Full Court Press

So..bascially...he feels the same way I do...and actually said nothing new.

What does Talks could Re-surface....mean?

Like later today?? NExt week?

I wouldnt feel to confident if I were BG or BW or anyone of our trade bait guys.....based on that Comment.

There is more double speak in that sentance than in all of Willys posts combined.

I think the trade will happen...but they want it done "quietly"

I say Deng and Gordon, 1st rd pick and salary fillers (PJ Brown, Griffin, Kryapa etc)

or

Gordon, Thomas, Noah, 1st rd pick and salary fillers PJ Brown, Griffin, Kryapa etc)

Did we ever really think these trade rumors were going to come to fruition? I want Kobe just as much as 90% of Chicago Bulls fans do, but the Lakers need a superstar in return - not Ben Wallace, Kirk Hinrich and Ron Artest....not even Luol Deng.

Good for PAX! Got to know when to walk away. Leave Kobe and LA to their mess! Dr. Buss is going to regret not moving Kobe to Chicago and Kobe is going to see to it that they do. Kobe is simply going to nix every deal they put on the table to move him and then leave them with NOTHING which is exactly what they deserve for dissing Shaq. And Kobe is actually being nice to LA because if they deal him as he wishes - they will get somebody, but they think they have cards and they don't. I didn't see it, but now I do.

Paxson has leverage and he needed to walk away from that and let them know!

well culzie my sources at the "enquirer" tell me that Pax is a Sox fan and got wind of the bet and wants to see your pic in a pink Sox hat at a Cubs game!!!! LMAO

and now back to serious business......I'm glad Pax finally put all the rumor crap to rest at least for now. as I had mentioned before I believe the team as it is now is capable of anything they put their mind to. and since Gordon and Deng both turned down their respective extensions it should mean they will be playing better to prove what they are worth, which is how it should be.

If last night's inability to find "the man" wasn't enough a reminder that this team isn't going anywhere I don't know what will be.

Does anyone remember the Atlanta Hawks of the 90's? They were perennial contenders who could never break through. Do you know why? They didn't have "the man."

Look at the history of the NBA and tell me how many teams have one a championship without a superstar in the last 25 years. I can name just one: Detroit.

this is why pax will never get us a ring hes a affraid of change! this has been the same team for four years. coulda got Garnett but we wouldnt pull the trigger. i understand not trading Deng and i wouldnt either but everyone else has peeked. GORDON IS MEDIOCRE. wake up pax this is a buisness

Paxson did the right thing.....and Adam.. Atlanta had Wilkins, btw....they never broke thru cuz we had MJ and Scottie

DaBulls are contenders with the guys they have.....LA stinks

win win situation

Ya wanna see a topic explode....lol, talk about Angelo endorsing Benson....

Lovie-speak should only be taken as a suppository ....side effects may include, insulting the public, unexplained lack of knowledge, vomiting, anal constrictions, loss of bowel control, and a condition known as lackoballs..

While an opening day loss does not indicate any trend, it is disconcerting to note that the Bulls seem to still find it difficult to close/win tight games like they habitually used to during MJ's time. Is it due to a lack of killer instinct, leadership on court, will and desire to win? I do not know but it would seem like Kobe possesses that will to win that MJ had in bunches and his presence can only elevate the Bulls' play...assuming of course that enough talent would be left if Pax pulls the trigger for a trade.
I for one would welcome the dynamic duo of Kobe and Deng in Bulls uniforms...think of the possibility of a return to glory. Heck, they wouldn't even need any "presence" in the middle with MJ and Scottie...I mean Kobe and Deng...and the Bulls can get rid of the offensively inept Wallace. If MJ won with Longley...who's to say Kobe can't win with Gray...or Mihm?

Getting a superstar in a trade means taking a risk. Paxson has done well so far in re-building the team by not doing that, but he will need to show some balls to get us over the top. We have a lot of pieces and should be able to make a deal without gutting the team, giving away a 1st round pick is not something he should be afraid of at this point. A deal should happen around Dec. 15th when Noce becomes available, I think him, both Ben's, Tyrus,a 1st round pick or two and Duhon in some combination would get it done. We missed on Garnett, we can not miss this time. Remember Kobe is just 29, a line-up of him, Lu and Noah along with Kirk and Selfolosha would be as good as what we have now.

"Does anyone remember the Atlanta Hawks of the 90's? They were perennial contenders who could never break through. Do you know why? They didn't have 'the man.'"

No, I think you are exactly wrong about that. The Hawks had "The Human Highlight Film" They had "The Man" and that's ALL they had. And if the Bulls trade too much for Kobe, they will become the Lakers or the Hawks of the '90s. Hopefully by playing hardball they can get Kobe for less than "Too much."

"Does anyone remember the Atlanta Hawks of the 90's? They were perennial contenders who could never break through. Do you know why? They didn't have 'the man.'"

No, I think you are exactly wrong about that. The Hawks had "The Human Highlight Film" They had "The Man" and that's ALL they had. And if the Bulls trade too much for Kobe, they will become the Lakers or the Hawks of the '90s. Hopefully by playing hardball they can get Kobe for less than "Too much."

Roman responds: The man? The Hawks had the same problem as the Knicks of the 90s and everyone else: Jordan.

Do I think the trade will happen? I would say 50/50 chance. Is the trade worth it? If we keep Deng, Yes. If we send Deng off I dont think we will be much better. I believe the key to this is how much trouble will Kobe cause? If he just becomes a pain, whines and moans. Turns down every trade until he gets with the Bulls. Kobe isnt just motivated to be with the Bulls to win, he idolizes Jordan. He would love nothing more then to play for his team. Also there is alot of cash for him as it relates to merchandising, commercials etc...

Even Detroit had Sheed! I mean, he was a bigger pick up than Randolph to NY is.

Sheed is up there with Carter and Stackhouse...

Well,Pax didnt give away the farm to get Kobe.We dont really need Kobe---Remember ,everybody said we needed a scorer in the middle.=Paul Glasol etc.To be a winner with what we have.Now the press thinks Kobe would do it for us by himself with what would have been left after a trade.Look what he had at LA last year-Its better than the Bulls would be after a trade.Such as most of those mentioed in the press.
We need a scorer in the middle to take the pressure off the jump shooters.Last night Chandler had 15 points and 13 reboinds.Ben Wallace had 7 points and 5 rebounds.How many big men in the league can beat that, cheaper than $15.5 mill a year.If you watched pre season ,Grey,--whos not ready for prime time made a big diffence at times.What would a real NBA big man mean?
Name one young,or even older player who has dramatically improved under Skiles and his staff.Nocioni--Just learning the league.Chandler and Curry couldnt learn from them ,but look at them this year.Either one would have helped more than Wallace.I would turn down $10 mill.if I were Gordon ,and Deng too.If Paxon and Rheinsdorf were dumb enough to give Big Ben at his age $15,5 mill young guys like them have to be worth $20 mill per.
Ok Pax forget Kobe--get us a big man and we might make the Finals this year.

Saw the game wed nite.....time running out Gordon has the ball....
wait one.....off balance shot waited too long......did not go in,
looks like a repeat of last year.
With no automatic closer on this team.....Have a great year.

Go Baby Bulls.

That press conference was anaologous to an amateur skier going down the alps and then realizing he might fall, and tries to call "timeout" so nobody laughs at him.

Paxson was out in front of his skis here, big time.

90% of the fans want Kobe here??? It's about split, 50/50, if that I would say.

I have to repeat, if you have been watching the Bulls for the past few years, you can sense great team chemistry. Do the Bulls need a 'man'? Sure. But they have 2 potentials, Gordon and Deng. Both of these guys at times have been 'the man'. And both are still very very young. Deng, will be 'a man' and I'd prefer he'd do it in Chicago. Is he Kobe? No, but few few are.

The Bulls are weak under the basket. Ben is good on defense but can't score at all. This is where Paxson needs to look, a post up man. Playing Deng down low will help. This is what's hurting the Bulls now, and I don't know if it was properly addressed in the off season.

I have heart strings for this team and I would like to keep it together. Breaking it up for Kobe? Is it worth breaking what Paxson has created?

I have to say,

If Kobe is such a complete player, why was he crying when Shaq was around that he wanted to be the center of the offense. How can you have the best center in the game, and not get along with him on the court? I like Kobe, and I wish we could get him, But I will not mortgage the team for him as some sportswriters suggest. We would be the L.A. Lakers east then. Kobe cannot win a title all by himself, and anyone watching basketball in the early to mid 80's knows MJ could not even pull that feat off, you need more than 1 superstar. We need to keep Thomas, Wallace, Hinrich(cringe), or at least the 2 of these guys to give Kobe some help. With Nocioni, Smith, Noah coming off the bench, I would really like that team.

I also think Bryant is a rare talent, yet don't be a fool and overpay like the Vikings did in the early 90's for Herschel Walker, it will come back to bite you. Give them Gordon, and I other person outside of Deng, and next year's draft.

As one poster said, WHY did we trade La Marcus Aldridge again? We needed a center, and he is a center. I didn't agree with that one when it happened. Then, the next year we draft 2 centers, when we already had one.

If what all these gut the team for Kobe lovers are saying, why hasn't Kobe won any rings since Shaq left, yet Shaq has won? Does that mean Kobe was not the superstar and Shaq was, hhhmmmmm? The Lakers gave him what he wanted.

OH WAIT!!

I know what it is, he has no supporting cast, JUST LIKE IT WOULD BE IF WE TRADED OUR WHOLE CORE TO LA FOR ONE PLAYER!!! Love the stat people, they always get the stats wrong. Kobe has done nothing on the team level since Shaq left. Read these stats.

Since Shaq left, the Lakers have won 0 conference championships, 0 finals, 0,0,0,0,0.....0. Same as the baby Bulls. Kobe is still there, why haven't they won any rings? They also didn't have to gut the team to sign Mr. Bryant. Can Kobe help this Bulls team, yes. Can he do it alone, NO. The man needs help, but you "fans" want to trade the help away. Keep most of our core and get Kobe is the only way we can hope for success.

they simply want to much for Kobe. Paxton has spent years building on something and I don't think he's gonna give that up to start all over with one player. The trade takes away all of the Bulls assets. I posted something earlier about the future and a treat I got at a J.C. game down in alton IL. Louis and Clark J.C. the boys name is Cordel Fraction.

We have some good Bulls posters! I happen to agree with Chuck to a greater degree. I have come to respect Kobe's negotiating skills and Pax and Co. better beware! Kobe has a DREAM and if it doesn't come true - then guess what - Bulls are going to pay like the Lakers. Pax knows he cannot guarantee that man a championship - because contrary to popular belief - they are won on the court. Based on what he has done in LA (post shaq), he hasn't shown me nothin! He wants to run with Deng huh? I wonder how ODOM and Caron Butler feel about that? They ran with Kobe and got NOTHING. But when they ran with brand new Dwayne Wade, they were in the second round of the playoffs (thats pre-shaq yall). And what of LaBron's appearance in the finals with possibly the weakest supporting cast to ever play in the finals? And the red Baron's destruction of Dallas last year? TOO MANY are calling this guy Mr. Terrific, when he hasn't done anything but score points - when they are not really needed. I have no doubt in my mind that someone like Baron Davis or Chauncy Billups would have taken that LA team to the second or third round of the playoffs!

Why are the Bulls so in love with Hinrich? I personally think Hinrich should go. Think about a backcourt of Gordon & Kobe would be the best in the NBA. I see a trade of Hinrich, Wallace, Nochioni, & 1 pick working out for both sides. What about it Roman

Roman responds: It's over, for now. Let's see how Hinrich does this year. Last summer he had the World Championships in the summer and I think it hurt him.

If I hear one more stupid comment about "killer instinct" and "desire to win", I'm probably going to vomit about 23 times, so that vomit seeps under the keys on my keyboard and all of them become inoperative and I have to buy a new laptop. The Bulls don't have a guy you can trust to routinely get open for a shot at the end of the game and hit it. They had an excellent opportunity to win the game in regulation and blew it because Gordon shot a fadeaway 3 that went about 18 feet. Is that the kind of shot you want to be taking with the game on the line?

Nah, you guys are right. It was probably a lack of killer instinct and a lack of desire to win. Gordon didn't want to win the game, so he didn't try.

Can we also proclaim the excuse of "running out of energy" as null and void? It's another way of saying you don't have the horses to get it done in the end.
Philly at home - they win. Next decent road opponent is a repeat of Jersey. Lots of jump shots, GREAT D to stay in the game, and nobody to bring it home.
I sense a theme here...

Lets be clear in how we define...THE MAN

Here are the list of past "THE MAN"s

1970 -- Willis Reed, New York
Averaged 23 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists in the Knicks’ 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Reed left Game #5 at the end of the first quarter with a strained hip muscle, missed the rest of that game and all of Game #6, but returned for the series’ final game.

1971 -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee
Averaged 27 points and 18.5 rebounds in the Bucks 4-0 sweep of the Baltimore Bullets.

1972 -- Wilt Chamberlain, Los Angeles
Averaged 19.4 points, 23.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in the Lakers’ 4-1 victory over the New York Knicks.

1973 -- Willis Reed, New York
Averaged 16.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in the Knicks’ 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

1974 -- John Havlicek, Boston
Averaged 26.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals in the Celtics’ 4-3 victory over the New York Knicks.

1975 -- Rick Barry, Golden State
Averaged 29.5 points, four rebounds, five assists and 3.5 steals while shooting .938 from the free throw line in the Warriors’ 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.

1976 -- JoJo White, Boston
Averaged 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting .878 from the foul line in the Celtics’ 4-2 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

1977 -- Bill Walton, Portland
Averaged 18.5 points, 19 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3.6 blocks per game in the Trail Blazers’ 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

1978 -- Wes Unseld, Washington
Averaged 9.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in the Bullets’ 4-3 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics.

1979 -- Dennis Johnson, Seattle
Averaged 9.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.9 steals per game in the Sonics’ 4-1 victory over the Washington Bullets.

1980 -- Magic Johnson, Los Angeles
Averaged 21.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 2.7 steals per game in the Lakers’ 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

1981 -- Cedric Maxwell, Boston
Averaged 17.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in the Celtics’ 4-2 victory over the Houston Rockets.

1982 -- Magic Johnson, Los Angeles
Averaged 17.7 points, 9.3 assists, 11.1 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game in the Lakers’ victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

1983 -- Moses Malone, Philadelphia
Averaged 25.8 points, 18 rebounds and 4.25 blocked shots per game in the 76ers’ sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers.

1984 -- Larry Bird, Boston
Averaged 27.4 points, 14 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting .842 from the free throw line in the Celtics’ 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

1985 -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles
Averaged 25.7 points, 10 rebounds and five assists per game while shooting over 60% from the field in the Lakers’ 4-2 victory over the Boston Celtics.

1986 -- Larry Bird, Boston
Averaged 24.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game in the Celtics 4-2 victory over the Houston Rockets.

1987 -- Magic Johnson, L.A. Lakers
Averaged 21.8 points, 12.1 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game in the Lakers’ 4-2 victory over the Boston Celtics. Johnson made playoff MVP history by becoming the first three-time winner of this award.

1988 -- James Worthy, L.A. Lakers
In seven games, averaged 22.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists as the Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 4-3, to win their sixth NBA title.

1989 -- Joe Dumars, Detroit
Led the Pistons in scoring with a 27.3 average as Detroit swept the Los Angeles Lakers, 4-0, to win their first NBA Finals.

1990 -- Isiah Thomas, Detroit
Led all players in the NBA Finals with 27.6 points and 7.0 assists per game as the Pistons defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 4-1, to win their second consecutive NBA title.

1991 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
Leading scorer in the NBA Finals with 31.3 points per game as the Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 4-1, to win the franchise’s first NBA title.

1992 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
Averaged 35.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game as the Bulls defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 4-2, to win their second consecutive NBA title.

1993 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
Averaged NBA Finals record of 41.0 points per game, while collecting 8.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists, in leading the Bulls to their third straight NBA title -- the first team in 27 years to win three consecutive titles.

1994 -- Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
Unanimous choice after averaging 26.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game in Rockets’ 4-3 defeat of New York. First center to win the award since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1985.

1995 -- Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
Averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game to lead the Rockets to a sweep of the Orlando Magic. Established three NBA Finals four-game series records including most points (131), most field goals made (56) and most field goals attempted (116).

1996 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
Averaged 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.67 steals to lead the Bulls to a 4-2 defeat of the Seattle SuperSonics. Named Finals MVP for record fourth time. Scored 36 points in Game #3 win on road.

1997 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
Averaged 32.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists to lead the Bulls to a 4-2 victory over the Utah Jazz for an unprecedented fifth NBA Finals MVP. Jordan’s heroics included a game-winning shot at the buzzer in Game #1, a near triple-double in Game #2 (38 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists) and a flu-ridden 38 point-performance in Game #5.

1998 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
Averaged 33.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists to lead the Bulls to a 4-2 victory over the Utah Jazz for his sixth NBA Finals MVP. Jordan sank the game-winning jump shot in Game #6 to propel the Bulls to victory on the road at the Delta Center.

1999 -- Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Averaged 27.4 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 blocks to lead the Spurs to a 4-1 victory over the New York Knicks. Duncan scored 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the fifth game of the NBA Finals on the road in Madison Square Garden to eliminate the Knicks.

2000 -- Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
Averaged 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds and 2.67 blocks to lead the Lakers to a 4-2 victory over the Indiana Pacers and the franchise’s first NBA Championship since 1988. O’Neal’s best Finals performances came at the Staples Center with 43 points, 19 rebounds in Game #1, 40 points, 24 rebounds in Game #2 and 41 points, 12 rebounds in Game #6.

2001 -- Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
Averaged 33.0 points, 15.6 rebounds and 3.40 blocks to lead the Lakers to a 4-1victory over the Philadelphia 76ers and the franchise’s second consecutive NBA Championship. O’Neal’s best Finals performances came at the Staples Center with 44 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in Game #1, 28 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists in Game #2 and 34 points, 14 rebounds in Game #4.

2002 -- Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
Averaged 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.75 blocks to lead the Lakers to a sweep of the New Jersey Nets and the franchise’s third consecutive NBA Championship. O’Neal’s best Finals performances came at the Staples Center with 36 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in Game #1, 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in Game #2, 35 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in Game #3.

2003 -- Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Averaged 24.2 points, 17.0 rebounds and 5.3 blocks to lead the Spurs to 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Nets. Duncan scored 21 points and added 20 rebounds, 10 assists and eight blocks in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the SBC Center to eliminate the Nets.

2004 -- Chauncey Billups, Detroit
Averaged 21 points and 5.2 assists to lead the Pistons to a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Billups shot 51% from the field and 93% from the foul line for the series.

2005 -- Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Spurs to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Duncan poured in 25 points and 11 boards in the decisive Game 7, locking up his third Finals MVP award.

2006 -- Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Wade's 34.7 scoring average is the third-highest in NBA Finals history. After seeing Miami trail 0-2 to the Dallas Mavericks, Wade scored 42, 36 and 43 points in the next three games, respectively, before Miami won the series in six games.

2007 -- Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
The 6-foot-2 Parker shot an astounding 42-for-74 (.568) from the field and averaged 24.5 points in the Spurs' four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 25-year-old Frenchman became the first European-born NBA Finals MVP.

Tell me again we dont need KOBE....

Did I miss something when I moved out here to AZ....does Deng Sh*t gold nuggets now? Is he a 30 and 15 guy? NO

Why the F is everyone clanging on his satchell so badly?

I like him...but he is FAR FROM THE MAN...and SAME FOR BEN GORDON....Hes not even in Isah Thomas levels......more like Steve Smith......

Weird how it is stuck on (23) comments again...

Maybe the "Ghost of Michaels Ego" is coming back to nix this trade.

I've already said it. Maybe this message will post. Chicago is a good young team with a couple potential All-Stars. Those type of teams don't win NBA Titles.

If Chicago wants to contend with Boston or Detroit, they need Kobe. When Miami has Shaq & Dwade and Cleveland has Lebron...Chicago isn't going anywhere with Deng and Gordon.

They are nice players, potential All-Stars. They might make a handful combined. Kobe Bryant is a Superstar, one of the best ever and still in his prime.

Add that to an energetic frontcourt and complimentary talents like Hinrich and Nocioni and you've got a chance to contend. Kobe adds a presence and dimension no current Bulls player will ever have. If there were, this conversation wouldn't be taking place.

I like the Bulls young talent. I'd like it more if it had Aldridge instead of Thomas. But Tyrus is no bum. He's a young athletic forward and almost every NBA city has one.

Kobes? That's a different story, unless you're talking about the steakhouse.

Kobe Bryant suiting up for the Bulls does not equal Michael Jordan walking down that corridor.

Get over it!

He is not coming and god bless John Paxson for not selling the farm for one guy who can't get out of the 1st round of the playoffs. The people who are crying for Kobe obviously haven't watched the Bulls since the dynasty was broken up. Myself, I have. I watched during the 50 game lockout shortened season and so on. I've seen the Elton Brand and Ron Artest era, the John Starks era, The Jamal Crawford and the old Baby Bulls era and so forth.

These people who are just jumping on the bandwagon now that the Bulls have made the playoffs 3 straight years are old relics who only know one way of basketball, One guy scoring, everyone else standing around. That's what would happen if your boy comes here.

The bulls wouldn't make the playoffs and I would stop watching if Kobe does come here. Everyone is so focused on what they don't have and are not looking at what they do have. That is the deepest team in the East and a very versatile offense and defense (when they get their act together)
.

was friday night's game the break out game Tyrus has been looking for? can he maintain that intensity through the entire season? will his initials TT stand for twenty, ten now? will Hinrich learn to make his fouls count by putting his man to the floor instead of playing pat-a-cake with him? has Big Ben's head band cut off the flow of blood to his heart? will Gordon and Deng prove they're worth more than the $50 mil/5 yr extensions they turned down? can this Bulls team pull together and show that Chicago is the best damn sports town ever? for the answers to these and many other questions stay tuned to ComCast Sports Network.

btw culzie you could have made your point without going back to 1970, I fell asleep somewhere around 1987 in your post and it's very possible the thread was stuck on 23 comments as long as it was because it took that long for Roman to proof your post before publishing it!

Bculz thank you for interesting reading, but you did nothing to prove your point. They were all on good teams. Parker got hot at the right time, but he wasn't the "man." Tim Duncan was. Wade had Shaq and others, Chauncy had rip and Sheed, and Shaq had Kobe. The Bulls of the 80's had the "man" and what did they win? I would love to see Kobe in a Bulls uniform, but not at a high cost.

Thanks Keith you are right about the pre shaq lakers, they were saying Kobe needed more help to win it all when they decided to pick up shaq.

And Bculz, did you notice on your list there is no Kobe there? Deng still has a chance to be the man, Kobe is just about to finish being in his prime. Not hatin on Kobe, just want to see him come here and a real basketball team is around him, not some gutted out NBDL team.

And I like Tyrus Thomas, too. Aldridge is just what we needed after traded Eddy Curry away, my only problem with that deal.

several of those "men" on bculz's list merely had the moments of their lives..(james worthy? parker, billups?)

they were excellent players but not "franchise" players.

most of the others were certainly franchise players.

the problem with giving up Deng is that many think he is on the verge of becoming a potential franchise player... not in the MJ mold, but certainly in the Pippen mold. He has many of the same tools.

Gordon is very very very easy to give up. Kobe easily matches his offensive production, isn't short, and plays defense. In fact, when motivated Kobe can play almost MJ defense.

but you can't give up Deng. What if Kobe's knee starts bothering him? it's about that time into his career where he gets arthritic knees.

Gordon, someone besides Deng and next year's number one, I'd do in a nanosecond, and I suspect so would the Bulls, but the Lakers it appears aren't about to pull a Garnett like theft bazaar.

"The Man" Strategy....ok....I get it.... I thought everyone already knew that