Who do you want the Bulls to draft?

DuJuan Blair should be the pick. I watched quite a few B10 games this year and Mullens did not impress. His constant whining about non-calls on fouls got to be comical. This guy is a softie. Blair, on the other hand, is the real deal and will be the tough guy the Bulls need underneath the basket.

I think Mullens is exactly who they describe him to be. He is athletic but extremely raw and lacks the drive to make it in the NBA right now. Down the road he might be a little more polished and effective, but the Bulls are contenders now and need some instant help underneath. He reminds me of Spencer Hawes but more athletic so over time he might be a good player but it just depends on if he can stay in it mentally. If Blair is gone by then which is not the long term answer but definitely another bruiser underneath I say the Bulls go after Clark, Daye or possibly look to trade the pick. They could trade out of this years first round pick and take someones first round pick next year even. Or they could trade down a few spots and possibly go after Tyler Hansbrough. He's not the most athletic player but he has energy and a lot of passion for the game and thats always a good thing to have on your team. You could also look to take another guard. If Gordon leaves you lack that extra solid guard coming off the bench. Lawson, Teague or Maynor would be good guards coming off the bench for the Bulls.

The last Bulls thread on FCP, I mentioned about this upcoming draft and listed some names that I wanted to see the Bulls draft and that included Mullens, Casspi and Blair. Contrary to the rumors so far, I do NOT want the Bulls to move up in the draft. Outside of maybe the top 3, there are no sure fire impact rookies in this draft, but fairly deep in overall potential. In other words, you can find a hidden gem in this draft if you do your homework right in the predraft workouts and interviews. I just don't trust the Bulls moving up unless it was in the top 5, but packaging the 16 and 26th pick for a number 11? Smells like a money move on the cheap again to me. The last time the Bulls moved up in the draft was when they drafted Thabo Sefalosha and look where that turned out... he ends up being traded and we also even passed up a talent like Rajon Rondo in that very same draft class.

I like the potential on BJ Mullens. He's a LEGIT 7+ footer with very good skills. If tutored right (we have Brad Miller and an improved Noah to help out), he can be a solid NBA Center one day. The other guys I'd consider at #16, if they slip, are Jrue Holiday and maybe Gerald Henderson, but my choice would be Mullens who I've seen play ball since high school. At #26, take a chance on Casspi who might be a "Nocioni" or Marcus Thornton of LSU. Sam Young is ok, but for me, I like rolling the dice on developing young raw talent in basketball which is why I always hammer the Bulls for finding the best assistant staff as possible.

Keith, I know you'd prefer a proven veteran rather than unproven draft picks, but you still have to remember that this a young team and that the Bulls don't figure to do much in free agency this season while they arm themselves for 2010, except for trying to re-sign Ben Gordon, which I still don't believe they will win that battle. I still can't see why they can't possible get Marcus Camby's expiring contract from the Clippers. They have their hands full trying to get rid of the Tim Thomas and Jerome James' contracts.

They need post presence, something like brad miller, big man who can shoot, that is my opinion

Oh by the way, both BJ Mullens and DaJuan Blair are scheduled to work out for the Bulls tomorrow on Tuesday and will most likely be matched up against each other. It seems to me whoever wins this workout will be the guy at #16, unless they get picked earlier of course.... I like Blair also, but I have concerns not only because he's undersized at 6'-6" but also because of his weight and both his knees which have a history of tendinitis issues. The Bulls better give this guy a full fledged physical and clearing him 100% before committing to him....

Two weeks ago when I saw the first mock draft from si.com, I couldn't help but think about the upsides of B.J. I've had years and years of experience on the hardwood floor and I'm gonna tell you from a strong standpoint, Mullens is going to be a very talented N.B.A. player. You don't get that type of athleticism in a man that size, too often. I would have preferred to see him play in a tough public league atmosphere for at least one year in H.S., ala Garnett, but if this kid has ANY part of a mean streak in him, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind he may end up being a steal at 16. Noah gives us plenty of body board, and he will get stronger and stronger to push the bigs, but in two years, Mullens will be near unstoppable within 10', mark my word. THAT is a big plus.

Six months ago Blair was one of my 3 favorite players, but you don't turn a tiredless motor on and off at your own will; something I saw too often in the tourney.

Sam Young was my two choice, if available at 26, because the guy is a Pro basketball player. He's a winner, is ready to come off the bench as we speak, has no fear, has a great handle on the game and I strongly believe he can be willed into a very decent defensive player. You don't play at Pitt. if you don't play defense and he still has room for improvement there, but he may know that his meal ticket also rides on it. Salmons, Part II.

Omri and Chase; a little too weak for my stomach.

It's such a weak draft that it doesn't matter who they pick at 16 (unlike last year). Chances are the players remaining at 16 are going to be role players at best.

If after trying to move the pick and there are no takers, I'd probably go with either Blair or Hansbrough. I have a feeling that Blair will be long gone by then tho'.

Mullens is athletic but extremely raw?
Sounds like Tyrus Thomas part II to me. How has that worked out so far?

I think that DeJuan Blair is too small and that would just give them yet another in between swing man. They don't need another small forward.
James Johnson out of Wake Forest is someone who looks like they can take that next step and be a real NBA power forward. He has good size and strength, is a good defender and he can handle the ball.
No Tyler Hansbrough please!

I would rather see them move up and take Jordan Hill out of Arizona.
He plays a lot like LaMarcus Aldridge and since the Bulls blew it by trading the first one....

Actually I am not that excited by any of these players and since this is a weak draft then a trade and sign deal for Chris Bosh would make me a lot happier.
Package those picks and move up or get a real NBA player now but don't settle for two so-so players just because you have two picks.
That is how Rex Grossman ended up as the Bears QB once upon a time.

This draft is going to be weak at the positions the Bulls need immediate help - in the post and shooting guard. Trade both picks for a vet. We have a big huge project sitting on our bench in Gray, let Miller teach him.

Current Unrestricted Free Agents: ALLEN IVERSON, ANTONIO MCDYSS, TREVOR ARIZA, MATT BARNES, DREW GOODEN, RON ARTEST, RASHEED WALLACE, BEN GORDON.

The only size that matters in the NBA is heart. You have to get proven guys on this roster. The East is going to get Shaq back and he is going to team up with LaBron. And that is going to be our problem. All the studs are going in the top 10 and they still have to be taught where the lockeroom is at the UC. We don't have time for all that. We don't have time for any more non-contributers. Its bad enough that Thomas and Noah still need a LOT of work. Bulls put together a nice squad with some good solid vets, they will be right there for 2010 and be able to attract a REAL star like Wade and Labron. Bulls need to strengthen their hand or they can start making their picks now because no-one will sign on in 2010. Who wants to come to a team where your best player is one year removed from Memphis?? You get some key contributers like Artest, Iverson or Rasheed, McDyse the sky will be the limit. We need post toughness, scoring (especially if Gordon rolls out), and defenders. We need guys who can step up in the playoffs BESIDES Rose. I love Miller, but he is a role player off the bench. Salmons is a starter, but he is not a premier starter.

I think the bulls should select Blair with the 16th pick and Terrance Williams if he's there. the reason I picked those two players is because Blair even though he's undersized he's proven that he can handle the paint and is also a excellent rebounder. Williams is a athletic guard who is capable of knocking down shots and handling the ball his defense is off the charts averaging 2.1 spg BULLS PLEASE DRAFT THESE PLAYERS!

I agree on Mullens also, Anthony. I'm pretty sure some fans will judge him by his numbers at Ohio St., which wasn't exactly impressive, but I believe a lot had to do with the system and I'm not so sure that the coaches figured he would only be "one and done" and handled him with too much care. This kid had a LOT of skills and great hands in the post. Trust me, he's more skilled than Will Perdue and I know he's not lazy like Aaron Gray. The great unknown is always the mental part of the game and the desire to improve your own skills, but at only #16, I'll take that chance on this one. No doubt, Mullens will have to be handled and developed the right way for the right team, but Miller and Noah should help a ton with their combined experience and high energy personalities. If this was 2 years ago, I would have said pass on Mullens, but we now have guys who can help develop big men talents like this, not just Mike Brown, for goodness sakes.

Anthony, I've been reading that Omri has been excelling in the workouts against other draftees and has been playing everyone tough and shooting well. It's Chase who's been disappointing. I'd stay away from Chase who has bust written all over him. Omri might just be like Rudy Fernandez of the Trail Blazers. At #26, I'll take that.

I agree with Keith about the part that the Bulls already have to many project players as it is. Come on already.
No more rebuilding and clinging to 20 year olds.
You can't have half of your roster filled with big question marks and hoping that they will some day blossom into real players.
That is how Gasol ended up in a Lakers uniform.

I want to see them win some playoff series and I want to see it now.
This is what will bring at least one of the big 2010 free agents to town because money is the same no matter what team you play for.
Better to have them win for 5 seasons and then rebuild then to watch this never-ending cycle of struggling to get back to respectability year after year after year....
10 years of this is enough.

I will not let the nice showing against the Celtics blind me to the fact that Boston was without Kevin Garnett and that the Bulls were god-awful for most of the season.
Don’t forget that their leading scorer will probably be playing for Detroit next season so they have taken a step back right there.
They still have a lot of holes and unanswered questions on this team and two more guys’ fresh out of college is not what they need. Not from this class anyway.

All of these youngsters??? Yaahuck!!!! The last few winners of the Finals have all Microwaved it. Miami, Boston, LA. They all have one thing in common, they groomed a star and paid for the rest and got their ring. That seems to be the trend. I think Cleveland is going down that path next. All it takes is 3 stars. Of course the team with the Superstar definitely trumps the stars. Bulls have one budding star. I just don't see how any of these milktoast draftpicks is going to help us. Howard is a complete BEAST, and even he is a young wimpersnapper. I am settling by asking for veterans. We really need STARS. And since the Bulls like marginal stars we need about 4 of those. NBA has gotten to the point where even the Pistons have to break up. Bulls are not even that yet. I hope Paxson does not try and milk this team for 5-10 years trying to win.

Keith, sometimes you can find more "NBA heart" coming from a young up and coming player with the desire to get better and to be the best than you can from a seasoned veteran going through the motions. Be careful of those names you mentioned and think they're proven guys with "NBA heart". You already mentioned Aaron Gray... well, where in the 3 seasons has he shown the willingness to improve, to cut down his weight and gain a nasty streak that is needed to bang down low, especially if he's just going to be a role player all his life? And then, we don't have time to develop draft picks? Reality check, We're still developing Rose! And he's not going to improve THAT MUCH to carry this team to a title next season! Maybe we may get to the Conference finals at best, but that'll depend on the luck of the draw on playoff matchups. You see, this is what I was worried about when the Bulls played the Celts tough in that 7-game series... now it seems that some of us are getting delusional thinking that we're that much closer to being a Championship contender. No. NO. NO! The Bulls know this and don't forget about the SALARY CAP situation with the Bulls. Our trading pieces are limited and the only real flexibility from expiring contracts on this roster will only happen next offseason, not this year. The Bulls will already have a decent starting 5 next season in Rose, Salmons, Deng (he better be healthy and improved!), Noah and Miller with hopefully BG or Hinrich still in the fold and Tyrus as the main x-factor if they havne't given up on him yet or vice versa really. If you're real serious about those free agent names, Keith, well then you're in for one disappointing Summer for the Bulls I'm afraid... re-signing BG is the bet, but I still say he prices himself out from the Bulls.

I certainly know that the Bulls are not one veteran player away from a title but I also know that they are not one draft pick away from one either.
How many years can you sit back and watch these mediocre picks develop into nothing special?
That is not the way it is done anymore.

Hell.... the Bulls championship teams were not built that way either if you remember.
Yes they drafted Jordan, Pippin and Grant but they had to go out and sign players like Rodman, Harper, Paxson, Cartwright, Hodges and Kerr before they won anything.
It may sound warm and fuzzy to some people to believe that a group of players all coming up together out of college will grow and gel and eventually win but that is just a fantasy.
Oh… and these “kids’ will be coached by Vinny Del Negro by the way.
Name one NBA team that has pulled that off in the last 30 years.

The Bears going out and getting Jay Cutler is a great example of a team getting exactly what they needed instead of waiting around for more crap shoots and hopes of getting lucky some day.
How big of a buzz did that create in this town?
How much better did the Bears look overnight because of that move?

I think we should either draft James Johnson since he plays Power Forward or Small Forward, I think that would be first choice. Or BJ Mullens. If we could trade Hinrich and get the sixth pick, and then trade our 16th pick and 26th pick for the 11th pick, so we'll have
the 6th and the 11th pick. Then that would be good. James Johnson, from the clips I've seen, is much better than Tyrus. As for Mullen's, I think he's got a ways to go. But, it's always good to have a talented seven footer on your team. The Lakers and the Magic got to the Finals by going BIG. So we have to win with BIGS. THough, the Rockets did really well with effective short powerforwards. So to me, it would be a toss up between James JOhnson, and BJ. Leaning towards Johnson since he's got more range and can rebound better

B. J. Mullens is to much talent to pass up on. He may be a project that will give you 8 minutes a game right now (possibly 12 by season end) but a possible future starting center. He is a project worth the gamble given where they are drafting.

If there is a move up the only player I can see that could possibly be a better option is UConn's Hasheem Thabeet who may also be a project. I would recommend, stay put!

Hey, apart from Blake Griffin, nobody in this draft is going to be better than a third option in the NBA so it doesn't really matter much what the Bulls do. If they can trade out and trade into next year's draft, so much the better. As for keeping BG, is he best suited as a 3rd guard, off the bench scorer? Is that the role he'd play on a championship team? If so, much as I admire his professionalism and work ethic, the Bulls have to stick to some sort of budget. Hold the line and offer serious $$$ to two major stars next year. Why should NYC get all the action? This isn't Jerry Krause's team; Pax is respected and might be able to pull it off. There are plenty of advertising dollars to be made in Chi-town by major players on a championship contending team.

I think Johnson from wake will be gone when the bulls draft, he would be the best fit for the bulls, or henderson at 2 guard, but he'll be long gone too. I'd don't see the sense in drafting a tweener or a project for the bulls. How many more project players do you want to wait for? It has been years since curry and chandler and the bulls are still waiting for their high draft picks to develop and do something. Get Rasheed wallace and win now for a change. Better still, get wallace and Bosh, then it really wouldn't matter who you draft would it?

If Henderson is still around at 16, the bulls absolutely need to take him. With Gordon already being "promised" 11 mil from Detroit, I think the Bulls should stop focusing on resigning him (because there is absolutely no way a guy with that low of field goal percentage and that poor at defense deserves that much.) With Henderson, you get a solid shooter who can play defense and he can learn under Hinrich as a rookie. I know a lot of people were thrilled with Gordon as he put up some exciting numbers against Boston; but it wouldn't have been necessary if he had put a hand in Allen's face. We may give up some points with Henderson in place of Gordon, but we gain some defense and lose some selfishness. After that, we should look for a big man or look somehow draw a real center in next year's free-agency if Miller/Noah/Gray don't improve.

I have never seen Mullens do anything but dunk over a bunch of players in high school.
Not one single jumper, layup, hook shoot, a nice pass to the open man, bank one off the glass....
I have never seen him rebound, block a shot, box out his man or defend another player.... nothing at all to give any hint that he can play in the NBA.

Passing the ball between your legs for a dunk during warm ups reminds me of that scene from "Enter The Dragon" when Bruce Lee tells the other guy... "Boards don't hit back".

Stu..who are they talking about trading up for?

Keith..which Vets would you trade the picks for?
Stu responds: Culzie, the Bulls' target should they move up reportedly is Duke guard Gerald Henderson (which would cover them should they lose Ben Gordon to free agency).

Mullens has size...exactly what the Bulls need. But I honestly think they're looking to move up and draft Thabeet. I'd love to see the Bulls package Deng (and his salary), and the 16th and 26th pick away to Memphis for the 2nd pick.

The Bulls are an athletic group and I don't see Deng fitting in on either the offensive or defensive side. He belongs in the west, weak bigs. I was a big fan of Deng coming out of Duke, but he never progressed...his feeble.

Keep the current group together, if not Thabeet...how about a big defensive minded 2-guard who can shoot is butt off? Gerald Henderson, Terrence Williams are realistic.

Ivan

Phil, watching YouTube highllight videos of basketball prospects is not the way to judge prospects. If you're a hardcore basketball fan, you can read up on scouting profiles in limitless internet sites and there are fans like myself who watch a lot of College and high school basketball games. BJ Mullens has been touted as a premier prospect dating back to his sophomore year in high school. He's not someone who just came out of nowhere. Besides, I'm not trying to make a sales pitch for the Bulls to draft this guy, I'm more saying that it would be better for them to keep the 2 first round draft picks rather than package the 2 picks to move up only 5 or 6 slots in a relatively unknown draft where there's only 1 or 2 projected impact players as rookies. Now if they can package the 2 picks along with Hinrich or whoever and trade for a proven superstar low post player, then of course I'd prefer that, but that's not gonna happen (really, what NBA team would fall for that?) so why even suggest it?

Gerald Henderson is a nice-looking player, but I wouldn't trade up for him. I would draft him over Mullens at #16 though should he slip that far. The DeJuan Blair vs. BJ Mullens Bulls workout and physical will probably be the deciding factor.

omri casspi is a great player. very tough and I know you have not heard of him but he we will be a good nba player. finally someone in the bulls organization that will be willing to do the dirty work, fight and just make everybody else better.

Keith I love ya man but you've got a one track mind. Like a dog with a bone he won't give up even for a fresh steak but I admire the fact that you won't abandon ship til it's almost on the ocean floor. Let's see, Allen Iverson topped your list of unrestricted free agents, how did that work out for Denver and Detroit? Oh wait that's right it didn't. Rasheed Wallace any more is like a Rex Grossman, which "Sheed" is gonna be on the floor tonight? McDyss would be better suited as a bench role player for a team needing to add a little depth it lacked for that final push then on a team needing to build around a second year point guard. Ariza or Artest I wouldn't mind seeing in a Bulls uniform depending on the money and I agree with Edgar, Ben Gordon will likely price himself right out of Chicago.
This is one draft where I really think trading either for more picks in a future draft or combining the picks with a player for a veteran player that would fit well wouldn't bother me one bit.

For those who don't know, Mullens cuts the floor like an athletic 6 footer, has excellent touch within 15', is 7'1" and growing. Omri will not be there at 16, Blair is no Barkley and we can get a shooter at 26.

Miller is slower than molasses in a Maine January, and Noah can handle the boards with no prob. We, no any team, can use a body that athletic at that size.

He's no Olajuwan, but he's no slouch either.

I agree Edgar and I don't judge a player based on his YouTube video.
So what are you judging him by?
I watch college basketball too but I must be missing something that your trained eye is picking up.
So what is it?
Scouting profiles on limitless Internet sites? Sorry but anyone can voice their opinion on the Internet... we are doing it right now.
I have seen the exact same comments about a player posted on one site after another… word for word. Being able to copy and paste does not make you an expert.
Hell… that is not even giving your own opinion.
How many of these “expert” scouting reports and mock draft sites are run by some 20 year-old from his mom’s basement?
Don’t be naive.
He is 7'1" tall? That is just fools gold and that means nothing.
He has been scouted since he was 13 years old? So was every other hyped up high school player that turned out to be a bust.
Did we not see the Eddie Curry show right here in Chicago?
Saying that you have seen him play "since high school" is not that big of a deal since he has played a grand total of one year of college ball.
I saw Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings and Isiah Thomas play in high school too. Big deal.

His next step from high school legend to a college player in the weak Big Ten was far from earth shattering.
His competition in the conference was lightweight and he did very little to show that he can play in the NBA.
Did you see him make a move or hit a shot that made you say "Nice! That is a NBA move right there"?

He averaged 8.8 PPG and 4.6 RPG in his only year at Ohio State.
He blocked one shot per game and is a really bad free throw shooter.
He struggles on defense and at 7’1” you should be able to make a difference and he does not do that.
He never dominated a single game including those against small time schools.
He is not even as good as the last two 7 footers to come out of Ohio State and they have done little in the NBA so far.
The reason that you only see him dunking in high school on YouTube is because that is the only thing that he has done so far.
He is going to cash in on the hype before everyone realizes that he is one dimensional and he will not be playing against 6'4” high school players in the NBA.

There is always someone who will get all starry eyed over this kind of hype.
Maybe you can tell me how that feels.

Tim..but on the flip side...how did that trade for Billups work out for Denver?

Phil - you are beautiful. I agree with EVERYTHING you said. And that Bruce Lee quote - spot on.

Nothing wrong with youth, but get them AFTER their 3rd year. By that time you know who can play and who has a basketball IQ. If you draft - get a guy who has the right tools to build on and stick with him. Now Aron Gray is 7ft almost 300lbs. There is your project, and the Bulls are about to get rid of him AFTER he has acclimated himself into the league (has a home, knows the plays, knows where the meeting room is, and is used to the routine). NOW is the time to reach him and build on his frame. Some other team is going to get him and make him a serviceable player. And that is all you can ask of some guys. Gerald Henderson is a good solid player that can contribute right away. Would be worth the tradeup, but I would give aways BOTH picks for a solid young player like Orlando's back up Center Marcin Gortat or Tony Battie. Chris Anderson is in his 6th year in the league. It takes a Center 5 years to develop.

Culzie - I would trade those picks for any solid veteran on a team. There are guys sitting on benches in the NBA because they are not yet acclimated. But after you have been in the league for a while, there is an upside to their learning curve. They can contribute right away and they are consumate pros. They have habits/attitudes your young players can learn from. There are teams with Chris Andersons on them. Remember the Bulls when they got rid of Tyson Chandler. This is a trend in the league.

Tim - Love you too brother! But my list wasn't in any particular order. But I don't think the Bulls can go wrong with ANY of those veterans. I think Gordon is gone, but of the rest I like Iverson because he is left-for-dead. He is a bonefide star and the kind of player the Bulls really need. I believe he is going to be focussed with a lot to prove. He will definitely help Rose and will be the shooting guard we desperately need.

Edgar - you can package Kirk with those two picks for a starter with the right team. And there are a number of teams that will definitely go for that.

Hey Phil - And I like how Stu got this picture of him tryna look tough! He looks like one of those models in the sports section of the SEARS catalogue.

Well Phil, that's just where our respective opinions will have to live by. I'm not just a hardcore basketball fan, but I also coach the game and I teach the game to kids in Summer Camps. I played high school ball and College ball and I've had the lucky luxury to even scrimmage against some of the best College players around my time (U of Illinois Class 1988-1992), so yeah, I guess you can say that I a trained eye on this sort of stuff. But I'm not looking to come off as some know-it-all, so I'll respect how you look at it from your perspective while I try to explain my points on the big picture with this Bulls team. Again, because an NBA franchise must contend with structuring a team roster around a restricted SALARY CAP, you can't just say "forget the prospect and only get him after his 3rd year". It doesn't work that way anymore because rookie contracts can extend out to 5 years now. That is why teams invest so much money assistant staffs to develop these prospects as quick as possible. With Center projects, a big man with skills just don't come by too often and if you can find one young that you can develop quickly, then that team will save a heckuva lot of money instead of having to overpay for someone like Jermain O'Neal down the road.

Basically what you and Keith are saying here is that you don't trust the Bulls in developing prospects very well. And I agree, but I just have to believe that they are improving in that area and with guys like Miller and an improved Noah on board, they can help develop Center prospects. It's just the way to go to build a Championship team. Size is everything, man. The Lakers had it and so did the Magic of course. Eventually, if the Bulls are going to get to that next level, they need to muscle up down low with skilled big guys. With Mullens, who really knows? But he has skills that you can develop.

Keith, you are right about getting a young player after 3 years in the league.
By that time you can usually tell the difference between the players and the posers.
That is why I brought up a trade and sign deal for Chris Bosh.
Toronto has to know that they are not going to resign him after the upcoming season and would probably be willing to at least get something in return for him.
He is tall, long, and quick and can score in the paint and hit his outside shots. He runs the floor well, can block shots and has proven that he is not a fluke or a project.
He is everything that the Bulls dreamed Tyrus Thomas would be and more and he is only 25 years old.
Someone else has already taken the gamble and then over saw the development. Now you step in and reap the rewards and there is nothing wrong with that.
You also avoid the bidding war that will surely happen if you wait.

Then you go after a free agent when the 2010 season ends.
John Salmons and Brad Miller will be unrestricted free agents after 2010.
The two of them together make about 15 million dollars a year.
Who would you rather have playing for the Bulls?
Dwayne Wade or John Salmons?
Even Michael Redd would be an improvement

I would bet that adding a couple of players like Bosh and Wade would make the Bulls a hell of a lot better team then drafting two less than stellar kids with a year or two of college ball under their belts.

Mullens is a question mark. If you have no desire to improve or have skills, it doesn't matter how athletic you are. He showed nothing at all. He may be great but we don't need another project. We're ok at center with Noah and once that Asik dude comes over.

Not many of the SGs in the drafts can really shooter. Henderson is an ok shooter, same goes for T.Williams. Ellington from UNC can shoot but is lacking in other areas. Same goes for Jodie Meeks. I'd go with Terrance Williams over Henderson, better 3pt shooter, bigger body, great playmaker, same level of defense.

As far as a big man. Blair will be a good rebounder. REbounding also translates from college to the pros. Carl Landry and Paul Millsap were both great backup PFs that rebounded great, both of them are like 6'7". Playing in the post is about more than height, it's about desire and bulk. LaMarcus Alridge is 6'11 but is a horrible rebounder...only gets like 6 a game which is terrible for someone of his height. We need bulk down low, a guy who won't be pushed around...Blair fits the bill. His knees worry me but the weight will be ok. I think he'll stay in shape. Hansborough would be a decent pick as well.

We need to start thinking of how to make a championship roster not just a team that will make between the 4-7 seed every year.

First, Rose is a number 2 option on a true contender. He's great and we should build around him but he's not a franchise player. He needs help.

Second, we need at least two other All-star players. One true superstar and one second tier star like a Joe Johnson type.

Third, we need to build quality depth at all positions and stop outbidding ourselves for our free agents.

Although I'd like to have either Bosh or Amare, just adding one of those guys with Rose doesn't make us a championship contender. Maybe a 3 seed tops, but we need more.

Lastly, we need to do like the Nuggets did and commit all out to defense. We will go nowhere if we don't step up defensively. We need to at least be average on D if not better.

Let Gordon walk, trade Deng, Hinrich and Tyrus and bring in some stars in 2010.

I want to win titles not just make playoffs every year. So let's skip all the fool's good free agents on the market now. Garbage like Iverson, Boozer, Rasheed.....we need winners not players who are always injured or past their prime.

I think the bulls should go for blair. But if the hawks want him move up in the draft and get him. If he isnt there for no.16 go for mullens or james johnson; and bulls go for sam young at no.26

No, I am not saying to forget any prospects and just go after guys who have been in the league for a few years.
I am just saying it for this draft.
It is a weak draft and they do have two first round picks and that puts them in the position to maybe make a move of some kind.
To me it looks like they will have to package them to get a real player out of this weather that be in a high draft pick or a proven player.
There is no LaBron or anything close in this bunch so I would rather see them pick up a proven player and maybe cut ties with one of their pet projects at the same time.
I would trade Tyrus Thomas and the picks for a NBA star in a heartbeat and that is not imposable.

We have had to watch a lot of kids stinking it up or becoming just average players here for a long time now.
Curry, Chandler, Jamal Crawford, Tyrus and Noah...
That has not really worked so far and if the NBA gods had not delivered Rose to the Bulls we would be watching another stiff like Jerryd Bayless in a Bulls uniform instead.
Hinrich is a nice player but that was the year that Wade, Bosh, LaBron and Carmello all came out and he is not even close to to being in that group.

Even the top ten players in this class look very pedestrian and they should not settle for another mediocre role player. They need a difference maker.
Damn! I am rambling about this topic.
Sorry.

Culzie I thought at the time and still do that Detroit was crazy for trading Billups for Iverson, Denver definitely got the best end of that deal.
Keith Iverson's time has come and gone and teaming him with Rose would only serve to stunt Rose's developement.

Tim - Denver got the best end of that deal because of Billup's skill set. Billups is a cerebral player and floor general. Iverson could never fill his shoes. Iverson is a baller though, and the scorer we really need in Chicago. Iverson is a STARTING shooting guard and will take the pressure off Rose right away. You send Salmons to the bench where he belongs. The thing about Iverson right now is that he has a lot to prove and I think he can help Chicago and help us draw the talent we need to improve. I KNOW we need a player like McDyss or Rasheed right now. These are role players that have come up big in the playoffs. Like it or not, the Bulls are going to the playoffs EVERY YEAR from here on out.

All the good NBA teams should have a POWER player, Dejuan Blair is the next step in getting some serious power into the Bulls game. Chicago, don't choke on this one.

2Cent

Tim - didnt Detroit make the exact same assessment about Chauncy Billups before they traded him?

Iverson is way past his prime. At this point, I'd rather have Ben than AI. At least Ben is a pro and leaves it all on the court. Besides his one Finals appearance in which he had one of the best performances of a 6 foot player ever, he hasn't helped teams to win. He's 33, breaking down and not willing to admit he is now just a role player.

Don't want him, don't need him. Same goes for Sheed who has HOF talent but not enough desire to be great. Dude is so skilled but just not focused game after game. No thanks.

Mick - just one thing though, what about the development of our younger guys. Brad Miller - has done wonders with the front line and the likes of Lindsey Hunter has been good for Rose. Don't you think that having STUDS on your team will help??? And I am tired of the Refs not giving us calls. That comes with LEAGUE RESPECT. The Bulls get nothing. Ben Gordon and Rose were getting hacked to pieces last year and so was Noah. I wouldn't be asking Iverson to be the AI of old, but I am sure he could teach Rose some things. Some stars are just like Ray Allen - they need to get on the backs of another star and let them lead the way.

I am being realistic about the Bulls. WE AINT GETTIN no LaBron James, Dwayne Wade, Dirk Nowitzki or Chris Bosh. The Bulls will need a cheap alternative.

Usually im right there with ya Keith on the "we need a STUD" bandwagon...

But Iverson aint the answer...for the Bulls.

We need a Big Man and a Scottie Pippen slasher/Pt Fwd type.

Salmons could be that Pt.Fwd we need...maybe with a whole year playing with Rose, he will blossom. I am not ready to stick a fork in Salmons just yet.

And Tim is 1000% right. AI will just be a cancerous tumor on Roses nervous system. NO GOOD

Culzie - know my stance is radical, but I just cannot see us getting anyone that can help unless there is a catch. I see AI as a guy who has something to prove (especially since Chauncy is tearing it up), and a person that is obtainable and and probably affordable. Detroit doesnt want him. I see him as a qualified shooter/scorer who can be a 3rd or 4th option on the floor. I think he would LOVE to stick it to Detroit too. And I also would hate to see all of these guys on other teams making valuable contributions in the playoffs. NEVER doubt or count out a VET, they haven't survived this long for nothing. They all continue to contribute.

The last thing we want is Iverson "with something to prove" affecting the team.

That's about as Anti-Team a comment I have ever heard.

Bringing in AI with something to prove on a team full of energetic young talented ballers *all winners at the college level * and a second year headcoach * would spell disaster!

I would much rather have a Kyle Korver or someone like that...

Kyle Korver - I almost threw up!!!! Uaghuahaahhuck!!! Billups went to Denver with something to prove. Shaq went to Phoenix with something to prove. Vince, and KG and Gasol, and so many others. Time will tell the tale. Cream always rises to the top. Having something to prove doesn't mean that you are all for self. BEN GORDON had something to prove and he did that and gave the league a show that will not soon be forgotten. I call that SELF motivation. A good coach and harness that.