So a wild week with the Bulls finally has ended, and a few players have been shipped out and a few have been shipped back. And the general manager still is the general manager.
There's no question the Bulls are better in terms of talent and cap room for the 2010 free-agent class. John Paxson did his job.
I felt bad for Pax yesterday. It seemed to me he was at least uncomfortable when he started his news conference. He said he's the GM and is not resigning, but he didn't take questions, so we'll see what happens after the season.
A lot can happen between now and then, including the very real possibility the Bulls will make the playoffs. In fact, if I had to guess, I'd say the Bulls will make the playoffs. They have a very favorable schedule the rest of the way, and Brad Miller and John Salmons will help.
And while some may argue it's more important for the Bulls to get a lottery pick than to make the playoffs and possibly get blown out of the first round, I say that's ridiculous.
I always thought the Bulls' logic back in the summer of 2000 when they had "full-boat" money was flawed. I argued that they had created such a bad team that no amount of money would lure the top guys. Players want to win, at least players other than Larry Hughes.
If the Bulls make the playoffs this year and next, with Derrick Rose leading the way, I would like the Bulls' chances of landing a top free agent like Chris Bosh.
It's a good day to be a Bulls fan.
I agree 100% Roman! You have to have more than money to attract a real serious star. Now the Bulls have put themselves in place to make that happen if they can make the playoffs and show the talent why they should come.
Its going to take 3 stars to make a good run. Only 2 if one of them is an assassin under pressure. But that is expecting too much from Rose that is why I hope we get Dwayne Wade. The other thing that its going to take is defense, and that means having the athletes to compete and turn up the heat in battle. And defense is not Vinny's strong point. And to a man, all of the Bulls are defensively challenged except Tyrus Thomas and Kirk Hinrich. I don't know what Miller has left in the tank but this year is going to reveal a lot! And several players are going to have to take a step forward in their development. We have a long way to go. Everyone's resolve is going to be tested this year!!
Fans: Do not let them give us any old effort!
JR: has to spend some money!
Pax: has to make us better via trade and free agency!
Vinny: has to reach, teach, motivate players on offense and Defense.
Players - Owe us their HEARTS and Efforts - this is Chicago!!!
All I can say is the Bulls are lucky to be playing in the Eastern Conf where good teams are few and far between.
Seems like they got rid of one complainer (Hughes) but brought in another (Thomas). Wonder if Thomas still thinks he's better than Deng (and honestly, I don't think that's saying much. Sure, Deng can score, but he plays a soft game).
It will be interesting to watch how long it takes this "revolving door team" to jell. They have a lot more "bigs" now, so does Noah sit?
Playoffs? Hey, if your goal is to win 35-40 games, provide your fans with a true roller-coaster experience that borders on the sappiest night-time soap opera around, then I guess the playoffs do look good.
Way to go, Bulls. Someday, you too can grow up to be a real NBA franchise.
WOW...THE SUNS JUST SCORED 140 BACK TO BACK TO BACK GAMES!
I agree good moves so far. it all depends on who they can bring to Chicago. it is pretty simple. you need the best to win and the best expect to get paid. why shouldn't we expect the Bulls to try to get Lebron or Kobe? it is time for the ownership to reinvest some of the money they have made off of the loyal Chicago fans.
Karl - thats what um talkin bout Willis! Bulls put together some wins like they did tonight and make some real noise in the playoffs, there is no reason they shouldn't be on the map for any free agent. They were very impressive tonight. Pax needs to start massaging those free agents.