick for a veteran. Some possibilities that the Bulls could maneuver for are Rashard Lewis, Shawn Marion, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Pau Gasol (This time they don't have to include Deng), Zack Randolph, KG ( They’d have to give up a lot, but he'd flat out dominate in the East). Honestly, the only question is, does John Paxson have the wherewithal to do it. I know he doesn't want to mortgage the Bull’s future, but I don't see the back court of Heinrich and Gordon being enough to win a championship. With contracts extensions for Deng and Gordon coming up, a top ten pick, lots of quality young players, the future is now to pull the trigger on a major deal.
Mr. Little. I appreciate your insight and you're absolutely right, Stacey made it and I didn't. I just had trouble with his often contradictory analysis to things he said earlier and his repetition to the obvious. You're also dead on about Walton. I refuse to take in anything he or Joe Theismann says. But sorry, Stacey is still a fake, and if I were 6'10", I guarantee we would not be having this chance conversation.
As for Rasheed, I'm referring to his all around ability, not the person. Actually, when Billups was on the court, Wallace stayed within the offense. It shows the respect Chauncey demands by his teammates, as is evident by the scoring and all around play dfferential when he was not on the court. Those charging calls in games 4 & 5 were monstrous.
Roman responds: By the way, I like Walton's analysis. I think he's funny. I used to love the way he and Snapper went at it.
Right on the money about trading Hinrich before Gordon! No-one in their right minds would trade away the potential of a 40-point scorer on any given night. Having said that, Hinrich can score AND defend...Maybe Sefolosha becomes the answer
The Bulls got to hope that Tyrus puts in a lot of work on his game and adds some muscle this summer and becomes the back-to-the-basket scorer they need. Then the #9 pick is an afterthought. If Paxson keeps the pick, he'll be going with a guy that went deep in the tourney...He likes winners
P.s. Walton rules
Ben Gordon is a great talant.Kirk Hinrich is a good player with a rather expensive contract.He could be hard to trade.If the Bulls really want a top flight player they will have to give up Gordon,or Deng,and maybe that #9 pick.I wouldnt trade either one of them.Its too bad Gordon isnt really 6/3and willing to bust it on defence.His shooting is amazing.Deng is going to be a star.Why are we looking for an inside presance when we have the 16 million dollar man?I like Tyrus,but Aldridge was more what the Bulls needed.How many better inside possibilities than him are left in the draft for the Bulls at #9? There are always 6/8 players who can run ,and jump like Tyrus--With no shot.Will he develop one?
Would we have won more games this year with Aldridge,or Tyrus?
Think about thatwhen you vote for Paxon as GM of the year.
Frank Dollinger
Ben Gordon is a great talant.Kirk Hinrich is a good player with a rather expensive contract.He could be hard to trade.If the Bulls really want a top flight player they will have to give up Gordon,or Deng,and maybe that #9 pick.I wouldnt trade either one of them.Its too bad Gordon isnt really 6/3and willing to bust it on defence.His shooting is amazing.Deng is going to be a star.Why are we looking for an inside presance when we have the 16 million dollar man?I like Tyrus,but Aldridge was more what the Bulls needed.How many better inside possibilities than him are left in the draft for the Bulls at #9? There are always 6/8 players who can run ,and jump like Tyrus--With no shot.Will he develop one?
Would we have won more games this year with Aldridge,or Tyrus?
Think about thatwhen you vote for Paxon as GM of the year.
Frank Dollinger
Ben Gordon is a great talant.Kirk Hinrich is a good player with a rather expensive contract.He could be hard to trade.If the Bulls really want a top flight player they will have to give up Gordon,or Deng,and maybe that #9 pick.I wouldnt trade either one of them.Its too bad Gordon isnt really 6/3and willing to bust it on defence.His shooting is amazing.Deng is going to be a star.Why are we looking for an inside presance when we have the 16 million dollar man?I like Tyrus,but Aldridge was more what the Bulls needed.How many better inside possibilities than him are left in the draft for the Bulls at #9? There are always 6/8 players who can run ,and jump like Tyrus--With no shot.Will he develop one?
Would we have won more games this year with Aldridge,or Tyrus?
Think about thatwhen you vote for Paxon as GM of the year.
Frank Dollinger
kasnarski you can just about bet that Skiles has already talked to Tyrus about working on his back to the basket game and adding some bulk just like he discussed abandoning the 3 point shot with Deng and working on his mid-range game. As the season progressed you could see he learned quite abit about harnnesing his energy and playing within the offense. He has the ability to also get to the line but needs to work on his free throws, if he got his free throw perentage near 80% he'll be a monster.
p.s. Rpman you're right Walton is funny, but then aren't all clowns funny?
Hinrich is more valuable than Gordon. Hinrich has a nice all-around game. Gordon is a streaky scorer who can be either sensational or useless. Trade Ben and promote Thabo.
As for the draft, the two players who would fit best are the 2 Florida guys, Horford and Noah. Brandan Wright can't rebound, Hibbert is a little slow for this system, Julian Wright and Jeff Green are small forwards. Conley and Brewer don't address the need for inside scoring. Yi just doesn't impress me much, at least from his youtube clips. My hope is Noah drops to them. Horford won't fall that far. Failing that, I'd go with either Hibbert, Green or Julian Wright and figure it out from there.
Hinrich is more valuable than Gordon. Hinrich has a nice all-around game. Gordon is a streaky scorer who can be either sensational or useless. Trade Ben and promote Thabo.
As for the draft, the two players who would fit best are the 2 Florida guys, Horford and Noah. Brandan Wright can't rebound, Hibbert is a little slow for this system, Julian Wright and Jeff Green are small forwards. Conley and Brewer don't address the need for inside scoring. Yi just doesn't impress me much, at least from his youtube clips. My hope is Noah drops to them. Horford won't fall that far. Failing that, I'd go with either Hibbert, Green or Julian Wright and figure it out from there.
Name of the game for the Bulls is VETERAN presence. We need to trade ALL of these picks for proven vets. We are trying to Dethrone the Pistons. Bulls have all the young players we can handle. NO MORE PLEASE. The only rookies worth getting in this draft will be gone by 9.
We need to dump Adriscivicious, Sweetney, Barret, Kraphya, Allen and Duhon and add some length, defense, and sharp shooters. Have to Keep GRIFF though.
Bulls need a Center, a true point guard and a scoring 2 guard. We need a Low Post Center and the Bulls need to go after Zach Randolph, because Garnett would probably require Deng. We need a true point guard. Its sad that PAX and SKILES haven't addressed that first since this is the position they played. Look at the correlation of the teams that have good point guards that made the playoffs this year. And the Bulls need a 2 guard that can go to the rack. I am going to be honest. We need Gordon to develop that part of his game, or go after a two guard with length who can get the job done.
Roman responds: I was just having this conversation with a friend yesterday. I think the Bulls need to start priming Thabo as the 2 guard of the future and decide who they want at the point. I know he's not a true point, but I'll still go with Gordon. You need someone who can consistently score with Deng. I think he can distribute and Skiles will make sure he does. By the way, Keith, all those guys you said they need to unload won't bring back a bag of balls. Even Isiah wouldn't take them. Well, maybe ...
Smith - you're right about Hinrich/BG...Gordon just does not defend and/or is too small. They MUST break these 2 up. If they can get a low post guy, you won't have Hinrich pounding the ball by the circle waiting for someone to free up from a pick. Either convince Gordon he's their 6th man or trade him.
They have to take a flier on Randolph from Portland. Sign and trade Noch, throw in sleepy Duhon and next year's #1 for Randolph and the $ should just about match. You'd have Randolph, Deng and Thomas as forwards...not bad. Hinrich and Thabo at guards with Gordon as the 3rd or someone else. Draft either Noah or the big guy from Washington to roll into Wallace's spot in 2 years. That group would be the front-runner in the east next year...which is just slightly better than being "the tallest midget".
Paxson almost seems afraid to try to take the next step. He keeps talking about rising expectations...yeah, didn't he say a few years back he WANTED to be in that situation instead of the slop he inherited. They can't beat Det or Cle next year with this bunch by assuming they'll all get better. Cle will break the bank this summer to get pieces for Lebron.
Walton ruled as a player and rules as a commentator. Love him or hate him, he keeps you interested (especially if you hate him) - wondering what he'll say next (to contradict what he just said, which contradicted what he said previously).
Unlike Stacey King (who only looks good as a player when compared to Dickey Simpkins - I'm kidding! Dickey S. was one of my faves!!!), Walton earned his rings. No comparison there as players and no comparison as commentators. The only thing that Stacey brings to the Dore - Kerr group is "energy".
Bulls needs a scorer so Noah won't help the Bulls. Horford will probably just clog up the lane.
Pay Deng, re-sign Nocioni (so that they'll have a basketball player in Noce for 3 years while they see if Thomas develops into a basketball player or remains a peripheral athletic shock trooper), trade Gordon (and maybe Wallace!) for a Gasol / KG class 4 or 5. Start Thabo and Hinrich, Deng and Nocioni and the Wallace replacement.
Maybe get Kukoc (if possible - even though he is a Krause-Era Bull) to teach Thomas how to play basketball.
Get Skiles an assistant coach who know bigs.
Gordon has what few athletes have and can't ever be tought. He is a gamer. He has ICE WATER in his veins and CAN and WANTS to hit the game winner. There are few players in the entire league that want to take the game winner (See:LeBron) The Bulls havent had a guy like that since MJ. You dont trade that!
Thabo might be the answer @ point since, since he has a hybrid game like Pippen/Kobe (I thought that on Draft day).
Ultimately, there is no Question that Zach Randolf is the answer. Dude is sick has game like C Web had in the 80's. We need that. Skiles is the ONLY coach in the league that can get him to focus, and wth the likes of Wallace and Deng in the locker room, he probably wont be such a problem, like he has been on the Jailblazers. We can trade Noch, trade Hinrich, trade our pick whatever it takes to get him, BUT GET HIM!!!
Unless Corey Brewer is available at 9, trade it.
Imagine this line up Ben Gordon, Thabo Seflosha, Loul Deng, Ben Wallace & Zac Randolph with Tyrus Thomas coming off the bench. SCARY!!!!
Gordon has what few athletes have and can't ever be tought. He is a gamer. He has ICE WATER in his veins and CAN and WANTS to hit the game winner. There are few players in the entire league that want to take the game winner (See:LeBron) The Bulls havent had a guy like that since MJ. You dont trade that!
Thabo might be the answer @ point, since he has a hybrid game like Pippen/Kobe (I thought that on Draft day).
Ultimately, there is no Question that Zach Randolf is the answer. Dude is sick has game like C Web had in the 80's. We need that. Skiles is the ONLY coach in the league that can get him to focus, and wth the likes of Wallace and Deng in the locker room, he probably wont be such a problem, like he has been on the Jailblazers. We can trade Noch, trade Hinrich, trade our pick whatever it takes to get him, BUT GET HIM!!!
Unless Corey Brewer is available at 9, trade it.
Imagine this line up Ben Gordon, Thabo Seflosha, Loul Deng, Ben Wallace & Zac Randolph with Tyrus Thomas coming off the bench. SCARY!!!!
GREAT BLOG BY THE WAY ROMAN...IM HOOKED!
Roman responds: Thanks, but the problem with your lineup is the Blazers aren't going to give away Randolph. And he has had some off-court problems, so I'm not sure the Bulls will go for him. He can be a dominant force, though. No question.
All you Zach Randolph fans out there may just as well save your typing fingers for other trade possibilities. The Bulls brass is not like Krause and Jackson. They will not try to mold a player of his lackadaisical attitude. Tremendous talent but a "just give me my paycheck" kinda guy. I'm just stymied at why we just don't talk about starting Kirk, Gordon, and Thabo situationally, depending on whom we're playing. We now know which teams Gordon struggles with defensively (his scoring offsets almost all the teams in the East), and these gentlemen are pros, so start Thabo on those few exceptions. He carries himself very well for a young player and a game with a few less minutes every blue moon should'nt hurt a shooter like Lil' Bens' rhythm. The next few weeks will clarify the picture a little better. I honestly would love to see the Bulls keep all three. Addition by subtraction is not the correct route for this situation. ONE solid veteran big body (e.g. Cartwright and Rodman) gets us over the hump. Question is, which ONE? Next Bat Time. Next Bat Channel.
A player and character like Zach Randolph will never mesh with Scott Skiles and he goes against almost everything that Paxson has been trying to build with the Bulls since he took over and that's character guys from winning College basketball programs. If Randolph is signed, then that's a sign that Pax is either finally feeling the pressure of winning it all NOW or decisions are being made other people in the organization because I just don't see Pax even remotely interested in Randolph. I'm shocked that he's even being mentioned by people. He was trouble in College and I've seen no traces of him cleaning up his act on and off the court since he's been in the NBA.
I still think the Bulls should try to go after Pau Gasol again. People who say that Gasol is too soft apparently hasn't seen this guy play enough. He's tough as nails in the post, he's long, he can score, rebound, block shots and pass the ball off double teams. I know we have to give up a lot, but Luol Deng doesn't make sense for the Grizzlies because they already have long forwards in Rudy Gay and Hakim Warrick. How about a package deal like Ben Gordon, Chris Duhon, the #9 pick and Andres Nocioni (on a sign & trade since he's a restricted FA) for Pau Gasol and Mike Miller? Last I saw, Memphis needs guards and they can rebuild with another big man with the #9 pick in a deep class of big men. The Bulls get their post guy and a taller and more all around 3-point shooter in Miller.
If no deal can be made, then I'm hoping for Joakim Noah (Al Horford will be gone) to slip to the Bulls' spot. He's a legit 7-footer with a non-stop motor who can defend and rebound. Obviously he is still raw offensively, but I don't think he's as limited as Tyson Chandler was on offense. Plus, he's another guy that would fit Paxson's profile of players coming from winning programs with College Championship experience. If Noah is taken, then I still say that you have to take advantage of the deep class of big men and go with Spencer Hawes. I'm aware that he's not a big name to most because of the lack of exposure at U of Washington, but pure basketball fans know that this kid is a big time Center prospect with excellent post moves and passing skills. I've always said that it's harder to find talented Centers in the draft than any other position. Guys like Julian Wright and Jeff Green are in drafts every year. I hope the Bulls don't waste a draft pick on another forward.
As for offseason free agent possibilities, I like Gerald Wallace and Jason Kapono. With Durant or Oden to Seattle, maybe the Bulls can try for Rashard Lewis?
Go Bulls!!!
Agreed, the Bulls have set a high character bar, but the same questions (about Zach Randolph)were raised when the Pistons went and got their final Puzzle piece in Rasheed Wallace, and shortly after they went on to win the championship and dominate the Eastern Conference for the next 4 years.
I spent many years coaching talented, but 'troubled' players, and the biggest factor in helping them, was getting them out of the negative environment and letting them re-invent themselves in a new place/space. I understand that its hard for a leopard to change its spots, but it happens. I remember when people said Antoine Walker was uncoachable and wouldnt be a good Pro. He went on to have a 10+ year career and I think the biggest part of that was getting him into Pitino's no nonsense program. Skiles is a lot like Pitino. He breaks down and rebuilds. Look what he did to Ben Wallace and the head band issue. In the end, any player is capable of "off the court" issues, but its the ON THE COURT game that we should be looking at. Plus, Portland is no Chicago. They have real crime to fight in Chicago.
Roman responds: I'm not sure Ben Wallace is a good example. That easily could have deteriorated even more if Ben hadn't capitulated. And I wonder how that relationship is behind the scenes. If a player doesn't want to be broken down and rebuilt, it could be a fatal problem for a team.
ok it's quite obvious the general concensus is to trade Hinrich and move Thabo into the starting point guard position. and the rest of the bench players other than Noce and Thomas might possibly bring 3 more good looking girls for the Luvabulls squad although that would be a higher price than the bag of balls Roman eluded to. that gives you a core of Gordon, Deng, Wallace, Thabo,Nocioni and Thomas. Not a bad place to start from and depending on who you can get for Hinrich packaged with a couple guys like Khryapa maybe Duhon you never know. Personally I'd like to Paxson find a way to get Brand back to Chicago and I would package Hinrich with Noce and another player (not Deng) to do it.
Astarting backcourt of Wallace, Deng and Brand would be awesome with Thomas coming off the bench.
Truthfully, I'd rather have Gasol then Randolph (skiles and randpolph, don't see it)... And since the grizzlies didn't get 1 or 2 in the draft, maybe that makes Gasol even more disgruntled and want out of memphis?? Maybe the #1 pick, Gordon, whomever else (Noce, Duhon) for Gasol?? Memphis has 2 #1 picks to play with then...
I think Gordon was exposed by the Pistons... For all the explosive quickness he has in the offensive side, he can't seem to use that same quickness on the defensive side... and he is very streaky offensively as well, if his jumper is not going, he is useless. Having 2 streaky shooters in the backcourt starting isn't working... Hopefully Thabo can develop this offseason.
PLAN A: Zack Randolph might not be a good fit for Skiles, but there comes a point where you have to coach a difficult player (See Detroit for reference). Portland is going to dump this guy as fast as they can say the words "Greg Oden" simply because Randolph is going to create lockeroom problems and unwanted competition with Oden over who's the man. If we have to give them ALL three picks and a player - we should make it happen.
PLAN B: I like the current Free Agents: Vince Carter, Mikki Moore, James Posey, Matt Barnes, Sasha Pavolvic, Michael Doleac, and Steve Blake. Mikki Moore and James Posey (YES I SAID IT) should be high on our list. THIS is how you get better fast. Pax needs to go hard after Moore and Posey because they are impact players and veterans.
PLAN C: Break up trio of small guards. Kirk is a good balanced player, but we need a true point and that means moving Kirk over to 2 guard, but scoring is really not his strong suit. He should be trade bait. Sefaloosha can give us MOST of what Kirk gives us. Ben Gordon is just too small, which is why he is such a defensive liability. We need him off the bench. But that means using Kirk or draft picks to bring in a LONG starting (going to the basket to dunk - traditional 2 guard. And that leaves Chris Duhon, who we have to depart with to sweeten any deal we can.
But it is likely that we will only end up with PLAN D: Draft a center and make no moves at all and lose in the 2nd round again next year to Detroit.
Tru That. Harboring ill will toward the coach can be cancerous, thats for sure.
I guess then, my question is, what exactly did Z Randolph do that is so questionable. I can't really remember any major incidents. That could just be because I dont subscrib to the Portland Gazette, but I mean, its not like he had a stock pile of Guns, or fights pitbulls in his back yard!!! What "off the court" stuff should we be concerned about?
Roman responds: I guess some car racing stuff and a sexual assault complaint that was dropped. Also a DUI and the cop said he smelled pot.
First of all, Randolph is as likely to ever be a Bull as I am. Paxson and Skiles will never trade for or draft a player with his kind of baggage.
Secondly, everybody, fans, sportswriters and even Paxson, who yesterday acknowledged the need for an "inside scoring presence" need to look at the following fact.
There are around 15 or 20 players in the entire league who are listed as either PFs or Centers or both, that averaged more than 14 points a game last year.
Of those players, Duncan, Shaq, Howard, Yao and most of the others who actually ARE traditional low post scorers - although even Duncan is not simply that - are not available.
Others like Marion and Amare do score a fair amount of their points inside, but not much with low post, back-to basket play.
And Garnett is NOT a low post scorer, getting almost all of his points on Js, rebound putbacks, fast breaks and FTs.
Randolph and Gasol are the only players that really qualify that could be available and neither work for the Bulls, the first for the aforementioned reasons and the second because he would require the Bulls to play a different style of game than they have been built for.
If they re-sign Nocioni and Thomas develops the way the Bulls hope, they will account for almost all of the PF minutes, as Hinrich, Gordon and Thabo will for the Guard minutes and Deng for the SF minutes.
So, since they are not getting Greg Oden, it does not seem to make any sense but to continue improving on the model that Pax and Skiles have been building and get another 6'8"-6'10" guy who already can run the floor, rebound, play D and, hopefully, be able to develop his offensive game, simply to have a solid bench.
Oh, to clarify, I DO NOT mean Noah.
Brian C. I liked your post. Roman is absolutely right, I credit Ben Wallace with being ABOVE the Bulls and their pettiness. Rasheed is still a Piston, but he has been through many coaches. Some players like Iverson can get you fired. Its a great skill to be able to reach these players. You get through, and the sky is the limit for you. A lot of coaches like to play it safe, and they have the rewards of that, which is eons of futility and a EVENTUAL departure. They rack up wins, but have no hardware.
Now with Hibbert out of the mix, we probably will be drafting some sort of project and not a center. We probably will be looking at some tweener of a forward, not a power and/or a small. We should take the best of the lot. I really like Noah or the Yi because of their size, but doubt they will be there. I think our best hope is to move Hinrich for one of Atlanta's bigs. They are desperate for a point guard, someone who can play now, not in three years. We can get a quality forward that has at least some experience. I also think we should try to get Wilkins as a free agent from Charlotte. If we do that, the team would be scary now. Remember Wallace isn't getting younger and we can't wait to develop.
I do think we have enough scoring and the power forward needs to be there for rebounds and defense. He will get enough put backs. I would be trying to Deng( or if we get Wilkins) out against other twos and solve that problem. He would be hard to stop. Most teams only have one great scorer guard so BG should be OK.
We are so close!
IF you can get KG for Ben Gordon and the #9 - do it. I even give them #1 next year.
Imagine
Wallace
KG
Kirk
Tabo
Dego
bench of
Nociono
Tyrus
Douhan
You posters that are thinking of moving Gordon - fahgetaboudit. He averages 21 points a game. On most nights, he is equivalent to Chauncy Billups. Now think about what we would be without Hinrich in the line up (which we have seen), and then without Ben Gordon - its quite disturbing. And especially considering that BG does most of his damage in the 4th. Players with that mental toughness comes along rarely. Its fair to say that as he went, we went in the Pistons series.
Roman responds: I almost took out that line about "on most nights .. Chauncey Billups" because I like you. Please.
O.K.! This is it. The guy who we might be able to wrestle away that may well be the answer to all this trivia. DARKO MILICIC. If we can break up the Magic Twin Towers we have our man. Active, a better scorer if not for Howard, a shot blocker, coachable defender, and a restricted free agent. That's my choice on the player I'd go after. Whether a deal can be made without hurting the nucleus I don't know, but he's a damn good answer to our problem. I FEEL IT!
Keith L-S...you bring up some good points but those free agents? You gotta be kidding...a bunch of perimeter players, role players and 1 ball hog in VC who came up real small against the Cavs...no thanks.
An inside player will make Kirk better. I would trade BG for 2 reasons..1 is that he has more value than anyone else on the Bulls, and 2 is that he can't guard these bigger guards in the league.
I have to believe the Bulls will make moves like last year on draft day..I hope so since this team cannot win it all as constructed. Pax has to stop thinking this "core" is the second coming of the Laker or Celtics. They're a group of good guys who are pretty good players - that won't get it done.
I think a lot of you people are missing the point about the need of a low post scorer. If you get rid of hinrich or gordon to get a kg, gasol or whoever, guess what, now you need a perimeter scorer who's consistent.Our backcourt accounts for about 60 percent of the scoring.Lose one of those guys and that number drops dramatically. Then defenses stay around the paint to defend the big guys and almost dare us to beat them with j's and we can't do that with both of them now how are we going to do that with a less experienced and talented player back there. I don't have a perfect scenerio that will help us but i know changing the makeup of this team to fill a need will create another need somewhere else.
How about Elton Brand,He would be a great low post presence for the bulls.trade Nocioni and a second round,I'll take that
Roman responds: So would Paxson, but why would Elgin Baylor?
I admit that I am no college bball expert, but I do not like the idea of drafting Noah. He's the last person expected to go in the lottery that I'd want to get for our team. He seems to play like Thomas and Wallace (energy, athleticism, no offensive game...although at least T may develop one). We don't need another tall, inside guy w/no offensive game. I haven't even seen Hawes play, but if we make no big moves, it seems to me like he may be the player for us. From what I read he has a pretty good inside offensive game w/some defensive liabilities and not super athletic. Would that be a good combo w/Wallace and Thomas? Not sure, but a 7 footer w/an offensive game sounds like the right man for the job.
I like the idea of Randolph in theory. Not sure how it'd work in reality. But if we could unload the 9 pick (is portland really looking for more picks?) and Duhon or Noce for him I'm probably take the gamble b/c the payoff could be huge (not sure I'd give up one of our core 3 for him). Obviously it could wind up biting us in the rear, but sometimes when you're really close you have to go for it. And I gotta think he'd come much more cheaply than Gasol and of course Garnett.
A three guard lineup of Kirk, Ben and Thabo, and a front line of Deng, Thomas, Wallace, and Randolph (and some mid level exception?) could be scary good if a few of the youngsters progress like expected.
Can we all agree that Paul Gasol is almost as boring a brand of hoops as Duncan and move on? I would hate to watch a Gasol led Chicago Bulls. Forget KG too, that heart has been ripped out too many times for me. Are there any recent Farraguat players in prep college anywhere?
Elton Brand is a great Idea, (Roman killed it with his response though...why would anyone trade away Elton again after what it cost Krause?)
I wanted to see your thoughts on Darko too, I was surprised you didnt respond.
Oh and thanks Southsider Keith for the props on the Coaching tip, It is certainly one of the most rewarding things to be able to do, turn around someone on a dark path. Skiles is like a Jedi knight, im telling you! ZACH RANDOLPH OR BUST
I think Jermaine O'neal was a bad influence if you ask me. Z man hasnt done a thing since they've been seperated. You get Z man around Wallace and PJ and Skiles and Pax, you'll see the man version of Randolph, not the boy version we've gotten to know.
What about a re-incarnation of a three headed monster? Doleac,DeSagana Diop, & a Michael Olowokandi or something like that...not sure if these guys are all under massive contracts or not, but perhaps we go with a trio of Mid level Big Bodies that can rebound and block shots and score when needed?
Like when we had Luc Longley,Bill Wennington and Will Purdue...??
Roman responds: I don't think everyone appreciates the Jordan Effect. The reason Luc-Bill-Will worked was because of Jordan. Olowokandi? My god. Is he still in the league? Can you imagine Skiles dealing with that guy?
Also for all the Hinrich haters, keep in mind the size and style players Paxson and Skiles were..>>??!??!?
The Bulls need to crunch the plus/minus numbers on all combinations considered from 1-5 to find the right players to put them over the hump.
I made a mistake.... I am talking about Wallace( not Wilkins!) from Charlotte, the 2/3 player with so much energy. It seems Charlotte wants to save money so he will be available.
I really like Hinrich, but you can't have him and Gordon on the floor at the same time unless you are playing Miami with there two stiff guards. Gordon is that tremendous scorer not every team has......
I also think that Atlanta and maybe Charlotte would trade for Hinrich because he is so stable a guard. If we did not have Gordon, no one would advocate trading him.
If we do trade for a big(for Hinrch) and get Wallace as a free agent, we might need to draft the Ohio State guard. I do think Duhon is gone and we would have a need for a point guard.
Again, I am surprised by the number of posts that suggest that the Bulls should go after Zach Randolph. Despite the talent and offensive stats that Zach provides, he has never helped make the Blazers a winning team, let alone a playoff team. His rap sheet on and off the court is like 20 pages long and who knows how many more incidents he's been involved in outside of the newspapers? I understand that the Bulls have experimented with crazy characters like Rodman and Bison Dele in the past and succeeded, but this is an entirely different character. Plus, we don't have have a Michael Jordan or a Scottie Pippen presence on this team that commands respect and discipline. Zach Randolph is no savior. There are better options. Look elsewhere, please. If Zach becomes a Bull, then the Bulls will lose a fan here, win or lose, until he's gone from the team.
And I don't understand the post by Drew implying that Pau Gasol plays "boring" basketball just like Tim Duncan? Um, how many Championship rings does Tim Duncan have again? And how is Elton Brand any less boring than Pau Gasol or Tim Duncan on the basketball court? Brand is a great player also, but he's not showtime on the court either. As for Darko Milicic, he had his his chance last season with the Magic to finally show some signs and live up to his potential as a #2 overall draft pick, but he still hasn't proven that he can be relied on. The jury is still out on Darko. Take a chance on him though? Sure, if he comes cheap, but the Bulls will still need more than that to solve their issues.
My suggestion for a trade offer to the Grizzlies: Gordon, Duhon, Nocioni, the #9 pick and a future #1 for Pau Gasol and Mike Miller.
I think that we are too quick to trade our current roster. If you look at the 4 remaining teams in the playoffs there is only one true inside, back to the basket prsence left - TD. Boozer has a face up game and relies on jump shots and drives.
The Bulls need to keep their core together and add more length and hustle. They lost to the Pistons because they gave up too many posessions. The Pistons always were tipping the ball to each other.
Tyrus Thomas will not be a post scorer. He will be like Marion w/o the three point shot. He is a high energy guy who will get garbage buckets, rebounds and blocks.
Noah is a perfect fit for the Bulls. He is from a winning background. He is almost 7' tall. He is long and athletic. His best attribute is that he sacrifices for the team and is defensive oriented. A rotation of him, BW and TT will keep the lane closed and vaccuum up defensive rebounds.
My good man Jeffrey, look very closely at the 3 of the remaining teams in the playoffs: Detroit, Cleveland, SanAntonio. They all have strong benches, an edge the Bulls have lost. A good bench will have a "special agents" coming off the bench. A back up center, A prolific scorer, and 3 point specialist, a great defender, a 3 point shooter, a quick guard, and a energy guy. Its not possible to stockpile all of these guys, but the Bulls were better in recent years than they are now. Having said that, I believe we need to dump almost our entire bench as Roman already said (can't get a bag of balls for them).
I like the current Free Agents: Vince Carter, Mikki Moore, James Posey, Matt Barnes, Sasha Pavolvic, Michael Doleac, and Steve Blake. Just 2 of these guys would greatly improve our bench with the addition of Ben Gordon. I only put Vince in there because we need a star like Vince who attacks the RIM. Move Sefaloosha into the starting lineup with Steve Blake. Trade Kirk (and the draft pick) for Zach Randolph.
I know its only a dream lineup: 1 Blake, 2 Sefaloosha, (or Sefaloosha 1 and Vince 2) 3 Deng, 4, B Wallace, 5, Randolph,
BENCH: 6th man Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas, Mikki Moore, James Posey, Matt Barnes, Sasha Pavolvic, Michael Doleac, Adrian Griffith, Chris Duhon.
How soon we forget. First of all Zach Randolph will not happen. SO get it out of your minds. You think Skiles wants this type of player? Please see TIM THOMAS from last year. He was collecting a paycheck while sitting at home. Guys like Thomas, Chris Webber, and Zach Randolph can cause a real problem if they don't get their way. Thus Skiles will have none of it.
Here is my suggestion,
Trade for KG. Hes from chicago and his loyalty and love for the game is unparalleled. Heres what we offer. 1. Kirk Hinrich, #9 pick, Round 1 pick of 2008 and Nocioni (sign and trade). If they say no..then we package Lance Briggs
Roman responds: KG is NOT from Chicago. He is from Maudlin, S.C. He came here to play one season for Farragut.
Speaking for behalf of those who would want Zach Randolph here, ive dug up his rap sheet, and I would like to address everyone of these “alleged” incidents.
•1995. Thirty days in juvenile detention for shoplifting.
– This is included in most elementary curriculums nowadays anyway!
•High school years: Thirty days of house arrest for battery.
– He thought it meant, House Party2, cause this was when Kid and Play was still hot.
•Thirty days in juvenile detention for receiving stolen property, a gun.
– But did HE steal it??? NOPE
•2002. Underage drinking arrest in Marion, Ind., his hometown.
– Who hasen’t been arrested for underage drinking in INDIANA
•2003. Team suspension by the Trail Blazers for sucker-punching teammate Ruben Patterson in practice and breaking his eye socket.
– We should be thanking him for this one, Ruben has had it coming for a long time!
•2003. Arrested in Portland for driving under the influence of intoxicants and marijuana.
– Is this really still a crime?
•2004. Accused by police of lying in an investigation of his brother shooting three men in an Indiana nightclub.
– Blood is thicker than Bacon Grease!!!
•2006. Suspended by the Trail Blazers for making obscene gestures to fans after a game in Indiana.
– Have you ever met a trailblazer fan???? Please, lets keep this real!
•2006. Sued by a Portland woman for sexual assault, though prosecutors didn't file criminal charges.
– The cops are lucky he didn’t sue!
•2007. Left a strip club without paying the bill while he was on bereavement leave from the team and missed three games after the death of his girlfriend's cousin.
– Sounds like the victim was Randolph here, I mean, the fact that a strip club had the nerve to actually charge him??? You know we are in hell, when strip clubs start making NBA players actually pay, whats next??? NFL players wont be able to murder their ex-wives and get away with it anymore??
•2007. Earlier this month, police were called to the parking lot of a strip club where Randolph and teammate Darius Miles were part of a gathering and a gunshot was fired.
– Duh, he was only there to pay his bill and apologize, when some fool recognized Darius Miles from his days down in S.Illinois and wanted to give him a SHOUT out, not shots fired. So, you see, the whole story just got reported wrong. There’s no video is there?
I KID, BUT SERIOUSLY , ALL OF THIS JUST SPEAKS TO MY ORIGINAL POINT---> CHICAGO HAS REAL CRIME TO FIGHT - THERE IS NO TIME TO STEAK OUT A STRIP CLUB TO PROFILE NBA ATHLETES.
Roman responds: Good post Brian. Good research and sarcasm. You could have a future in politics with that kind of talent to spin.
Is there anybody out there who saw the Bulls play Detroit almost dead even for the series. Up by 19 in game 3 (shoulda won), up by the twenties in games 4 & 5. We were this/close to movin' on. A Scott Skiles slap in the head in game three and you never know? We're not far off. We don't need a dismantling here, we have a damn good squad. On why I think Darko Milicic may be an answer is this;
He's young (only 21) and ready to take that next step. He's played FOUR years in the league and some might think (Mr. Rivera) he's underachieved to this point. Good! That's exactly what we want. A player ready to take that next jump with the least possible damage to our squad. This kid played TOUGHER than anyone on his team (Howard included) during the Detroit series. With the right environment and coaching (Chicago has both) this kid has the energy to help our team in ways missed during the playoffs. Bill Cartwright actually was the missing piece to the Bulls in the early 90's and he was no Shaq, that's for sure. Just the missing puzzle piece. And don't even go there Roman, I know what you're thinkin', but there are no Birds, Barkleys, Magics or Olajuwans out there anymore either. The league is on a more even playing field. He has weaknesses, as does most anyone else, but his strengths are the role player we need at a possible no ripple price. I FEEL IT!
E.Rivera you said "And I don't understand the post by Drew (it was me actually) implying that Pau Gasol plays "boring" basketball just like Tim Duncan? Um, how many Championship rings does Tim Duncan have again?"
To help you understand my thoughts, my point is basically this, even though we have had a few rough years since Jordan left, we have still become win connoisseur's. We are not satisfied with squeeking out a championship in an off year or two. We want TOTAL DOMINANCE. WE WANT SHUTDOWN D and EXPLOSIVE O, we dont want boxing out and finger rolls, and shots blocked back to yourself. We want shots blocked to the 15th row, and we want 30 point wins, and someone better have 20 boards, and go 6-6 from the 3 point line. Thats what we have grow to become post jordan, and I dont just want to win next year, I want to win for the next 10 years and win convincingly.
As far as trading either Ben or Kirk, I agree, the question is: which one?? on one hand, kirk is a very solid PG who is capable of playing near shut-down D on 2 guards. he has a decent j and is well sized for a PG. Ben on the other hand is a tremendous shooter, he can put up 20 in a qtr on any given night and when his j is on, its on.
On the other hand, kirk can be streaky sometimes, and his j can be horrid as well. also, his passing skills aren't the greatest. Ben can be streaky too, his j can be off as well and like everyone already said, when he's off, he really doesn't do too much else to help the team. also (and this is my biggest issue with ben) he doesn't drive to the basket @ all and gets mostly all of his points from jumpers. as much as pax might love for him to draw contact in the paint, this just isn't his game, not to mention he's undersized.
IMO, i feel like Kirk is more valuable. you all seem to be sold on a backcourt of Ben and Thabo.... umm have yall watched any bulls games this season or just looking @ box scores??? when kirk is out, we often look like chickens w/ our heads cut off. no offensive fluidity and our ball movement becomes extremely one-dimensional. duhon can occationally run the point but def not a starter.
Thabo may have some PG skills but he cannot run a team at the point, sorry. And ben, well, did you see how many turnovers he had in the detroit series??? atleast kirk protected the ball.
Also, PG's, like centers just don't grow on trees. How many reliable PG's can you name better than Kirk right now that we'd have a shot at getting? i wanna hear names!! remember, kirk expends a lot of energy on the defensive end guarding the leagues best 2 guards, and he's all team defensive player.
I feel like losing ben's scoring and "cold-bloodidness" is better than losing Kirk's overall tempo and ball movement.
if ben could play the point better than this wouldn't even be of discussion.
Roman responds: Welcome to the blog, but the next time you try to slip in an obscenity like that, I'll block you permanently.
On Hinrich versus Gordon...Small shooting guards are a dime a dozen a good point guard is worth more than a good shooting guard... Gordon is not a great shooting guard...he is turnover prone and doesn't play defense.. Also remember point guards develop slower...
Also, our future is very dependent on how Tyrus pans out. if he can become a scorer then that will eliminate much of our needs. we already know he can rebound the ball and play defense, but scoring is my main concern. if he can develop a jumper and some decent post moves (which i believe he can) then we are in very good shape.
remember, he played only 15-20 or so minutes a game and consistently averaged 10 and 7. i feel if he works on his game, he could easily put up 20 and 10.
One more time, for the brain dead.
Next year's rotation is likely to be Hinrich, Gordon and Thabo and guard.
Deng, Nocioni, Thomas at forward.
Wallace at center.
With Allen, Sweetney, Barrett and Khryapa certain to be gone and Martynas and P.J. likely as well, the Bulls will need some better backups for the bench, notably at center and PF.
If they were to trade for a PF who was expected to start, then Nocioni, not Kirk, is the odd man out. Even getting someone like Collison who played 28.5 mpg this year would not leave the minutes for Noce at forward.
They need a backup center who, while still a defensive presence, can put up some points in 15-18 mpg.
Even though they say that Griffin will be back, Duhon remains a question mark as the fourth guard, mostly for losing his perimeter shot but also for getting into Skiles doghouse for late arrivals.
Meanwhile, picking another guy like Thomas or Thabo in the draft can only enhance future flexibility as to trades and bench strength.
I love this blog.... I am out in CA and nobody to talk Bulls BB. Anyway, I think we have to remember that Detroit only has one starter that they originally drafted so we shouldn't be afraid to trade.... My concern for the team is that Detroit was able to post up Gordon for almost ten points every game and that is what made them the tough match-up. Gordon is sometimes asked to do too much, like bring the ball up with pressure( he is not ready yet) or try to set up the offense when he is not taking the shot( he then makes too many turnovers)! We need to have someone else do that(remember Scottie bringing the ball up without any problems and helping Paxson and Jordan from expending energy/or showing a weakness). Other then a role switch for Gordon, it was the injury to Wallace and Nocioni that kept us from beating Detroit. Strengthen the pf with a younger PJ(Noah or under used guy from Atlanta or Charlotte) and we can beat Detroit. We are just going to get better.
ben gordon doesn't go the the hoop?
mmm?...yeah...okay
that's where he flops the best!
I think I heard Jonathon Hood the other day say that Gordon isn't a clutch player....based on what, Hood? "Games 1, 2 and 3 of the Detroit series", he said.
Well, who was?!?
Ben Gordon probably single-handedly won 15 games by himself for the Bulls this year. He can play erratic at times, but a little more coaching may eliminate that.
I agree with one of the other posters who said to stay pat. This team is on the verge of something big with what they have currently....they're one player away.
It could be Thomas
The Bulls goal this year was to win a playoff series. They did that. The goal next year will be to get past Detroit. They have to put a team together that can do that.
Do not trade: Gordon, Kirk, Deng.
They give the Bulls the edge over Billups, Hamilton, & Prince as well as James, Hughes, & Gibson.
Everything else is negotiable.
Roman responds: Uh, they didn't give the Bulls the edge over those Detroit players. Just the opposite. That matchup is why the Bulls need to do something.
The Pistons have Wallace, Webber, & MCDyess. They are the reason why the Pistons beat the Bulls & will likely beat the Cavs. In the playoffs they've avg'd about 23 boards & 30 pts PPG. The Bulls' BenWallace, Nocioni, Thomas/Brown are 5 boards & 5 points below them.
As I see it the goal for Paxson this off-season is to replace Nocioni with a big post player. To do that he should pkg Nocioni with as many picks & spare parts as it takes. Rebounds are key. Ideally you want a guy that can avg 10 PPG from the post & pull down 6-7 rebounds PPG in the playoffs. A C Webber like player.
I agree, Hinrich is more valuable IMO than Gordon. I love Gordon, but I'd trade him b/f Deng and Kirk.
Roman, any chance the layout of this blog can change? Seems people have a very hard time reading who wrote what. No big deal, but I've twice been accused of writing things that I didn't write on the blog. I think logically the name that is between the lines and at the beginning of the post makes it look like that's the writer, not the name below the line. Just a thought...
Roman responds: First thing Tuesday I'll look into it. I can understand the confusion.
The real question is..How many hands does Vanysh actually have? From his recent post I counted at least 3.
Another thing that this team is missing vs. the Bulls championship teams of the 90's are those Seasoned, Playoff tested vets that added that professionalism and a calming lockeroom presence. Remember those players, Like James 'Buddah' Edwards, Randy Brown and Robert Parrish. Those guys were not brought in to contribute as much on the court, but to bring stabilty and long term focus.
Are there no more Ed Nealy's out there??
BrianCulz: ?
Kolonaski: no, ben definitely doesn't drive to the hoop nearly as much as he should. most of his points (i'd say 85%) are from jumpers. this is not what you want from your 2 guard.
he should be averaging at least 8-12 ft's per game, whereas now he averages around 4-5.
Ben Gordon is the best scorer the Chicago Bulls have had since Michael Jeffrey Jordan. That includes Elton Brand, Scottie Pippen (my favorite Bull), Tony Kukoch and Ron Artest (even though Ron was on his way). This graft is from NBA.com - took painstaking editing to paste here, but gentlemen (and the lady), I want you to see the company Mr. Gordon is in after only his third year in the league. I want you to also pay special attention to the games played vs minutes columns. And it really gets interesting if you compare him to others at this time in their careers. Ben Gordon is learning to drive to the rim and get to the line. He hasn't gotten the respect he deserves, but it will come and his defense will get better. He's an Almond-Eyed-Assassin with a shot as beautiful as a RAINBOW like the one Noah saw. You don't trade that unless he becomes destructive to the team/franchise (like Iverson), or you can get an equal calliber player for him. You should also note Zack's stats....mmmmm-mmm.
2006-07 SCORING LEADERS : Points Per Game
Player Games Minutes Points
1 Kobe Bryant , LAL 77 40.8 31.6
2 Carmelo Anthony , DEN 65 38.2 28.9
3 Gilbert Arenas , WAS 74 39.8 28.4
4 Dwyane Wade , MIA 51 37.9 27.4
5 LeBron James , CLE 78 40.9 27.3
6 Michael Redd , MIL 53 38.4 26.7
7 Ray Allen , SEA 55 40.3 26.4
8 Allen Iverson , DEN-PHI65 42.5 26.3
9 Vince Carter , NJN 82 38.1 25.2
10 Ming Yao , HOU 48 33.8 25.0
11 Joe Johnson , ATL 57 41.4 25.0
12 Paul Pierce , BOS 47 37.0 25.0
13 Tracy McGrady , HOU 71 35.8 24.6
14 Dirk Nowitzki , DAL 78 36.2 24.6
15 Zach Randolph , POR 68 35.7 23.6
16 Chris Bosh , TOR 69 38.5 22.6
17 Kevin Garnett , MIN 76 39.4 22.4
18 Rashard Lewis , SEA 60 39.1 22.4
19 Ben Gordon , CHI 82 33.0 21.4
20 Carlos Boozer , UTA 74 34.6 20.9
21 Pau Gasol , MEM 59 36.1 20.8
22 Elton Brand , LAC 80 38.5 20.5
23 Amare Stoudemire , PHX 82 32.8 20.4
24 Kevin Martin , SAC 80 35.2 20.2
25 Baron Davis , GSW 63 35.3 20.1
Keith I doubt Pax will trade BG unless he gets someone with equal scoring ability and more size. Duhon is almost certain to be gone and as much as I like Nocioni I feel he his the most likely trade bait possibly along with Hinrich. The big question where Zach is concerned is would he fit with the Bulls style of play and would he butt heads with Skiles? One thing you can be sure of is that Pax has several scenarios already mapped out and considering the job he has done to this point what ever those are rest assured that what ever he does on draft night and the free agency market will serve to make the Bulls better next season. Unlike Jerry Krause who made a few lucky draft picks and a couple timely trades that may have been influenced by Jerry Riensdorf, Pax is solid businessman with a keen sense of basketball knowledge and talent. Pax is not about to trade the teams top talents like Krause did for an unproven commodity (i.e. Elton Brand for Tyson Chandler).And although Ron Artest has proven to be somewhat of a problem child I think the trading him and Brad Miller to the Pacers for Jalen(I should be getting the ball more) Rose was getting pretty close the same insanity as the Brand trade.
Roman,
Is the Spencer Hawes-Vlade Divac comparison accurate?
How about the Horace Grant-Al Horford one?
Roman responds: I've heard both before, perhaps the first one is the most accurate.
Sorry Roman and the rest of the board, one more.
Looks like Kobe might be demanding a trade and he's supposedly said he'll only go to one team. Not sure who the team is but some Bulls fans are debating if it's Chicago here...
http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=666365&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=168
I was going to post something about Kobe too. I always said that the one place Kobe has to go in order to ever get close to Michael, is to Chicago. Man, could you imagine??? It could either be the greatest thing ever, or a terrible bizzaro world, dark spiderman nightmare.
The resemblance to Mike down to the way he talks has always weirded me out. I think he is a total D-bag, but I bet most of that is because he is a Laker, and if he came to the third coast, i'd love it. You always hate the best, unless they are you/rs!
I keep hearing that Ben Gordon is the odd man out in the Bulls backcourt because of the big contract Pax gave Hinrich last year. True the Bulls need to get a bigger guard back there, but in this fans opinion Hinrich is the one that needs to be on the trading block. I've heard Hinrich described as a "poor man's Steve Nash", this is a ridiculous statement. I've never seen Steve Nash rush the ball down the floor and take a three from the top of the arch without the rest of his team in position and consistently miss! Don't get me wrong Hinrich is a good player. However, he is not a star, and never will be. He is no more than a above average guard, a role player. Paxson & Skiles I believe see themselves in Hinrich (white guard with good fundamentals). They remind me of the Dad who played high school ball who now lives thru his son. The Bulls have never said they will not trade Hinrich, but listening to Skiles and Pax praise him like the second coming of Jordan, it's pretty obvious where they stand. Gordon is a phenomenal shooter that changes the pace of a game. He is capable of putting up 30+ points a game at anytime. John, Scott, guys like that do not grow on trees! So with a trade imminent this post season for a low post scorer I say trade Hinrich. For whom do you ask Gasol, O'neal, Randolph? Why pay the inflated prices for guys who are injury prone (Gasol), a problem (O'neal), & a cancer (Randolph). By signing one of the three I just mentioned you will have a hard time keeping Deng and Gordon around with the inflated contract you already gave Ben Wallace. The perfect low post player is there to be had by means of a trade with Portland for the #1 overall pick. That's right, Greg Oden. I believe it can be done for a package that includes Hinrich, Nocioni, the #9 pick and next years first round pick. How much would Portland love to insert two playoff tested players into a line up that includes future stars Roy & Aldridge. Oden will be a franchise on to himself. He will take a few years to be a dominate force in the league, but when he does the Bulls will be set up for the next ten years (see San Antonio). So with a city yearning for a championship run next year, I say don't succomb to the pressure Pax. Build a winner that will last!
I thought San Diego Bulls fan actually knew what he was talking about, until he called LeMarcus Aldridge a FUTURE STAR. Dude...are you kidding me? You have to be kidding. Besides, nobody named Le Marcus...will ever be a star!