Kobe to the Bulls?

I believe Kobe is simply jealous of Lebron James. He thinks it will be a piece of cake to come out of the East and is seeking that route. If he comes...he will find out what Allen Iverson could have told him; it aint as easy as it looks. Kobe is the most talented player in the league, but NOT THE BEST player. The best players show up when the team needs them the most, and they pass the ball and make others better. That is exactly what Kobe is NOT. Kobe is the second coming of Dominique Wilkins, without the likeable personality. LeBron and Nash are more successful because they know how to be TEAMMATES. You can build around guys like that. Guys like Kobe, nothing but hired guns to sell tickets and gym shoes. When he had Shaq with him, he was just as potent as Tony Parker because Shaq was drawing all the double teams, and PASSING to all the open shooters like a true STAR and TEAMMATE. When they parted - Shaq went UP, Kobe went down. And mark my words, you havent heard the last of diesel. Bulls would be better off staying the course and adding what they NEED. Kobe is what they DON'T need. He would only serve one good purpose in chicago - and thats to get Skiles fired and maybe get Phil back. I don't know...maybe we should get him?????? LOL!

I have to agree Roman, the odds on this trade occurring is about 35 %.One aspect that is 100% is that the Bulls will not add Luol Deng to this trade. Right now, the trade would have to be something very close to Kobe for Gordon, T.Thomas, # 9 pick, and Nocioni in order for Pax to agree. This would give the Lakers depth, but it would leave them with a bunch of inconsistent scorers and I don't see Phil Jackson sticking around through a rebuilding process like that. If the Lakers were ready to cut ties with Phil and become serious about rebuilding, then there is a chance that this trade goes through. Looking ahead to next year, the Lakers will be a first round exit again, and they must see that, Kobe sure does. Are they willing to lose all that star power? I think that is the question. Pax knows that Minnesota will stubbornly hold onto KG until he starts demanding a trade, so he has to wonder if that dream will ever come true, and is he ready to wait that long. This is a tough decision. They may still have a chance at Gasol and they def have a chance at Zack Randolf. Whatever move Pax decides on, it will most likely shape his legacy as Bulls GM.

with all the negative talk about kobe, there is one thing that we overlook. kobe has that killer instinct. there was a reason why that cavs didn't win. it was because lebron does not have that mindset that he is the best player in the world. yeah his teammates love him because he passes the ball but he won't take that shot. kobe is the closest thing we are going to see to michael jordan's competiveness. lets not forget that mike didn't care what people felt about him. the bulls would be fools not to take a look at this when a special talent is available. lets stop looking at the off court exploits & a reason not to like him because at the end of the day we forget the greatest player alive had off court exploits too.

Explain to me how lebron with zero championships is more successful than Kobe with 3. And for you to even bring up Nash is ridiculous. He three years older than Kobe Bryant and has never even sniffed the NBA finals. Whether you hate him or love him Kobe has led a team with not much talent to the playoffs in the stacked west two years in a row inclding almost knocking out the suns two years ago with 1/4th of the talent suns had so you really need to get a clue. People chicago seem to forget that a guy named Jordan didnt pass the ball all that much but he was still the best to ever play the game.

If Kobe wants to get traded, then the Lakers will eventually be forced to trade him. The more he goes on and on about how the Lakers the closer he is to leaving. And the cold hard truth about the Lakers is that they are not close at all to being serious championship contenders.

The Bulls offer would be short on talent, but if Kobe forces his way out, what other choice are they going to have? Any deal with Gordon is going to be more than anything the Knicks have to offer. You can rule out all teams in the West.

With Kobe's no-trade, (if he forces a trade), then he's going to want to go to Chicago or New York. The Knicks are awful. And trading any talent for Kobe would mean they'd be even worse. Kobe wouldn't waive his no-trade to go there.

Either Kobe stays with the Lakers, or he's wearing a Bulls uniform next season. No other likely scenario.

Roman responds: The Suns also are said to be on Kobe's wish list, and they're loaded with talent. I know this for sure, the Bulls will not trade their core for Kobe.

You said it yourself, Roman.

The Bulls would have to give up too much to get Kobe.

End of story, other than the fact that I would not want him under any circumstances.

As great as MJ was, by the end of his Chicago career I was tired of the Bulls offense consisting mostly of Jordan or, occasionally Pippen, standing around for most of the 24 second clock before making a move to shoot or drive.

If Thabo can develop into a Ron Harper type guard and Thomas comes close to matching his potential, this Bulls team CAN eventually win titles, with just a couple more better backups in the frontcourt, and be extremely entertaining doing so.

Roman responds: Ok, let's not be silly. Did you really say you got tired of watching perhaps the greatest player in NBA history lead the Bulls to titles late in his career? You'd rather watch the Spurs or Pistons?

Any deal between the Bulls and the Lakers will have to take place after July 15 when players can be signed.PJ Brown might be one of those players along with Nocioni that can be used in a sign and trade deal.

Personally if I have veto power over any deal,in case I chose to go to Chicago I would definetly insist that Hinrich and Deng are on my team.

There is no reason for Kobe Bryant to force a trade to Chicago while gutting the team.

I fully expect John Paxson to give away Gordon,Duhon and the 9th pick in any Kobe deal along with future picks.What else will need to be added right now remains a mystery.Will the Lakers want PJ Brown for a year (maybe hia salary paid by the Bulls) or Nocioni on a multiyear deal via the sign&trade route?

Could Bulls fans possibly not want Kobe Bryant on this team?

i believe what kobe is doing is genius he will either find the help he needs in LA or he will move to chicago where his chances to win a tittle will increase dramatically hopefully he will stay with the lakers and jerry buss will stop being such a dork and get kobe jermaine oneil or somebody to make the lakers a contender for a championship next year.

How about Kobe and the Lakers' 2007 pick for Gordon, Nocioni, Duhon, the Bulls' 9th pick and P.J. Brown's expiring contract? The Bulls can look at Hinrich, Deng, Kobe, Thomas, and Wallace as the starters. What do you think?

Roman responds: I think the Lakers would say 'No.'

Why wouldn't the Bulls trade the core for Kobe? Kobe's 28 and arguably has 5 (at minimum) highly productive years left in him. How long does Paxson expect Big Ben to produce? I have to believe his shelf life is in the 3-4 year range. Do what you can to get Kobe Pax- this type of talent is rarely available and the Lakers are currently not in the best bargaining position, given Kobe's recent outbursts.

Roman responds: So you'd rather have Kobe and a first-round playoff exit than to keep building and have a shot at the conference finals next year?

NO KOBE!!!! He's a punk, and I'd have to stop rooting for the Bulls until he's out of uniform...and I really don't want to have to do that. I refuse to root for someone like him.

I heard on Sat. night that Kobe told Buss personally he only wanted to play for Chicago. I heard there was a 5 team trade in the works. I posted something to you over the weekend, but you must not have seen it.

I'm curious to know who they are willing to give up.

Deng/Gordon/Draft pick?

I would actually give up anyone BUT Tyrus Thomas.

LETS DO IT AND WIN A COUPLE 3 MORE CHAMPIONSHIPS

This is a BIG NO for Kobe. Yes, he is one of the best offensive players, please hes no MJ, not even close. The Bulls need a good-size low post scorer, not a CANCER, plus Skiles wouldn't cow-tow to Mister me, myself and I Bryant.

This is a BIG NO for Kobe. Yes, he is one of the best offensive players, please hes no MJ, not even close. The Bulls need a good-size low post scorer, not a CANCER, plus Skiles wouldn't cow-tow to Mister me, myself and I Bryant.

Kobe is going to be traded, period. In fact, the owner Buss wrote a letter this week to ticket holders and did not mention Kobe... If you watched the Lakers playoff series, you will see a team without proper direction. That team does not support or flow like needed to make them a winner. They will go in adifferent direction.
Kobe is 28, 6'7", and probably the best player in the league. He has won championships(3). If a viable trade came down, do it. Gordon and Nocioni are both too short for their positions. They are easy to replace. Sefalosha is ready and so is Thomas. I would also throw in Deng or the pick, but not both. I would ask for Turiaf besides. I also think the Bulls need to go after Wallace from Charlotte. I think if the trade goes, we pick Conley.
Would you rather have Deng or Kobe? Give me Kobe. He might have 6 years great years left. Deng has been good, but he hasn't been great and may never be.

Going to keep this short and sweet. I have said this in the past. Kobe and Skiles will not get along. Skiles can't coach big name talent. Skiles can't coach ANY big names, let alone one of the biggest names in the game. It's not going to happen. Zach Randolph? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN......Kevin Garnett.....NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.....Paul Pierce? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN....we will never have a big name star in Chicago as long as Skiles is the coach. Let me rephrase that, we will never acquire a big name free agent as long as Skiles is the coach. We will only have a star if we draft one.

Roman responds: Ok, so what's your point?

I'd rather see the Bulls try and pick up Marion from the Suns and/or a big man with the ninth pick than trade away the core group they already have for Kobe. I live in L.A. and have seen the Lakers numerous times and believe me, Kobe is no Michael Jordan. He still hasn't learned to play team basketball - which, as the Spurs have shown, is what wins chamionships.

***********GET KOBE NOW**********WHY WOULDN'T WE BECOME CONTENDERS*************************************************************************************

I love how people talk about this "core" (Deng, Gordon, Hinrich) like they're the second coming of the '85 Lakers...
The worst thing that happened is that after watching the Cavs in the finals, Pax may just sit still thinking they can beat them. Truth is this "core" won't get much better (imho). Gordon - no D, streak shooter. Hinrich - erratic shooter, dribbles too much, good D; Deng - nice open jump shooter, decent D, good guy. There are probably 6 teams in the league with a better "core" so why not leverage them since we have a new "core" coming (Sefalosha, Thomas, the new pick).
Can't believe Pax will stay with this same group

KLS...you're killing me with "Kobe is the second coming of Dominique Wilkins..."

Wilkins was purely 1 dimensional. Never bothered playing D, sporatic outside shooter, terrifc slasher and finisher. He is not even close to Kobe. Personality or not, Kobe is the best overall player in the league...period. First team offense and D I believe. If it meant getting out of Ben Wallace's contract, I would give up Wallace, Gordon, Deng, and Thomas. That's a realistic deal the Lakers would have to consider and the money would work.

Leaves the Bulls with Hinrich and Sefalosha at guard, Kobe and Noch (re-sign him) at fwd, with PJ and their draft pick splitting time at center (how many real centers are there these days). That's a better team defensively than last year with a dominant scorer for late in games...it's also the favorite to win the east next year.

I'll give them Deng, Duhon, & Little Ben (Gordon) in a sign & trade w/ OUR pick!!! Get Noc resigned & try to keep PJ for 1 more season. But a starting lineup of Kirk, Kobe, Noc, Tyrus, & Big Ben wouldbe fine with me!!!!

Fine, I admit it, I really didn't have one(at least one that hasn't been said before by me).....I just wanted to bash Skiles! hahahahahahahahaha

JUST PULL THE TRIGGER #9, GORDON, NOCIONI, SEFOLOSHA/THOMAS FOR KOBE. GORDON IS TOO SMALL TO BE A CONSISTENT SHOOTING GUARD, NOCIONI IS TOO INCONSISTENT ALSO AND THROW ONE OF THE ROOKIES FROM LAST YEAR (PREFFERRABLY SEFOLOSHA). IMAGINE THIS HINRICH, KOBE, DENG, THOMAS/BROWN, AND WALLACE! THAT'LL BE A GREAT STARTING FIVE! BETTER THAN LAST YEARS DON'T U THINK?

Lets face it, Kobe is the kind of player the Bulls are in dire need of. I know they need a low post scoring kind of guy, but they wont get anywhere unless Luol, Gordon, Kirk, Andres or Tyrus transforms into a superstar. The hope around Chicago is that Luol Deng will transform into a slasher/scoring king of guy that can knock down the midrange jumber and give you good defense with his lenght ... that sounds an awful lot like Kobe. To those that say Skiles cant coach a Superstar I would like to refer them to this past season where he and Ben Wallace were able to co-exist and grow as a team.

If the bulls want to trade for people like KG, Kobe or Amare, they NEED to realize that they have to let some talent go. Having the Knicks draft pick the past couple of seasons have attracted teams from around the league to make sometihng happen with Chicago, but that chip is soon to be off the table. Look, trading Luol Deng, Ben Wallace, and a draft pick is an awful lot to give up for a guy, but this is Kobe Bryant. Who is better than Gasol, better than Pierce, and would essentially make the Bulls resemble their late 80's teams. If they were so willing last season to give up Tyson, Luol, Tyrus and Duhon for KG, whats the matter with trading talent now for Kobe?

The difference with KG and Kobe is that Kobe WANTS to play in Chicago, where Garnett wants to wait like Karl Malone until he is too old to make sometihng happen to salvage his Championship hopes. Trading for ANY guy will require the Bulls to give up sometihng. I would have never traded for Gasol the kind of talent that was being asked for the Bulls to part with, but if players like LeBron, Kobe, Wade, etc. come in the market and there is a CHANCE they could end up in my team, I would definetly take a look and find a way to accomodate such a move.

If a team built like the Cavs can make it out of the East and into the Finals, who can say that a team like the Bulls with a guy like Kobe cant do the same or better? Sooner than later you're going to have to pay new contracts to Deng, Nocioni, Gordon and others the same way you signed Hinrich and Wallace. Trading two of those guys to accomodate one contract with a player of enormous talent ISNT as far out an idea as some are making it seem. For the right price Kobe could end up a Bull. and maybe it would be made easier if another team joined in as a three way trade kind of deal.

Roman:

Are you more anti-Kobe or pro-young Bull roster? Do you foresee a reasonable trade scenario that makes sense for the Bulls to obtain Kobe?

Its certainly subjective, and there are salary considerations, but I don't mind giving up a combination of Deng/Nocioni and this year's #1 or Gordon/Nocioni and this year's #1 for Kobe and the Lakers #1. I would even let the Lakeshow keep their #1 this year. I like it from the Bulls perspective, but is this something the Lakers will even consider?

Roman responds: I just don't see the Lakers going for either version. That galaxy revolves around stars, and not the kind on the Bulls roster.
A player can become such a problem that he can force a trade. Iverson did, but Iverson isn't Kobe, and Philly isn't L.A.
I just don't see it happening.

Good Post DeanH

I totally agree. Kobe doesnt need too much coaching and the rest of the team is pretty deciplined and play team ball. Perfect for Kobe. Other than Gordon, the bulls dont have anyone who WANTS to put up 50 every night and although Gordon wants to, he really can't. Not to mention Kobe is a lock down defender and can play in the low post. He is deadly and can take a Tyrus Thomas, Hinrich, Ben Wallace, and Deng or Noc or whoever we dont trade and win a championship. The Bulls are stocked with Winners. Anyone we can put with Kobe is going to be night and day from Smoosh parker and Kwame Brown and Luke " I shouldnt even be playing in the NBA, but my last name is" Walton.

There's a chance, that the Bulls could have had 2 of the greatest players to ever play the game wear red...think about that.

Is there room for another statue out front?

Personally, I would not want to see Kobe Bryant here in Chicago. Regardless of his skills, he should not be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan. Yes, Jordan's passing was definitely limited before Phil Jackson took control, but I do not see Bryant getting beyond his selfish outlook on basketball. It took the Jackson's intelligent views and thoughts on the game to change the way Jordan played and interacted with his teammates on the court. Bryant already had Jackson as a coach, and won 3 rings with his philosophy of the game. However, he still plays and acts as selfish as any player in history. I do not think KB is worth trading several of our key players. Also, he just does not have a likable personality in my opinion. Whenever I see him giving commentary or analysis, it just seems so artificial. He tries to be someone he is not, but he doesn't realize he will never be like Mike...

Maybe it's just personal taste, but another title would not be worth it for me if Kobe Bryant is playing for the Bulls... He can have as many 80 point games as he wishes, but he will never be like Michael Jordan... NEVER..

G...

Roman responds: To me, one of the big questions is how would Kobe get along with Skiles. Some people point to Ben Wallace as proof Skiles can get along with a star. I'm not sure those two did get along and Ben Wallace isn't a star, at least not in the same galaxy as Kobe.

Romo - I don't understand your point about Kobe not forcing a trade like AI. The NBA is littered with guys who not only forced a trade, but also guys who admittedly dogged it to force a trade (vince wannabe carter). If Kobe wants to be traded, it will happen.
To read some of these posts, you'd think we're talking about a team on the brink of greatness rather than a team who consistently got beat bad by the Cavs last year and whose much balley-hooed "core" is not that great. If you can keep Deng out of it, great...otherwise, offer just enough more than the Knicks to get him (should not be difficult). No way LA trades him to a team in the western conference.
You're right in that LA wants stars so maybe they'd take Wallace as part of the package...he was a complete non-factor in the playoffs and most of the year.

Roman responds: Guaranteed Deng would have to be involved. I don't disagree that the Bulls' core might be overrated, but I do think Deng has shown enough to keep him around. I was against any trade of Deng for Gasol. Deng & Co. for Kobe is a different matter. If the Bulls can get L.A. to extend Kobe so he can't opt out in '09, I would trade Deng, Gordon and Ben Wallace (for cap reasons either he or Hinrich would have to go) for Kobe.

Some good stuff in this thread.

As a HUGE Kobe (and Lakers) fan, and, of course, a Bulls fan, this is the only possibility I'm even giving any thought to. Regardless of where Kobe goes, I will become a fan of that team (sorta fair-weatherish, but that's okay); but if he is to come to the Bulls, everything works out in my favor: I'd remain a Bulls fan (maybe become even more diehard), and I'd continue to be a diehard Lakers fan (yes, I'm one of those folks who'd root for the Lakers to beat my hometown Bulls...and I feel horrible about that).

BTW: I really like that lineup someone mentioned up above of Kirk, Kobe, Deng, Tyrus, and Big Ben. Definite Championship contender.

For Kris posted June 18th @ 10:05:

{with all the negative talk about kobe, there is one thing that we overlook. kobe has that killer instinct. there was a reason why that cavs didn't win. it was because lebron does not have that mindset that he is the best player in the world. yeah his teammates love him because he passes the ball but he won't take that shot. kobe is the closest thing we are going to see to michael jordan's competiveness. lets not forget that mike didn't care what people felt about him. the bulls would be fools not to take a look at this when a special talent is available. lets stop looking at the off court exploits & a reason not to like him because at the end of the day we forget the greatest player alive had off court exploits too.}

Nobody has forgotten about the killer instinct that Kobe has; however, killer instinct can be combined with passing the ball.
The reason the cav's didnt win is not because Lebron does not have a killer instinct - it is because his teammates did not make their shots...period. If his teammates had made their shots they would have won and Lebron would be the next Michael Jordan. (to some people at least)

The problem began when Kobe wanted to be able to take a team and be the number 1 guy, and win a championship. Therefore, get rid of Shaq and be THE MAN. He was given that opportunity -- and failed. Now he is whinning about needing some help? Please!! Nobody wants to play with a selfish hot dog. If the Lakers trade Kobe it will go down in history that Kobe killed the Lakers. If not for Kobe we would be talking about the Laker dynasty not the Spurs. Kobe is not even close to being Michael Jordan and will NEVER be. Forget about what happend off the court, who cares that he ALLEGEDLY raped some woman, we all know she was a money hungry ho trying to get some money. We all understand that; however, when he mentioned that Shaq always did that and paid people off to keep their mouth shut was a clear indication of the type of person he is. ME, ME, ME...

A good basketball scores points and wins games.
A great basketball player makes his teammates better and wins championships.

Kobe is not even the best player in the league today, that title belonged to Dwyane Wade and now Tony Parker. Now those 2 have a killer instinct and yet make their teammates better.

Compare all shooting guards stats with Kobe's and look at the assist column.

Enough said!

EASTWOOD, SERIOUSLY, WHO CARES WHO YOU WILL ROUTE FOR MORE NEXT YEAR? THIS IS A DIEHARD BULLS THREAD, NOT A KOBE LOVE FEST. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT.

IF KOBE STAYS IN L.A. HE IS THE ENEMY!!!

If he comes to Chicago, we will embrace him and exhault him.

The more I think about it, we don't need a fence ridin fan like you anyways. You should probably just stay a Lakers fan. You seem more that type.

EASTWOOD, SERIOUSLY, WHO CARES WHO YOU WILL ROUTE FOR MORE NEXT YEAR? THIS IS A DIEHARD BULLS THREAD, NOT A KOBE LOVE FEST. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT.

IF KOBE STAYS IN L.A. HE IS THE ENEMY!!!

If he comes to Chicago, we will embrace him and exhault him.

The more I think about it, we don't need a fence ridin fan like you anyways. You should probably just stay a Lakers fan. You seem more that type.

Hey Eastwood, why not throw in the Spurs and the Celtics in the mix, and you'd be a fan of almost every winner in NBA history? Wouldn't that be fun!? ;)

Also, anyone who thinks that the Bulls are going to get Kobe while also keeping Hinrich, Deng, Thomas and Wallace are absolutely not clued in to reality. Nice try!

Please no Kobe, I will also stop rooting for the bulls, hes a loser, and a team cancer. I think the bulls are already going in the right direction, they almost made it to the eastern confrence finals, and everyone is young. Bulls will only be better next year, and we already have a high draft pick the year as well. Keep the core, lets keep playing with them

This is a team that traded MJ and dogged out Scottie. The CURSE is still alive and well and TRUE EX-BULLS fans are looking and still wishing the owners pay and pay and pay for what they did. CB won't come to the Bulls and hopefully KG won't either. They haven't payed for what they did. The best trade possible is to trade the Owners of the Chicago Bulls. Let MJ buy the team.

People talk about Kobe's "KILLER mentality", but where was it when they were facing the Suns without AMARE last year, AT HOME, IN GAME SEVEN!!!!???? Then had the termerity to try to PASS in GAME 7 after scoring 81 points in the regular season!!! Charles and Kenny called his butt out and he came on the show offering Play Stations and excuses just like he did his wife with the rape case!!!! Just like Iverson - the team will do BETTER once he is gone and they get back to playing real basketball. I BET YOU, NONE of his teammates will be unhappy if he is traded.

I ADMIT, he would be what we needed at the two guard, but he is a little more than what we need, and much more that what Pax will be bargaining for. This is a guy with NO loyalties except to his scoring and stats. He turns on friends and coaches - and hotel employees (allegedly).

And if you were LA, do you REALLY make a trade with the BULLS for YOUR best player, that doesn't include THEIR best player??? You DEMAND Deng, Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas and the Draft Picks. And you give Chicago the line-up of Ben Gordon, Kobe, Noch, Wallace and Brown while you sport: Hinrich, ODOM, Deng, Turiaf, and Bynum, with Tyrus, Kwame off the bench AND Chicago's picks and Phil Jackson as your coach. And you make it just as far as Kobe ever took you which is out after the second round. Only this time, you have a team and a future like Utah. And Chicago has nothing but hype, i mean hope.

kobe is right when he signed the contract with the lakers in july 2004 the lakers said that they going to rebuild around kobe and they do not give andrew byum for jason kidd they want to make a team around andrew bynum he is 19 years old he not going to be a good player in 3 years kobe is getting older and he want to win now no in 5 years kobe is right when he siad that the lakers and him are taking different direccion for the future

I live out west & get all the Kobe news everyday. Bryant not exactly a player that is easy to like off the court it seems .But admit he may be the best in a watered down NBA. Bryant with Bulls just could put Bulls over the top . Bryant has a winning attitude that I like. Not a Laker fan ,but Kobe is one player Id build a team around.Only a very few NBA players have the skill that they can take over a game. Kobe is one of those,he just needs some players with a similar attitude around him. I write this & I'm not a huge Kobe fan. But you've got to give credit to a player like Kobe. Bulls should go after him!

"This is a team that traded MJ and dogged out Scottie"

Duck..what planet have you been on? Phil wanted out, Jordan retired, and Pippen didn't want to be here. Then they gave Pippen $10M for 2 years and I think he played about 30 games. Yeah, they really dogged out no tippen Pippen...

dope

Roman responds: Phil wanted out because he didn't want to work with Krause, which led to Jordan leaving and Pippen wanting out. Paxson was the one who brought Pippen back (and overpaid him).

Kobe Bryant to the Bulls? Let me pinch myself! If we could get Kobe for a bunch of player's who have reached their celling do it. Dng will never be the player we are wishing for and Hinrich and Gordon are over powered by bigger guards. I'm tired of seeing Ben gordon turn the ball over, fall down all by himself the same goes with Hinrich. We don't have to give up everyone for Kobe. Look what the laker got for Shaq! We can pull this off without giving up our hold team. Get rid of Deng and gordon if you have to. Both of them together is no Kobe. We don't need draft pick for the next 7 years. What rookies came in during the bulls dynasty of the 90's ment much. This team is to young to make a serious run we need veterans. Just keep this in mind nobody wins a championship without a mega superstar. The Pistons were lucky a couple of tears ago with a out of wack Lakers team.

roman: i heard today that it would be a 3 way deal ,

wizards: gordan and noc
Bulls: Kobe
Lakers: 9th pick and arenas

we dont need a crybaby in chicago. if youre going to get someone good make it anyone but him. chicago will not win more games having him here and the distraction will cause more problems for the team. where ever kobe goes that team will be worse because he shoots too much....talks too much....over paid and mostly he isnt a team player.

Keith, Your right except one thing, KOBE is demanding a trade. So, we dont NEED to wholesale half our team and our future. We only have to give them just a little more than the next team. Who can NY offer? He can't go West, he cant go to Miami. Philly,Detroit,Orlando are too small of markets. Boston?? Please, that would be sacreligios...so the logical choice is Chicago. BIG market, winning tradition, good coach, great General Managment, and the most important intangable is that it plays right into Kobe's ego trip. Where else can he finally lift the MJ monkey off his back? NOWHERE. There is nowhere else that Kobe can play if he ever wants to really assert himself as the BEST EVER. He, im willing to give him a shot. YOu have to be joking me if you'd rather watch Loul Deng 20 foot jumper show or Kobe's twisting and turning circus shots and steadily nailing game winners.

By the way ESPN is reporting Kobe to Dallas.

Roman responds: It doesn't matter if Kobe is demanding a trade. You still have to make it attractive to the Lakers, who don't have to trade him.

Keith, Your right except one thing, KOBE is demanding a trade. So, we dont NEED to wholesale half our team and our future. We only have to give them just a little more than the next team. Who can NY offer? He can't go West, he cant go to Miami. Philly,Detroit,Orlando are too small of markets. Boston?? Please, that would be sacreligios...so the logical choice is Chicago. BIG market, winning tradition, good coach, great General Managment, and the most important intangable is that it plays right into Kobe's ego trip. Where else can he finally lift the MJ monkey off his back? NOWHERE. There is nowhere else that Kobe can play if he ever wants to really assert himself as the BEST EVER. Hey, im willing to give him a shot. YOu have to be joking me if you'd rather watch Loul Deng 20 foot jumper show vs. Kobe's twisting and turning circus shots and steadily nailing game winners.

By the way ESPN is reporting Kobe to Dallas. I doubt it..

First things first Bulls fans, the Bulls will never win with Ben Gordon starting, sixth man maybe. So staying the course only has a chance at working if Sefoloosha becomes a legit starter at two guard, even though he played best in the front court this past season. So if we don't "dump" Gordon in a Kobe deal, then we have to trade Gordon for another lottery pick in this years draft. Rumor has it that Atlanta's 3 and Boston's 5 might be in play.

That said, there are only a hand full of players in the league in Kobe's class(as a player, i.e. anyone that could be traded straight up for Kobe (Lebron, Wade, Duncan, maybe KG). So if Kobe wants to play for the Bulls we have to go for it, especially since he is only 29 and fully in his prime and he is the closest thing to MJ that there ever will be.

Now the parameters of the trade. First it will not be a straight Lakers/Bulls affair. At least a third team will be needed. That team is the Suns, especially with Pax clone Kerr now in charge.

For the Bulls the trade has to start with Gordon and Ben Wallace(we need his salary in the deal more than we need him on the court(especially with Kobe). We absolutly have to keep the 9th pick, Sefoloosha and especially Thomas. So the choice comes down to Deng vs Nocioni. Deng may or may not be the second coming of James Worthy, but he will never be Kobe or even Scottie(Pippen). So if Deng has to be included, so be it. Lets be real it will take Deng but lets hope for Nocioni, who by the way is vastly undervalued due to his injuries last year.

The Lakers send Kobe to the Bulls, and some combination of Turiaf/Kwame Brown/Andrew Brown and their 19th pick, depending on whether it is Deng or Nocioni. Lets say Turiaf and the pick.

The Lakers get Gordon, Deng/Nocioni, and Wallace

The Suns, who apparently have chemistry and cap issues, trade Marion and Barbosa to the Lakers. And they have 2 late first round picks which could also come the Bulls way.

Gordon and Wallace come to the Suns, unless the Lakers can convince the Suns to take Kwame Brown, or Anrew Bynum instead.

The Lakers end up with Marion, Deng, Barbosa, and Wallace, or Brown/Bynum to go with Lamar Odom.

The Suns end up with Gordon, who everybody says will go off next to Nash in the Suns system and Wallace/Brown. Have to assume from Phoenix stand point that it is Wallace unless money is the main issue. Maybe the Suns trade Amare for KG to go for it now. How does Nash, Gordon, Wallace, Diaw, and KG sound.

The Bulls starting 07-08 line-up: Kobe, Hinrich, Thomas, Nocioni, and the 9th pick(Joakim Noah, Yi JianLian, Spencer Hawes or Jason Smith) and/or free agent (max veterans exception, maybe Darko Milicic). We still have Sefoloosha and Duhon off the bench, with Turiaf, Brown or Bynum, plus any combo of the three late round picks from the Lakers and Suns.

Some massaging for salary cap purposes is inevitable, but all three teams are definately better than they are now. The Bulls are automatic contenders in the east with #24 stepping into the footsteps of #23 just like he has planned for his whole life.

Please forward to Pasxon, Kerr and Dr. Buss.

Thanks, BigWay

Roman responds: It's a good post, but I don't look at your starting Bulls lineup for next season and automatically think: NBA champion, or even Eastern Conference champion.

The level of ignorance displayed on this message board is unparalled. Truth: Kobe Bryant is one of the top 5 talents in the league. Nobody on the Bulls comes even close. Fiction: That Kobe can force a trade. He's under contract for 4 more years at $88 million. Lakers don't have to trade him and he's virtually untradeable. Those who say they wouldn't want Kobe on their team don't understand basketball. Those who think the Bulls can get him without gutting their roster and becoming the Lakers east don't understand the finances of basketball. ITS NOT HAPPENING...at least, not until Kobe decides to opt out, which is a few years away. Know your basketball before spewing out hot garbage, supposed NBA fans.

Roman responds: Kobe can opt out after the 08-09 season. And that would mean the Lakers wouldn't get anything for him. So in that case, Kobe can't force a trade, but he can leverage one.

This is how you get Kobe to the Bulls, who just happen to have the #9 pick in this year’s draft. LA needs a big ticket guy in the line to create a buzz so that the team can support its need to be in the "spot light" and outside of Oden or Durant the only fit could be the Asian sensation 7'0" YI. This gives the Lake show a new market to tap into and a solid prespect going forward. It is up to the Bulls (and to Yi’s agent Dan Fegan) to get their hands on Yi at #9 , or above, if necessary. That way the Bulls can offer the Lakers two young future (moons not stars) players in Yi and Ben Gordon, two excellent role players in Andres Nocioni (sign and trade) and Thabo Sefolosha, and future picks and spare parts creatively crafted to match salaries. The Lakers would likely have to give the Bulls back their first round pick this year, #19, so that Chicago can complete their front line and be competitive enough for Kobe to want to land there.

But I can't help but to think that this another head game from the "high" mind of Phil...If anyone Paxon knows how Phil likes to play his #1 player against management. Jordan and Krause sound familiar...however Jordan never ask for a trade...I think him leaving the game sort of let people know he was not as happy with things upstairs as he could have been. More likely Phil will use this to rally the weak team surrounding Kobe to somehow put out max effort and challenge Kobe to prove to the "Man"agement that he was the better choice and player than his one-time rival and co-star Shaq.

Funny thing is...that no matter what the Bulls win!!!!!

I'm tired of people who worship jordan. He's not the greatest, he's not even the greatest scorer of all time- thats Chamberlain. He's not the greatest clutch player of all time- thats Bird.
He's not the greatest all-around player of all time- thats The Big O.
He's not even the best dunker, thats Vince Carter. I dont care who you are, Kobe's stature, grace, intellegence, and "killer instinct" is just as pure as Jordan's ever was. If you mean to tell me that you think jordan wouldn't be frustrated if he were in Kobe's situation, then you're not the brightest crayon in the box. I remember seeing Kobe play against Jordan when he was still in chicago, and at 18 years of age he was hanging strong with the supposed "greatest." Hey how come the "greatest's" best single game performance only amounted to 69 points? Isn't 81 "greater" than 69? And for all of you unobservant jackasses out there, Kobe has tried to get his teammates involved. They suck. Of course the bulls should push to get Kobe! He's not one of the best players in the league, he's the best. He's the guy you want on your side when the buzzer sounds, he's the guy who can single- handedly bring a team back when they're down 10 with 2 minutes to go. Put him in the eastern conference so he can kick d wade out of his starting spot in next years all star game and oust lebron james for all star mvp again. Maybe if kobe's in the east they'll finally give him season mvp like he's deserved for the past 6 years.

Roman responds: Passion often interferes with rational thought. You shouldn't worship Jordan, but if you don't give him his due as a player, you're ridiculous. He won 6 titles without a center. Clutch player? You obviously don't watch ESPN Classic.

Kobe should stay in LA. This is where hes been his whole career. Hes made some of the most spectacular plays ever while in a lakers uniform. People say kobe only won 3 titles because of shaq, but shaq couldnt of won them without kobe. And lebron james is good and all, but he doesnt step up consistently. Kobes by far the best player in the NBA, and none of his teammates will be happy if he leaves.

The Bulls trading for Bryant goes against the basic team philosophy that Paxson's followed in rebuilding the team. Bryant's attitude and infamy don't mix into the Bull's chemistry, despite his scoring legacy.
If he is ever traded or signs as a free agent, expect him to move to the Knicks.

Pax is NOT smart or savvy enough 2 get Kobewithout giving up 2 much. A SMART GM would trade Kirk Grossman, Ben Wallace, the number 1 pick and say Duhon 4 Kobe. Pax, in is brillance will probably trade Gordon, Deng, the pick and Thomas.

MK The shark...denial ain't just a river in Africa...
Mentioning Vince Carter in the same sentence as MJ is a joke. Carter was a great dunker in meaningless games. Tell me again how many playoff wins he has? Carter isn't a top 100 in this history of this league...Jordan is either 1, 2 or 3 depending on your criteria. Comparing the Big O (who was a great player in his own right, but played in a different era) to MJ...2 totally different players. I think it was in '88 when the Bulls put MJ at the point for about 3 weeks. He got a triple double in 2/3 of the games. Wilt was also a freak of nature..a great player but he did most of his damage against guys 5 inches shorter than he was. In his 100 point game, the guy guarding him was 6'7" I believe - 7 inches shorter.
Think before you speak...

To all...please refrain from including Duhon in any sort of meaningful trade. He has the trade value of a 2nd round pick..translated, not much in the NBA. MG...your trade idea makes as much sense as offering Noch for KG.

Pete M, give us a break dude. Your a total D-bag if you think that we are IGNORANT, because we dont understand NBA financing. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? My friend went to 4 years of law school and then a 4 year MBA program to become a sports agent. Negotiating Pro sports contracts could possibly be one of the hardest jobs out there. Other than a tax accountant and a heart surgeon, oh and maybe a nuclear scientist, there are probably few jobs that are harder. I played hoops, i negotiate huge real estate contracts, but i would never claim to be a master of NBA financing. But, I am FAR FROM IGNORANT.

To understand NBA financing and to be a fan of the NBA are not wholly unseperable. You can be a fan of the NBA, you can even talk hoops and trades and have fun with your team without being an expert in NBA financing. YOUR JUST A PUNK, WHO WANTS TO TALK SMACK. GET A LIFE!! TAKE YOUR MASTERY OF FINANCING AND GO GET A JOB, STOP ATTACKING BULLS FANS. YOUR PROBABLY A KNICK FAN IN DISGUISE. GET THAT WEEEK STUFF OUTTA HERE!!!

OH for that retard who puts "THE SHARK" after his name....you obviously never saw jordon play in person. Cause dude looked like a black panther out there. NO ONE HAS EVER HAD SO MUCH GAME PACKED INTO ONE PERSON. TO APPRECIATE IS NOT TO WORSHIP. YOU JUST LOVE TO HATE JORDAN. SO GET OVER IT. HES THE BEST EVER!!! NO QUESTION.

Oh and that 3 team trade sounds like it could work!

Roman responds: What do you guys say, a new rule that whenever someone talks this loudly he has to put some kind of name with it?

"IF KOBE STAYS IN L.A. HE IS THE ENEMY!!!

If he comes to Chicago, we will embrace him and exhault him."

bculz, I can respect--somewhat--your feelings about what you deem my "fence ridin"; however, what I can't respect is how you would want someone you obviously do not respect (Kobe). Luckily, you're not the judge on who can be a Bulls fan, so I'm okay in that aspect.

P.S. If you write in caps, at least attempt to spell correctly. I will root--not route--for both the Lakers and the Bulls.

Roman responds: I've become accustomed to the few good spellers on this thing, but PLEASE do not use all caps.

My first question of all this nonsense: If Kobe is frustrated w/ losing & wants to win a title, then WHY are the Knicks on his short-list of teams?? Several other teams in the East (including also-rans like Atl & Orl) are closer to becoming contenders than NY, if KB was primarily interested in winning. Nope, this is all about attention for Kobe, & frankly has 'Terrell-Owens-to-Eagles' written all over it!

The fact is, Kobe made this mess himself! After Shaq left, KB immediately signed for the max contract, which hindered his team to get better supporting talent around him. I'm not going to fault his capitalistic nature, but if Kobe's #1 goal was to WIN, then he could have signed for 'only' $12mil per season which would have helped the team immensely (& they could have easily added key free-agents). Instead, he took the Joe Johnson route & became the best player on a bad team.

Here's another thing to consider: look at ALL the reasons folks in LA are willing to trade him:
1) He has right to opt out of his contract in 2 years.
2) Inability to get along w/ teammates, coaches, etc. I've seen the phrase 'locker-room cancer' mentioned several times lately to describe him.
3) History of whining to the media when he doesn't have all the attention on him, instead of handling things in a more closed-door team-oriented manner.
4) Ballhog, impedes the development of younger players.
5) Only championship success has been as #2 along side Shaq.
6) As great of an individual player, he doesn't make him teammates better & thus the TEAM has limited success.
etc.
WHY does everyone seem to think that all of this goes AWAY if he becomes a Bull? I'm all for the Bulls making a trade, but I just don't see Kobe as being worth the risk for what they would have to give up. & let's remember that the primary NEED for the Bulls is a low-post scorer; if they had that, their offense would have better flow, outside shooters would have higher-pct shots off of double-teams, better offensive rebounding, etc.

If Deng is ultimately going to be traded (hope not!), I would MUCH rather see them take Memphis up on the Gasol trade & avoid gutting the rest of the roster.

Michael Jeffrey Jordan is the Holy Grail of Hoops! He is the Player ALL Players immulate ESPECIALLY WANNABEE Kobe Bryant! Larry Legend Bird called Mike "God in gym shoes", which makes any comment against Mike - pure hoops basphemy! There was no question who was MVP EVERY year he played - folks got the award by default. There has been a "Baby Jordan", while tis greatness was STILL playing! His number is retired in ANOTHER team's stadium, and he was a scoring champ for a decade in arguably the toughest time there has been to play in the NBA. And MJ was equally formidable off the court in business as on it. Mike could have scored 100 many nights, but simply refused to - saved ALL of his best performances for the PLAYOFFS. Many players have been great, but Mike's feats and stats ACROSS THE BOARD blot out their ACCOMPLISHMENTS like the Sun standing next to a flashlight!

BARON DAVIS is the talk of this year's playoffs because he is the ONLY player that produced what MJ did against Cleveland! NOW that is what a KILLER does in the playoffs, not give out playstations and excuses! Dwade showed us all that EVEN with a old 300lb gorrilla in the post - you could easily produce what Kobe did for LA. In fact Penny Hardaway did the same thing many years before. They just ran into Olojawan at his best. What happened to Penny after Shaq left? What happened to Kobe after Shaq left. MJ NEVER had a Shaq. In fact, MJ had to battle against him - with no Center!!

I think the caps help to read it. I may need glasses.

MJ is god.

The only thing you need to say to someone who disses Mike is...

In the modern world, the only name more recognizable than Michael Jordan is the word GOD.

Thusly, he is the most widely known human on the planet.

Scary thought.

(also, if you have to point out my spelling errors, you've obviously ran out of legit arguments. Come on my Anonymous brotha' you gotta come stronger than that.)

Maybe we can get a spell check on this mug?

MK the Shark- Luckily you started making sense at the end of your response because 70% of it was pure foolishness. Saying Bird was more clutch than MJ? Leave the crack alone, walk away and let it be. Obviously you were no where to be found during those championship seasons. As Roman stated, MJ won without a center and made everyone around him better. We won with a bunch of average players. In MJ's early season's he had Orlando Woolridge... Need I say more? Mike patiently waited for rookies like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant to develope rather than demand for the Bulls to trade for help. They built a system full of nice complementary players like Pax, Kerr, Hanson, Hodges, and Harper to name a few. Players who were always clutch. Hell even Buechler hit key shots when he had to. MJ was a true leader which is why he'll go down as one of the greatest. Match that with his, yes, killer instinct, the best ever.

I can't lie, as much as I tried to hate Kobe, he is the closest thing to MJ. He's clutch and he tried to help his teammates get better. Who would want to wait for Bynum and K. Brown to get better? Smush Parker and Walton? Give Kobe more credit. Kobe in a Bulls uniform? I'll take that all day long.

We would have to give up a lot to get Kobe... but I don't think it's as much people would think. As long as we don't give up Deng, I'd take about any deal. Deng is better than anyone Kobe has had since Shaq, except possibly when Odom was healthy. I think the Lakers will be forced to trade Kobe because he will leave after the season if he doesn't get the trade... and pretty much any player we include will be better than any package the knicks offer. It's been a while since I've watched Kobe... but couldn't they put post him up? The bulls of the nineties never had a true big, but used Michael down in the post alot. Send Kobe down there, and he will definitely open it up.

Roman responds: No Deng, no deal. It's that easy. He's the best player on the Bulls. You think the Lakers will take the lesser players for Kobe?

well let's see, this mornings Sun Times poll currently shows 64% of Bulls fans on't want Kobe in Chicago (I'm among that 64%). who ever it was that was attempting to make Kobe sound like he is as good or even better than MJ you're nuts. true Kobe's high game is 81 and MJ's was 69 but MJ's 69 was done within the scheme of the offense not as an individual effort to put on a show. Vince Carter a better dunk artist than MJ? give me a break! Vince doesn't have the hang time of MJ and I don't recall ever seeing VC leave his feet outside of the freethrow line and jam with his head still level with the rim. and how long does any one think it would be before Kobe would be butting heads with Skiles demanding he be replaced with another coach? I agree with the person that said Kobe only wants to come to the Bulls because he thinks the road to the finals will be easier in the east and I also think he would like to quell some of the "king James" hype in the east. also someone mentioned MJ's off court antics, well the most that was ever printed was about his gambling which I think was ridiculous to have even mentioned condering the money he made playing a round of golf for $10,000 would be like me playing a round for $5. did MJ have any affairs? he probably did but he wasn't stupid enough to mess with a sleazy bimbo that would turn a round and holler rape. before the Bulls won the first of thier 6 rings MJ knew the team they had was not going to win any championships but he didn't demand a trade he said get me some help! he wasn't asking for players to make him better he was asking for players that could contribute and take some of the pressure off him, players he could make better, players that could knock down a shot when he collapsed the defense and passed the ball out to them not players that could draw a double team and open a lane for him.

"The only thing you need to say to someone who disses Mike is...

In the modern world, the only name more recognizable than Michael Jordan is the word GOD.

Thusly, he is the most widely known human on the planet.

Scary thought."

bculz, I don't have anything else to say about my Kobe/Lakers/Bulls allegiance; however, your comment above is absolutely not connected with sense. Just because someone has a recognizable name does not make them un-dissable. Hitler, and the Devil, among others, are names as widely known as God--but they are most definitely dissable.

P.S. This is not meant to be a dis on Mike, because the man laid it down. Though I will say the man had his faults as do every human; many just put said faults to the side and prefer to hoist the dude to the rafters (Some to the heavens).

Are you kidding me? Are you knuckleheads so myopic to foreget that Kobe lead the Lakers in assists when they had a team that could actually score? He does whatever it takes to win, and for the last 3 years, that meant scoring. His offensive game is more potent than MJ and his drive to win is equal.

You Bulls fans are acting like the ugly guy who puts down the hottest girl on campus. Get real. Kobe's a superstar; be thankful he wants to date you (the Bulls) while he's on the rebound.

Roman responds: Congrats. You're my first poster who used the word "myopic,'' and you weren't even condescending about it.
I think some people are wondering what he would do with a watered-down Bulls team that he couldn't do with the Shaq-less Lakers. I know it's a different conference, but at some point the team from the East has to beat the team from the West to win the title.

Roman responds:

"Ok, let's not be silly. Did you really say you got tired of watching perhaps the greatest player in NBA history lead the Bulls to titles late in his career? You'd rather watch the Spurs or Pistons?"

I guess what is silly is a personal thing.

Yes, I did. And here is my perspective on it.

Kobe is arguably as good an offensive talent as MJ - if he had the desire he could probably come a lot closer to Jordan defensively, whether or not he could do so without his offense suffering would be a big question.

The question is if one superstar dominates the team's offense and is essentially unstoppable, is it more "entertaining" because the team is winning titles?

As far as I am concerned, no. Obviously fans want their team to win titles. That is not the same thing as deriving pleasure from watching an entertaining team, playing TEAM basketball.

Since you brought up the Spurs and Pistons, and let's throw in the Cavs with anointed superstar LBJ, let's talk about apples and apples.

I would rather watch the Suns than any of those teams any day. The Spurs are a great TEAM, but boring as hell. The Pistons are nearly over the hill and boring. The Cavs are apparently a Scottie Pippen away from trying to re-create MJ and the Jordanaires.

I am hoping that Paxson and Skiles continue to build the team the way they have been and do not make the mistake of giving up that style and structure by trading for someone like Randolph or Gasol.

My only worry about the current core players is whether Hinrich can get past his mental hangups that cause him to defer on his shooting too often and get too obsessed with a bad streak of play to the degree that it affects him much more than it should.

s

Roman responds: Ok, silly was wrong. I love watching the Suns, too. But those Bulls teams to me did not seem boring. And to me it's get the championship first, worry about style points second.

Kobe Bryant has 2 scoring titles. MJ has 10 CONSECUTIVE scoring titles.
Kobe has 3 championships. MJ has 6.
Kobe has 0 MVP's. Mike has 3.
Kobe has 0 Gold medals. Mike has 2.
Some of you refuse to do the math.
And Michael played during the time where you got chopped in the throat and slammed to the floor for driving to the basket - with no suspensions. Players were like Ron Artest and the playoffs were a war of attrition. Rules were changed to accommodate all of this above the rim stuff. 3 seconds pah-lease! You could hold, grab, push and lean on a guy. Game was full of stars! Barkley is laughing at this league right now. Nash is the MVP, ahahahhah!

Kobe is a great player, but I think we can get MOST what he gives from another player and keep our roster. A lesser star is out there.

Kobe is a Lock Down defender. Let me repeat this. Kobe is a Lock Down defender. All the points that Ben Gordan gave up, will be minimized with Kobe as his replacement. If it's one thing the Detroit series should me was that while I enjoy this group, they are not big or strong enough for a championship. Not even in the East. Kobe would cure those ills and show the emotion and grittiness you need to win it all. Remember, it's about winning it all! The group as it is now, can't win it all. But it's all up to Pax and how he manuvers through the trade and draft maze.

The only real hope for the Bulls getting Kobe Bryant is if he forces a trade much in the fashion Shaq did from the Lakers. Look back on the Shaq trade, did the Lakers really get equal value? The Heat stood fast and refused to offer Dewayne Wade. the Lakers won championships with both Shaq & Kobe, but zero after he left. it really depends on how badly Kobe really wants out. Kobe strikes me as moody and can change his mind in a heart beat. The Bulls could get Lucky in this regard because the Lakers don't want Kobe brooding and have nothing in 2 years or even during his time there.

#9 and Gordon for Kobe and THAT's IT. The Lakers will become desperate as they dont want a disruptive force ruining another season. The West is out so Chicago looks good with all its young talent. However, trading it all away for an $88 million Kobe will not lead to imminent championships. Kobe has won 3, but how many without Shaq?

At the risk of sounding like an old Dr. J fan who refused to believe a kid named Mike Jordan was the next Julius Erving, who was the next Oscar Robertson, who was the next Bill Russle who was the next George Mikan...and so on, and so on...Point Im making is....there is always someone who comes before someone else. Jordan wasnt always MJ.

This Post wasnt about Mike vs. Kobe. Its about getting KOBE to the Bulls. My thought was that if Kobe is really such a megalamaniac (how many points for that word Roman?)then, Chicago is the only place where he can come to try to slay that preverbial dragon that is, "THE NEXT" I guess eventually the kids will barely remember Mike and all his greatness, cause lets be honest. If you were awake for the 90's you could tune in almost every night and see Jordan and the Bulls do something they had never done. Someone said that we hate Kobe like we hate the hot chick. Well, ive always been one to date the hot chick. So how about it Kobe? You wanna take a crack at an immortal? Come to chi town!!!

Roman responds: No points. You misspelled megalomaniacal.

Roman responds: What do you guys say, a new rule that whenever someone talks this loudly he has to put some kind of name with it?

I agree if you have something to say put your name (real or made up doesn't matter) to it and stand behind what you believe istead of being a anany mouse I've been referred to in some of these threads as everything from a jerk to a statician extraordinair (that's most likely misspelled but then so what)but I never have hidden behind an anonymous post.

"#9 and Gordon for Kobe and THAT's IT"

Pete W...I agree. Using your "logic", I also recommend the following trades:

- Sleepy Duhon for Steve Nash
- Noch for KG

Any other ideas?

I'm still getting over Keith's comparison of Kobe to Dominique Wilkins and I see this!

The only real hope for the Bulls getting Kobe Bryant is if he forces a trade much in the fashion Shaq did from the Lakers. Look back on the Shaq trade, did the Lakers really get equal value? The Heat stood fast and refused to offer Dewayne Wade. the Lakers won championships with both Shaq & Kobe, but zero after he left. it really depends on how badly Kobe really wants out. Kobe strikes me as moody and can change his mind in a heart beat. The Bulls could get Lucky in this regard because the Lakers don't want Kobe brooding and have nothing in 2 years or even during his time there.

I will say this, the Bulls threads are the funniest. Bears are hardcore serious, Cubs threads are silly and blow hardy with too much info. but these Bulls posts, man...they just sizzle!

Don't usually read message boards and have never made a post until now, I just want to a make couple different points.

1. Is Kobe really the answer? Jordan was and is the greatest basketball player ever, and yes Jordan won NBA championships without a dominant center. He had Pippen, Kukoc, Rodman, Harper (Defense), Longley (not a A type center but I would say no lower than a B-, good shooter which fit in the triangle offense), and had a couple sharp shooters off the bench in Kerr, and Buechler. With that said Jordan didn't win without those guys, and Kobe will not win without a good supporting cast. We can't give up the whole core to get him.

2. We CANNOT give up DENG to get Kobe. Deng should be untouchable. He would be in the NBA draft this year if he stayed at Duke, he's young and we are just scratching the surface with his talent.

3. It has been posted by Roman and several individuals that a trade for Kobe would have to include Deng. However it is stated that Kobe has leverage. Whatever leverage Kobe may or may not have would also give leverage to the team trying to deal for him. If the Lakers even entertain a trade for Kobe it's because they understand it will be alot harder to explain to Lakers fans how they got nothing for Kobe in two years in terms of players and championships, than to trade Kobe now and get a few good young players. So what I am saying is that I do not think Deng has to be involved in the trade, and as each day passes Kobe and the potential trading team get more leverage.

4. Point four I ask the same question as point 1. Is Kobe really the answer? He has shown that he is not a stand up guy. HIs displeasure of the Lakers are hanling business should have been done behind closed doors first. I listened to his interview with Stephen A and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This guy is a flip flopper and if things go bad in Chicago he will turn on the Bulls. There was an article on Yahoo Sports that says anyone that Kobe has ever been close to he has turned on them. Is that what we want?

5. How about KG? I am not claiming to know anything about this, so I would like to hear from you Roman. What would be the cost of getting KG? If we give up less for KG than Kobe, I say lets get KG and be contenders.

Go Bulls

Jeffrey my friend, don't sleep on Nique. Believe me, I paid Kobe a huge compliment. The only difference between Kobe and Dominiqe is playing with Shaq and the ERA of their careers. Compare Kobe's stats pre and post Shaq - with Nique's. Thats the REAL Kobe and the one that resembles Nique. They are even the same height.

DOMINIQUE WILKINS:
In 1986 he won the NBA scoring title with an average of 30.3 points per game, and in 1992 he set an NBA record by sinking 23 free throws in a game without a miss. He's the Atlanta Hawks' all-time franchise leader in both scoring and steals. Wilkins was instrumental to the Hawks' success in the late 1980s as the club recorded 50 wins in four straight seasons from 1985-86 to 1988-89. During that span he poured in more than 30 points per game twice, and for the four years combined he averaged 29.1 ppg. In 1988 he also scored 29 points in 30 minutes of action in the All-Star Game. In the postseason he averaged 31.2 points and despite the Hawks narrowly missing out on reaching the Eastern Conference Finals after losing to the Boston Celtics by a mere two points in Game 7 of the conference semifinals, he ganied more respect as a result of his epic battle with Larry Bird.

In the early 1990s, while the Hawks were slipping from a 50-win team to a .500 ballclub, Wilkins evolved from a pure scorer into a more all-around contributor. In 1990-91 he grabbed a career-high 9.0 rebounds per contest, and he topped 3 assists per game that year for the first time. Nearly injury-free for most of his career, he suffered a season-ending rupture of his Achilles tendon midway through the 1991-92 campaign.

I do think the lakers would take less than Deng... at least if they deal Kobe. Ben Gordon is as good if not better than anyone the knicks would give up.

Roman responds: The Grizzlies wouldn't take anyone less than Deng, and that was for a softie like Pau Gasol.

The idiocy isn't confined to a few of the posters here...I just read John Jackson and he said the Bulls would offer Ben Gordon OR Tyrus Thomas for KG (also said Deng would be off the table for KG).
Romo - isn't it a requirement for the ST writers to at least watch a few games before commenting on possible trades? He can't be serious with that comment...or maybe he's the one who thinks we can get Nash for Duhon also.

You people don't understand Kobe. He didn't go to Spain to hunt down Dr. Buss to ask for a trade, pretty please. He is stubborn as a mule and wants to be traded, and traded to the Bulls. This is the same Kobe who went from living with his parents to never speaking to them because they wouldn't accept his wife for racial reasons. He doesn't mess around. His world is black or white, no racial pun intended.

Ben Gordon absolutely has to go, Kobe trade or not. He is Bambi in sneakers, just look at his face and body language on the court. He is a bigger pussy than BJ Armstrong was. He is a one trick pony, that doesn't work in the playoffs when teams take away that one trick. If we don't do the Kobe deal then we should use Gordon to obtain an additional lottery pick in this years draft. The Celtics appear willing to move out of the 5, so give them Gordon and next years #1 plus scraps like Duhon or second round picks if needed.

Secondly, to do a Kobe trade we need Wallace's salary in the deal, otherwise we have to aggregate way too many palyers to match salaries. So Gordon and Wallace is the base. I would not go further than Deng or the #9 pick but not both. No way I trade Sefoloosha or Thomas, they are the new longer more athletic "core".

The problem with a straight Bulls-Lakers deal is that the Bulls have no stars and the Lakers sell stars to their star fans, so a third team is needed to provide star power for the Bulls "core" assets. The Bulls needed to be proactive but patient, the longer that Kobe stews the better the deal becomes for the Bulls.

If Gordon and Wallace are not part of the deal, then there is no deal to do. They need to dump the Wallace salary, and admit that his signing was a waste of cap space. The Bulls cannot afford Kobe and Wallace at the same time, which they proved when the immediately dumped Chandler for chump change after they signed Wallace. Even in the Jordan era, they never paid anybody but Mike, and that was only in the last three years. Rodman was the second highest paid player Mike ever had, and he was a one year at a time rental. The #1 reason that they broke up the team after the second three-peat is because they didn't want to pay Pippen. If they would have taken care of Pippen the team would have stayed together as long as Jordan wanted to play, and Phil would have kept coaching.

The Bulls make sense to Kobe for his own personal reasons, he wants/needs to be the next MJ, and for this reason only he makes sense for the Bulls. Gordon, Wallace and the 9th pick is a no brainer. Gordon, Wallace and Deng is a little less so, but doable since Deng can be replaced by the deep crop of SF's available at #9. And a servicable center can be found for the max mid level exception(Darko Milicic, Maybe)

The Bulls should not be in a rush to overpay, I am perfectly happy letting the hand we have play out and getting a "discount' on a superstar in the next year or two. It would be nice to still have Chandler as a piece, or bargaining chip but the Bulls are too cheap. In fact had we kept him we probably would have Gasol now, without losing Deng.

Think about this, if Lebron and his Cavs beat the Pistons, but the Bulls lost to them, what would the Bulls with Kobe instead of Gordon and Deng have done against the Pistons, I say we would have beat them and the Cavs after that meaning we would have made the finals this year.

Jeffrey you obviously didn't read that entire article or just decided to take part of it out of context. Jackson was merely pointing out that KG's value now is dramtically changed from what it was prior to the February trade deadline because KG can opt out of his contract after next season and become a free agent and to trade away more than BG or TT (Brown was also included in that by the way for salary matching purposes) would a be foolish gamble for what could be a single season acquisition. So I suggest that prior to placing an "idiot" tag on Mr. Jackson you go back and re-read his article thoroughly and actually absorb what he said because right now you're the one that is looking like the idiot.

As much as I disagreed with the decision, the Bulls are this/close to putting an offer on the table for Kobe, whom asked for Chicago as his preferred destination. Supposedly Phoenix doesn't have the market to suffice His Majesty, and look for a multiple team deal. This should be interesting, and I believe Skiles is gonna go along for the ride with positive influence. If it does happen, I'm just curious to see the "BILL", and if the damage isn't catastrophic I guess it will be nice to having a go to guy bigger than 5'-11" who also plays "D". Nice knowin' ya Lil' Ben.

the bulls need size and an offensive threat in the post to ease the load and the dependency of the outside shot. the shot isnt always going to fall, like we saw in the detroit series. Kobe would be a VERY nice addition, but his attitude and ego are questionable. if the bulls had kobe, nonetheless we would still need a post-up threat and he doesnt have to be an all-star, just someone dependable. that can be found in the draft or some unknown gem in free-agency that can step into this system and produce. another question is: if we had that guy and Kobe, would Kobe get him the ball if he's in trouble?

Keith - I hear ya...I'm not doubting Nique's offensive production. His playoff against the Celtics in the 80's was unreal. Without checking stats, I assumed his offensive numbers were every bit as good as Kobe's. I just had to take exception to the comparison cuz Nique is not in his league as a basketball player. A few points:
- Pretty sure Nique was 6'8"...Kobe is listed at 6'6" in most publications. I will say it is difficult to compare players of different eras let alone different positions like these two.
- My view of why Nique wasn't picked as a top 50 of all time (you can definitely argue he should have been over unathletic pasty guys like me) is that he was viewed as 1 dimensional
- You can't really compare Kobe pre and post Shaq with Nique because the Hawks had some real good players back in the 80s (Doc Rivers, a young Cliff Levinston, Antoine Carr, Spud). I would argue a much better (sorry mike) supporting cast
- The NBA was so much better in the 80's which is a key reason why Nique was not considered a top 5 player when you had Bird, Magic, Jordan, et al. I think he was first team all NBA once. Kobe has been and will be a top 5 player in the league. Not really a fair point but I'll take it!
- From an overall skills standpoint, there's no comparison. Defensively, Kobe is outstanding as evidenced by his first team defensive team again this year as well as the following:
1999-2000 All Defense 1st Team
2000-01 All Defense 2nd Team
2001-02 All Defense 2nd Team
2002-03 All Defense 1st Team
2003-04 All Defense 1st Team
2005-06 All Defense 1st Team

Bottom line, Kobe can do it all. Back off of Nique and he had to rely on a very sporadic jump shot. If you start picking the best players of all time, Kobe is picked WAY before Nique.
Always fun talking bball with you Keith...not many of us left.

Roman responds: The Grizzlies wouldn't take anyone less than Deng, and that was for a softie like Pau Gasol.

While it's true the Grizzlies wouldn't take less for Deng, that was during the season (when the Grizzlies were asking too much, hoping that the Bulls would jump at him for a title run). I am sure that they will have to take less now. Especially since Gasol is saying that he don't even like the city of Memphis and wants out. This is also before the playoffs in which the world really took notice to the exceptional play of Deng. So Roman, the Grizzlies situation does not even compare now. Especially with Jerry West gone on July 1st.

The Bulls are the only team, that have a chance to pull off a trade. That is leverage, and if I am Paxson I don't even speak with the Lakers unless they know Deng is off the table.

He has been a coddled, spoiled, little brat his entire life. Why give up on good guys like Deng, Noc, Gordon, Hinrich for someone who would make our great city worse by his very prescence?

NO KOBE!

(lets see if i can get this posted by refraining from being an inflammatory jerk about it)

I think that the rape allegation against Kobe is a significant factor in whether we ought to bring him to the Bulls.

First of all, there is a difference between 'not guilty' and 'abusing the rape shield law and then settling with the alleged victim for millions out of court'. While as a city we have embraced many shady characters over the years, do we want to take a chance on someone who might actually be a very bad person?

Secondly, even though Kobe has not been convicted, can Bulls management ignore this perception by many of their fans? Probably, winning would cure all ills. However, an alleged rape is far more significant than most of the legal issues usually faced by athletes.

Roman responds: First of all, thanks for toning down the sarcasm. Secondly, you should talk to the Duke lacrosse team.

why not trade deng, gordon, t. thomas, and the #9 pick for kobe and the lakers pick regardless of the value given away because we can still probably acquire z. randolph with next years pick and p.j. brown then the lineup would be hinrich, bryant,nocioni,randolph and wallace i probably screwed up all kind of finances though ...???

I love how Kieth Dissed Jeffery, and called him an idiot, but the post didnt show up in time, before Jeffery said..

"Always fun talking bball with you Keith...not many of us left.
Posted by: Jeffrey | June 20, 2007 08:38 AM

I wonder if you still feel that way!

Just laughing to myself!

The Daily Herald says...To even match Bryant’s $19.5-million salary, the Bulls would most likely either have to include Ben Wallace in any trade, which would leave them without a center, or wait until after July 15 to toss in one or more of their current free agents in a sign-and-trade transaction.

This changes everything!

Roman responds: I wrote that before, too. Or Hinrich's salary has to be included.

Tim Little - if you think ANYONE in the league feels that the Bulls can land KG today with Gordon or TT, then you too are a member of the NBA idiots club. wake up...

Tim Little - are you suggesting the Bulls can land KG with either Gordon or Thomas? I agree his value is less than last year but if you think the Twolves would part with him for one of those 2, I think you're a bit jaded (I wont say idiotic) like Jackson.
The celtics are already rumored to offer up a package including Al Jefferson (borderline all-star) and their #5 pick among others.

KOBE
Hinrich
Tyrus
Zach Randolph
Spencer Haws

Hows that?

First Trade
To the Lakers - Gilbert Arenas
To the Wizards - Nocioni and Gordon
To the Bulls - Kobe

Second Trade
To Portland - #9 Pick and Seflosha (since we dont need two kobe's)
To Chicago - Zac Randolph

Line up - Hiny,Kobe,Deng,Zac,(fill in the blank slow lumbering white or asian 7'1 free agent center)

I WOULD GAURENTEE A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH THIS SQUAD!

I just read Jackson's column - If you think the Bulls can trade Ben Gordon OR Tyrus for Garnett, you're 100% out of your mind! The discussion would go something like:
Paxson: "Kevin McHale, John Paxson here...how about Ben Gordon or Tyus thomas for KG"
MacHale: (after 30 seconds of uncontrollable laughter) "uhh...how about no"

...dial tone

A smart general manager once said, "Some of your best trades are the ones you didn't make." That applies to the Bulls and Kobe. He ain't worth it. Too much baggage and the Bulls would have to decimate their nucleus to get him. Let it go.

Brian, that line up aint going nowhere, but they would be exciting because they would look like the Phoenix Suns. There is a LOT to be said for chemistry. But it would be worth it just to see Skiles try to coach Kobe and Zac!! I am crackin up just thinking about it. I can see Zac cussing Kobe out right NOW! Hinrich and Deng would be shaking their heads every day in disbelief. Deng'g career would just about be over. WHO would tell Zack he is not the man??? ahahahahahaha!!!!! Skiles is only effective when he has COMPLETE control. He is that character from Full Metal Jacket! That is why Pax refers to his players as "the CORE"!!! I can see Kobe looking sarcastically at Skiles's plays. I am really having a great time picturing Kobe listening to Skiles after being coached by Phil. Wheeeew!!! I am in stitches!!!! I can see Kobe holding a giant press conference now!!! This is too much!!! aaaahhhhahahahah!!!!!

What happened to the inside scorer this team needed? Draft either Jianlian or Hawes and hope for the best. I don't like Kobe not for his talent but as a human being in general. I would love to watch this hard working squad with a good post scorer to win a championship together.

Good Post Dan, I almost said something similar, but You said it better.

Cool Keith, my pal, dude, since when did Kobe "drafted out of HS" Bryant become uncoachable. I understand when MJ said he didnt want to play for anyone other than Phil, but Kobe is player, and players play for who they are paid to play for. They can take off the jerseys and put on ties, if they want to call plays. Believe me, Skiles is smart enough to build an offense around Kobe or whoever that accentuates his positives and minimizes his negatives. Either way, its not really up to Kobe. Besides, Phil is a snakey back stabber and Skiles is super solid dude. Also, Skiles gets mad respect from the players. Jason Kidd could be the biggest known to sports, so that incident doesnt count. Didnt Jason kidd lite his girl on fire or vice versa or something like that??? anyways...point is, SKILES IS PROBABLY A BETTER COACH THAN PHIL AND ANYONE ELSE IN THIS LEAGUE.

GAME RECOGNIZES GAME = KOBE AND ZACH WOULD RESPECT!

Roman responds: Hey, watch the language. I don't want to have to block you. You're too good of a poster.

bculz

In addition to laughing to yourself, I would also try reading who typed what...
Not sure which is wierder...laughing to yourself, or admitting to strangers that you're laughing to yourself.
The first step is admitting you have a problem.

Roman responds: What's wrong with laughing to yourself? And there are no strangers here. We are all family.

I CAN'T BELIEVE U SAID LEBRON AND NASH ARE BETTER PLAYER'S THEN KOBE...........ARE U STUPID LEBRON IS A GREAT GIFTED PLAYER BUT HE LACKS WHAT KOBE EASILY HAS TO MUCH OF HEART..... AND U EVEN SAYING STEVE NASH IS STUPID....NASH IS ONE OF THE MOST OVERRATED PLAYERS IN THE LEAGUE ... KOBE IS THE BEST ALL AROUND PLAYER .. LEBRON MAYBE WILL BE WHEN KOBE GETS OLD... SURE BOTH GOT PAST THE 1ST ROUND IN THE PLAYOFFS WITH TEAMS... NASH WITH CRAZY TALENT THAT CAN PLAY WITHOUT HIM AND LEBRON WITH A PUZZLE WITH MISSING PIECES AND HIS LACK OFF THE KILLER INSTINCT AND NASH HAS EASILY PUT SPOTS BLIMISHES IN HIS CAREER WITH HIS 4 QUARTER BLOW UPS AND LACK OF ANY TYPE OF DIFFENSE...NASH IS A (DH) ONLY IN BASKETBALL.... KOBE TRade WOULD BE GOOD ONLY IF IT DID NOT TOTALLY DESTROY THE TEAM...I THINK KOBE TO THE BULLS WOULD ..LURE KEVIN GARNETT ALSO MAYBE NOT AS QUICK BUT MIDWAY THRU THE SEASON........NOW IM FROM CHICAGO.....THIS IS FOR THE GUY THAT SAYS CHICAGO DON'T WON'T KOBE.....YOUR AN IDIOT ..WE WON'T KOBE......WE EVEN LOVE THE THOUGHT THAT WE MIGHT COULD HAVE KOBE EXCUSE ANY MISPELLED WORDS ...LOL

Roman responds: Misspelled? I wouldn't know where to begin with spelling and grammar with this one. I would try, but I can't get past you saying how Phoenix can win without Nash. You must not have been paying attention. And please watch your language. Thank you.

Response to Brianculz on the Randolph trade before I barf just thinking about it. Portland would throw in the Pacific Ocean if we gave them the #9 for Randolph, so we don't have to throw Sefoloosha away. Kobe and Sefoloosh can play together at 2&3 just like Mike and Scottie. Portland would give us Daruis Miles and Randolph for the #9, just to dump massive salaries and massive idiots. Problem is because of the salary cap the Bulls can't trade the 9 for Randolph anyway, we need to send back matching salaries. So even if we could stand the guy as a player or as a human being we can't do the deal until July and it needs a sign and trade with PJ Brown and at least one more player to match the massively overpaid Randolph

Long story short, Pax is too smart and Reinsdorf is too cheap to bail stupid teams out of their bad contracts. The deal is beyond stupid on the merits and undoable on the practicalities.

Less quantity, more quality on the posts Bculz

kobe is the most critisized player in nba, people hate him, because they think he's ambitious, people always try to bring him down by exaggerating things about him, as if hes the only person in this world who committed those kind of act outside the court, as if hes the only player who demands the ball more than the other, as if hes the only one who asked for a trade, sports commentators/ analysts, whatever you wanna call them hates him, and loves to write about hes mistakes on and off the court, they write it in a way that would create a hoopla against him, ive got nothing against james, nash, or even nowitzki, i personaly think that they are great players, but isnt it unfair that to build so much hype around these players, as if they never acted or committed any mistakes with their games, career and personal life, HYPOCRITICAL is the name of the game, unfortunately for you mr bryant you will never win that nba mvp award, because your not james, nash, nowitzki, these people only see the "evil" side of you, they dont care if you work hard or not, if you want to win so bad or not, if you are the best player on the court or not, for them your just a player whos trying to destroy a team, who wants attention, whos a cry baby, and a primadonna and their not going to allow a person like you take home that coveted award of them, NEVER

Like it or not people, Basketball is a TEAM sport. There are generally two kinds of stars - the kind that you HAVE to put others around, and the kind that MAKES others around him better.

BARON DAVIS made the others around him better this year. He was BIG when BIG was needed. Golden State had EVERY excuse under the sun to simply pack it in and get better in the off season, but their star shined and they followed his lead. And they shocked the world - against supposedly the BEST team in the Best league and the Reigning MVP. No excuses - just results.

I am of the ilk of those who would say - all the Mavericks needed was for their MVP (with ALL the weapons around him) to shine, but he didn't and as a result they went out in the first round. And here is the conundrum; you have Baron (a tattered relic), playing his heart out with a team of indistinguishable vagabonds against (what seemed like) insurmountable odds - and Kobe Bryant - who - a lot of people are comparing to Michael Jordan, being eclipsed by the Suns (pun intended) - count it...2 years in a row, last year without Amare Stoudemire. And to add insult to injury, Utah shows up in the conference finals led by little Deron Williams and LaBron shows up in the finals - with Boobie-Fresh-off-the-bench-Gibson!

Guys like Kobe require all of these players around them and still do not produce. Other guys (younger and inexperience) are getting it done. What makes a guy good or great is his ability to make others better WHILE rising to the occassion when needed. This is what made Michael, Magic, Bird and Larry great and what makes LaBron and Nash BETTER than Kobe. Kobe is talented, but until his efforts match his talent he must be placed beneath guys that are getting it done. Dunks and points are not PLAYOFF wins. MJ was held to the same scrutiny. AND PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO COUNT THOSE SHIPS THAT HAVE FOLLOWED SHAQ TO MIAMI.

Bculz...I assume you were kidding with the following statement...Sefalosha another Kobe? I suppose Chris Duhon is another Isiah?

To Portland - #9 Pick and Seflosha (since we dont need two kobe's)

Romo - no more Bulls blogs since they bring out the lunatics. I saw another post suggesting the Twolves would take Gordon OR Tyus for KG. Good Lord...

Keith, dude...Baron Davis a tattered relic? He was drafted in 99. 7 years is relic...man..you are harsh! I think your letting his def poetry slam beard fool you!

Jason, way to chime in 2 weeks later. Come on brotha, have some vision. Seflosha is smooth and nasty, kinda like kobe, you'll see!

I think kobe is bad for the bulls. I personally dis-like him but i also understand he is top three in the league value wise. I think we should wait for KG. He played hs ball in chicago, he is loyal and he is great at his position which is exactly what the bulls need. I think we can give the #9, duhon, P.J., and noc and have a starting line-up that looks like the captain, lil ben, deng, KG, and big ben, with SEF daddy and T squared coming off the bench. I understand that what I offered to the t-wolves was almost not enough but we can always add a scrub or two or maybe some cash. Since I am on the English teachers of america's chat I apologize for grammer and punctuation. Big future for lil bulls

the bulls should go for kg not kobe. gordon, thomas, brown, and the 9th pick should do it. just imagine, wallace, kg, deng, hinrich and sefolosha as your starters. finals, here we come.

"CAN'T BELIEVE U SAID LEBRON AND NASH ARE BETTER PLAYER'S THEN KOBE...........ARE U STUPID LEBRON IS A GREAT GIFTED PLAYER BUT HE LACKS WHAT KOBE EASILY HAS TO MUCH OF HEART..... AND U EVEN SAYING STEVE NASH IS STUPID....NASH IS ONE OF THE MOST OVERRATED PLAYERS IN THE LEAGUE"
I'll preface this by saying I agree Kobe is THE best player in the league.
But, on what other team is Marion an all-star like he is with the Suns? none - Nash gives him easy baskets every single game.
LeBron? Great talent but doesn't know the meaning of fundamental basketball. Someone actually needs to coach him on the meaning of the pick and roll. Someone needs to teach him that you can't always get away with taking 4 steps and the refs not calling it.

Jerry, if NASH - WHO PUT KOBE OUT of the playoffs - 2 years in a row is OVER-rated, then what does that make KOBE?

Kobe has been to the finals 4 times - courtesy of the Diesel express. He knows what needs to be done and has all of the talent to do it. So what's wrong I ask??? Its simple...sometimes the results are accurate, and they say Kobe is overrated. Lakers gambled all on him and they have lost big time. They had two guys and they shipped off the winner.

Hey by the way, this post cracked 100. I think someone was recently saying that you shouldnt do Bulls posts, since they dont get hits.

Hmmm...

Keith - you must have mis-read me...I don't think Nash is over-rated. I can't remember whose CAPS I brought in who actually made the silly comment.
I cannot believe Pax isn't on the phone with Minnesota trying to work a deal for KG. If they would bite on Jefferson and the #5 pick, I have to believe they can work a deal and still keep Deng. What about Gordon, TT/Noch and PJ Brown? With KG, Tyrus or Noch wouldn't get 10 min a game. If they take Noch instead of TT, thrown in the #9 pick. Why wouldn't Minn make that deal?

Brian you are right about the Red Baron, but he has had a lot of injuries. Puts me in mind of Jamal Mashburn. But ol Baron has had the playoff of a lifetime! I will NEVAH forget him dropping off the Mavericks with their league best record and MVP. And I certainly will not soon forget that thunderous dunk on Kirilenko! Was a COMPLETE SHOWSTOPPER!! He also hit some shots that flashed me back to the "Off the rafters on to the bleachers...nothing but net" commercials that Larry and Mike made. The better team prevailed in that series, but Golden State did not go quietly into the night. Baron left the floor limping and out of bullets -the way a star is supposed to. Now that was basketball with passion. THAT is how a great player is supposed to perform.

All the talk is that KG is coming to PHX for Amare' (Kerr is seriously considering), but I would give up #9/Nocioni & Wallace for Him. Now you have low post scorer. YOu have Tyrus and PJ as defenders. Sign a 7 footer who can lean on Duncan and Shaq and use up the fouls. Keep Deng/Gordon&Thabo

So now you Have Hinrich/Gordon/LouDeng/TyThomas/KG?

I say do what you have to do to win championships. Gordon is inconsistent. You need consistency to win championships. And a superstar and very unselfish people. I say this Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant for Gordon, Deng, and the Draft Pick. I lets see who will be ready to rumble!

Elder, I would be for any deal including Scott Skiles! LOL!

I think you guys should really scoop up a lil b-ball knowledge at k-mart because i have not heard one good idea except from my boy joe b he gets his knowledge from lil baby jesus

I see where you are going with this, but we don't have a Billups or Rip on our team menally and physically. Ben Gordon is a nice player, but he can't guard anyone on defense. Offensively, Gordon will give you scoring from the outside. He's not an assist guy like Billups. Kirk is a good player but again he doesn't have the talent of a Billups or Hamilton. Deng in my opinion is better then Prince and will get better every year. There is no Rasheed on the team and will never be one. Remember Detroit traded for Rasheed in his prime. Rasheed is a dominant Big man that can also shoot outside, rebound, and block shots. Ty Thomas will be a great player, but will he ever develop to be a three point shooter like Rasheed? Ben Wallace well that speaks for itself.

The overall thing that Detroit has, is the power, and freedom to be themselves and play. They also have a swagger and identity that the Bulls will never have under Skiles and Paxson watch..... They are known as a team that is scrappy as a unit. Not as individulas. Detroit has attitude, a demeanor that is sort of like the bad boys of old, but within the rules of todays game. The Bulls aren't built like that. (see the episode of Ben Wallace being benched because he wore a F*** headband) This team can't play music before the game, they are on a tight leash every where they go. Detroit doens't do that. Detroit is loose and they know who the leader is on the court and it's not the coach. It's Chauncey. He makes the team go. Kirk is not a leader. He is a better role player a sidekick if you will to another great player. If Kirk was with Clevland they would have had a better chance in the finals. Ben is at best Starting SG/PG in the Western Conference. In the East and on most nights, should not be the starter because he does not play Defense. Outside of that, Detroit doesn't have a coach like skiles that will coward his players.

The Bulls at best if they keep everyone like they are trying to do... will at best a playoff team that will never make it to the finals.. Their potential as a unit has reached it's peek. That's as good as they are going to be together. You need that scorer that can get you to wheer you wanna go offensively and defensively. We don't have that on this team. Chauncey is a great one on one defender. Kirk is a scrappy defender ( that doesn't make him great) If I'm Chicago I go after Kobe hard. I trade Kirk, Ben Gordon, P.J. if he isn't retiring, Nocioni and if that's not sweet enuogh I bring a third team, the #9 pick and next years entire draft for Kobe. I re-sign Duhon and go after Maglorie as a free agent, and a PG in the draft with my two secound picks or in the FA.

Then that mean you have:

Duhon
Bryant
Deng
Thomas
Wallace
or
Duhon
Bryant
Deng
Wallace
Maglorie

Your Bench players would be the Two rookies that you bring in a couple FA's and either Maglorie or Ty Thomas and Thabo.

This isn't about being a good team anymore. It's about Winning that ring. Maybe Paxson forgot how to do that. Can't do it with a back court with no star power like Billups and Hamilton. Kirk and Ben doesn't do it for me.

whoever you guys are that are saying that this Kid is what it takes to get to the Finals and Win, you guys are sniffing too much of whatever it is that you drinking smoking or whatever... He may have a certrain skill set that got him to where he is now, but we are talking about a guy physically that will not keep up on the defensive end. He is not a rebounder. He's good becaue he dominated against lesser talent in skill and height. We need a guy that's going to play from day 1. He isn't the answer. He's not going to be an impact player. Neither is Noah, but he has a certain attitude that the Bulls could use down low in the post. This guy is not a banger and I'd be surprised if this guys starts at ne point. He is at best a serviceable center throughtout his career. You won't see him on ne highlights, all star games, defensive player of the year or even 2nd team defense.. He's a Pax/Skiles guy because he's the "Safe Choice" just Kirk three o four years ago. He won't be a guy that talks back and be that me type of guy that even Pax and Skiles have said over and over again they need. You bring everyone back too chicago and add him and i'm telling you he won't get you over the hump. I don't see many guys in the draft that will besides the obvious. Again he will be ok but he isn't worthy of the #9 pick. go after a Julian Wright he has more upside and potential make a trade do somthing other then draft a role player. We already have to many of those on the team. (Deng will be a superstar when Skiles realizes he needs a bigger starting 2 guard to team with him and also when he gives Deng the Green light like he gives Kirk. So will Ty Thomas as long as skiles takes his foot out of ass and let the boy go and stop killing his talent emotionally) Trade Ben and the #9 pick for Ray Allen and Chris Wilcox and maybe a third player(being a pg or wing). Go after Jamal Maglorie and and bring back nocioni or even do a sign and trade for another pg. We can't be in the builidng for the future forever, the time is now. You gave Ben Wallace a max contract and he isn't getting any younger. You bring in this role player and now signing Ben doens't make since. We could have kept Tyson for the type of money we gave to Ben Wallace. Did ne one see what he did when he got a coach that actually wanted him to play with emotion? (makes you wonder if skiles should be out of here) Paxson is scared that if we get a true basketball player that skiles won't be able to coach them. So he gets guys that high on character.. Blow me with that BS The only thing we are gonna see is Ben leave after his contract is up and Deng leave after his contract is up and when Ty gets tired of not being able to be a player, he will leave. But wait we Got Spencer Hawes to count on... Cmon lets get aggresive and make somthing happen. Lets get the Ring we been waiting for. It's for the taking in the East..... Spencer doesn't do that for us...

HAVE MY POSTS BEEN BLOCKED?

Roman responds: No, but now instead of editing certain things on posts that I think could be somewhat objectionable, I delete them. Yours weren't too bad, just make sure they're as G-rated as possible. Thanks.

I thought I linked a link to an espn trade machine? Hmmm..maybe your confusing me with someone else. The worst thing ive said was calling dave duerson a feminine hygene product!

Roman responds: Not sure, sorry if I had a quick delete finger. Normally, I don't like posting links to other sites. I have to check them out and I don't always have the time.

Most of the NBA championship teams, I've seen have a formula: 3 Stars (one of them the leader), 2 role players and a deep bench. Although, I don't think Kobe and Skiles can coexist (Kobe has run or tried to run too many people out of town to give him the benefit of the doubt.)

The reality is that Kobe expects to be in the Finals every year and that's an important quality. Personally, I'm sick of hearing the baby Bulls. At some point, you have to take the leap. Every day the Lakers wait to trade Kobe, they're going to get less (see Kevin Garnett). I would like to bundle Heinrich, Gordon and Tyrus Thomas and draft picks for Kobe. I am in the minority with Kirk Heinrich. I just don't see the point in having an under sized guard that can't shoot or finish. He also lacks the leadership that the team desperately needs.

Send Heinrich (see above), Gordon (I like Gordon, but he gives up as many points as he makes) and Thomas (Gets blocked as many shots as he blocks himself) and 3 conditional 1st round picks. Under no circumstance should they trade Deng!

Here goes: Kobe, Deng, Noah (stars) and Wallace/Sefalosha (role players) bench: Nochioni, Joe Smith, Duhon, Gardner, Kryhapa, Gray.

This would be the best Defensive starting team in the NBA and a top scorer.

If this doesn't happen, we'll see Kobe in '09.